MXPA01000518A - Decorative molding assembly for a vehicle door frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A decorative molding assembly (10) for a vehicle door frame (12) having a window opening (14) for a transitional window pane moveable between open and closed positions. The molding assembly (10) includes a window door seal (18) mounted to the door frame (12) and having a channel (22) for selective sealing engagement with the window pane (16). A molding strip (24) has an arm (28) mating with the window door seal (18) and faces outward to provide an appealing appearance. A retaining member (52) engages the arm (28) of the molding strip (24) and the window door seal (18) to secure the molding strip and the window door seal (18) within the window opening (14) of the door frame (12) such that the window pane (16) is securely sealed within the window opening (14) when the window pane (16) is in the closed position.

Description

DECORATIVE MOLDING ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE DOOR FRAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1) Technical Field The subject invention relates to a molded strip for surrounding an outer periphery of a window opening in a vehicle door frame. 2) Description of the Prior Art Virtually all vehicle doors have a window opening with a surrounding door frame to hold a glass sheet of the transition window in place. Door frames of the prior art typically use a door seal with window that can be formed of multiple pieces. The door seals provide a small or no structural support to seal the window pane with which they are associated. Door seals are designed to prevent exterior elements from entering the passenger compartment and allow the glass pane of the window to have a translatory movement without undue resistance. Door seals with window are normally made of black rubber or material REF. DO NOT. 125993 similar elastomeric and secured to the outer and inner surfaces of the door frame. Hereinafter, at least a portion of the rubber door seals is exposed to numerous exterior elements that can damage the seals. For example, rubber door seals have a tendency to be degraded by ultraviolet sunlight that will weaken, crack and / or cut the seal. In addition, rubber door seals can not be painted or painted. The overall aesthetics of vehicle doors can be significantly compromised by these exterior rubber door seals, especially in the current market of uniform body color. The prior art has contemplated the use of decorative molded strips used in association with rubber door seals to improve the appearance of the outer edge of the door frames. Normally, the molded strips can be colored or painted to match the desired color of the body or trim. In other words, the molded strips can be colored to look like an extension of the body. Some molded strips are attached to or molded into the outer portion of the door seals. Other molded strips are initially welded to the door frames and then the door seal is mounted separately to the door frame. Door seals of the prior art typically require an internal support structure to ensure a secure mounting relationship with the door frame. Internal support structures are usually molded metal sheets within the door seal. Multiple operations are normally required to secure the door seals of the prior art and the molded strips to the door frame. From now on, it is convenient to have a molded strip with a window door seal that does not have an internal support structure and can be mounted to the door frame in a single industrial stage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ITS ADVANTAGES A decorative molded mount for a vehicle door frame having a window opening for a transition window glass sheet movable between an open position spaced from the window opening and a closed position that It ends in the window opening. The assembly comprises a window door seal having a retaining portion for engagement with the door frame and having a trough for selective seal engagement with the window pane of the window. A molded strip has an outer front surface to create an outer peripheral edge for the window opening of the door frame and an internally projecting arm that engages with the window door seal. A retaining member engaging the arm of the molded strip and the window door seal to secure the molded strip and the window door seal within the window opening of the door frame such that the glass sheet of the door The window is sealed firmly inside the window opening when the glass pane of the window is in the closed position. Therefore, the subject invention includes a molded strip and a window door seal which are mounted simultaneously to a door frame by means of a single retaining member. The window door seal does not require an internal support structure. Preferably, a portion of the door seal is welded between the molded strip and the door frame that firmly holds the door seal and the molded strip to the door frame. The door seal and molded strip are installed on the vehicle door frame in one application. The molded strip can be colored to provide a pleasing appearance and there is only a small portion of the door seal that is visible from the outside of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as it becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view schematic of the decorative molding assembly of the subject invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the molded assembly in spaced relationship with a vehicle door frame; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the molded mount installed within the door frame; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the molded assembly showing a joint bead to assist in the installation of the molded mount to the door frame; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the molded assembly installed within the door frame; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 6 showing the engagement of a retention member to secure the molded mounting to the door frame; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 5; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 5; Figure 10. is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the molded assembly; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the molded assembly; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternative embodiment of the molded assembly; and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a forming device for securing the connecting cord of the molded assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODE Referring to the Figures, where similar numbers indicate the corresponding or similar parts throughout the different views, a decorative molding assembly is generally shown with the number 10 in Figures 1 to 5. The steps of the particular installation of Figures 2 to 5 are discussed in more detail below. The decorative molding assembly 10 is for a vehicle door frame 12 having a window opening 14 for a transition window glass sheet 16 movable between an open position spaced from the window opening 14 and a closed position ending in the window opening 14. The molded assembly 10 extends over a periphery of the window opening 14. As illustrated, the molded assembly 10 is designed for a vehicle front door frame 12 having an area for mounting a rear-view mirror lateral (not shown). As is appreciated, the molded mount 10 can be of any configuration suitable for any type of front or side door frame design. As will be appreciated from the foregoing description of the main and alternative embodiments, the general shape and external appearance of the molded assembly 10 are dictated by the configuration of the door and the window, the g door frame construction and other design criteria. Referring to Figures 6 to 8, Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an upper section of the molded assembly 10 and Figure 8 illustrates a side section of the molded assembly 10. The molded assembly 10 comprises a window door seal, generally shown with the do not. 18, which has a holding portion, usually shown with the no. 20, for coupling with the door frame 12. The window door seal 18 also has a chute, generally shown with the no. 22, for selective sealing engagement with the window glass sheet 16. A molded strip 24 has an outer front surface 26 for creating an outer peripheral edge for the window opening 14 of the door frame 12. The molded strip 24 also it has an internally projecting arm 28 which engages with the window door seal 18. The door seal 18 extends along the entire length of the molded strip 24 such that the total opening of the window 14 can seal off the outer elements. The molded strip 24 acts as a support for the door seal 18 which eliminates the need for an internal support structure. Onwards, the door seal 18 can be manufactured by a single relatively inexpensive extrusion process. In the preferred embodiment, the door frame 12 includes an inner panel 30 and an outer panel 32 that join to form an externally extending flange 34. As can be seen, the terms internal and external and internal and external refer to the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The retaining portion 20 of the window door seal 18 includes an elastic attachment 36 for engagement with the flange 34 extending from the door frame 12. The fitting 36 is continually biased toward the flange 34 that firmly holds the seal from door 18 to flange 34. A connecting cord 38 is molded to elastic accessory 35 to assist mounting accessory 36 to flange 34. Connecting cord 38, which is commonly referred to as a zipper, best shown in Figure 4 The cord 38 is preferably molded along the entire length of the accessory 36. Referring to Figure 13, a forming device, generally shown with no. 40, shown for injection molding the cord 38 to the door seal 18. The formation of the cord 38 is a secondary molding operation. In other words, the door seal 18 is extruded or otherwise formed first and then the cord 38 is molded thereto. The forming device 40 includes a slide 42 movable relative to a base 44. An actuator 46 is mounted between the slide 42 and the base 44 for relative sliding movement. An outer edge 48 of the base 44 and a distal end of the slide 42 cooperate to define a cylindrical cavity where the cord 38 is formed. The outer edge 48 is contoured to be complementary to the shape of the accessory 36. The base 44 is positioned first to abut the attachment 36 and then the slide 42 is secured in relation to the base 44. A convenient material is injection molded into the cavity to form the cord 38. Preferably, the material is compatible with the material used to form the door seal 18 such that the cord 38 will be secured to the door seal 18. The contact area between the cord 38 and the accessory 36 should be sufficient to provide a pulling force to install the accessory 36 around the flange 34 that still It must be frangible along the contact surface in a predictable manner. Once the cord 38 has been molded, the slide 42 retracts relative to the base 44 and then the entire forming device 40 is removed. As can be seen, other aspects of the forming device 40 as well as the injection molding process do not. they are discussed in more detail as they are well known in the art. Reference is again made to Figures 1 and 2, at least one window guide channel 50 extends downwardly from the molded strip 24 to guide the glass sheet window 16 between the open and closed positions. Preferably there are two window guide channels 50 that extend downwardly for insertion into the door frame 12. The side sections of the molded assembly 10 together with the window guide channels 50 are normally labeled as the channels where the glass runs. Alignment and retention devices (not shown) secure the guide channels 50 in a position within the door frame 12 that is provided for uniform operation of the window glass sheet 16 between the open and closed positions. Referring again to Figures 6 a 8, a retaining member or clamp 52 engages the arm 28 of the molded strip 24 and the window door seal 18 to secure the molded strip 24 and the window door seal 18 within the window opening 14 of the window frame. gate 12 such that the window glass sheet 16 is firmly sealed within the window opening 14 when the window glass sheet 16 is in the closed position. The arm 28 of the molded strip 24 includes an upper surface and a lower surface. For illustrative purposes, the upper and lower surfaces are not numbered. It is appreciated that the top surface is the surface of the molded strip 24 as shown in Figures 6 and 7 and similarly the bottom surface is the bottom of the molded strip 24 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The seal of window door 18 further includes an externally extending flange portion 54 which engages one of the upper and lower surfaces of arm 28. Retaining member 52 secures tab portion 54 of window door seal 18 between the arm 28 and the door frame 12. A small portion of the tab portion 54 of the door seal 18 extends along the outer surface of the outer panel 32 just above the molded strip 24 which creates an effective seal between the strip molded 24 and the door frame 12. Preferably, the retaining member 52 is a bolt 52 extending through the arm 28 of the molded strip 24 and the flange portion 54 of the window door seal 18 for mounting the window door seal 18 and the molded strip 24 to the door frame 12. Still more preferably, the upper surface of the arm 28 engages the flange portion 54 of the door seal 18 such that the retaining member 52 engages the surface lower arm 28. As seen, there may be openings disposed within the inner 30 or outer 32 panels of the door frame 12, the molded strip 24 and the door seal 18 to provide easy engagement of the pin 52. As also it is appreciated, there may be any number of retention members 52 that extend around the entire periphery of the window opening 14. The window door seal 18 additionally includes an elastic flap 56 extending from the flange portion 54 of the window. door seal 18 with flap 56 engaging the lower surface of arm 28 and mounting to molded strip 24. Specifically, molded strip 24 has a hook 58 projecting int This is coupled to the flexible flap 56 to hold it against the lower surface of the molded strip 24. Preferably, the retaining member 52 is disposed between the arm 28 of the molded strip 24 and the flexible flap 56. In other words, the flexible flap 56 hides the retaining member 52. The flexible flap 56 of the window door seal 18 further includes a tubular seal portion 60 for selective seal engagement with an upper distal end of the window glass sheet 16. The side sections of the door seal 18 shown in Figure 8 do not include the tubular seal portion 60 and have slightly different configurations for the flexible fins 56 and the molded strip 24. As seen, the flexible fin 56 can have any convenient configuration as long as the window glass sheet 16 is properly sealed within the window opening 14. In addition, the molded strip 24 may have slightly different designs that conform to the different sections of the door frame 12. The retention portion No. 20 of the door window seal 18 includes a first sealing edge 62 and the flexible fin 56 includes a second sealing edge 64 such that the first and second sealing edges 62 and 64 define the window door seal chute 22. 18. These first and second sealing edges 62 and 64 are the main sealing means for the window door seal 18 such that the window glass sheet 16 is suitably sealed within the frame of the door 12. Preferably, the first and second sealing edges 62 and 64 are assembled as is conventional in the art.

Referring to Figure 9, a lower section of the door seal 18 is shown in greater detail. This lower section of the door frame 12 is usually referred to in the art as a band-line seal. The molded strip 24 directly engages the flange 34 which extends upwardly from the two internal panels 30. A lower U-shaped seal 66 is also provided. The door seal 18 has a displacement T shape with a longer T portion having a first arm 68 of old iron. The first arm 68 of old iron can also be brought together as is known in the art. A second window old iron arm 70 is also provided. The door seal 18 is mounted to the molded strip 24 by means of any convenient adhesive or instant fit. Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the preferred installation of the molded assembly 10 is now discussed in greater detail. The molded assembly 10 is installed on the vehicle door frame 12 on the outer side. The preferred method comprises the following steps: mounting the window door seal 18 around a portion, preferably the arm 28, of the molded strip 24; positioning the lower section of the molded strip 24 within the window opening 14; moving the molded strip 24 and the door seal 18 towards the window opening 14 to end in the door seal 18 against the door frame 12; securing the retaining portion 20 of the door seal 18 to the door frame 12 to secure the door seal 18 to the door frame 12; and engaging the retainer member 52 against the molded strip 24 to secure the molded strip 24 and the door seal to the door frame 12. Specifically, the window guide channels 50 are inserted through the window opening 14 and below in a cavity within the door frame 12 between the interior and exterior panels. A portion of the fitting 36 of the door seal 18 is placed on a portion of the flanges 34. The molded assembly 10 is then rotated until the molded assembly 10 rests fully in the window opening 14. At this point the entire door seal 18 will abut the entire periphery of the window opening 14. From the inner side of the door, the end of the cord 38 is pulled to urge the remaining portions of the accessory 36 onto the flange 34. As the cord 38 is pulled, it will highlight from the interior surface of the accessory 36 and subsequently it will be removed. The flexible flap 56 of the door seal 18 is then pulled back (as shown in Figure 7) to expose the lower surface of the arm 28 of the molded strip 24. The pin 52 or other convenient retaining member 52 passes through. of the arm 28 and the flange portion 54 of the door seal 18 for mounting to the door frame 12. The flexible flap 56 is then pushed up until the flexible flap 56 engages the hook 58 of the molded strip 24 (as shown in FIG. shown in Figure 6). The installation of the preferred embodiment of the molded assembly 10 is now completed. Referring to the alternative embodiment of the molded assembly 10 shown in Figure 10, the corresponding parts are indicated by similar numbers. The molded assembly 10 has an overall configuration similar to the molded assembly 10 shown in the preferred embodiment of Figure 2. The main purpose for the different embodiment is due to a different door frame construction. The door frame 12 of Figure 2 has the large outer panel 32 that forms a portion of the exterior of the vehicle. The door frame 12 of Figure 10 removes the larger outer panel 32 and has two internal panels 30 that come together to form the flange 34. The molded strip 24 is mounted around the door seal 18 and the inner panels 30 of the frame of door 12 such that the door seal 18 is wedged between the lower surface of the molded strip 24 and the door frame 12. The retainer member 52, preferably a bolt 52, passes through the molded strip 24, of the door seal 18, and then secures the door frame 12. The bolt 52 engages the upper surface of the molded strip 24 and is exposed to the outside of the frame. door 12. The door seal 18 of the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 10 includes an additional sealing member 72 extending upwardly engaging a door wedge 74 of the vehicle to seal the upper section of the door frame 12 to the vehicle . The remaining portions of the molded assembly 10, such as the retaining portion 20 of the door seal 18, the chute 22, the arm 28 of the molded strip 24, and the flexible flap 56 are essentially the same. The two remaining alternative embodiments also shown in Figures 11 and 12 have similar numbers indicating the corresponding or similar parts. These embodiments of the molded assembly 10 are mounted to the door frames 12 which are similar to the door frame 12 of the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 10. In other words, the embodiments of Figures 11 and 12 have internal panels 30 and members. Seal 72 extending upwardly engaging door wedges 74 of corresponding vehicles. In these embodiments, the sealing members 72 are separated from the main window door seals 18. Referring to FIG. 12, the retaining member 52 is a bracket 52 extending around the retaining portion 20 of the door seal. the window 18 and the arm 28 of the molded strip 24 for mounting the window door seal 18 and the molded strip 24 to the door frame 12. As seen, the installation procedures for these alternative embodiments will vary depending on the unique characteristics of these modalities. However, the overall ease of installation and the overall design effectiveness remain the same. As also appreciated, the retention member 52 can be of any convenient design or configuration as long as the molded strip 24 and the door seal 18 are properly retained to the door frame 12. The overall scope of the subject invention is not limited in any way by the specific description of the screw 52 and the clamp 52 that are illustrated as the preferred retention members 52 in their corresponding embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that the molded assembly 10 of the subject invention is particularly advantageous in that the door seal 18 does not require a center of extruded metal to provide structural integrity. The removal of the extruded metal center reduces the costs and the number of processing steps for the molded assembly 10. The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it will be understood that it is desired that the terminology that has been used in nature of the words in the description instead of limitation. Various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the clarity of the above teachings. Accordingly, it will be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced on the other hand as specifically described.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, the contents of the following are claimed as properties:

Claims (13)

1. A decorative molded mount for a vehicle door frame having a window opening for a transition window glass sheet movable between an open position spaced from the window opening and a closed position terminating in the window opening, the assembly characterized in that it comprises; a window door seal having a retaining portion for engagement with the door frame and having a channel for selective sealing engagement with the window glass sheet, a molded strip having an outer front surface to create an outer peripheral edge for the window opening of the door frame and an internally projecting arm that engages with the window door seal, and a retaining member that engages the arm of the molded strip and the seal of the door. window door to secure to the molded strip and to the window door seal within the window opening of the door frame such that the window glass sheet is firmly sealed within the window opening when the glass sheet of the window is in the closed position.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm of the molded strip includes an upper surface and a lower surface and the window door seal further includes an externally extending flange portion which engages one of the upper surfaces and Under the arm, the retaining member wedges the flange portion of the window door seal between the arm and the door frame.

3. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining member is a clamp extending around the retaining portion of the window door seal and the arm of the molded strip assembles the window door seal and the strip molded to the door frame.

4. An assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the retaining member is a bolt that extends through the arm of the molded strip and the flange portion of the window door seal mounts the window door seal and the strip molded to the door frame.

5. An assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the window door seal additionally includes an elastic flap extending from the flange portion with the flexible flap which engages the lower surface of the arm and mounts to the molded strip.

6. An assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the retaining member is positioned between the arm of the molded strip and the flexible flap.

7. An assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the retaining portion of the window door seal includes a first sealing edge and the flexible fin includes a second sealing edge such that the first and second sealing edges define a channel opening. Window door seal.

8. An assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the flexible fin of the window door seal further includes a tubular seal portion for selective sealing engagement with a distal upper end of the window pane of the window.

9. An assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the retaining portion includes an elastic attachment for coupling with a flange extending from the door frame.

10. An assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that it additionally includes a connecting cord integrally molded to the elastic accessory to assist the mounting of the accessory to the flange.

11. An assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally includes at least one window guide channel that extends downwardly from the molded strip to guide the glass pane of the window between the open and closed positions.

12. A method for installing a molded assembly comprising a window door seal and a molded strip in a window opening of a vehicle door frame, the method characterized in that it comprises the steps of: mounting the window door seal around a portion of the molded strip; positioning the lower section of the molded strip within the window opening; moving the molded strip and the door seal towards the window opening to end in the door seal against the door frame; securing the retaining portion of the door seal to the door frame to secure the door seal to the door frame; and engaging the retention member against the molded strip to secure the molded strip and the door seal to the door frame.

13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the securing of the retaining portion of the door seal to the door frame is further defined by providing a connecting bead removably secured to the retaining portion of the door seal; aligning the cord around a flange of the door frame; extending a portion of the cord and the attached door seal around the flange and removing the cord from the retaining portion to automatically secure the remaining portions of the door seal to the door frame.