Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Storm-front shield – apron – or robe
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-23
2001-12-11
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Storm-front shield, apron, or robe
C296S095100, C296S096140, C296S201000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328368
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a molding for use with a windshield in automobiles and other devices. Specifically, the present invention entails the use of an adhesive (preferably pressure sensitive) on the back or tail portion of the molding wherein the adhesive is covered by a piece of removable tape or film until use, the adhesive then being capable of securing the molding to the vehicle body to so as to avoid seepage into the pinch well and preserve the smooth aerodynamics/appearance of the molding to the vehicle body.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention employs a removable film or tape from an automotive windshield molding to expose an adhesive for adhering to an automotive windshield frame, or more preferably, to the vehicle body itself. The adhesive and releasable film are preferably located on the tail portion of the molding, thereby better facilitating the in situ removal of the removal of the backing. This placement of the adhesive on the tail creates a liquid impervious seal between the molding and the vehicle body, thus avoiding seepage into the pinch well (i.e., the recess point from the vehicle body to the window frame) and the subsequent degradation of the molding and vehicle metalwork.
A variety of automotive windows are installed in situ with peripheral framing which allows the installer to place the windshield in operation. One method of installing windshields in situ is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,132 (Gold) which discloses an automotive window molding comprising a curable adhesive that secures the molding, and in turn, the windshield to the window frame. Other means of securing moldings to automotive window frames can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,711 (Desir Sr.) which discloses a complex composite clamping portion of a molding which eliminates roll over or disengagement of the molding from the glass prior to complete assembly.
The prior art, however, does not teach or suggest the use of an adhesive that does not require curing or further processing. As a result, it is believed that presently available window installation techniques require the use of masking tape or similar protection to keep windshields in their frames until the molding has firmly adhered to the windshield and/or pinch well. Furthermore, the prior art teaches the use of a curable adhesive bonding to the automotive window frame instead of the vehicle body. Thus, the pinch-well (i.e. the recession where the vehicle body meets the frame) becomes a natural collection point for water and other foreign matter. The corrosive effects of such material on moldings and similar materials is well known, and should be avoided.
What is needed is a simple, inexpensive molding configuration with adhesive that provides for the immediate in situ bonding of the molding to both the windshield and the window frame or vehicle body. What is further needed is a molding and adhesive arrangement that does not require any additional curing or process steps prior to assembly, nor retention after assembly until full cure is achieved. Specifically, what is needed is a molding and adhesive assembly that eliminates the need for masking tape or other protection to facilitate the final placement of a windshield in a vehicle frame. Also, what is needed is a simple molding and an adhesive configuration that minimizes the possibility of seepage into the pinch-well of the automotive window frame and retain smooth transition between molding and body.
In accord with these needs, the present invention discloses a J-shaped molding having two arm portions, a body portion, and a tail portion. The tail is adapted to contact and conform to the vehicle body. Specifically, the face or side of the tail that contacts the vehicle body is covered with a contact adhesive. The contacted adhesive may be of any type known to those of skill in the art, but preferably should not require any further processing steps to adhere securely to the vehicle body. Furthermore, the adhesive on the tail is initially covered with a releasable plastic film or tape which is removed after the molding and windshield are in place. Thus, the removal of the plastic tape or covering provides for the immediate bonding in situ of the molding to the automotive window frame. Optionally, the interior of the body of the molding may likewise be fitted with a similar adhesive and releasable tape assembly so as to provide an immediate anchoring of the windshield within the molding.
A further understanding of the present invention will be appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings and claims, which are described as follows:
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FlexiTrim Made With Brite-Flex.
Liu Ken Tu
Randall Bruce A.
Dorcas & Kalam Co.
Niro Scavone Haller & Niro
Pape Joseph D.
Patel Kiran B.
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