Abstract: A decorative assembly (20) includes a translucent part (26) overlaying a portion of a chromed visible surface (24) of a base part (22) to define a first visible portion (28) of the chromed visible surface (24) not covered by the plastic layer and a second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24) covered by but visible through the translucent part (26) for allowing the chromed visible surface (24) to be freely exposed along the first visible portion (28) and for allowing light to pass through the translucent part (26) and reflect off the second visible portion (30) of said chromed visible surface (24). At least one of the second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24) or the translucent part (26) includes a three-dimensional texture (32) to redirect the light reflected off the second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24).

Abstract: A garage door and faux window façade assembly includes a door panel adapted to be mounted in a garage door opening partially defined by an overhead door structure, a triangularly-shaped clearance area defined by a first line segment substantially coplanar with a forwardly-facing surface of the door panel, and second and third line segments defined by a path of the overhead door structure relative to the door panel as the door panel moves between a closed position and an open position, wherein the second line segment is proximate the upper edge of the door panel and the third line segment is proximate the lower edge of the door panel, the clearance area is adapted to be free from abutment with the overhead door structure as the door panel moves between a closed position and an open position, and wherein the clearance area includes a forward portion area defined by the first and second line segments and a ? inch line that extends perpendicularly from the first line segment and intersecting the second line segme

Abstract: A decorative assembly (20) includes a translucent part (26) overlaying a portion of a chromed visible surface (24) of a base part (22) to define a first visible portion (28) of the chromed visible surface (24) not covered by the plastic layer and a second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24) covered by but visible through the translucent part (26) for allowing the chromed visible surface (24) to be freely exposed along the first visible portion (28) and for allowing light to pass through the translucent part (26) and reflect off the second visible portion (30) of said chromed visible surface (24). At least one of the second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24) or the translucent part (26) includes a three-dimensional texture (32) to redirect the light reflected off the second visible portion (30) of the chromed visible surface (24).

Abstract: A decorative metal finish for a part with a non-conductive surface where the non-conductive surface is lightly roughened to improve its adherence capabilities. A thin metal layer is electrolessly deposited on the lightly roughened surface to provide a bright durable metal finish on the non-conductive surface. An translucent finish is deposited over the thin metal layer to provide protection for the metal finish.

Abstract: A decorative metal finish for a part with a non-conductive surface where the non-conductive surface is lightly roughened to improve its adherence capabilities. A thin metal layer is electrolessly deposited on the lightly roughened surface to provide a bright durable metal finish on the non-conductive surface. An organic coating layer is deposited over the thin metal layer to provide protection for the metal finish.

Abstract: A garage door and faux window façade assembly includes a door panel adapted to be mounted in a garage door opening partially defined by an overhead door structure, a triangularly-shaped clearance area defined by a first line segment substantially coplanar with a forwardly-facing surface of the door panel, and second and third line segments defined by a path of the overhead door structure relative to the door panel as the door panel moves between a closed position and an open position, wherein the second line segment is proximate the upper edge of the door panel and the third line segment is proximate the lower edge of the door panel, the clearance area is adapted to be free from abutment with the overhead door structure as the door panel moves between a closed position and an open position, and wherein the clearance area includes a forward portion area defined by the first and second line segments and a ? inch line that extends perpendicularly from the first line segment and intersecting the second line segme

Abstract: A decorative metal finish for a part with a non-conductive surface where the non-conductive surface is lightly roughened to improve its adherence capabilities. A thin metal layer is electrolessly deposited on the lightly roughened surface to provide a bright durable metal finish on the non-conductive surface. An translucent finish is deposited over the thin metal layer to provide protection for the metal finish.

Abstract: An improved process for permanently attaching an overlay to a wheel disc, wherein the overlay is aligned and spaced apart from the wheel disc. A mold is created by a combination of the overlay, wheel disc and localized nests that engage at predetermined times during foam filling to close the mold. The mold is adequately sealed so that there is no foam leakage as the foam expands to fill the mold and, therefore, no final trimming of excess foam is required. The improved process is capable of accommodating a wheel having turbine openings therein.

Abstract: An improved process for permanently attaching an overlay to a wheel disc, wherein the overlay is aligned and spaced apart from the wheel disc. A mold is created by a combination of the overlay, wheel disc and localized nests that engage at predetermined times during foam filling to close the mold. The mold is adequately sealed so that there is no foam leakage as the foam expands to fill the mold and, therefore, no final trimming of excess foam is required. The improved process is capable of accommodating a wheel having turbine openings therein.

Abstract: A process for preparing a chrome substrate for application of a polymer coating, wherein the substrate preparation enhances adhesion and durability of the adhesion between the chrome substrate and the polymer coating, involves contacting the chrome substrate with an acid solution for a period of time sufficient to modify the surface of the chrome substrate. In certain embodiments, the acid treatment is an anodic treatment. In accordance with certain aspects of this invention, the acid treated chrome surface is further treated with a silane compound to enhance adhesion with a subsequently applied polymer coating composition.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel and overlay assembly having an overlay that extends radially outward to cover substantially the entire outboard surface of the wheel, without wrapping around the periphery of the wheel. The assembly includes a wheel having a flangeless or minimum functional flange height rim flange or alternatively a truncated rim flange that terminates in a flange lip having a radially outermost edge. An overlay is attached to and closely contours the wheel outboard surface and radially terminates in a peripheral flange that has a peripheral lip with a radially outermost edge that is aligned with the outermost edge of the wheel flange lip within a predetermined circumferential margin so that the peripheral flange covers at least a portion of the wheel flange lip. This configuration gives the visible impression that this is a one-piece wheel, where the outboard surface of the overlay appears to be the outboard surface of the wheel, and not a separate component.

Abstract: A wheel and overlay assembly employing an overlay configured to more fully control the aesthetic appearance of the assembly. The wheel and overlay assembly employs an overlay that more completely establishes the decorative appearance of the assembly, thereby enabling the use of a standardized wheel whose design and construction considerations are based almost solely on the structural requirements of the assembly. As such, the overlay is adapted to enable the functions of structural integrity and outward appearance of the assembly to be addressed separately, resulting in a more fully integrated appearance in which the two-component construction of the assembly is fully concealed, such that a substantial reduction in manufacturing costs is achieved due to the reduced functional demands on the wheel.

Abstract: An automobile lamp assembly that exhibits improved energy absorption characteristics as compared with known automobile lamp assemblies having a resiliently deformable flexure member positioned between a lens member and a housing member includes a flexure member that is configured to dynamically change its energy absorption characteristics during impact. More specifically, various geometries and/or materials are utilized to dynamically control deformation during impact and reduce damage and/or injury during an impact.

Abstract: An improved process for permanently attaching an overlay to a wheel disc, wherein the overlay is aligned and spaced apart from the wheel disc. A mold is created by a combination of the overlay, wheel disc and localized nests that engage at predetermined times during foam filling to close the mold. The mold is adequately sealed so that there is no foam leakage as the foam expands to fill the mold and, therefore, no final trimming of excess foam is required. The improved process is capable of accommodating a wheel having turbine openings therein.

Abstract: An exhaust tip for attachment to a tailpipe that includes a thermoset heat shield at least partially surrounding and fastened to the tailpipe, and a thermoplastic decorative cover at least partially surrounding and fastened to the thermoset heat shield. The thermoset heat shield insulates the thermoplastic decorative cover from thermal effects of the tailpipe and spaces the thermoplastic decorative cover a predetermined distance away from the tailpipe.

Abstract: A body subassembly for a vehicle that is designed to be mounted substantially flush with the surrounding vehicle body panels and an impact-absorbing bumper, and that is capable of deflecting with the stroke of the impact-absorbing bumper during impact. The body subassembly is preferably formed with at least one deformable resilient deflection member selectively located between an exterior member and a housing, between an inner lens and an outer lens in a dual lens system, or between the housing and the body of the vehicle or a member attached or molded thereto. Further, the resilient deflection member may be the exterior member itself or the housing itself. The resilient deflection member permits the exterior member or other components of the body subassembly to move upon impact without damage to itself or any other surrounding assembly components, and may be used as a styling element to enhance the aesthetic effect of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing assemblies comprising a metal plated plastic component having a transparent member, and the resulting assembly, are provided. The process includes molding a transparent plastic member of a non-plateable thermoplastic material; molding a plastic component around and/or on the transparent plastic member so that the transparent plastic member is physically trapped by the plastic component and/or chemically/electrostatically bonded to the plastic component, the plastic component being molded of a plateable thermoplastic material; and plating a metal onto the plastic component. The process involves fewer steps than known processes, results in less scrap and produces superior assemblies wherein the transparent member is more precisely in registry with the metal plated component.

Abstract: A composite vehicle wheel having a disk, a rim circumscribing the disk, and an ornamental metal-plated plastic overlay attached to the outboard surface of the disk. The overlay has a pair of oppositely disposed surfaces which form interior and exterior surfaces of the overlay. The interior surface mates with at least a portion of the outboard surface of the wheel while the exterior surface has metal layer plated thereon. The overlay is formed from a relatively thin plastic panel such that the exterior surface uniformly and closely conforms to the outboard surface of the wheel and the metal layer is substantially flush with the adjacent portions of the outboard surface to provide a pleasing aesthetic effect to the wheel. The integrity of the metal layer is such that the overlay successfully meets corrosion resistance requirements for automobile manufacturers' original equipment.

Abstract: An automobile lamp assembly that exhibits improved energy absorption characteristics as compared with known automobile lamp assemblies having a resiliently deformable flexure member positioned between a lens member and a housing member includes a flexure member that is configured to dynamically change its energy absorption characteristics during impact. More specifically, various geometries and/or materials are utilized to dynamically control deformation during impact and reduce damage and/or injury during an impact.

Abstract: A composite vehicle wheel having a disk, a rim circumscribing the disk, and an ornamental metal-plated plastic overlay attached to the outboard surface of the disk. The overlay has a pair of oppositely disposed surfaces which form interior and exterior surfaces of the overlay. The interior surface mates with at least a portion of the outboard surface of the wheel while the exterior surface has a metal layer plated thereon. The overlay is formed from a relatively thin plastic panel such that the exterior surface uniformly and closely conforms to the outboard surface of the wheel and the metal layer is substantially flush with the adjacent portions of the outboard surface to provide a pleasing aesthetic effect to the wheel. The integrity of the metal layer is such that the overlay successfully meets corrosion resistance requirements for automobile manufacturers' original equipment.