Abstract: A combined trim panel and water shield includes a water shield having opposite first and second surfaces, and is of a size and shape to generally conform to a door panel and a trim panel to be protected. The trim panel is configured to cover a vehicle door panel and has a first surface configured to face an interior compartment of the vehicle and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the first surface of the water shield and the second surface of the trim panel. A second sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the second surface of the water shield. In a further aspect, a sealing system is provided for application to a vehicle interior trim panel to prevent the entry of water or dust into an interior compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tubular grommet for sealing a conductor relative to a substrate having opposite sides and an opening therethrough for the conductor has axially opposite ends, one of which sealing engages with the conductor and the other of which is radially spaced from the conductor, diametrically larger than the opening through the substrate, and includes a radially outwardly extending peripheral flange for engaging against the substrate when the grommet is mounted thereon. A wall between the ends includes first and second re-entrant wall portions facing the one end, and the grommet can be provided with a recess in the wall adjacent the flange for receiving the peripheral edge of the opening through the substrate and/or can be adhesively bonded to the substrate by an adhesive interposed between the flange and substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and related material blends for improving adhesion between a polyolefin film and a pressure sensitive adhesive, and also significantly decreasing the coefficient of thermal expansion of a polyolefin film by modifying the chemical properties of the film. Specifically, particular amounts of a modifying polymer and/or copolymer such as ethylene vinyl acetate are incorporated into the polyolefin film. The polyolefin film may for instance be either a polyethylene or polypropylene film.

Abstract: A sound-absorbing shield device for use in a vehicle door comprises a sheet of sound-absorbing material and a thin sheet of polymer film. A first face of the polymer film is attached to the sound absorbing material and a plurality of apertures extending through the polymer film from the first face thereof to a second face thereof opposite the first face. Each aperture is bounded by a hollow protrusion extending from the second film face, whereby the apertures and protrusions cooperate to form a barrier against moisture or other environmental contamination while admitting acoustic energy therethrough into the sound absorbing material.