Abstract: A generally trumpet-shaped fastener includes a generally circular flange portion flared outwardly from an elongated pin portion. The fastener is hollow and open at the flange portion and the opposite end of the pin portion, thus allowing air to escape during securement of the fastener to an attachment member that is to be held in place on a base member by the fastener. In addition, a number of discrete ridges or other protuberances are formed on the outer side of the flange portion in order to enhance the engagement and securement of the flange portion of the fastener to the underside of an attachment member, either by integrally molding or by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: An exterior automotive vehicle component having a pleasing appearance comprises an elastomer modified polyolefin resin matrix having a haze level of less than about 50% and a special effects pigment uniformly distributed therein.

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 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 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: 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: 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: 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 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 sash assembly for a glazing panel. The sash members of the assembly are formed with a concave inner surface which contains a rigid reinforcement member.