Abstract: A polymer blend suitable for use in automotive floor covering applications includes 100 parts by weight of a radial block copolymer having the general formula (AB)nBA, wherein n is greater than 1, each block A is a monoalkenyl arene polymer block and each block B is an elastomeric conjugated diene polymer block; from about 5 to about 200 parts by weight of a mineral oil; and from about 5 to about 300 parts by weight of a 1-olefin polymer. The resulting polymer blend may be formed into sheet materials which are recyclable, and which may exhibit low gloss and excellent tactility similar to vulcanized rubber. Further, the polymer blends of this invention may exhibit excellent grain retention, abrasion resistance, heat stability, and ultraviolet light stability.

Abstract: A window panel assembly to be bonded to a vehicle body opening using a conventional, window fixing urethane adhesive disposed between the vehicle pinch-weld flange and a polymeric gasket attached to the window panel. The joint produced between the window fixing adhesive and the polymeric gasket has a bond strength and performance greater than that achieved in conventional metal-to-glass bonds using the same fixing adhesive. The panel assembly of this invention may be sent to the automobile manufacturer so that all the installer needs to do is apply the window fixing adhesive between the gasket and the vehicle in a conventional manner. The strong bond can be achieved even after the panel assembly has been in storage for days, weeks, or even several months prior to installation. The panel assembly includes a gasket bonded to a sheet-like panel and having a surface adapted to receive a window fixing adhesive for bonding the sheet-like panel in the vehicle opening.

Abstract: A vehicle window panel assembly and a manufacturing method for such assemblies having a gasket made from a melt-processible material and providing a long-term, failure-resistant bond between the gasket and window panel for retaining the window panel assembly in the vehicle. The gasket material provides a bond which resists both short- and long-term dynamic and static loads exerted on attachment members embedded in the gasket to prevent failure or separation between the gasket member and the window panel assembly for prolonged assembly life and substantial saving to vehicle manufacturers and owners. A method for identifying and selecting the melt-processible material for forming the gasket member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle window panel assembly and a manufacturing method for such assemblies having a gasket made from a melt-processible material and providing a long-term, failure-resistant bond between the gasket and window panel for retaining the window panel assembly in the vehicle, The gasket material provides a bond which resists both short- and long-term dynamic and static loads exerted on attachment members embedded in the gasket to prevent failure or separation between the gasket member and the window panel assembly for prolonged assembly life and substantial saving to vehicle manufacturers and owners. A method for identifying and selecting the melt-processible material for forming the gasket member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A panel assembly and method for manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adapted for use in vehicles, includes a panel of predetermined size and geometry wherein a surface of the panel to receive a gasket is primed using a material especially adapted to prepare the panel surface to bond with the gasket. The desired gasket profile is molded separately from the panel from a polymeric material. Following formation of the gasket, the panel is located thereon and pressed into intimate contact with the gasket for a prescribed period of time. The panel and attached panel are removed as an assembly. Additional or optional steps may be followed including preheating the panel and primed surface prior to bonding to shorten the cycle time and improve adhesion. Moreover, heat may be applied to the contact boundary between the panel and gasket substantially simultaneously with the application of pressure. The steps of heating and applying pressure may be repeated to insure proper adhesion.

Abstract: A panel assembly and method of manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adapted for use in vehicle panels, include locating a preformed gasket in a support fixture in a predetermined pattern to be bonded to a sheet-like panel. The gasket is formed from a polymeric material separately from the panel. The panel is of appropriate size and geometry to fit within a desired vehicle opening. At least one panel surface to receive the gasket is prepared by being primed with a bonding reagent. The panel and primer may be preheated before receiving the gasket to drive off remaining carriers/solvents and improve the bonding process. The panel and preset gasket are pressed together such that the securing flange is in intimate contact with the panel. Locator pins may be used to properly position the panel with respect to the gasket.

Abstract: A panel assembly and method for manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adapted for use in vehicles, includes a panel of predetermined size and geometry wherein a surface of the panel to receive a gasket is primed using a material especially adapted to prepare the panel surface to bond with the gasket. The desired gasket profile is molded separately from the panel from a polymeric material. Following formation of the gasket, the panel is located thereon and pressed into intimate contact with the gasket for a prescribed period of time. The panel and attached panel are removed as an assembly. Additional or optional steps may be followed including preheating the panel and primed surface prior to bonding to shorten the cycle time and improve adhesion. Moreover, heat may be applied to the contact boundary between the panel and gasket substantially simultaneously with the application of pressure. The steps of heating and applying pressure may be repeated to insure proper adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a vehicle accessory mounting button, windshield arrangement and a method for making the same which uses nonelastomeric, thermosetting, structural adhesives, preferably in film form, to adhere the accessory mounting button to the interior surface of a windshield. The adhesives provide outstanding long-term adhesion and good accessory assembly vibration performance even under rigorous climate conditions while simultaneously being compatible with conventional autoclaving processes used in windshield manufacturing. Thermosetting structural adhesives suitable to achieve the objectives of this invention include modified epoxies, which have a cure temperature below 325.degree. F., a modulus of elasticity at 85.degree. C. of at least about 10,000 psi when cured, and are compatible with current windshield manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A safety-enhanced, inside rearview mirror assembly for vehicles of the type adapted for movement between day and night positions to reduce reflected glare is disclosed. The assembly includes an energy/impact absorbing plate selected to have predetermined thickness, stiffness, cracking/permanent deformation resistance, and galvanic action passivity positioned between the glass mirror element and the day/night actuator within the mirror case. The plate absorbs the actuator impact energy should the day/night actuator be caused to impact the rear of the glass mirror element when the front of the inside rearview mirror assembly is contacted by an air bag during deployment in an accident and substantially reduces damaging protrusion of glass shards which otherwise could puncture and impair proper operation of the air bag. The plate may be spaced from the rear of the mirror element, or adhered to the mirror element preferably with a flexible, resilient adhesive laminate which doubles as an anti-scatter layer.

Abstract: A vehicle panel assembly includes a window panel having at least one surface, at least one attachment member having a flange attached to the panel surface, an adhesive placed between the flange and the panel surface, and a sealing member molded onto the panel surface of the window panel and encapsulating the flange of the attachment member at a temperature sufficient to at least partially cure the adhesive and bond the attachement to the window panel.

Abstract: A panel assembly and method for manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adapted for use in vehicles, includes a panel of predetermined size and geometry wherein a surface of the panel to receive a gasket is primed using a material especially adapted to prepare the panel surface to bond with the gasket. The desired gasket profile is molded separately from the panel from a polymeric material. Following formation of the gasket, the panel is located thereon and pressed into intimate contact with the gasket for a prescribed period of time. The panel and attached panel are removed as an assembly. Additional or optional steps may be followed including preheating the panel and primed surface prior to bonding to shorten the cycle time and improve adhesion. Moreover, heat may be applied to the contact boundary between the panel and gasket substantially simultaneously with the application of pressure. The steps of heating and applying pressure may be repeated to insure proper adhesion.

Abstract: A panel assembly and method of manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adjusted for use in vehicle panels, include locating a preformed gasket in a support fixture in a predetermined pattern to be bonded to a sheet-like panel. The gasket is formed from a polymeric material separately from the panel. The panel is of appropriate size and geometry to fit within a desired vehicle opening. At least one panel surface to receive the gasket is prepared by being primed with a bonding reagent. The panel and primer may be preheated before receiving the gasket to drive off remaining carriers/solvents and improve the bonding process. The panel and preset gasket are pressed together such that the securing flange is in intimate contact with the panel. Locator pins may be used to properly position the panel with respect to the gasket.

Abstract: A panel assembly and method of manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adapted for use in vehicle panels, include locating a preformed gasket in a support fixture in a predetermined pattern to be bonded to a sheet-like panel. The gasket is formed from a polymeric material separately from the panel. The panel is of appropriate size and geometry to fit within a desired vehicle opening. At least one panel surface to receive the gasket is prepared by being primed with a bonding reagent. The panel and primer may be preheated before receiving the gasket to drive off remaining carriers/solvents and improve the bonding process. The panel and preset gasket are pressed together such that the securing flange is in intimate contact with the panel. Locator pins may be used to properly position the panel with respect to the gasket.

Abstract: A vehicle panel assembly and accompanying methods of manufacture are disclosed utilizing a relatively thin coating of an elastomeric composition on the panel gasket to eliminate or minimize squeaks or other undesirable noises that often originate from the panel assembly and vehicle body interface during vehicle movement. The squeak resistant elastomeric composition may be applied to the polymeric gasket as an in-mold release agent, or applied after gasket manufacture and comprises an elastomeric composition having a tensile modulus lower than that of the gasket substrate and preferably less than 50% of the tensile modulus of the polymeric gasket.

Abstract: A vehicle panel/window assembly and accompanying methods of manufacture are disclosed utilizing a composition to eliminate or minimize squeaks or other undesirable noises that often originate from the panel/window and vehicle body interface during vehicle movement. The squeak resistant composition may be applied to the polymeric gasket as an in-mold release agent, as an in mold-coating, or applied after gasket manufacture and comprises a waxy material softening at above about 80.degree. C. and a lubricant.