Abstract: A retainer for use in assembling door elements, such as shell, pan and gasket portions of a door associated with refrigerators, freezers and other thermally insulated cabinets, without requiring separate mechanical fasteners such as screws or rivets. The retainer comprises an extruded base and first leg which clip onto the edge of an outer shell of the door. The extruded base is formed with a hinge and a second leg which rotates open to allow placement of the pan of the door. The second leg rotates on the hinge about its longitudinal axis and locks in place to retain the door pan. The second leg is formed with a retaining chamber which accepts a flexible dart to secure the gasket of the door.

Abstract: A bumper fascia molding and method of making the same is accomplished by providing a trim strip with an overall T shape in cross section. The trim strip has a body portion and a stem. The trim strip is positioned onto a channel within the bumper fascia molding. A force is exerted on the decorative face to seat the trim strip in position in the bumper fascia molding. While the force is exerted, a securement mechanism is passed through the bumper fascia molding channel and trim strip to secure the trim strip within the bumper fascia channel. Read through is substantially eliminated on the outer decorative surface at the securement points.

Abstract: A variable gap sealing article for sealing between a first surface and a second surface has an elongated body portion with a resilient contractible portion and an expandable portion. The article fills a gap between the surfaces by expanding the expandable portion and compressing the contractible portion.

Abstract: A method of forming an elongated trim strip product by first 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: 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 method of forming elongated trim strips having a central body section of a desired predetermined constant cross-sectional configuration with an integral contoured end joined to the central body section including by using a length of extruded thermoplastic material having the desired predetermined constant cross-sectional configuration with a show face surface and a back mounting surface. Material is removed from the back side of the extruded length to provide an end portion on the strip which tapers in thickness from the original extruded thickness to a minimum thickness at the end of the length. Thereafter, a rigid and relatively flat backing strip is provided and the extruded length is deflected to bring the back side of the tapered thickness end portion of the length into engagement with the backing strip. The back side of the extruded length including the tapered thickness end portion is then bonded to the backing strip which maintains the strip in a relatively flat condition.

Abstract: A molding for attachment to an automotive vehicle includes an extrusion member extending longitudinally. An insert is attached to the extrusion member and is adapted to be connected to a source of electrical power to heat the insert and extrusion member in a local area to form the local area to predetermined contour.

Abstract: A trim strip for application to the edge of a truck cap having a base plate to be attached directly to the truck cap and a top cover piece to fit into the base piece is provided. The base piece is made of a flexible material, contains a thin strip of aluminum and has means for accepting the top cover piece. The top cover piece is made of a flexible material and is bent to fit into the base piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass run channel molding having a structural core encased in an elastomeric material. The glass run channel molding has, in cross-section, a first U-shaped channel for clamping retention on a pinchweld flange or the like and a second U-shaped channel to receive a guide a window pane. The structural core is a sheet having a band along one lateral edge and a plurality of laterally extending narrow strips with free ends, extending laterally therefrom. A surface of the band has surface exposed to view for decorative purposes. The structure of the core facilitates bending of the integral trim and glass run channel about the window frame.

Abstract: An applique and glass run channel assembly includes an applique portion which has a portion thereof which extends over the glass run channel portion of a stub `B` pillar. A glass run attachment is attached to the back of the applique and only a small lip portion extends outward from the edge of the applique. The lip portion is substantially within the plane of the applique. This configuration provides an improved transitional appearance and better tolerances for such an applique. An improved attachment of a stub `B` pillar applique is also provided which includes a novel stud and locking depression combination.

Abstract: The present invention is a weather seal for a garage door having a base member secured to a support surface. A block is pivotally connected to the base member for pivotal movement relative to the base member. A sealing lip is connected to the block and has a first position in the plane of the base member. The block includes a first triangular for engaging the support surface for pivotally moving the block and sealing lip at an angle to the base member when installed so that the sealing lip engages a door to effect a seal between the door and the sealing lip.

Abstract: A molding for attachment to a vehicle having a flange edge, said molding comprising a generally U-shaped metallic support member having in cross-section, first and second legs joined together by a web and a spiraled section formed from a portion of one leg said support member, said spiraled section extending inwardly in a channel of said support member and in opposition to the other leg of said support member. A ramp section may be formed from a portion of the first leg and extends inwardly into the channel.

Abstract: A sealing and fastening system secures a pair of adjoining panels to a frame structure of a greenhouse. The system includes a coupling having a generally "H" shape and forming a pair of transversely spaced pockets, one edge of each panel being disposed in a corresponding pocket. A fastener operatively engages the coupling and has a wrap adapted to be disposed about a member of the frame structure to secure the coupling to the frame structure.

Abstract: A gasket system has a gasket adapted to be secured about an opening. The gasket includes a mechanism for retaining and sealing a window or the like. The gasket is positioned about the opening such that when the window is positioned within the opening, the window substantially conceals the gasket and is flush at its perimeter with the opening.

Abstract: A pillar for a vehicle door. A lightweight pillar having reduced rigidity is prestressed into a curved shape by an internal bolt or cable or the like to increase the strength thereof. This results in a lightweight pillar whose curvature is adjustable.

Abstract: A belt weatherstrip adapted to engage an end flange of a vehicle for operative sealing between a glass window and a vehicle surface. The flange of the vehicle has an inner surface and an outer surface. The belt weatherstrip is expandable to accommodate adaptability to various vehicle surface contours by allowing expendability of the width of the weatherstrip.The belt weatherstrip includes an elongated core substrate which has an inner flange portion for abutting the inner surface of the flange and includes an outer flange portion and intermediate portion connecting the inner flange portion with the outer flange portion and a plurality of clips for securing the elongated core substrate to the end flange. An elastomeric sealing lip member is attached to the flange portion for allowing slideable sealing engagement between the flange and a glass pane.

Abstract: A system for attaching automotive trim to a vehicle door is disclosed. The system includes a weather stripping adapted to be secured on a flange of the vehicle. The weather stripping has a member for retaining the weather stripping on the flange and a member for sealing the weather stripping with the vehicle. An automotive trim strip with a retaining portion is coupled with the weather stripping to retain the trim strip onto the vehicle.

Abstract: A glass reveal molding has a generally J-shaped clamping portion which exerts substantially even gripping pressures on both the top and bottom surfaces of the glass. The molding utilizes a more rigid carrier on the clamping portion and a softer, more flexible material on the crown portion. The molding substantially eliminates roll-over or disengagement of the molding to the glass prior to complete assembly. The molding also provides a crown which covers the gap between the vehicle body contour and the glass perimeter.

Abstract: A static seal strip has a base and a bulb. The base is adapted to be secured to the object to be sealed. The bulb includes an encapsulated sealant and is adapted to release the sealant upon exertion of a force onto the bulb to enable the sealant to seal the object.

Abstract: A flange finisher strip has a reinforcement member and elastomeric cover. The reinforcement member is channel shaped in cross section with a member extending inwardly into the channel. A retaining mechanism is associated with the extending member to secure the strip onto a flange.