Abstract: The present invention relates to moldings such as trim strips and, more particularly, to moldings comprising an outer layer and an inner layer which are bonded together mechanically by a plurality of mating lugs and recesses disposed along the interface of the two layers. Ideally, the materials utilized for the first and second layers will be sufficiently compatible such that adhesive bonding will also be accomplished between the layers, without generally requiring a separate adhesive be disposed therebetween. Various methods for manufacturing the moldings in accordance with the teachings of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of forming an intermittent stabilized length of a coextruded trim strip product. The method includes coextruding two strips of a thermoplastic material around intermittent sections of a stabilizing insert by a split extrusion die and forming rolls. A cutter cuts the trim strip product between the intermittent stabilizing sections so as to define trim strip products having ends without stabilizing inserts.

Abstract: A method of assembling a metal or decorative strip to a body side molding of a vehicle. The method includes forming a bodyside molding by extrusion, injection molding or another plastic forming process to a desirable cross-sectional configuration having a show side opening. The strip is shaped by forming and end punching the metal strip to a desirable shape and configuration. The formed metal strip and the bodyside molding are then placed in suitable fixtures in proximity to one another, and to a heat staking tool. The heat staking tool picks up the metal strip from the fixture such that the strip is heated. The heat staking tool then forces the heated metal strip into the opening in the bodyside molding under suitable pressure such that the metal strip melts the molding and the edges of the metal strip are embedded within the molding.

Abstract: A deformation detection system including an elongated element having a hollow deformable wall member that defines a radiation transmission path. A sound radiation transmission source positioned at one end of the elongated member transmits acoustical radiation into the radiation transmission path. A sound radiation detector positioned at an opposite end of the radiation transmission path is responsive to and detects the acoustical radiation transmitted from the radiation source. Deformation of the wall member at least partially interrupts the radiation transmission path such that transmitted acoustical radiation from the sound radiation source is attenuated, and the attenuated acoustical radiation is detected and assessed by the radiation detector. The detection system has particular applicability to monitor a body opening of a motor vehicle in which a closure member, such as a window, is movable towards a peripheral edge of the body to close the opening by an electrically operated drive mechanism.

Abstract: A method of forming a trim strip product that includes intermittent sections of a bright or color strip coextruded with a clear or translucent thermoplastic melt stream to produce the trim strip having spaced-apart sections of the bright or colored strips. Sections of the bright or colored strips are intermittently placed between two continuous thermoplastic melt strip streams as the melt streams are directed into a pair of cooperating forming rolls. The extruded strip product is then cut at desirable locations such as between the bright or colored strip sections.

Abstract: A tire tread that is applicable to retread a worn tire carcass. The tire tread includes a cured tread portion having a first shoulder and a second shoulder. A first uncured wing portion extends from the first shoulder and a second uncured wing portion extends from the second shoulder. Further, an end section at each end of the tire tread portion is uncured. When the tire tread is wrapped around the tire carcass to be formed to the tire carcass and form a tire retread, the first and second wing portions extend down the side walls of the tire carcass and the uncured end sections of the tire tread contact each other. The tire carcass is placed within an autoclave, and the autoclave is heated under pressure such that the tire tread is cross-linked to the tire carcass. During the autoclaving step, the uncured wing portions are cured and cross-linked to the side walls of the tire carcass, and the uncured end portions are cured and cross-linked to each other.

Abstract: A flange cover for attachment to a vehicle includes a core member having a plurality of apertures therein. An elastomeric skin is disposed about the core member. Within the elastomeric skin is a longitudinally extending hollow cavity having an interior and an exterior edge, the interior edge being located between the core member and the exterior edge. A longitudinally extending rib projects from the exterior edge of the hollow cavity toward the interior edge of the hollow cavity.

Abstract: A pinch welt for trimming a flange formed on a vehicle body panel is disclosed. The welt includes a rigid insert made of a thermoplastic or synthetic rubber material that is compatible with the material of an outer decorative layer of the welt so as to allow the pinch welt to be readily recyclable as a single unit after use. The material of the insert has a resilience that allows the welt to be readily secured to the flange in a resilient manner. The insert is shaped by cooperating continuous forming rolls in an extrusion process that provides oppositely extending tines in which a thin webbing is formed between the tines.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealing device (7) comprising an elongate sealing portion (8) secured substantially along its length to an adhesive means (10) having an outer adhesive surface (11) remote from the sealing portion. The device further comprises a plurality of protruding members (12) positioned at predetermined intervals along its length and having a protruding end (15) protruding from the outer adhesive surface (11) of the adhesive means (10). The protruding members (12) comprise a flat portion (13) of small thickness opposite the protruding end (15). Also disclosed is a sealable body in which the sealing device is used and methods for forming the sealing device.

Abstract: A method of forming an end of an elongated molding having an extruded length having a hollow interior defined by a base and a cover with at least one rib unitary with the base and extending toward the cover in supporting relationship therewith, wherein the base is first removed from the end portion which is then placed in a mold and formed by injection thermoplastic material therein.

Abstract: Providing a module and a method of installing the module to a vehicle having a window opening for a translational glass pane supported and guided by a glass run channel. The module is comprised of a one-piece surround molding fully surrounding and generally defining the perimeter of the window opening. A glass run channel is secured to the surround molding. Fasteners are attached to the surround molding and attach the module to a flange on the vehicle. A belt line outer seal and one or more gimp seals may also be attached to more fully integrate the module. The module is fully assembled prior to being attached to a vehicle during final assembly, the surround molding supporting the glass run channel rather than having the glass run channel attached to a flange of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a four sided flush weatherstrip sealing system, and more particularly, to a weatherstrip sealing system including one or more latching mechanisms which selectively grasp the glass window panel and bring the panel into enhanced engagement with the weatherstrip sealing assembly. Also provided are improved sealing arrangements for the window panel along the vehicle door rear view mirror and the B pillar portion located below the vehicle door belt-line.

Abstract: A vehicle door glass run including a header section, and first and second end sections that extend into the door well of the vehicle door below the vehicle belt line. Each section of the glass run includes a flexible metal insert that has been stamped and rolled into a configuration such that a cross-section of the insert includes two adjacent U-shaped portions and a tab portion. An outer layer is extruded around the shape of the insert. The outer layer defines a glass run channel that accepts a vehicle window and a sealing configuration. Plastic support members are molded to the sections that extend into the door well. A bracket attached to or integral with the glass run allows the glass run to be connected to a trim panel within the door well.

Abstract: A glass run channel for a translationally movable vehicle window. The glass run channel has an elastomeric extrusion having a U-shaped cross section portion defined by two legs joined by a base web. A reinforcement includes a metal core in one of said legs and the base and a thermoplastic polymer structural member for structurally supporting the other leg. In a preferred embodiment, additional structural support for the other leg is provided by a thermoplastic polymeric angle bracket joined to the web and other leg.

Abstract: An improved weatherstrip molding or trim strip includes a dual durometer, coextruded molding body, with a laminated decorative film strip bonded to the harder durometer portion of the molding body in order to provide improved resistance to physical damage and environmental conditions for the film strip. The film strip offers the capability of providing a color-matched or color-coordinated appearance for a vehicle body, as well as a wide variety of gloss levels.

Abstract: A seal assembly for the perimeter of a window of an automotive vehicle that has an elongated support channel extending around the window perimeter and an elongated continuous tubular sealing member. The elongated continuous tubular sealing member is wound at least twice around the perimeter in overlapping relation with itself and secured in the channel to provide an inner seal and an outer seal with a transition length therebetween, the ends of the elongated continuous tubular sealing member being positioned proximate to and abutting the transition length.

Abstract: A locating and fastening protrusion extending from a back surface of a vehicle trim strip or molding strip being integrally formed with thermoplastic material of the molding strip. The protrusion is formed by applying a hollow heated die cavity against the thermoplastic back surface of the molding strip. The heated die cavity causes the thermoplastic material to melt and as the die cavity is applied against the molding member, the melted thermoplastic material is forced into the die cavity. The die cavity is then cooled such that the material within the die cavity solidifies. The die cavity is removed such that an integral protrusion is left extending from the molding member.

Abstract: A flush glass window molding for an automotive vehicle has a hollow triangular shaped portion for filling the gap created between an edge of a window panel and the vehicle body panel, a flexible finger located adjacent to a body-side leg of the triangular shaped portion and extending from the apex thereof, and a substantially flat base extending outward at a generally right angle from the apex of the window-side triangular leg. Furthermore, an outside surface of the window molding base is affixed to the inside of the window panel by a pressure sensitive adhesive tape and an inside surface of the base is affixed to a flange of the vehicle body panel by a urethane adhesive bead.

Abstract: A window seal assembly for attachment to a vehicle door around the door's window opening is provided. The window seal assembly includes a glass run channel and an inner flock seal both formed from extruded rubber or plastic and including metallic reinforcements. The glass run channel portion is attached to the frame along the pillars via a plurality of fasteners and the inner flock seal fits over a flange extending from the frame. Both the glass run channel and the inner flock seal include lips extending relatively toward the other to form a window pane receiving channel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a trim strip with hollow cavities having an elongated strip portion with at least a pair of side walls defining a valley between the side walls. A backing strip is bonded to the elongated strip portion. The trim strip is formed having a hollow cavity defined by the side walls and the backing strip.