CA1237455A - Molded end cap for extruded trims - Google Patents
Molded end cap for extruded trimsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1237455A CA1237455A CA000507286A CA507286A CA1237455A CA 1237455 A CA1237455 A CA 1237455A CA 000507286 A CA000507286 A CA 000507286A CA 507286 A CA507286 A CA 507286A CA 1237455 A CA1237455 A CA 1237455A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- extrusion
- end cap
- terminal end
- skirt
- shaped
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 49
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Extrusion Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An injeciton molded end cap for attachment to the terminal end of an extrusion. The end cap includes a projecting skirt which cooperates with a complimentary upper surface of the extrusion for producing a gentle transition and covering a junction therebetween. The abutting ends between end cap and terminal end of the extrusion may be secured to each other by heat sealing, adhesives, and the like.
An injeciton molded end cap for attachment to the terminal end of an extrusion. The end cap includes a projecting skirt which cooperates with a complimentary upper surface of the extrusion for producing a gentle transition and covering a junction therebetween. The abutting ends between end cap and terminal end of the extrusion may be secured to each other by heat sealing, adhesives, and the like.
Description
~2~5~i This invention generally relates to extrusions used for protective and decoratlve trim strips and, more particularly, to molded end caps for finishing the terminal ends of such extrusions.
Protective and decorative trims strips are commonly used for enhancing the external appearance of automotive bodies, furniture and other types of articles, as well as protecting the associated article from accidental scratch producing contact.
Conventionally, such trim strips are typically formed in a continuous fashion by an extrusion process employing a sultable extrudable ~aterial, such as an extrudable plastic. The continuous strip is thence severed into desired lengths to produce the desired individual trim strips.
Molded end caps have been used in the past for covering the ends of decorative trim strips produced from extrusions such as illustrated in United States Patents Nos.
3,451,709, issued on June 24, 1969 and 3,843,~75, issued on October 22, 1974.
When trim strips, such as those used on the exterior of automotive bodies, are extruded from plastic materlals, the cross-sectional tolerance of such plastic material tends to vary in size and the tolerance will change In accordance with ~he size of the extrusion. This change in cross-sectional tolerance of the plastic material produces a problem in that when a molded end cap is affixed to the end of such an extrusion, the variation in tolerance makes ~t appear that the end cap is either too large or too small for the extrusion.
The aforementioned problem is overcome by designing a molded end cap with a pro~ecting flexible skirt. More 30 specifically, the flexible skirt of the end cap is sized to the largest tolerance of the associated extrusion. Thereby, the lZ3'7~5~i flexible skirt, extending from the upper edge of the abutting end of the cap, overlies the top surface of the associated extrusion. In such use, th~ projecting skirt -Is adapted to flex and fit relatively tightly against the end of the associated extrusion and form a gentle transition between the end cap and the extrusion effectively disguising any difference in size between the two members. The skirt also covers the ~oint between the end cap and the extrusion and not only improves ~he appearance, but protects the ~oint from adverse conditions caused by weathering~ water, dlrt, and the like.
An ob~ect of the invention is to produce an in~ection molded end cap for an extrusion that will accommodate the normal dimensional fluctuations in the cross-section of the extrusion, and result in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
According to the present invention, there is provided a decorative trim strip attachable to an underlying surface of a substrate, comprising:
an elongate extrusion having at least one terminal end and including an upper longitudinally extending shaped surface, said upper shaped surface in cross-section having a flat bottom surface;
an end cap for attachment to the terminal end of said extrusion and constructed to accommodate both an undersized and oversized extrusion, said end cap including a body having a terminal end which is sized and shaped to conform to the size and shape of the terminal end of said extrusion, the terminal end of said end cap having a flexible skirt pro~ecting from the upper edge thereof which extends over and contacts the upper shaped surface of said extrusion;
said flexible skirt being bent inwardly to conform to
Protective and decorative trims strips are commonly used for enhancing the external appearance of automotive bodies, furniture and other types of articles, as well as protecting the associated article from accidental scratch producing contact.
Conventionally, such trim strips are typically formed in a continuous fashion by an extrusion process employing a sultable extrudable ~aterial, such as an extrudable plastic. The continuous strip is thence severed into desired lengths to produce the desired individual trim strips.
Molded end caps have been used in the past for covering the ends of decorative trim strips produced from extrusions such as illustrated in United States Patents Nos.
3,451,709, issued on June 24, 1969 and 3,843,~75, issued on October 22, 1974.
When trim strips, such as those used on the exterior of automotive bodies, are extruded from plastic materlals, the cross-sectional tolerance of such plastic material tends to vary in size and the tolerance will change In accordance with ~he size of the extrusion. This change in cross-sectional tolerance of the plastic material produces a problem in that when a molded end cap is affixed to the end of such an extrusion, the variation in tolerance makes ~t appear that the end cap is either too large or too small for the extrusion.
The aforementioned problem is overcome by designing a molded end cap with a pro~ecting flexible skirt. More 30 specifically, the flexible skirt of the end cap is sized to the largest tolerance of the associated extrusion. Thereby, the lZ3'7~5~i flexible skirt, extending from the upper edge of the abutting end of the cap, overlies the top surface of the associated extrusion. In such use, th~ projecting skirt -Is adapted to flex and fit relatively tightly against the end of the associated extrusion and form a gentle transition between the end cap and the extrusion effectively disguising any difference in size between the two members. The skirt also covers the ~oint between the end cap and the extrusion and not only improves ~he appearance, but protects the ~oint from adverse conditions caused by weathering~ water, dlrt, and the like.
An ob~ect of the invention is to produce an in~ection molded end cap for an extrusion that will accommodate the normal dimensional fluctuations in the cross-section of the extrusion, and result in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
According to the present invention, there is provided a decorative trim strip attachable to an underlying surface of a substrate, comprising:
an elongate extrusion having at least one terminal end and including an upper longitudinally extending shaped surface, said upper shaped surface in cross-section having a flat bottom surface;
an end cap for attachment to the terminal end of said extrusion and constructed to accommodate both an undersized and oversized extrusion, said end cap including a body having a terminal end which is sized and shaped to conform to the size and shape of the terminal end of said extrusion, the terminal end of said end cap having a flexible skirt pro~ecting from the upper edge thereof which extends over and contacts the upper shaped surface of said extrusion;
said flexible skirt being bent inwardly to conform to
-2-~L2~ 55 said undersized extrusion and being adapted to be flexibly deflected outwardly to conform to said oversized extruslon;
and means for securing said end cap and said extrusion to an underlying surface of a substra~e wherein the skirt produces a smooth transition between said end cap and said extrusion.
In the accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a trim strip and molded end cap embodying the invention;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged end elevational view of the cap illustrating the end of the cap abutting the terminal end of the extrusion; and Fig~ 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional vlew taken substantially along line 3-3 of Figo 2.
Referring to the drawing, particularly Fig. 1, there is illustrated a portion of a decorative trim strip for the exterior of an automotive body including an elongate extrusion 10 having a terminal end 12, and an associated molded end cap 14 constructed in accordance with the invention. The extrusion 10 includes a suitably shaped upper surface 16 and a flat bottom surface 18. It should he noted that many styling versions can be employed for the upper surface 16 and that the one shown is for illustrative purposes only.
Referring now to Figs~ 2 and 3, the end cap 14 includes a body portion 20 having a top surface 22 which smoothly merges and blends in a flared curve to a point of maximum cross-seGtional area. The body portlon 20 also includes a terminal end 24 which is similarly shaped in si2e and transverse cross-section to be substantially the same as that ~f the terminal end 12 of the extrusion 10. Typically, the ~37a~iis terminal end 24 abuts the termlnal end 12 oE the extrusion 10 when assembled.
As best illustrated in Fig. 3, an integral skirt 26 1s adapted to project from the top edge of the terminal end 2~.
The pro~ecting skirt 26 is similarly shaped in transverse cross-section to the shaped upper surface 16 of the extrusion 10 for effectively overlying and conforming to the surface 16.
Preferably, the skirt 26 is flexible so as to fit relatively tightly against the surface 16 to produce an aesthe~ically gentle transition between the extrusion 10 and the end cap 14, as well as to militate against the admission of any foreign particulate or fluid contaminants into the ~oining surfaces.
Also, it will be appreciated that the flexible skirt 26 is able to accommodate undersized as well as oversized extrusions 10 since, as shown in Fig. 3, the skirt 26 is bent inwardly to define a ~erminal end 27 which is smaller than a terminal end 12 of an extrusion 10 of nominal size. Thus, the skirt 26 wlll conform to and engage an undersized extrusion 10, and be deflected outwardly to conform to an oversized extrusion 10.
As illustrated in the drawings the skirt may be tapered in thickness toward its terminal end 27 to provide additional flexibility and to further disguise the transition between the end cap and the extrusion 10.
If desired, the end cap 14 may be fixedly secured to the terminal end of the extrl~sion 10 by various means (not shown) such as by heat sealing, adhesives, mechanical ~asteners, and the like. In this respec~, excellent results have been obtained by directly in~ection molding the end cap onto the extrusion.
~;~37~
It has been found that satisfactory results have been achleved by forming the extrusion 10 and the end cap 14 from a plastic material such as for example polyvinyl chloride.
-5~
and means for securing said end cap and said extrusion to an underlying surface of a substra~e wherein the skirt produces a smooth transition between said end cap and said extrusion.
In the accompanying drawings:
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a trim strip and molded end cap embodying the invention;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged end elevational view of the cap illustrating the end of the cap abutting the terminal end of the extrusion; and Fig~ 3 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional vlew taken substantially along line 3-3 of Figo 2.
Referring to the drawing, particularly Fig. 1, there is illustrated a portion of a decorative trim strip for the exterior of an automotive body including an elongate extrusion 10 having a terminal end 12, and an associated molded end cap 14 constructed in accordance with the invention. The extrusion 10 includes a suitably shaped upper surface 16 and a flat bottom surface 18. It should he noted that many styling versions can be employed for the upper surface 16 and that the one shown is for illustrative purposes only.
Referring now to Figs~ 2 and 3, the end cap 14 includes a body portion 20 having a top surface 22 which smoothly merges and blends in a flared curve to a point of maximum cross-seGtional area. The body portlon 20 also includes a terminal end 24 which is similarly shaped in si2e and transverse cross-section to be substantially the same as that ~f the terminal end 12 of the extrusion 10. Typically, the ~37a~iis terminal end 24 abuts the termlnal end 12 oE the extrusion 10 when assembled.
As best illustrated in Fig. 3, an integral skirt 26 1s adapted to project from the top edge of the terminal end 2~.
The pro~ecting skirt 26 is similarly shaped in transverse cross-section to the shaped upper surface 16 of the extrusion 10 for effectively overlying and conforming to the surface 16.
Preferably, the skirt 26 is flexible so as to fit relatively tightly against the surface 16 to produce an aesthe~ically gentle transition between the extrusion 10 and the end cap 14, as well as to militate against the admission of any foreign particulate or fluid contaminants into the ~oining surfaces.
Also, it will be appreciated that the flexible skirt 26 is able to accommodate undersized as well as oversized extrusions 10 since, as shown in Fig. 3, the skirt 26 is bent inwardly to define a ~erminal end 27 which is smaller than a terminal end 12 of an extrusion 10 of nominal size. Thus, the skirt 26 wlll conform to and engage an undersized extrusion 10, and be deflected outwardly to conform to an oversized extrusion 10.
As illustrated in the drawings the skirt may be tapered in thickness toward its terminal end 27 to provide additional flexibility and to further disguise the transition between the end cap and the extrusion 10.
If desired, the end cap 14 may be fixedly secured to the terminal end of the extrl~sion 10 by various means (not shown) such as by heat sealing, adhesives, mechanical ~asteners, and the like. In this respec~, excellent results have been obtained by directly in~ection molding the end cap onto the extrusion.
~;~37~
It has been found that satisfactory results have been achleved by forming the extrusion 10 and the end cap 14 from a plastic material such as for example polyvinyl chloride.
-5~
Claims (3)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A decorative trim strip attachable to an underlying surface of a substrate, comprising:
an elongate extrusion having at least one terminal end and including an upper longitudinally extending shaped surface, said upper shaped surface in cross-section having a flat bottom surface;
an end cap for attachment to the terminal end of said extrusion and constructed to accommodate both an undersized and oversized extrusion, said end cap including a body having a terminal end which is sized and shaped to conform to the size and shape of the terminal end of said extrusion, the terminal end of said end cap having a flexible skirt projecting from the upper edge thereof which extends over and contacts the upper shaped surface of said extrusion;
said flexible skirt being bent inwardly to conform to said undersized extrusion and being adapted to be flexibly deflected outwardly to conform to said oversized extrusion; and means for securing said end cap and said extrusion to an underlying surface of a substrate wherein the skirt produces a smooth transition between said end cap and said extrusion.
an elongate extrusion having at least one terminal end and including an upper longitudinally extending shaped surface, said upper shaped surface in cross-section having a flat bottom surface;
an end cap for attachment to the terminal end of said extrusion and constructed to accommodate both an undersized and oversized extrusion, said end cap including a body having a terminal end which is sized and shaped to conform to the size and shape of the terminal end of said extrusion, the terminal end of said end cap having a flexible skirt projecting from the upper edge thereof which extends over and contacts the upper shaped surface of said extrusion;
said flexible skirt being bent inwardly to conform to said undersized extrusion and being adapted to be flexibly deflected outwardly to conform to said oversized extrusion; and means for securing said end cap and said extrusion to an underlying surface of a substrate wherein the skirt produces a smooth transition between said end cap and said extrusion.
2. The invention defined in claim 1 wherein the skirt projecting from said end cap is shaped the same as the upper surface of said extrusion.
3. The invention defined in claim 2 wherein said skirt is tapered in thickness toward its terminal end.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000507286A CA1237455A (en) | 1986-04-22 | 1986-04-22 | Molded end cap for extruded trims |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000507286A CA1237455A (en) | 1986-04-22 | 1986-04-22 | Molded end cap for extruded trims |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1237455A true CA1237455A (en) | 1988-05-31 |
Family
ID=4132940
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000507286A Expired CA1237455A (en) | 1986-04-22 | 1986-04-22 | Molded end cap for extruded trims |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1237455A (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-04-22 CA CA000507286A patent/CA1237455A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |