Decorative molding and method of manufacture

• US 5,137,323 A
• Filed: 04/12/1991
• Issued: 08/11/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 04/12/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Creative Extruded Products, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Creative Extruded Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Gross, Michael G., Whitmer, Bruce F., Young, Jack D., Troutman, John D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Focarino, Margaret A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOGE, GARY CHAPMAN
• Application Number:
  US07/684,251
• Time in Patent Office: 487 Days
• Field of Search: 296/93, 296/146, 49/480, 49/481, 52/208, 52/397, 52/400
• US Class Current: 296/93
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/16 consisting of two or more plastic materials having different physical or chemical properties B60J10/17 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/265 the surface being primarily decorative
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/34 using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/70 specially adapted for windows or windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/75 for sealing the lower part of the panes

Abstract

A decorative molding for motor vehicles, such as automobiles, for concealing the space between a body panel and an adjacent translucent member such as a window, a windshield, or a lamp cover, and also to minimize leakage of noise, water and dirt. The molding is an elongated polymeric member having a generally cylindrical foam strip which is continuously placed against a portion of the molding and bonded thereto, the strip thus providing a resilient seal for the molding when used between the body panel and the adjacent translucent member.

Claims

1. In a motor vehicle body having a body panel, an adjacent translucent member, and an elongated polymeric multi-surface molding adapted to conceal the space between said body panel and an edge of said translucent member;

the improvement comprising a resilient polymeric strip bonded to the surface of said molding and free of additional adhesive, said strip having a closed cell foamed structure throughout its entire cross-section.

2. The molding of claim 1 wherein said strip is in the form of a continous generally cylindrical member applied along substantially the entire length thereof.

3. The molding of claim 1 wherein said strip is comprised of a closed cell foamed silicone.

4. The molding of claim 1 wherein said strip has a density of between 0.3 and 3.5 pounds per cubic foot.

5. The molding of claim 1 comprising a first portion adapted to be mounted on said body panel and a second portion adapted to contact said translucent member, said strip being bonded to said first and second portions and for applying pressure to said second portion to provide a seal against said translucent member.

6. The molding of claim 5 wherein said second portion extends upwardly and outwardly from said first portion and forms a generally vee-shaped intersection therewith, said strip located within said intersection.

7. The molding of claim 5 wherein said first portion of said molding has a surface which is opposite said translucent member, and a decorative covering mounted on said surface.

8. The molding of claim 1 wherein said strip is adapted to contact said body panel and to form a compressive seal between said molding and said body panel.

9. The molding of claim 8 wherein one segment of said molding has a surface adjacent to said body panel, said strip being bonded to said surface to form said compressive seal.