Trapping protector for a power-operated closing device

• US 7,117,635 B2
• Filed: 08/09/2002
• Issued: 10/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/26/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cooper Standard GmbH (Cooper-Standard Holdings Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Metzeler Automotive Profile
• Inventors: Hofmann, Knut, Thal, Andreas, Hertel, Johann
• Primary Examiner(s): REDMAN, JERRY E
• Application Number:
  US10/216,499
• Publication Number:
  US 20030042766A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,523 Days
• Field of Search: 49/26, 49/27, 49/28, 296/223, 200/61.43
• US Class Current: 49/28
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/00 Sealing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/82 for movable panels in roofs
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/443 specially adapted for vehicle windows or roofs
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 Windows

Abstract

The invention relates to a trapping protector (1) including a hollow profile (12) for a power-operated closing device, more particularly for a motor vehicle sunroof. The hollow profile (12) is provided at at least one of its ends (14) with an appendage (21) of less thickness than the hollow profile (12). Due to the ends (14); 15) of the hollow profile (12) overlapping a trapping protector on all sides is achieved.

Claims

1. A trapping protector for a power-operated closing device comprising an elongated elastomer hollow profile extending in a longitudinal direction having at least two electrically conductive portions spaced away from each other whose contact triggers a switching action wherein said hollow profile has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end wherein the second end overlaps the first end and wherein at least said first end has a longitudinally extending appendage of less cross-sectional thickness than said hollow profile in which said longitudinal appendage rests on said hollow profile spaced away from said second end.

2. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 1 in which said longitudinally extending appendage is tapered.

3. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 1 in which an upper side of said longitudinally extending appendage is flush with an upper side of said hollow profile.

4. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 3 in said first longitudinal end of said hollow profile comprises a thickened portion.

5. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 4, in which said thickened portion comprises a contact surface area adapted to contact said upper side of said hollow profile.

6. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 1 in which said longitudinally extending appendage is connected to the hollow profile by a region of increased flexibility.

7. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 1 in which said longitudinally extending appendage is attached to one end of said hollow profile.

8. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 1 in which said longitudinally extending appendage has an end facing away from said hollow profile which end comprises a thickened portion.

9. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 1 in which said longitudinally extending appendage has a substantially curved cross-section.

10. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 1, in which a thickened portion of said first end of said hollow profile rests on a contact surface area on said hollow profile spaced away from said second end.

11. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 1 in which said longitudinal appendage has a thickened portion which rests on said hollow profile.

12. The trapping protector as set forth in claim 1 in which a gap is formed between said longitudinal appendage and said hollow profile in a middle portion of said appendage.