U.S. patent application number 10/884038 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-05 for multi-functional lock strip for a weatherseal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Schlegel Corporation. Invention is credited to Kevin R. Willett, David T. Zwolinski.
Application Number | 20060000181 10/884038 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35033423 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060000181 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zwolinski; David T. ; et
al. |
January 5, 2006 |
Multi-functional lock strip for a weatherseal
Abstract
A vehicular weatherseal includes a weatherseal body having a
flange engaging channel, a panel contacting member and a lock strip
for securing the channel relative to a flange of the vehicle. The
lock strip performs at least one of a sealing function with a panel
of the vehicle or a trim function and includes a gap closing lip
extending generally laterally from the flange engaging channel. The
panel contacting member extends from one of the projecting legs for
contacting the vehicle panel at a location transverse to the flange
engaging channel.
Inventors: |
Zwolinski; David T.;
(Maryville, TN) ; Willett; Kevin R.; (Maryville,
TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stephen B. Salai, Esq.;Harter, Secrest & Emery LLP
1600 Bausch & Lomb Place
Rochester
NY
14604-2711
US
|
Assignee: |
Schlegel Corporation
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
35033423 |
Appl. No.: |
10/884038 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/716.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 10/365 20160201;
B60J 10/70 20160201; B60J 10/86 20160201; B60J 10/265 20160201;
B60J 10/248 20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/716.5 |
International
Class: |
E04C 2/38 20060101
E04C002/38 |
Claims
1. A vehicular weatherseal for a vehicle having a flange and a
spaced panel, the vehicular weatherseal comprising: (a) a
weatherseal body including (i) a flange engaging channel having a
first closed end and a pair of projecting legs sized to receive a
portion of the flange, an outer surface of the first closed end
including a spreader jaw and (ii) a panel contacting member
extending from one of the projecting legs for contacting the spaced
panel at a location transverse to the projecting leg; and (b) a
lock strip forming an exposed surface of the flange engaging
channel, the lock strip having (i) a locking tab for cooperatively
engaging the spreader jaw to secure the flange engaging channel to
the flange and (ii) a gap closing lip extending a distance
transverse to one of the projecting legs.
2. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the panel
contacting member is a trim member.
3. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the panel
contacting member is a sealing member.
4. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the panel
contacting member includes a glass receiving channel having a
second closed end extending from one of the projecting legs and a
second leg projecting from the second closed end.
5. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 4, wherein the gap closing
lip includes a panel contacting surface within the glass receiving
channel.
6. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the gap closing
lip includes a panel contacting surface.
7. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the lock strip is
hingedly connected to one of the flange engaging channel and the
panel contacting member.
8. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the panel
contacting member is a bulb.
9. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the panel
contacting member has a cellular structure.
10. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the lock strip is
integrally and hingedly connected to the weatherseal body.
11. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the gap closing
lip overlies a portion of the panel contacting member.
12. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the gap closing
lip forms a sealing surface for contacting the panel.
13. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the gap closing
lip is a different material than the locking tab.
14. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the gap closing
lip is a trim portion forming an exposed surface of the vehicular
weatherseal.
15. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the gap closing
lip overlies a portion of the panel contacting member.
16. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, further comprising a
reinforcing member in one of the projecting legs.
17. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, further comprising a
second panel contacting member extending from the flange engaging
channel.
18. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the panel
contacting member is a static seal.
19. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the panel
contacting member is a dynamic seal.
20. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, further comprising a
gripping fin extending from one of the projecting legs for
contacting the flange.
21. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, further comprising a
reinforcing member within the locking tab.
22. The vehicular weatherseal of claim 1, wherein the weatherseal
body and the lock strip are recyclable.
23. A method of forming a vehicular weatherseal, comprising: (a)
forming a weatherseal body including (i) a flange engaging channel
having a first closed end and a pair of projecting legs sized to
receive a portion of the flange, an outer surface of the first
closed end including a spreader jaw and (ii) a panel contacting
member extending from one of the projecting legs for contacting the
spaced panel at a location transverse to the projecting leg; and
(b) forming a lock strip sized to provide an exposed surface of the
flange engaging channel, the lock strip having (i) a locking tab
for cooperatively engaging the spreader jaw to secure the flange
engaging channel to the flange and (ii) a gap closing lip extending
a distance transverse to one of the projecting legs.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the panel
contacting member as a trim member.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the panel
contacting member as a sealing member.
26. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the panel
contacting member to include a glass receiving channel having a
second closed end extending from one of the projecting legs and a
second leg projecting from the second closed end.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising forming the gap
closing lip to include a panel contacting surface within the glass
receiving channel.
28. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the gap
closing lip to include a panel contacting surface.
29. The method of claim 23, further comprising hingedly connecting
the lock strip and the weatherseal body.
30. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the panel
contacting member as a bulb.
31. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the panel
contacting member to include a cellular structure.
32. The method of claim 23, further comprising integrally and
hingedly connecting the lock strip to the weatherseal body.
33. The method of claim 23, further comprising sizing the gap
closing lip to overlie a portion of the panel contacting
member.
34. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the gap
closing lip to provide a sealing surface for contacting the
panel.
35. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the gap
closing lip of a different material than the locking tab.
36. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the gap
closing lip as a trim portion defining an exposed surface of the
vehicular weatherseal.
37. The method of claim 23, further comprising sizing the gap
closing lip to overlie a portion of the panel contacting
member.
38. The method of claim 23, further comprising disposing a
reinforcing member in one of the projecting legs.
39. The method of claim 23, further comprising extruding the
weatherseal body and the lock strip.
40. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the panel
contacting member as a static seal.
41. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the panel
contacting member as a dynamic seal.
42. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming a gripping
fin extending from one of the projecting legs for contacting the
flange.
43. The method of claim 23, further comprising disposing a
reinforcing member within the locking tab.
44. The method of claim 23, further comprising forming the
weatherseal body and the lock strip of recyclable material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING"
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to vehicular weatherseals and,
more particularly, to a vehicular weatherseal including a lock
strip for securing a U-shaped flange engaging channel to a vehicle
flange and, more particularly, to a lock strip that forms one of a
sealing surface or a trim surface.
[0006] 2. Description of Realted Art
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,637,880 discloses a self-sealing window
strip, wherein a mounting strip receives a peripheral edge of two
adjacent windows and a locking strip is disposed along a lateral
edge of the window strip, between the peripheral edges of the
windows, to engage the window strip with the windows.
[0008] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,492,566 discloses a connector
strip for engaging peripheral edges of a pair of windows, wherein
the connector strip includes a wedge for engaging a lateral portion
of the connector strip.
[0009] However, these devices are constructed to accommodate glass
panes of a known thickness, wherein variation between individual
panes is insignificant. The locking strip has also been used in
connection with a protection strip for mounting on a flange. These
prior devices can accommodate only a predetermined flange thickness
and cannot accommodate varying thickness of the flange along a
length of the seal. In addition, the prior devices do not provide
for a locking strip that cooperates with sealing or trimming
functions of the weatherseal.
[0010] The need exists for a weatherseal that can employ a variable
capacity flange engaging channel to operably engage a variety of
flange thicknesses. The need also exists for such a weatherseal
that can be readily installed. A further need exists for a lock
strip actuated weatherseal, wherein the lock strip cooperates with
an existing seal or trim portion. A need also exists for a locking
strip that can provide a sealing or a trimming function of a
vehicular weatherseal.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a weatherseal that can
operably engage a variety of flange thicknesses without requiring
additional components or installation procedures.
[0012] The weatherseal provides a variable "width" flange engaging
channel actuated by a lock strip, wherein the lock strip can also
function as a sealing surface, such as in a glass run channel or as
a trim portion cooperating with the weatherseal or an adjacent
portion of the vehicle.
[0013] The present invention provides a weatherseal body including
(i) a flange engaging channel having a first closed end and a pair
of projecting legs sized to receive a portion of the flange, an
outer surface of the first closed end including a spreader jaw and
(ii) a panel contacting member extending a traverse distance from
one of the projecting legs for contacting the spaced panel ; and a
lock strip forming an exposed surface of the flange engaging
channel, the lock strip having (i) a locking tab for cooperatively
engaging the spreader jaw to secure the flange engaging channel to
the flange and (ii) a gap closing lip extending a distance
transverse to one of the projecting legs.
[0014] In one configuration, the weatherseal is a glass run
assembly having a U-shape flange engaging channel and the panel
contacting member is an inverted U-shape window receiving channel.
A closed end of the flange engaging channel includes a spreader
jaw, and the lock strip is hingedly connected to the weatherseal to
be moveable between an uninstalled position and a flange
engaging-installed position. The lock strip includes a locking tab
sized to be received in the spreader jaw to clamp the flange
engaging channel to the vehicle flange. The lock strip also
includes a sealing lip as the gap closing lip, wherein the sealing
lip projects to be at least partially located within the window
receiving channel.
[0015] In an alternate configuration, the weatherseal includes the
U-shape flange engaging channel and the panel contacting member,
such as a sealing member, projecting from an outside surface of the
flange engaging channel. The lock strip is sized to locate the
locking tab within the spreader jaw and the gap closing lip
terminating at a position spaced from the flange engaging channel.
The gap closing lip can also overlie a portion of the sealing
member. It is further contemplated the lock strip can be hingedly
connected to a portion of the sealing member and the gap closing
lip be a trim lip projecting from the flange engaging channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle, showing an
operable location of the weatherseal.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the glass run configuration
of the present invention in an uninstalled configuration.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the glass run of FIG. 2 in
an installed configuration.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
configuration of the lock strip and weatherseal.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the further
configuration of the lock strip and weatherseal.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another configuration of
the lock strip and weatherseal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a 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 on the vehicle for releasably
and repeatedly engaging a panel 14. For purposes of description,
the weatherseal 10 will be described in conjunction with the motor
vehicle 12. However, it is understood the weatherseal 10 is not
limited to this particular application and can be employed as a
trim piece or along any interface that requires a resistance to
environmental migration.
[0023] The term weatherseal 10 includes, but is not limited to,
extrusions, moldings, trim, trim pieces, edge pieces, weatherseals
and seals. In the motor vehicle industry, the weatherseal 10 is
suitable for use in many areas including, but not limited to, door
seals, roof rails, deck lids, trunk lids, back window seals, belt
line seals, fixed window seals, windshields, front hood seals,
hood-to-cowl seals, sun roof seals and moveable window seals. In
particular, the present weatherseal 10 finds particular application
in a glass run assembly, for engaging, guiding and sealing with a
panel 14, or as a vehicle body seal which provides an interior trim
function.
[0024] The panel 14 can be any of a variety of materials and does
not limit the present invention. For example, the panel 14 can 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. The
engagement of the panel 14 and the weatherseal 10 can result from
motion of the panel relative to the weatherseal. Alternatively, the
weatherseal 10 can be moved relative to the panel 14. It is also
contemplated the weatherseal 10 can be located about a fixed panel
14 such as a front or rear window. It is also understood the panel
14 can be a trim piece of the vehicle, such as an interior trim
piece.
[0025] Although not limiting the scope of the invention, it is
anticipated the weatherseal 10 can be cooperatively employed with a
vehicle 12, such as a vehicle having a front door and a rear door,
wherein a flange 16 (shown in FIG. 4) is adjacent to at least a
portion of the intended location of the weatherseal. The flange 16
is a distinct component from the panel 14. That is, the flange 16
and the panel 14 are typically separate components of the vehicle
12.
[0026] The weatherseal 10 includes a weatherseal body 20 and a lock
strip 80. The weatherseal body 20 includes a flange engaging
channel 40 and a panel contacting member 25. The panel contacting
member 25 can be a sealing member or a trim member. That is, the
panel contacting member 25 can form a sealed interface with the
panel 14 or "trim out" a portion of vehicle to provide a finished
exposed surface, which does not form a sealed interface. Typically,
the panel contacting member 25 is a sealing member such as a bulb
or a window receiving channel, and is transversely spaced from the
flange engaging channel 40 along a length of the flange engaging
channel. It is understood the panel contacting member 25 can be a
static seal or a dynamic seal. The weatherseal body 20 can include
one, two or more panel contacting members 25. Thus, each leg of the
flange engaging channel 40 can include at least one panel
contacting member 25, wherein the panel contacting members are
sealing members, trim members or a combination thereof.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, a glass run configuration of the
weatherseal 10 is shown. In this configuration, the weatherseal
body 20 includes the flange engaging channel 40 and the panel
contacting member 25, wherein the panel contacting member is an
inverted window receiving channel 60 (often referred to as a glass
run channel) and cooperates with the lock strip 80. The overall
cross-sectional profile of the weatherseal body 20 thus generally
defines a curvilinear or segmented S.
[0028] The flange engaging channel 40, in cross section, is defined
by an interior leg 42, a flange channel closed end 44 and a
transition leg 46 projecting from the closed end 44. The window
receiving channel 60, forming the panel engaging member 25, has a
cross section defined by the transition leg 46, a window channel
closed end 64 and an exterior leg 62 projecting from the window
channel closed end. The window channel closed end 64 provides a
connection of the transition leg 46 to the exterior leg 62.
Depending upon the length of the transition leg 46, the transition
leg can form a common leg of the flange engaging channel 40 and the
window receiving channel 60 or can define a separate channel
forming length corresponding to the respective interior leg 42 or
exterior leg 62. The interior leg 42 includes a free end 41, and
the exterior leg 62 includes a free end 61.
[0029] The flange channel closed end 44 connects the interior leg
42 to the transition leg 46 and has a generally curvilinear cross
section. However, it is understood the flange channel closed end 44
can be curvilinear or faceted. An outside surface of the flange
channel closed end 44 includes a spreader jaw 50 sized to
cooperatively engage a locking tab 82 of the lock strip 80.
Generally, the spreader jaw 50 terminates at a hinge 52. In one
configuration, the spreader jaw 50 extends through a substantial
thickness of the closed end 44 of the flange engaging channel 40,
such that the hinge 52 is defined by the remaining thickness of the
flange channel closed end 44. The spreader jaw 50 defines a pair of
spaced legs moveable between a loaded position retaining the
locking tab 82 so as to secure, or clamp the flange engaging
channel 40 with the flange 16 and an unloaded position free of the
locking tab so as to allow the flange to be inserted within the
flange engaging channel. The spreader jaw 50 can be any of a number
of cross-sectional profiles including, but not limited to,
generally circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, curvilinear or
faceted.
[0030] The flange engaging channel 40 can include one or more
gripping fins 48 on an inside surface of the channel for firmly
securing the weatherseal 10 to the vehicle 12, such as the flange
16. The gripping fins 48 can be formed by the variety of materials
known in the art, such as thermosets or thermoplastics, including a
sponge or foamed material of reduced density. The number, sizing
and spacing of the gripping fins 48 can be selected in view of the
anticipated flange thickness and variations to be accommodated.
Further, the gripping fins 48 can be of the same, a harder or a
softer material than the remainder of the flange engaging channel
40. It is also contemplated, the gripping fins 48 can include two
or more portions of differing durometer materials. The gripping
fins 48 are optional and can be eliminated, as the engagement of
the lock strip 80 and the flange engaging channel 40 can be
selected to operably retain the flange engaging channel on the
flange 16 without requiring the gripping fins.
[0031] In the glass run configuration, the exterior leg 62 of the
panel contacting member 25, can include a sealing lip or fin 68
that projects into the window receiving channel 60 to contact the
panel 14 as the panel is located within the window receiving
channel. The sealing lip 68 can be any of a variety of polymeric
materials including thermoplastics and thermosets. However, to
enhance recyclability of the weatherseal 10, it has been found
beneficial to employ a thermoplastic, such as a thermoplastic
vulcanizate (TPV). The sealing lip 68, gripping fins 48 and surface
layer (if employed) can be formed from a softer, more resilient
TPE, for example Santoprene.RTM., having a hardness in the range of
40 to 90 and preferably approximately 70 according to the Shore A
scale.
[0032] The weatherseal 10 and preferably the flange engaging
channel 40 are formed without structural metal. That is, at least
the flange engaging channel 40 does not require a metal carrier or
metal reinforcement for providing sufficient rigidity to perform
the required functions.
[0033] It is understood the weatherseal body 20 can include metal
in the form of a filler, trace amounts or colorants, and
particularly those amounts that do not inhibit subsequent recycling
of the polymer material. Such metal is in contrast to the
structural metal sufficient to reinforce the flange engaging
channel 40 or the window receiving channel 60 or provide structural
rigidity or integrity of the channels 40 and 60.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the flange engaging channel 40 can
also include a reinforcing member 45 such as a ribbon, thread,
cord, cable, stamped metal, wire carrier or foil, which enhances
rigidity or stability in at least a single dimension. As seen in
FIG. 4, the reinforcing member 45 is a substantially inextendable
cord that can provide stability along a longitudinal dimension of
the weatherseal 10, while allowing the material of the weatherseal
body 20 to define the rigidity in the transverse dimensions. As
seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the reinforcing member 45 is shown as a
generally flat ribbon or tape which resists elongation along the
longitudinal axis of the weatherseal body 20 as well as resisting
bending in a single transverse direction. Such reinforcing member
45 can be located in both legs 42 and 46 as seen in FIG. 5, or in a
single leg as seen in FIG. 6. The reinforcing member can be any of
a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers,
metals or fiberglass. The reinforcing member 45 can thereby reduce
elongation along a longitudinal dimension, without increasing
stability, or rigidity of the weatherseal 10 in one or two
transverse dimensions.
[0035] The lock strip 80 is moveable relative to the flange
engaging channel 40 between an open, uninstalled position and a
locked (installed) position. Thus, the weatherseal 10 is moveable
between an open, uninstalled position and an installed (flange
engaging) position.
[0036] As seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, preferably, the lock strip 80
is integrally and hingedly connected to the flange engaging channel
40 at a hinge 88 to be moveable between the unlocked position and
the locked (or engaged) position. However, it is understood the
lock strip 80 can be separately formed from the weatherseal body 20
and subsequently bonded or engaged with the weatherseal body to
form the hinge 88 and be moveable between the uninstalled, open
position and the closed (installed) position. The hinge 88
connecting the lock strip 80 to the flange engaging channel 40 can
be located along the interior leg 42, the flange channel closed end
44 or the transition between the interior leg and the closed end.
Further, the hinge 88 is preferably constructed to provide a
substantially continuous surface across the hinge. Preferably, the
hinge 88 does not form a readily perceptible sight line when the
lock strip 80 is in the closed position.
[0037] The lock strip 80 includes the projecting locking tab 82 and
a gap closing lip 90. The gap closing lip 90 can extend from the
weatherseal body 20 to provide a sealing surface or a trim surface.
For example, in the configuration of FIGS. 2 and 3, the gap closing
lip 90 is configured as sealing lip 84. The locking tab 82 is sized
to be received and retained in the spreader jaw 50. Preferably, the
locking tab 82 corresponds to the shape of the spreader jaw 50 to
be operably engaged with the spreader jaw. The locking tab 82 can
also include the reinforcing member 45, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6.
By locating the reinforcing member 45 within the locking tab 82,
the locking tab can be the same material as the remainder of the
lock strip 80 (a relatively soft material) yet exert sufficient
force within the spreader jaw 50 to clamp the flange engaging
channel 40 to the flange 16. The reinforcing member 45 in the
locking tab 82 increases the strength and rigidity of the locking
tab without requiring an individualized material for the locking
tab.
[0038] The sealing lip 84 configuration of the gap closing lip 90
terminates at a free end 85, the free end being sized to be at
least partially disposed within the window receiving channel 60,
shown in FIG. 3. The sealing lip 84 forms a contact surface 86 for
contacting the window panel 14 in the window receiving channel 60.
The contact surface 86 can include a slip or friction reducing
coating, such as PTFE, co-extruded HDPE or modified HDPE, PTFE, as
well as flock, and spray-on coatings such as urethane. Thus, the
sealing lip 84 can releasably and repeatedly contact the moving
panel 14 in the window receiving channel 60. The sealing lip 68 can
also include such slip or friction reducing coating for contacting
the panel 14 as the panel is received with the window receiving
channel 60.
[0039] The sealing lip 84 can have a varying cross-sectional
thickness, depending upon the material of the lock strip 80 and the
intended operating parameters. The location of the free end 85 and
the sealing lip 84 within the window receiving channel 60 is at
least partially determined by the intended operating configuration
of the weatherseal 10. The lock strip 80 is configured to locate
the locking tab 82 intermediate the hinge 88 and the free end
85.
[0040] The spreader jaw 50 and the locking tab 82 are sized to move
the legs 42 and 46 from a spread (splayed) position (FIG. 2) to a
locking (clamping) position (FIG. 3) upon engagement of the locking
tab with the spreader jaw. The amount of displacement between the
open position and the closed position of the legs 42 and 46 can be
controlled by the sizing of the spreader jaw 50 and locking tab 82.
The configuration of the gripping fins 48 can also be controlled to
assist in accommodating various flange thicknesses.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, in an alternative configuration, the
weatherseal body 20 includes the flange engaging channel 40 formed
by the interior leg 42, the flange channel closed end 44 and the
transition leg 46. The panel contacting member 25 is a sealing
member 70, such as a sealing bulb. In this configuration, the panel
contacting member 25, is integrally connected to an outer surface
of one of the legs of the flange engaging channel 40. The sealing
member 70 is formed to be resiliently deformable for repeatedly and
releasably engaging a relatively moveable panel in a compression or
sliding motion. The sealing member 70 can be formed of a sponge or
cellular structure, having open or closed cells.
[0042] In this configuration, the lock strip 80 is sized to overlie
a portion of the sealing member 70 (panel contacting member 25) and
the closed end 44 of the flange engaging channel 40 and the gap
closing lip 90 projects from the transition leg 46, such that the
free end 85 of the gap closing lip and hence lock strip is spaced
from the transition leg. Thus, the lock strip 80 includes the gap
closing lip 90 functioning as a trim portion, or flap, extending
from the flange engaging channel 40 and generally located between
ends of the legs of the flange engaging channel. In the
construction shown in FIG. 4, the lock strip 80 is hingedly
connected to a portion of the sealing member 70 (panel contacting
member 25) to be moveable between the open position and the
installed position.
[0043] The cooperation of the lock strip 80 and the spreader jaw 50
is as set forth in the prior embodiment.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 5, it is also contemplated the lock strip
80 can be a separate component from the flange engaging channel 40.
Thus, entirely independent processing parameters can be employed
for formation of the flange engaging channel 40 and the lock strip
80. The separate processing readily allows for independent coloring
of the components. Therefore, the lock strip 80 can exhibit a
different color than the flange engaging channel 40.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, it is also contemplated the weatherseal
body 20 can include a second panel contacting member 25' in the
form of a trim lip 30 integrally connected to and extending from
the flange engaging channel 40. In this configuration, the lock
strip 80 is sized to overlie a portion of both panel contacting
members 25, 25', the sealing member 70 and the trim lip 30, as well
as the closed end of the flange engaging channel 40. The lock strip
80 can be connected to the channel 40 by a hinge or connected only
by engagement of the locking tab 82. The lock strip 80 can include
a first and a second gap closing lip 90, 90' wherein the lips can
be trim lips, sealing lips or one sealing lip and one trim lip.
[0046] The lock strip 80 can be hingedly connected to the sealing
member 70 (the panel contacting member 25). The hinged connection
can be formed as an integral connection, wherein the lock strip 80
is formed at least substantially concurrently with the flange
engaging channel 40. Alternatively, the lock strip 80 can be
hingedly connected to the flange engaging channel 40 after
formation of both the lock strip and the flange engaging
channel.
[0047] The weatherseal body 20 is formed of a polymeric material,
and preferably a polymeric material having sufficient rigidity to
perform the intended functions. A material that has been found
suitable is a structural grade polypropylene. It is understood that
comparably rigid thermoset materials can be employed. However, use
of thermoset materials requires additional processing steps for
recycling of the thermoset materials. In contrast, thermoplastic
materials can be readily remelted and reconfigured into subsequent
products.
[0048] The weatherseal body 20 can be formed from a number of
different plastic materials, for example, thermoplastics and
thermoplastic elastomers TPEs. Depending on the hardness, TPEs are
sometimes categorized as thermoplastics and sometimes as
elastomers. For purposes of this invention, no such distinction
will be made, and hard and soft grades of plastic will all be
referred to as TPEs. Preferably, the entire weatherseal body 20 and
the lock strip 80 are formed of recyclable materials, thereby
permitting the assembly to readily recycled, without requiring
separation of components.
[0049] TPEs are commercially available in several different brands
and types. Each type can be obtained in different grades having
different properties such as hardness, tensile strength,
compression, elongation, thermal stability and colorability.
Selection of the appropriate TPE for a particular application
depends on a suitable combination for such properties. Types of
TPEs that are particularly useful are styrenic block co-polymers,
rubber polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic alloys,
thermoplastic elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic isomers,
thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides and blends
thereof.
[0050] Styrenic block copolymers are commercially available in many
types and grades within types. For example, Kraton.RTM. from Shell
Chemical Co. is based on block copolymers of styrene with a diene
or an olefin pair, ethylene-butylene. The diene can be isoprene or
butadiene.
[0051] The rubber-polyolefin blends or thermoplastic polyolefins
(TPOs) are blends of various polyolefins with ethylene-propylene
rubber (EPR) or ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM). Suitable
polyolefins include polypropylene and various types of
polyethylene. Copolymers of propylene and ethylene and blends of
TPOs can also be used. TPOs are also useful as modifiers of other
TPEs.
[0052] Alloying is an interactive combination of two or more
materials to give a material having better properties than those of
the corresponding blend. Thermoplastic alloys are available with
properties enabling them to be painted. Thermoplastic elastomeric
alloys and elastomeric alloys (EAs) are composed of synergistic
mixtures of two or more polymers that have been treated to give
them properties different from simple blends of the major
constituents. The two types of elastomeric alloys are melt
processable rubbers (MPRs) and thermoplastic vulcanizates
(TPVs).
[0053] EA-MPRs are a category of TPEs made of a highly plasticized,
single phase combination of a chlorinated polyolefin, an
ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and an acrylic ester mixture in
which the rubber phase is highly crosslinked, for example,
Alcryn.RTM. from E. I. du Pont Nemours, Inc. EA-TPEs are made of a
rubber/plastic polymer mixture in which the rubber phase is fully
crosslinked.
[0054] The plastic phase of a TPV is commonly a polyolefin
especially polypropylene, and the rubber phase is often an
ethylene-propylene elastomer. A particularly useful TPV, suitable
for windows seals, is formed from polypropylene and EPDM rubber and
is commercially available in several grades as Santoprene.RTM. from
Monsanto Chemical Co.
[0055] Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are formed by
copolymerization of diisocyanates with long-chain diols and
short-chain diols. TPUs are available commercially in a number of
types and grades, for example, Texin.RTM. from Mobay Corporation,
Estane.RTM. from B. F. Goodrich Co., Pellethane.RTM. from Dow
Chemical Corp. and Q-Thane.RTM. from K. J. Quinn and Co., Inc.
[0056] Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based TPEs are also suitable for
window seals and are available in different grades and blends with
other TPEs and rubbers. P-Valloy is one such material available
from GBIE (Gerry Bareich Import Export Inc.) of Canada.
[0057] Thermoplastic ionomers are polymers containing interchain
ionic bonding which affords tough, durable, transparent
thermoplastics, for example, Surlyn.RTM. from E. I. du Pont de
Nemours, Inc.
[0058] The weatherseal body 20 can be formed of a substantially
rigid TPE. A rigid TPE, for example a polypropylene, preferably has
a hardness in the range of 40 to 85 (preferably 70) Shore D.
[0059] The weatherseal body 20 can be encompassed, partially
covered or encapsulated by an additional polymeric material forming
a surface layer. The surface layer can be formed of a variety of
materials such as a TPE having a lower hardness than the backbone.
However, in view of the benefits of reduced weight, encapsulation
by the surface layer is optional.
[0060] The hard and soft TPEs of the weatherseal body 20 are
readily processed and fabricated, for example, by extrusion or
molding and are particularly amenable to coextrusion and molding of
one or more TPEs of different durometer values. The TPEs are
readily colored to match the vehicle either by incorporating
pigment or by painting. Directly paintable TPE's have a high
surface energy material blended into the base polymer to accept
water based paints without any pretreatment. Various hardnesses of
this material are available from Ferro Corporation.
[0061] The TPEs can be made with a high gloss finish, for example,
a Class A finish or a gloss of at least 60 numerical value when
measured at a 60.degree. angle with a gloss meter, which is
substantially higher than can be obtained with an EPDM rubber seal.
It is desirable that the TPE meets the exterior weathering cycle
per SAE J1960 with minimum change in color or gloss.
[0062] In installation of the weatherseal 10, the lock strip 80 is
initially in the open, uninstalled position, such that the interior
leg 42 and the transition leg 46 are slightly splayed and the
spreader jaw 50 is unloaded. The splayed flange engaging channel 40
is disposed over the flange 16 of the vehicle 12. The lock strip 80
is moved to the installed position so as to dispose the locking tab
82 in the spreader jaw 50. As the locking tab 82 is disposed into
the spreader jaw 50, the interior leg 42 is urged towards the
transition leg 46 and the gripping fins 48 in the flange engaging
channel 40 compress on the flange 16. A varying thickness of the
flange 16 is at least partially accommodated by the sizing of the
gripping fins 48.
[0063] As the lock strip 80 is disposed in the installed position,
the gap closing lip 90 (the sealing lip 84 in this configuration)
of the lock strip is located within the window receiving channel 60
(the panel contacting member 25). Preferably, the sealing lip 84 of
the lock strip 80 is between the exterior leg 62 and the transition
leg 46.
[0064] In a preferred construction, the splay of the flange
engaging channel 40 is independent of the size of the window
receiving channel 60. That is, the relative spacing of the exterior
leg 62 and the transition leg 46 is independent of the position of
the lock strip 80. The lock strip 80 thus controls the splay
spacing of the interior leg 42 relative to the "fixed" relationship
of the transition leg 46 to the window receiving channel closed end
64 and to the exterior leg 62.
Manufacture
[0065] The weatherseal 10 is formed by extruding lengths of the
weatherseal body 20 and the lock strip 80. For example, in the
glass run assembly configuration, the channels 40 and 60, and the
sealing lips 68 (if employed) are simultaneously extruded,
coextruded or extruded with the weatherseal body 20 to intimately
bond to the weatherseal body and preclude non-destructive
separation. While it is preferable that the materials are selected
such that sufficient bonding is obtained by the heat during
formation, it is understood that adhesives can be used to
supplement or augment the construction.
[0066] While the invention has been described in conjunction with
specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the
present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *