Abstract: A method of joining end portions of a weatherstrip consists of introducing the end portions to openings in a mold such that a seal portion of the weatherstrip is compressed substantially to the shape of a seal lip of the seal portion. The end portions are separated in the mold by a predetermined gap and a rubber material is injected into the gap for mutually bonding the end portions of the weatherstrip. Such a method of joining allows the weatherstrip to be installed on complexly shaped openings with no degradation of sealing characteristics over the perimeter covered by the weatherstrip. A molding apparatus for joining said end portions includes a clamping member for assuring correct positioning of a sealing edge of the weatherstrip.

Abstract: A weatherstrip structure for an automotive vehicle includes a reversed U-shaped main body to define a space which is open toward an upright mounting flange provided at a vehicle body opening edge. A first grasping lip is provided in the space extending from one of side sections of the main body defining the space. A second grasping lip is further provided extending into the space from a lower end of the other of the side sections. The second lip is adapted to make a tilting movement relative to the other of the side sections so as to facilitate insertion of the mounting flange into the space. A stopper projection is provided between the second lip and the other of the side sections for limiting the tilting movement of the second lip toward the other of the side sections so as to prevent the second lip from excessively tilting toward the other of the side sections. A sponge rubber projection may be provided independently of or along with the stopper projection at an inward tip portion of the second lip.

Abstract: A weatherstrip structure for an automotive vehicle includes a main body and a seal lip. The main body extends between first and second automotive components and retains the first automotive component at its one side. The seal lip extends from the main body between the main body and the second automotive component so as to define a space between the main body and the seal lip. The seal lip is elastically pressed onto the second automotive component so as to seal between the first and second automotive components. At least one elastic member is fixedly provided in the space. The rib member extends between the main body and the seal lip in a direction which is inclined relative to a direction along which a compressive force is applied to the rib member via the seal lip from the second automotive component.

Abstract: A weather strip for sealingly closing a space having an opening edge associated with a cover member. The weather strip comprises a plurality of extruded weather strip segments each having a welt portion sealingly fitted on the opening edge and a hollow sealing portion formed integrally on the welt portion for sealing contact with the cover member. The hollow sealing portion has a flexible wall defining therein a central bore. The flexible wall has vent holes opening into the exterior of the space to communicate the central bore with the exterior of the space. The weather strip also includes at least one joint segment connected between adjacent two of the weather strip segments. The joint segment includes a chamber connected between the central bores of the adjacent weather strip segments and a passage connected to the chamber for discharging water from the central bore to the exterior of the space at the lower end.