Abstract: Disclosed is a carrier component for use in a vehicle sealing assembly such as a weatherstrip assembly. The carrier is formed from a non-metallic material, and preferably from a polymeric material. Also disclosed are vehicular sealing assemblies utilizing such carriers, and related methods of forming such sealing assemblies.

Abstract: Methods for forming a composite extrusion for use as a vehicle weather strip and the products formed thereby are disclosed in which a main body member is formed from an elastomeric thermoset rubber and an abrasion resistant decorative layer comprised of a crosslinkable thermoplastic is extruded thereon. The crosslinkable thermoplastic may be an ethylene-octene copolymer or a copolymerized ethylene-styrene interpolymer. The thermoplastic contains grafted silane functional groups to allow the thermoplastic to be crosslinked in the presence of moisture. The abrasion resistant decorative layer may be extruded onto the thermoset either prior to or after the thermoset is cured and either prior to or after the abrasion resistant decorative layer is crosslinked. The material of the abrasion resistant decorative layer may be extruded into sheet form and laminated onto the main body member.

Abstract: Methods for forming a composite extrusion for use as a vehicle weather strip and the products formed thereby are disclosed in which a main body member is formed from an elastomeric thermoset rubber and an abrasion resistant decorative layer comprised of a crosslinkable thermoplastic polyolefin is extruded thereon. The crosslinkable thermoplastic polyolefin includes a crosslinkable olefin homopolymer and a second polymeric component selected from the group consisting of a crosslinkable ethylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer and a crosslinkable copolymerized ethylene-styrene interpolymer. Both the olefin homopolymer and the second polymeric component contain grafted silane functional groups to allow the the materials to be crosslinked in the presence of moisture. The abrasion resistant decorative layer may be extruded onto the thermoset either prior to or after the thermoset is cured and either prior to or after the abrasion resistant decorative layer is crosslinked.

Abstract: A weatherseal employing a magnetic appendage for enhancing the sealing with a mounting surface. The weatherseal includes an elastomeric base that conforms to and engages the mounting surface. The seal portion extends from the base for selective engagement with a second surface, such as a door of a vehicle. An appendage is fabricated from a magnetic elastomer that is sufficiently flexible to conform to irregularities in the mounting surface. Preferably, only the appendage is formed of the magnetic elastomer to achieve an effective seal with only a small amount of the expensive magnetic elastomer to enhance the seal with the mounting surface and avoid, for example, the use of more expensive welded mounting channels that add undesired weight to the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods for forming a composite extrusion for use as a glass run channel in an automobile and the products formed thereby are disclosed in which a main body member is formed from an elastomeric thermoset rubber and an abrasion resistant layer comprised of a crosslinkable thermoplastic or a high ethylene content EPDM rubber extruded thereon. The crosslinkable thermoplastic may be a moisture crosslinkable polyethylene containing grafted silane functional groups. The abrasion resistant layer may be extruded onto the thermoset either prior to or after the thermoset is cured and either prior to or after the abrasion resistant layer is crosslinked. The material of the abrasion resistant layer may be extruded into tape form and laminated onto the main body member.

Abstract: Methods for forming a composite extrusion for use as a vehicle weather strip and the products formed thereby are disclosed in which a main body member is formed from an elastomeric thermoset rubber and an abrasion resistant decorative layer comprised of a crosslinkable thermoplastic is extruded thereon. The crosslinkable thermoplastic may be an ethylene-octene copolymer or a copolymerized ethylene-styrene interpolymer. The thermoplastic contains grafted silane functional groups to allow the thermoplastic to be crosslinked in the presence of moisture. The abrasion resistant decorative layer may be extruded onto the thermoset either prior to or after the thermoset is cured and either prior to or after the abrasion resistant decorative layer is crosslinked. The material of the abrasion resistant decorative layer may be extruded into sheet form and laminated onto the main body member.

Abstract: A thin layer of a magnetizable coating is extruded or coextruded onto a external surface portion of a tubular sponge bulb seal for an automotive door or hatch. The coating is of a thickness, location on the seal and formulation to be selectively magnetized to provide a desired magnetic force level to optimize the balance between effective sealing and ease of door opening.