Abstract: An elongated electroluminescent light strip is provided. The electroluminescent light strip includes a lighting element which includes a phosphor matrix layer. The lighting element or lamp is encapsulated in a moisture impervious material. A process for manufacturing an elongated electroluminescent light strip is also provided.

Abstract: A continuous extrusion and curing line has a linear hot air curing furnace which includes at least one UHF module which is selectively linearly movable along a length of the furnace.

Abstract: A weatherstrip assembly for an automotive vehicle including a glass run channel formed to shape and provided with a rigid decorative covering. Additionally, a belt weatherstrip is provided which includes a linear portion and an integrally extending tail portion, wherein the tail portion includes a rounded periphery and a substantially flat inner wall which abuts the glass run channel upon attachment.

Abstract: An automotive beltline weatherstrip engaging an end flange of a vehicle for operative sealing between a glass window and a vehicle surface. The beltline weatherstrip having a core metallic layer and a dissimilar outer appearance metallic layer, separated by a film barrier layer, thereby preventing galvanic corrosion. A further aspect of the present invention relates to processes by which the weatherstrip with two dissimilar materials, separated by a barrier layer, can be manufactured.

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: A method of forming an elongated trim strip product includes extruding a first strip of thermoplastic material from a die having an outlet with an area at least substantially as great as the desired cross-sectional area of the strip product in planes perpendicular to the direction of extrusion. Immediately subsequent to the step of extruding and while the extruded strip is still in a plastic state, it is passed longitudinally between cooperating forming rolls to shape the cross section of the extruded strip to the desired shape and cross section of the strip product. Further, while passing between the rolls a logo or lettering is formed on the strip. While the extruded strip is passing between the cooperating forming rolls, a backing strip of foil or thin metal is directed between the rolls in alignment with the extruded strip to bond the backing strip to the extruded strip.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for molding composite automotive trim members having a layer of a first material and a backing member made of a second thermoplastic material. The first material is introduced to the mold in the form of an elastic sheet having a show surface. This sheet is placed in the mold and the second thermoplastic material is subsequently injected into the mold cavity. This causes the second thermoplastic material to bond to one side of the sheet and forces the show surface on the opposite side of the sheet into abutting engagement with the mold surface, thereby creating the trim member. The second thermoplastic material forms a backing member that provides structural support for the sheet. The sheet forms an outer layer for the trim member. Note that the show surface on the sheet remains intact during and after injection and therefore provides a show surface for the trim member.

Abstract: A clip member for securement of a trim member to a slot in the sheet of a vehicle. The clip member includes a base portion which includes a dovetail for attachment of the base portion to a trim member. The clip also includes a shaft portion which has an axis and is connected to the base member. The shaft member is adapted for allowing resilient rotational deflection about the axis of the shaft. A locking protrusion extends from the shaft portion and includes a locking shelf for engaging the sheet portion of the vehicle. The locking protrusion also includes a ramp portion which is operable for deflecting in response to engaging the slot and rotating the locking protrusion about the axis of the shaft during insertion of the protrusion into the slot.

Abstract: The reveal molding has a centrally located barbed stem and an umbrella-shaped cap designed to fill and span an elongated gap between adjacent structural members such as between body panel and glass window. A stabilizer portion depends from the underside of the umbrella portion and is provided with a sawtoothed gripping structure designed to mate with a complementary sawtooth structure formed on the sidewall of the stem. The umbrella portion and stem are designed to allow hinged flexing action during installation and this action is thereafter restrained by the interlocking gripping structures once the molding is installed.

Abstract: A molding having an attractive end portion or other portion with a formed contour is provided by the steps of providing an extruded elongated molding. Thereafter a portion of the molding is removed for forming a cavity. A second core material is injection molded into the cavity while reshaping the molding to a desired shape. A molding of the present invention has a first core with a relatively thin skin extruded thereover and a second core material in a reshaped portion of the molding. Alternatively, a molding can be made from a solid extrusion with a replacement of a core of the solid extrusion at a portion of the molding to be reformed.

Abstract: A method of forming an elongated trim strip product by extruding a first strip of thermoplastic material from a die having an outlet with an area at least substantially as great as the desired cross-sectional area of the strip product in planes perpendicular to the direction of extrusion. Immediately subsequent to the step of extruding and while the extruded strip is still in a plastic state, it is passed longitudinally between cooperating forming rolls to shape the cross section of the extruded strip to the desired shape and cross section of the strip product. While the extruded strip is passing between the cooperating forming rolls, a backing strip of foil or thin metal is directed between the rolls in alignment with the extruded strip to bond the backing strip to the extruded strip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a trim strip with a first and second outer heat settable layer molding bonded to a base with an adhesive attaching member. The method includes heating liquid heat settable materials to be bonded to a hard base with an adhesive member at very low pressures to form a trim strip.

Abstract: A vehicle glass run channel comprises a pair of elongated members which are joined in a mitered corner at the intersection of the vehicle door header and vertical pillar. The elongated members are secured together and reinforced by a corner insert. The corner insert has a generally U-shaped body providing an inner and outer leg joined by a web. Generally horizontally extending inner and outer wings extend respectively from the inner and outer leg and generally vertically disposed inner and outer wings extend respectively from the inner and outer legs. The wings slidably fit within corresponding internal (channels) formed in legs of the glass run header channel and glass run vertical channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a trim strip with an outer heat settable layer bonded to a core. The method includes heating a liquid heat settable material to be bonded to a core having a desired configuration at very low pressures to form a trim strip.

Abstract: A magnetic header seal assembly for an automotive vehicle header comprises a first sealing element mounted to the vehicle door frame having a compressible body portion with an integrally attached magnetic element and a second complementary sealing element mounted on the vehicle door flange. The first and second sealing elements cooperate to form a seal along both the window panel and the header line of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trim strip which has a thick body portion is formed with a fused outer perimeter. The central portion generally remains in a partially fused or incompletely fused state reducing cost while providing a trim strip with a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a trim strip with an outer heat settable molding bonded to a base with an adhesive attaching member. The method includes heating and cooling a liquid heat settable material, reheating the material and bonding the outer molding to a base at very low pressures to form a trim strip.

Abstract: A weatherstrip for attachment to the body of a vehicle having a flange edge, such as a door, is located at an interface between the flange edge and a movable window. The weatherstrip consists of a longitudinally extending molding formed by an injection molding process which has in cross-section a first and second leg joined together by a web to define a U-shaped and a first channel between the first and second legs. At least one retainer clip may be integrally formed with the molding to define a second channel which is smaller than the first channel for accepting the flange edge.

Abstract: A molding for attachment to a vehicle includes a support member and a first colored layer secured to the support member. A second colored layer is abutted to the first colored layer at one edge thereof, and secured to the support member. The first and second colored layers are of similar colors presenting a color matched molding.

Abstract: A trim strip for attachment to a substrate such as a vehicle includes a metallic core member and a one-piece outer layer which includes injection molded plastic inserts. In addition, a method of making the trim strip includes the steps of bonding an outer layer to the core member wherein the outer layer extends beyond the longitudinal ends of the core member, injection molding plastic inserts which bond to the outer layer, and forming the outer layer over the ends of the core member, thereby forming end caps over the metallic core.