Abstract: A plurality of elongated shutter slats of extruded rigid plastics material have co-extruded cores of rigid plastics foam material, and injection molded plastic end caps are attached to opposite ends of each slat. The end caps have elongated flat base portions and retention lugs with head portions integrally connected to the base portion by reduced neck portions. The lugs of the end caps are retained within undercut channels in extruded metal side rails. In one embodiment, each end cap is secured to a slat by screws extending through two retention lugs and into the foam core. In another embodiment, the end caps are secured to hollow slats by integrally molded bosses which project into cavities within hollow slats and are cemented to the walls of the slat.

Abstract: A plurality of elongated shutter slats of extruded rigid plastics material have co-extruded cores of rigid plastics foam material, and injection molded plastic end caps are attached to opposite ends of each slat. The end caps have elongated flat base portions and retention lugs with head portions integrally connected to the base portion by reduced neck portions. The lugs of the end caps are retained within undercut channels in extruded metal side rails. In one embodiment, each end cap is secured to a slat by screws extending through two retention lugs and into the foam core. In another embodiment, the end caps are secured to hollow slats by integrally molded bosses which project into cavities within hollow slats and are cemented to the walls of the slat.

Abstract: A storm shutter slat includes an extruded body of a substantially rigid plastics material, and the body has opposite inner and outer side walls integrally connected by longitudinally extending transverse walls including spaced internal webs and opposite edge walls forming longitudinally extending hook portions and an undercut recess. The hook portions and recess provide for pivotally connecting the slat with adjacent slats and for rolling the connected slats into a coil. The extruded plastic body has a co-extruded core of substantially rigid plastics foam material which adheres or bonds to the walls of the body to provide the slat with a high bending strength, high durability against an impact, light weight and thermal insulation.

Abstract: A decorative molding for use around automotive vehicle moldings, capable of being bent around the corners of the window to fit tightly and minimize the corner radius required for the window. The molding is primarily composed of a thermoplastic vulcanite elastomeric material, and has a layer of a harder semi-rigid polyolefin elastomer at least partially embedded in the primary material. A thin metallic reinforcement has an adhesive coating and is embedded in the layer.

Abstract: A method of installing automotive window trim molding by applying a pair of spaced parallel gripping and retaining members on opposing planar surfaces of the window edge, adhering only one of the members to one of the surfaces, and subsequently removing all but the adhered member.

Abstract: A window trim molding having improved adhesion between at least one of the edges of the periphery of the window, and at least one of the window-contacting portions of the molding. This is accomplished by co-extruding with the principal molding material, a second material which is a thermoplastic polyurethane, on at least one of the window-contacting portions of the molding. An adhesive is applied to the window edges, and the second elastomeric material acts as an adhesive promoter compatible with the adhesive.

Abstract: A window trim molding having improved adhesion between the edges of the window and the window-gripping portions of the molding. This is accomplished by co-extruding with the principal molding material, a second material which is a thermoplastic polyurethane, on the window-gripping portions of the molding. A conventional adhesive is applied to the window edges, and the second elastomeric material acts as an adhesive promoter compatible with the adhesive.

Abstract: A support member formed from a single piece blank of cardboard or similar material which is creased or scored to enable it to be formed into the member having a generally boat-shaped configuration. Parallel sides extend vertically and have curved ends at the forward and aft surfaces. A primary member is hingedly secured to the sides to form a bottom and is secured to the curved ends of the side members to form curved planar surfaces which then extend inwardly to form supporting arrises, these members thus forming a hollow opening in the interior of the member. Products such as elastomeric automotive window moldings are supported on the arrises, droop inwardly into the openings, and pass under the bottom. Legs formed on lower surfaces of the sides raise the bottom member. The assembled support member and moldings may be used as a work station on the automotive assembly line.

Abstract: An exterior molding, also known as lace, placed around a fixed automotive window, such as a windshield, for channeling fluids along the sides. The molding comprises a first segment extending continuously along the top and sides; two identical segments extending along the sides only, secured to the first segment; and two identical mirror image segments around the upper corners of the window which are beneath the exterior and which provide transitions between the first segment and the side segments. The side and corner segments contain grooves which serve to channel rain and window washer fluid, and are secured together with the first segment to form a unitary molding having a smooth, continuous outer appearance.

Abstract: A decorative molding for use around a fixed automobile window, also referred to as a reveal molding or header lace, capable of being bent around the corners of the window to fit tightly and to minimize the corner radii of the glass. The molding is primarily composed of an elastomeric material such as polyvinyl chloride, and has a layer of a harder semi-rigid elastomeric material at least partially embedded in the molding, and a thin metallic reinforcement fully embedded in the layer.

Abstract: A decorative molding for use as a seal around a fixed automobile window, also referred to as a reveal molding or header lace, having integral members which serve as spacers to stand the molding off from the body panel, for the purpose of minimizing irregularities in the manufacture of the molding, and also to minimize undesirable noises during driving. The molding is primarily composed of an elastomeric material such as polyvinyl chloride, co-extruded with flexible elastomeric foam members which contact the body panel.

Abstract: A decorative molding is used as a seal around a fixed automobile window, for the purpose of eliminating the squeak caused by rubbing of the molding against the adjacent body during driving. The molding is monolithic and is primarily composed of a flexible elastomeric material such as polyvinyl chloride, co-extruded with a melt-processible rubber that forms an inner body-contacting anti-squeak layer. Optionally, an outer decorative layer of high gloss or colored elastomeric material may be tri-extruded as part of the molding. In a modified form of the invention, flexible members extend from either or both of the window contacting portions of the molding and contact the glass surfaces to improve the gripping thereof.

Abstract: A decorative molding strip for automobiles and the like, consisting of a polymeric body member having a stabilizing layer imbedded therein. One surface of the strip is mounted on a portion of an auto, for example, such as a bumper or a side panel, and the opposite surface is exposed and subject to impact from an outside source. The layer is made of a woven fabric, preferably of glass fibers, and allows the surface which has been impacted to recover from indentation, thus preserving the original smooth and unblemished appearance.

Abstract: A decorative molding for motor vehicles, such as automobiles, for concealing the space between a body panel and an adjacent translucent member such as a window, a windshield, or a lamp cover, and also to minimize leakage of noise, water and dirt. The molding is an elongated polymeric member having a generally cylindrical foam strip which is continuously placed against a portion of the molding and bonded thereto, the strip thus providing a resilient seal for the molding when used between the body panel and the adjacent translucent member.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition suitable for extrusion from an extrusion apparatus consists essentially of a resin, from about 1% to about 30% by weight of a finely-divided filler selected from the group consisting of rice hull flour, cherry pit flour, pecan shell flour and walnut shell flour and the filler containing up to about 3.0% by weight of water. Addition of from less than 1% to up to about 5% by weight of lubricant, such as mineral oil permits the use of a finely-divided filler containing up to about 4.0% of water with an unvented extrusion apparatus and up to about 5.0% of water with a vented extrusion apparatus.