Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Storm-front shield – apron – or robe
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-13
2001-07-10
Dayoan, D. Glenn (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Storm-front shield, apron, or robe
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257644
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a window trim molding, also known as a “reveal molding” or “lace”, for gripping and retaining or being adhered to at least one edge of the outer periphery of a fixed window, such as a windshield, rear window or fixed side windows of an automotive vehicle. The molding also conceals the space between the edge of the window and an adjacent body panel.
PRIOR ART STATEMENT
It is standard procedure to promote the adhering of at least one of the edges of the windows by molding members, utilizing adhesives. Normally this is accomplished by applying a bead of an adhesive material to one or more edges of the upper and lower planar surfaces of the window glass, or to the vertical edge of the glass which extends between the planar surfaces, then applying a liquid primer material to part of the window-gripping portions of the molding. The primer is usually a blend of methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, and methyl methacrylate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for an improved molding in which the adhesion between the molding and the window edge is greatly improved and overcomes certain drawbacks of the above-described system which uses a liquid primer material; for instance:
1. The prior art primer is composed of materials which may be hazardous because of their toxicity and potential fire hazards.
2. The application of this material to the surfaces of the flexible molding creates difficult handling problems, leading to inconsistency in application, whether by brushing, wiping, or similar processes.
3. The primer material is affected by aging and by evaporation of some of the components, thus affecting the viscosity and effectiveness of the material.
4. It is necessary to provide special equipment for controlling the fumes of the primer, and for drying it after the application to the surfaces of the molding.
5. When inspecting the molding for quality control after the primer is applied, it is difficult to detect the primer coating.
6. The shelf life of the primer is very short, usually a maximum of 90 days, so that moldings which have been stored for future application, particularly for after-market use, may lose their effectiveness.
7. Because of the difficulty in handling referred to above, some of the primer material may overflow the gripping surfaces of the molding and stain the outer visible surface, leading to an unsightly appearance or a high scrap rate.
All of the above problems are eliminated by the present invention; rather than applying a liquid primer during extrusion or after fabrication, as in the prior art, an adhesion promoter is co-extruded with the molding and provides superior results. By using a thermoplastic polyurethane as a co-extruded material on the inner window edge-contacting surfaces, the typical problems are eliminated and a better but less expensive product results. The handling of hazardous materials and the short shelf life problems are eliminated. In addition the promoter may be colored to make its presence more easily detected.
Therefore it is a principal object of the invention to provide an automotive window molding which has improved window adhering features.
It is an additional object to provide a molding that is more consistent in its construction.
It is another object to provide a molding having an increased shelf life.
It is a further object to provide such a molding by a simplified process which is safer and less costly.
These and other objects and features will become apparent from the embodiments described and shown herewith.
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Plastics Handbook, 1994, pp. 67-68.*
Rubin, Handbook of Plastic Materials and Technology, 1990, p. 520.
Creative Extruded Products, Inc
Dayoan D. Glenn
Engle Patricia L.
Wolk Reuben
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