GB1446972A - Trim strip assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

1446972 Trim strips STANDARD PRODUCTS CO 11 Sept 1974 [3 Jan 1974] 39596/74 Heading B6G A trim strip comprises two or more interconnected curved trim strip component elements of synthetic polymeric material disposed side by side in juxtaposed relationship, each element being curved in a plane parallel to its bottom surface in a degree of curvature less than that at which its stress resistance is exceeded. Stress resistance is defined so the limit of curvature at which a plastics trim strip undergoes a deformation such as wrinkling or bulging of the side edges (due to tensile and/or compressive stresses) or crazing, tearing or the appearance of stretch marks in any decorative metallized film or pre-printed ornamental plastics film on the outer face of the strip. The component elements may be surface decorated or metallized, up to four side by side component strips being present. The strips may be heat sealed together at their side edges, or may be mounted, (e.g. by electric heat sealing or an adhesive) on a curved base plate, e.g. of metal, in which case the outer edges of the outer strips preferably extend beyond the edges of the plate. Alternatively especially when mounted on a base plate, the strips have interlocking edges (e.g. a flange on one strip edge which engages with a recess on the adjacent strip edge). The composite strip is formed by bending each component strip into an appropriate curve, and while maintaining the curve, bonding or otherwise securing it to an adjacent suitably curved strip, or securing a plurality of the strips while bent, to a base plate in juxtaposed side by side relationship. The outer surface may be covered with a decorative coating before assembly, or over the composite strip after assembly. The strip, mounted on a base or unmounted, is suitable for ornamentation and/or protective function on motor vehicles.