U.S. patent application number 09/837039 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-24 for illuminating weatherseal.
Invention is credited to Whitehead, William.
Application Number | 20020152686 09/837039 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25273337 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020152686 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Whitehead, William |
October 24, 2002 |
Illuminating weatherseal
Abstract
An illuminating weatherseal for sealing an interface between
confronting surfaces and illuminating the adjacent environment is
disclosed. The illuminating weatherseal includes light line
extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal,
wherein the light is emitted along a path defining a non zero angle
with the longitudinal dimension. A switch can be incorporated into
the illuminating weatherseal for selectively actuating the light
line.
Inventors: |
Whitehead, William;
(Maryville, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen B. Salai, Esq.
Harter, Secrest & Emery LLP
1600 Bausch & Lomb Place
Rochester
NY
14604-2711
US
|
Family ID: |
25273337 |
Appl. No.: |
09/837039 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
49/475.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 10/80 20160201;
B60Q 3/208 20170201; B60J 10/00 20130101; B60Q 3/217 20170201; Y10S
277/919 20130101; B60J 10/273 20160201; B60Q 3/78 20170201; B60J
10/82 20160201; B60Q 3/82 20170201 |
Class at
Publication: |
49/475.1 |
International
Class: |
E06B 007/16 |
Claims
1. An illuminating weatherseal for sealing a gap intermediate two
confronting surfaces, the confronting surfaces moveable between a
spaced apart open position and an adjacent closed position, the
weatherseal, comprising: (a) an elongate elastomeric body selected
to attach to one of the confronting surfaces, the elastomeric body
including a sealing portion being spaced from a remaining
contacting surface in the open position of the confronting surfaces
and contacting the remaining confronting surface in the closed
position of the confronting surfaces, the elastomeric body
including a seating channel extending along a longitudinal
dimension of the elastomeric body; and (b) a light line disposed in
the seating channel.
2. The weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the light line emits light
along a path defining a non zero angle with the longitudinal
dimension.
3. The weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric body
includes a carrier portion.
4. The weatherseal of claim 3, wherein the carrier portion includes
a reinforcing member.
5. The weatherseal of claim 4, wherein the reinforcing member is a
metal or a thermoplastic.
6. The weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the light line includes one
of a fiber optic, an LED, a fluorescent or an incandescent
element.
7. The weatherseal of claim 6, wherein the fiber optic is one of a
glass or a plastic.
8. The weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the light line is a
side-emitting fiber optic.
9. The weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric body
includes a trim portion.
10. The illuminating weatherseal of claim 1, further comprising a
switch integral with the elastomeric body.
11. The illuminating weatherseal of claim 10, wherein the switch is
one of a pressure sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a touch
sensitive switch.
12. The illuminating weatherseal of claim 10, wherein the switch
creates a switching signal to control illumination of the light
line.
13. A weatherseal assembly comprising: (a) a weatherseal body
having longitudinal dimension; and (b) a fiber optic light line
connected to the body, the fiber optic light line selected to emit
light along a path non parallel to the longitudinal dimension.
14. The weatherseal assembly of claim 13, wherein the body is
elastomeric and includes a carrier portion and a sealing
portion.
15. The weatherseal assembly of claim 14, wherein the carrier
portion includes a seating channel sized to receive the light
line.
16. The weatherseal assembly of claim 13, wherein the light line
includes a pair of fiber optics.
17. The weatherseal assembly of claim 13, wherein the light line
includes a side emitting fiber optic.
18. The weatherseal assembly of claim 13, further comprising a
switch integral with the body.
19. The weatherseal assembly of claim 13, wherein the switch is one
of a capacitive switch, a pressure switch or a touch sensitive
switch.
20. An illuminating weatherseal assembly having a weatherseal body
having a cross sectional dimension and a light line extending along
a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, the light line having
a cross sectional area less that the cross sectional area of the
weatherseal body and selected to emit light along a path defining a
non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension.
21. The illuminating weatherseal of claim 20 wherein the
weatherseal body includes an elastomeric body connected to the
light line.
22. The illuminating weatherseal of claim 21, wherein the
elastomeric body includes a seating channel sized to receive the
light line.
23. The illuminating weatherseal of claim 20 wherein the light line
includes one of a fiber optic, an LED, a fluorescent or an
incandescent element.
24. The illuminating weatherseal of claim 20 further comprising a
switch integral with the weatherseal.
25. The illuminating weatherseal of claim 24, wherein the switch is
one of a capacitive switch, a pressure sensitive switch or a touch
sensitive switch.
26. An elongate trim piece, comprising: (a) elongate body having a
longitudinal axis and a U shaped cross section transverse to the
longitudinal axis; (b) a reinforcing member having a corresponding
U shaped cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis; and (c)
a light line connected to the body to emit light along a path non
parallel to the longitudinal axis.
27. The trim piece of claim 26, further comprising a gripping fin
extending into the U shaped cross section.
28. The trim piece of claim 26, wherein the reinforcing member is
embedded in the body.
29. The trim piece of claim 26, wherein the reinforcing member is a
metal or a thermoplastic.
30. The trim piece of claim 26, wherein the light line includes one
of a fiber optic, an LED, a fluorescent or an incandescent
element.
31. The trim piece of claim 30, wherein the fiber optic is one of a
glass or a plastic.
32. The trim piece of claim 26, wherein the light line is a
side-emitting fiber optic.
33. The elongate trim piece of claim 26, further comprising a
switch integral with the body.
34. The elongate trim piece of claim 33, wherein the switch is one
of a pressure sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a touch
sensitive switch.
35. An illuminating assembly, comprising (a) an elongate body
having a longitudinal axis; (b) a light line connected to the body
along the longitudinal axis; and (c) a switch integral with the
elastomeric body.
36. The illuminating assembly of claim 35, wherein the body is
elastomeric and includes a sealing portion.
37. The illuminating assembly of claim 35, wherein the switch is
one of a pressure sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a touch
sensitive switch.
38. The illuminating assembly of claim 35, wherein the body
includes a carrier portion, a trim portion and a sealing
portion.
39. The illuminating assembly of claim 35, wherein the switch
extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.
40. The illuminating assembly of claim 35, wherein the switch
includes a field effect transistor.
41. The illuminating assembly of claim 35, further comprising a
sensing electrode embedded in the body.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to weatherseals, and more
particularly, to a weatherseal for sealing an interface between two
confronting surfaces, wherein the weatherseal includes a light line
extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal for
illuminating the weatherseal by emitting light along a path that
defines a non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Weatherseals are employed in vehicles in a variety of
locations to perform the functions of sealing and noise reduction.
Traditional weatherseals may have any of a variety of constructions
for performing the desired sealing. It is understood the sealing
function can include reducing infiltration of water, air or
particles across the barrier. Further, a portion of these
weatherseals are often colored to enhance the aesthetic quality of
the weatherseal. The functions of traditional weatherseals have
been limited to the sealing function in combination with noise
reduction and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0003] However, there are additional functions, which can be
performed by a weatherseal that could either reduce other
previously necessary components, or add further functionality to
the weatherseal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention includes an illuminating weatherseal.
In a first construction, the weatherseal includes a light line
extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal,
wherein the light line emits light non parallel to the longitudinal
dimension along the length of the weatherseal.
[0005] While the present weatherseal can have any of a variety of
configurations and be located at any of a variety of locations, the
weatherseal typically includes an elastomeric body having a seating
channel and a light line disposed in the seating channel.
[0006] By employing an illuminating weatherseal, the weatherseal
can clearly indicate the relative position of a component in a
vehicle. For example, if the illuminating weatherseal is disposed
about a door, when the door is opened, the illuminating weatherseal
outlines the periphery of the open door, thereby enhancing
visibility. Similarly, if the weatherseal is located about the
periphery of a door opening on the frame of the vehicle, passengers
entering or exiting the vehicle are provided guidance by the
illuminated periphery. It is further contemplated the illuminating
weatherseal may be used to light portions of the vehicle such as
the trunk or the engine compartment. That is, if an illuminating
weatherseal were disposed about the car frame to contact the trunk
lid in the closed position, upon the opening the trunk, the
illuminating weatherseal not only outlines at least a portion of
the periphery of the trunk, but provides sufficient light to
illuminate the interior of the trunk. Similarly, by locating the
illuminating weatherseal about the engine compartment to seal with
the hood, when the hood is raised, the weatherseal provides ready
illumination of the engine. Further, the illuminating weatherseal
can indicate the presence of a person adjacent the vehicle. As the
person moves relative to the illuminating weatherseal, the movement
and location of the person is indicated. Thus, it is believed the
illuminating weatherseal can enhance the visibility of a person
during a roadside stop. The illuminating weatherseal can
incorporate a switch to selectively illuminate the light line. The
switch can be a pressure sensitive switch, a touch sensitive
switch, a capacitive switch or a combination thereof and can be
integrally formed with the weatherseal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing a variety
of locations for an illuminating weatherseal.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a typical door seal
configured for used in the present invention, wherein the light
line is omitted.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the door seal of FIG. 2,
wherein the light line is included.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a typical deck lid seal
configured for used in the present invention, wherein the light
line is omitted.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the deck lid seal of
FIG. 4 including a light line.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a typical back light
seal configured for used in the present invention, wherein the
light line is omitted.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the back light seal of
FIG. 6 showing a light line incorporated in the weatherseal.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a typical channel mount
construction of a weatherseal, wherein the light line is
omitted.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the channel mount seal
of FIG. 8 showing an incorporated light line.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
construction of the sealing channel.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a further construction
of the seating channel.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the seating channel
with retaining features.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the seating channel in
a non recessed configuration with an operably located light
line.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an illuminating
weatherseal integrally incorporating a pressure sensitive switch
and a touch sensitive switch.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a perspective view in partial section showing the
dual mode pressure sensitive and touch sensitive switch.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of an alternative
configuration of the dual mode switch.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a weatherseal assembly
including the light line and integrated switch.
[0024] FIGS. 18-24 are different embodiments of the detail X of
FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the weatherseal 10 of the present
invention can be employed in a motor vehicle 12. The weatherseal 10
can be used in a variety of locations for releasably and repeatedly
engaging a panel 14. For purposes of description, the present
invention is described as a weatherseal, however, it is understood
the present invention can be employed in any application that may
require a sealing function and include an illuminating
function.
[0026] Typically, the weatherseal 10 is disposed between
confronting surfaces such as panels 14. The panels 14 may be any of
a variety of materials and do not limit the present invention. For
example, the panel 14 may be glass, metal or a composite, which is
painted, surface treated or bare. In the operating environment, the
panel 14 can be brought repeatedly into and out of engagement with
the weatherseal 10. Alternatively, the weatherseal 10 may be moved
relative to the panel 14. Further, the weatherseal 10 and the panel
14 may be located in a substantially fixed relationship. For
example, the weatherseal 10 may be located about a fixed panel 14
such as a front or rear window.
[0027] The term weatherseal includes, but is not limited to,
extrusions, moldings, edge pieces, glass guidance components, glass
ran channels, weather strips and seals including channel mount or
pin type mounted seals. The present weatherseal 10 may be used as a
weather strip in structural sealing applications including
residential and commercial buildings, marine vehicles as well as
the motor vehicle industry. In the motor vehicle industry, the
weatherseal configuration is suitable for use in many areas
including, but not limited to, storage compartments, glass guidance
components, glass run channels, door seals, roof rails, deck lids,
hood to cowl seals, window seals, sun roof seals, van sliders,
hatch backs or window channel seals. It is understood the
illuminating weatherseal can be constructed and operably located in
a position that does not perform a sealing function. One example of
such non sealing application is a flange finisher, trim or trim
piece. Typical flange finishers are disposed on a flange to provide
an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as well as reduce the risks
associated with an otherwise exposed flange.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 17, the weatherseal 10
includes a body 20 and a light line 80. Typically, the weatherseal
10 is an elongate structure having a length greater than a cross
sectional dimension. The weatherseal 10 thus has a longitudinal
dimension and a shorter transverse dimension. Although the detailed
description is directed to the sealing configuration of the
invention, it is understood the same teachings can be applied to
the non sealing configuration.
[0029] Body
[0030] As seen in FIGS. 2-9, 14 and 17, the body 20 is shown in
cross section. The body 20 can include a carrier portion 30, a
sealing portion 40 and a trim portion 50.
[0031] Typically, the carrier portion 30 is the part of the body
20, which attaches the weatherseal 10 to one of the confronting
surfaces. The carrier portion 30 can have any of a variety of
configurations and typically forms a base or substrate upon which
the sealing portion 40 and/or trim portion 50 are connected.
[0032] The carrier portion 30 can be formed of a variety of
materials including plastic, thermoplastic or thermosetting
materials, including but not limited to plastic, TPE, EPDM or any
combination thereof. The thermoplastic materials can include
polyethylene, EVA, PVC or polypropylene. Suitable vulcanized or
cross-linked (thermosetting) polymeric materials include the EPDM
and modified EPDM.
[0033] The carrier portion 30 can have a relatively rigid section
and a relatively soft or resilient section. That is, the carrier
portion 30 can exhibit one or more durometer hardnesses. The
carrier portion 30 can include a reinforcing member 32 such as a
wire or metal carrier, which may be of known construction (such as
knitted wire, lanced and stretched, slotted, solid (continuous) or
stamped metal). It is also contemplated the carrier portion 30 can
include a thermoplastic section and a thermoset section, wherein
each section has a unique rigidity. Further, the carrier portion 30
can be formed at differing thicknesses to provide differing amounts
of rigidity. It is contemplated the carrier portion 30 can have any
of a variety of cross-sections, wherein typical cross-sections
include "U" shaped, "J" shaped, "L" shaped or planar. As shown in
FIGS. 2-5, the carrier portion 30 can have the U shaped profile
with inwardly extending gripping fins for engaging one of the
confronting surfaces. Non sealing constructions of the present
invention, such as the flange finisher, can be limited to a body 20
employing only the carrier portion 30, wherein the flange finisher
can be operably retained by friction, fasteners or adhesives. The
body 20 in the flange finisher configuration often has a U shaped
cross section with at least one gripping fin for engaging the
flange.
[0034] The sealing portion 40 is connected to the carrier portion
30 and typically extends from the carrier portion to contact the
remaining confronting surface. The sealing portion 40 can have any
of a variety of configurations including bulbs, flaps or fingers.
The sealing portion 40 can be formed to have a different durometer,
or rigidity than the carrier portion 30.
[0035] The sealing portion 40 can be constructed from a variety of
materials, including but not limited to TPEs, thermoplastics and
thermosets, wherein the materials can be solid, foamed, cellular or
a sponge construction. Typically, constructions of the invention
having a body 20 and a sealing portion 40 may have one or both
portions formed of an elastomeric material.
[0036] The trim portion 50 is typically connected to the carrier
portion 30 and extends to overly an adjacent part of the relevant
confronting surface. Although the trim portion 50 is shown attached
to the carrier portion 30, it is understood the trim portion can be
connected to the carrier portion, the sealing portion 40 or both.
The trim portion 50 is often formed of a different color or texture
than the carrier portion 30 and the sealing portion 40. The trim
portion 50 can also be formed of a variety of materials including
thermoplastics, thermosets and composites.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2-9, the body 20 further includes a
seating channel 60 extending along the longitudinal dimension of
the weatherseal 10. The seating channel 60 can be located in the
carrier portion 30, the sealing portion 40 or the trim portion 50.
However, it is contemplated the seating channel 60 will typically
be located in one of the carrier portion 30 or the trim portion
50.
[0038] The seating channel 60 can extend along the entire length of
the weatherseal 10 or can be disposed along predetermined lengths
of the weatherseal. In addition, the seating channel 60 can be
located at given relative position on the weatherseal 10.
Alternatively, the location of the seating channel 60 can vary
along the longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal 10.
[0039] The seating channel 60 can have any of a variety of
cross-sections, as dictated by the corresponding light line 80 and
the elastomeric body 20. Thus, referring to FIGS. 10-13, the
seating channel 60 can have an arcuate, curvilinear or multi-facet
cross-section. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the seating channel 60
can include retaining features 62 such as flaps, detents, ridges,
barbs or fingers which project into the seating channel. The
retaining features 62 can be located along the length of the
seating channel 60 or disposed at spaced locations. Further, the
seating channel 60 can be formed with a lip or overhang to engage a
diameter or dimension of the light line 80. The seating channel 60
can thus be defined by a recessed area of the body 20. However, as
seen in FIG. 13, the seating channel 60 can be defined merely by a
surface of the body 20 to which the light line 80 is connected or
attached.
[0040] Depending on the intended operating parameters, the seating
channel 60 can be formed or located on the body 20 by any of a
variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to molding,
extrusion, machining, etching or ablation.
[0041] Light Line
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 17, the light line 80
is disposed in the seating channel 60 of the elastomeric body 20.
Similar to the weatherseal 10, the light line 80 is also an
elongate structure having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse
dimension, wherein the longitudinal dimension is substantially
greater than the transverse dimension.
[0043] The light line 80 can be retained within the seating channel
60 by a variety of mechanisms including adhesives, bonding or
mechanical retention. Depending upon the hardness or resiliency of
the elastomeric body 20 in which the seating channel 60 is formed,
the light line 80 may be retained by friction or a snap fit.
Additionally, or alternatively, the light line 80 can be retained
in the seating channel 60 by an adhesive.
[0044] Although the light line 80 is shown as having a generally
circular cross-sectional profile, it is understood the light line
can have a multi-facet, curvilinear, oval, obround, triangular,
square, rectangular or other such cross-section. Further, the
relative cross-sectional area of the light line 80 relative to the
weatherseal 10 is dependent upon a number of parameters including
the desired illumination, the construction of the light line as
well as construction of the body 20.
[0045] The light line 80 can be active such as self-illuminating or
passive and merely transmit and emit light, and thus be, formed of
a variety of light emitting devices. Depending upon the amount of
lighting required, a variety of constructions can be used as the
light line 80. Preferably, the light line 80 emits light along a
path that defines a non-zero angle with the longitudinal dimension
or axis. The optical path of the emitted light will intersect the
longitudinal axis. Therefore, the light line 80 emits light along
paths that are non parallel to the longitudinal dimension. The
light passes from the light line 80 along the length of the light
line. That is, light passes from the light line 80 intermediate the
ends of the light line. The areas or sections of light emission can
be determined in response to the intended operating characteristics
of the weatherseal. The self-illuminating configuration of the
light line 80 can include light ropes, LEDs and LED strings.
Transmitting/emitting light lines 80 can include fiber optics and
side emitting fiber optics, such as glass plastic or
composites.
[0046] It is understood the light line 80 can include intermittent
or discrete light sources extending along the longitudinal
dimension of the light line. The light line 80 can thereby provide
a plurality of points of light along the longitudinal dimension.
Thus, the light line 80 can be selected to provide substantially
continuous light emission along the longitudinal dimension,
intermittent light or an intermediate light dispersion along the
longitudinal dimension.
[0047] The light line 80 is shown as a side-emitting device. That
is, the light line 80 emits light transverse to the longitudinal
dimension of the light line, and hence weatherseal 10, such that
the light travels along a path that defines a non-zero angle with
the longitudinal dimension. In such construction, the body 20 can
be formed without specific characteristics for enhancing light
emission. However, it is understood the body 20 can be formed with
reflective surfaces to enhance light emission. For example, the
seating channel 60 can be coated with or formed of a light
reflective material. In addition, the light line 80 can include
reflective surfaces to control direction of emitted light.
[0048] Alternatively, the seating channel 60 can be formed of or
coated with a light absorbing material to reduce light
transmission.
[0049] Similarly, the cross sectional profile of the seating
channel 60 can be structured to enhance or inhibit light
transmission as dictated by the intended operating environment and
the structure of the particular light line 80.
[0050] Thus, the illuminating weatherseal 10 emits light non
parallel to the longitudinal axis. It is contemplated the light
line 80 will be constructed to emit light along a path that defines
a non zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Therefore,
the light may be emitted along a path that is transverse or oblique
to the longitudinal axis.
[0051] Transmitting/emitting light lines 80 cooperate with a light
source. The light source can be dedicated to the light line 80.
Alternatively, the light source can be employed for additional uses
such as courtesy lights, warning lights or dome lights. The light
source can be any of a variety of types such as incandescent,
fluorescent, LED or lasing.
[0052] As seen in FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 17, the body 20 has a
given cross sectional area, wherein the light line 80 has a cross
sectional area less than the body. Preferably, the cross sectional
area of the light line 80 is less than approximately 50 percent of
the cross sectional area of the body 20. It is contemplated the
cross sectional area of the light line 80 can be 20 percent or less
of the cross sectional area of the body 20. Thus, the light line 80
does not contribute significantly to the cross sectional area of
the weatherseal. Further, it is contemplated, the light line 80 can
be located within the cross sectional area of the weatherseal.
Therefore, the present illuminating weatherseal can be operably
located along any existing weatherseal location.
[0053] In a preferred construction, the light line 80 extends along
substantially the entire length of the weatherseal. While the light
line 80 can extend the length of the weatherseal, the entire length
or intermittent portions can be illuminating.
[0054] The emission of light from the light line 80 can be
controlled by a variety of mechanisms, wherein the mechanism
actuates the light source or the optical interconnection of the
light line 80 to the light source. Capacitive, pressure or contact
switches can be employed with the illuminating weatherseal 10 to
selectively provide illumination wherein the switch can be integral
with or external to the weatherseal. In addition, light line 80 can
be controlled to provide any of a variety of light characteristics
such as dimming, pulsing, chasing, blinking or constant.
[0055] For example, the light line 80 can be illuminated in
response to an opening or closing of a door. Alternatively, the
light line 80 can be illuminated for a timed interval in response
to a predetermined condition or event.
[0056] A switch mechanism for controlling the emission of light
from the light line 80 can be incorporated into the weatherseal 10.
The switch mechanism can include a pressure or deflection type
switch, a touch sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a
combination of pressure and touch sensitive switches. In a
preferred construction, the switch is integral with the body 20. It
is contemplated the switch can extend along the length of the body
20, or along selected portions.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 14, a combined pressure sensitive and
touch sensitive switch is shown. Although the pressure sensitive
and touch sensitive switches are shown in combination, it is
understood either switch can be individually employed. In addition,
the pressure sensitive, touch sensitive or combined switch can be
located on any of the carrier portion 30, the sealing portion 40 or
the trim portion 50. For purposes of clarity, the combined pressure
sensitive and touch sensitive switch is shown on the carrier
portion.
[0058] The combined switch is provided with a bead of conductive
rubber 228 extending along an outer surface of the switch. An
electrical conductor 226 is preferably embedded in the conductive
layer 228. Preferably, the weatherseal 10 is extruded, and the
conductive rubber bead can be co-extruded therewith. Elastomers,
thermoplastic elastomers, or thermoplastics can be used for the
touch sensitive portion, and the conductivity of such materials can
be increased by adding conductive materials such as carbon blacks,
graphite or metal powder to a base material. The combination of the
electrical conductor or wire 226 with the conductive rubber bead
228 forms an elongated conductive surface portion extending
substantially along the length of the profile. While the electrical
conductor is shown as embedded in the elongated conductor surface
portion, it can be disposed between the non-conductive and
conductive portions, as long as it is in electrical contact with
the conductive portion.
[0059] Optionally, as seen in FIG. 14, a second electrical
conductor 252 is provided in a non-conducting portion 232 of the
weatherseal 10. The conductor 252 may be conveniently employed to
form a complete electrical circuit, depending on the type of sensor
employed.
[0060] FIG. 15 is diagrammatic inasmuch as it only shows the switch
portion of the weatherseal in accordance with the invention.
Referring to FIG. 15, a pressure sensitive switch is implemented by
conductive region 236 and 238, each of which includes an embedded
or contacting electrical conductor 240 and 242 respectively. The
conductor regions are encased within a hollow flexible tubular
portion 250 of the weatherseal, which has flexible side walls such
that upon the application of pressure, the conductive regions 236
and 238 are brought into contact with each other, which contact can
be sensed remotely as a drop in resistance of the circuit formed by
electrical conductors 240 and 242. The touch sensitive conductive
layer 228 is formed on the surface of the hollow tubular member 250
and has its own electrically conductive wire embedded therein or at
least in electrical contact therewith. If desired, yet another
electrical wire 252 can be provided in non-conducting tubing member
250 for forming a complete circuit with wire 226.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 15, the sensing portion 250 of the switch
is connected to a detector circuit 260. A portion of detector
circuit 260 that is responsive to pressure induced contact being
formed between conductive regions 236 and 238 is well known, and
will not be described further. The portion of detector 260 that is
responsive to touch sensitive region 228 may take a variety of
forms. Touch sensors for operating table lamps and the like are
well known, and sensors of similar design can be employed in
connection with this invention. Since only low voltage power is
usually available in vehicles, the touch sensitive switch may be
implemented by connecting the electrical wire running through the
touch sensitive layer of the device to the gate of a field effect
transistor or the like, so that the transistor will be turned on
when the layer is touched.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 16, a dual mode switch in accordance with
another embodiment is illustrated in diagrammatic cross section
form. The switch indicated generally at 270 includes a
non-conductive resilient body formed from thermoplastic or
thermosetting material. A channel 274 is formed in the
nonconductive body and a layer of conductive material such as a
conductive rubber foam is disposed in a bottom portion of the
channel. A touch sensitive cap 278 is attached to the upper side
walls of the channel. A first electrical conductor 280 is embedded
in touch sensitive cap 278 and a second electrical conductor 282 is
embedded in layer 276. Electrical conductor 280 is connected to a
touch sensitive detector 284 designated in this example by a
connection to the gate of the FET 286. A pressure sensitive
detector 290, preferably for responding to a contact closure is
connected to electrodes 280 and 282. In operation, the dual mode
detector switch of FIG. 14 is responsive to contact with conductive
layer 278 by triggering FET 286 to produce a switching signal. The
dual mode switch is responsive to pressure sufficient to cause the
side walls of the channel formed in the base 272 to flex and the
conductive layers 278 and 276 to be brought into contact, to
trigger detector 290 also to generate a switching signal.
[0063] In a further configuration, and generally referring to FIGS.
17-25, the switch can be formed of a ground electrode 325 and a
spaced sensor electrode 322, wherein the sensor electrode is
embedded in the body 20, and the weatherseal 10 includes a zone or
area 323, 324 of reduced rigidity between the ground electrode and
the sensor electrode. The zone of reduced rigidity can be formed by
an air gap 323, a strip of a sponge rubber 324 extending along the
longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal 10.
[0064] It is contemplated the ground electrode 325 can be
separately constructed from the weatherseal 10. That is, a portion
of the vehicle can be employed as the ground electrode 325. The
sensor electrode 322 can be embedded in the carrier portion 30, the
sealing portion 40 or the trim portion 50. In addition, the sensor
electrode 322 can be configured as a loop.
[0065] The ground electrode 325, the sensing electrode 322 and the
zone of reduced rigidity 323, 324 create a sensing region 334
which, upon sensing a dielectric material within the region, can
initiate a signal to selectively illuminate the light line 80. The
sensing region 334 can be varied or shaped by arranging and/or
changing the number of ground electrodes or sensor electrodes. The
sensing region 334 can additionally be varied or shaped by applying
different potentials to the ground electrode and or the sensing
electrode.
[0066] Thus, the capacitive switch detects a dielectric material
entering the sensing region 334, without requiring physical
contact, by a change in capacitance between the sensor electrode
322 and the ground electrode 325. Upon the presence of the
dielectric objet, the capacity will rise, which can be used to
selectively illuminate or dim the light line 80.
[0067] Thus, the illuminating weatherseal 10 can be activated
through a switch integrated with the weatherseal. The switch can be
activated by a flexing of the weatherseal, or location of a
dielectric material adjacent the weatherseal.
[0068] Manufacture
[0069] The particular method for constructing the illuminating
weatherseal 10 is at least partially determined by the construction
of the light line 80 and intended interconnection between the light
line and the seating channel 60.
[0070] The weatherseal 10 can be formed in an extrusion process to
include the seating channel 60, wherein the light line 80 is
disposed within the seating channel in a downstream operation. It
is contemplated that for an elastomeric body 20 formed of a
thermosetting material, a curing step can be performed prior to,
during, or subsequent to insertion of the light line 80 into the
seating channel 60.
[0071] Alternatively, the elastomeric body 20 and corresponding
seating channel 60 can be formed, wherein an adhesive is
subsequently disposed in the seating channel and the light line is
then disposed in the seating channel to contact the adhesive.
[0072] Alternatively, the seating channel 60 can be machined into
the body 20 in a subsequent process, and the light line 80 then
located in the seating channel.
[0073] With respect to the switch mechanism, the components of the
switch can be formed with the body 20, as for example during
extrusion.
[0074] While the invention has been described in connection with a
presently preferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art
will recognize that many modifications and changes made be made
therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the
invention, which accordingly is intended to be defined solely by
the appended claims.
* * * * *