Abstract: A mold assembly for forming a panel assembly having a gasket on one surface for use as a flush-mounted panel or window in vehicles, buildings, or other structures includes a mold cavity defined in a facing surface of one mold section and a pressure pad on the second mold section, the pressure pad being urged against the surface of a sheet-like panel at a position opposite the mold cavity with the panel being held against a support surface adjacent the mold cavity when the mold sections are closed. Preferably, the pressure pad is a heat insulative pad which is urged against the panel surface by a resilient member preferably formed from urethane. The support surface and mold cavity are preferably raised above and offset from adjacent portions of the first mold section, and the size of the raised area of the support surface and mold cavity preferably corresponds in size to the area of the pressure pad.

Abstract: A single-sided gasketed panel assembly for use as a flush-mounted panel or window in vehicles, buildings, or other structures, as well as a method and apparatus for making such panel assemblies, wherein the panel assembly comprises a sheet-like panel having; a primer layer and at least one polymeric gasket molded to the panel on the primer layer. The primer applied to the panel has a predetermined transition temperature above which improved adhesion properties are exhibited for polymeric gaskets molded thereon when the primer is at or above such temperature. In a preferred embodiment, a gasket is molded from a thermoplastic polymeric material such as PVC onto the primed portion of the panel while the panel is at or above the transition temperature. The resulting bond between the gasket and panel can withstand a shear force greater than 300 pounds per square inch at a rate of 25 millimeters per minute and a 180.degree.

Abstract: A multi-part, detachable and preassembled panel assembly is provided for use in combination with a vehicle, comprising a first panel having a peripheral edge and adapted to close an opening in the vehicle. A second panel is provided which is adapted to be adjacent the first panel and overlie at least a portion of the vehicle. The first and second panels are detachably coupled to one another by an attachment member molded directly on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the first panel and including a securing flange for detachably receiving a securing post extending from the second panel. The second panel is also secured directly to the portion of the vehicle the panel covers by a fastener distant from a securing flange.

Abstract: A multi-part, detachable and preassembled panel assembly is provided for use in combination with a vehicle, comprising a first panel having a peripheral edge and adapted to close an opening in the vehicle. A second panel is provided which is adapted to be adjacent the first panel and overlie at least a portion of the vehicle. The first and second panels are detachably coupled to one another by an attachment member molded directly on at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the first panel and including a portion for detachably receiving a securing post extending from the second panel. The second panel is also secured directly to the portion of the vehicle the panel covers by a coupler distant from the attachment member.

Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle for use in combination with at least one wiper assembly is disclosed. The wiper assembly has an arm coupled at one end to a propelling means and at an opposite end to a wiper blade assembly. The wiper assembly is adapted to traverse the window assembly between a first and second position. The window assembly includes a window panel, a gasket encapsulating at least a portion of the window panel for mounting and sealing the window panel in the vehicle, and an arresting structure extending from an upper surface of the gasket to engage the wiper assembly when in the first position.

Abstract: An opaque or transparent panel assembly for a vehicle having a weather and noise seal for an opening in the vehicle. The assembly includes a first panel having a peripheral edge wherein at least portions of the peripheral edge are encased or captured by a molded PVC or reaction injection molded (RIM) urethane gasket. A portion of the gasket is located so as to lie adjacent the opening to receive the seal. A seal carrier is provided and captured within the portion of the gasket adjacent the opening so that a first portion of the carrier is secured within the gasket. A second portion of the carrier includes a flange which extends into the opening by a predetermined distance. A seal is disposed along the flange which is adapted to engage the panel closing the vehicle opening to form the secondary seal. The seal may be a bulb or bubble seal mounted on the flange. Alternatively, the panel closing the vehicle opening may be a door or window. The first panel may be a windscreen, rear light or side window.