An illuminating weatherseal (10) can seal a gap between confronting surfaces and illuminate the adjacent environment. The illuminating weatherseal includes a light emitting line (80) extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal (10), wherein the light is emitted from the light emitting line (80) along a path non coincident with the longitudinal dimension. A switch can be incorporated into the illuminating weatherseal (10) for selectively actuating the light emitting line (80).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to weatherseals, and more particularly, to a weatherseal for sealing an interface between two confronting surfaces, wherein the weatherseal includes a light line extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal for illuminating the weatherseal by emitting light along a path that defines a non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weatherseals are employed in vehicles in a variety of locations to perform the functions of sealing and noise reduction. Traditional weatherseals may have any of a variety of constructions for performing the desired sealing. It is understood the sealing function can include reducing infiltration of water, air or particles across the barrier. Further, a portion of these weatherseals are often colored to enhance the aesthetic quality of the weatherseal. The functions of traditional weatherseals have been limited to the sealing function in combination with noise reduction and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

However, there are additional functions, which can be performed by a weatherseal that could either reduce other previously necessary components, or add further functionality to the weatherseal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes an illuminating weatherseal. In a first construction, the weatherseal includes a light line extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, wherein the light line emits light non parallel to the longitudinal dimension along the length of the weatherseal.

While the present weatherseal can have any of a variety of configurations and be located at any of a variety of locations, the weatherseal typically includes an elastomeric body having a seating channel and a light line disposed in the seating channel.

By employing an illuminating weatherseal, the weatherseal can clearly indicate the relative position of a component in a vehicle. For example, if the illuminating weatherseal is disposed about a door, when the door is opened, the illuminating weatherseal outlines the periphery of the open door, thereby enhancing visibility. Similarly, if the weatherseal is located about the periphery of a door opening on the frame of the vehicle, passengers entering or exiting the vehicle are provided guidance by the illuminated periphery. It is further contemplated the illuminating weatherseal may be used to light portions of the vehicle such as the trunk or the engine compartment. That is, if an illuminating weatherseal were disposed about the car frame to contact the trunk lid in the closed position, upon the opening the trunk, the illuminating weatherseal not only outlines at least a portion of the periphery of the trunk, but provides sufficient light to illuminate the interior of the trunk. Similarly, by locating the illuminating weatherseal about the engine compartment to seal with the hood, when the hood is raised, the weatherseal provides ready illumination of the engine. Further, the illuminating weatherseal can indicate the presence of a person adjacent the vehicle. As the person moves relative to the illuminating weatherseal, the movement and location of the person is indicated. Thus, it is believed the illuminating weatherseal can enhance the visibility of a person during a roadside stop. The illuminating weatherseal can incorporate a switch to selectively illuminate the light line. The switch can be a pressure sensitive switch, a touch sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a combination thereof and can be integrally formed with the weatherseal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring toFIG. 1, the weatherseal10of the present invention can be employed in a motor vehicle12. The weatherseal10can be used in a variety of locations for releasably and repeatedly engaging a panel14. For purposes of description, the present invention is described as a weatherseal, however, it is understood the present invention can be employed in any application that may require a sealing function and include an illuminating function.

Typically, the weatherseal10is disposed between confronting surfaces such as panels14. The panels14may be any of a variety of materials and do not limit the present invention. For example, the panel14may be glass, metal or a composite, which is painted, surface treated or bare. In the operating environment, the panel14can be brought repeatedly into and out of engagement with the weatherseal10. Alternatively, the weatherseal10may be moved relative to the panel14. Further, the weatherseal10and the panel14may be located in a substantially fixed relationship. For example, the weatherseal10may be located about a fixed panel14such as a front or rear window.

The term weatherseal includes, but is not limited to, extrusions, moldings, edge pieces, glass guidance components, glass run channels, weather strips and seals including channel mount or pin type mounted seals. The present weatherseal10may be used as a weather strip in structural sealing applications including residential and commercial buildings, marine vehicles as well as the motor vehicle industry. In the motor vehicle industry, the weatherseal configuration is suitable for use in many areas including, but not limited to, storage compartments, glass guidance components, glass run channels, door seals, roof rails, deck lids, hood to cowl seals, window seals, sun roof seals, van sliders, hatch backs or window channel seals. It is understood the illuminating weatherseal can be constructed and operably located in a position that does not perform a sealing function. One example of such non sealing application is a flange finisher, trim or trim piece. Typical flange finishers are disposed on a flange to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as well as reduce the risks associated with an otherwise exposed flange.

Referring toFIGS. 3,5,7,9,14and17, the weatherseal10includes a body20and a light line80. Typically, the weatherseal10is an elongate structure having a length greater than a cross sectional dimension. The weatherseal10thus has a longitudinal dimension and a shorter transverse dimension. Although the detailed description is directed to the sealing configuration of the invention, it is understood the same teachings can be applied to the non sealing configuration.

As seen inFIGS. 2–9,14and17, the body20is shown in cross section. The body20can include a carrier portion30, a sealing portion40and a trim portion50.

Typically, the carrier portion30is the part of the body20, which attaches the weatherseal10to one of the confronting surfaces. The carrier portion30can have any of a variety of configurations and typically forms a base or substrate upon which the sealing portion40and/or trim portion50are connected.

The carrier portion30can be formed of a variety of materials including plastic, thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, including but not limited to plastic, TPE, EPDM or any combination thereof. The thermoplastic materials can include polyethylene, EVA, PVC or polypropylene. Suitable vulcanized or cross-linked (thermosetting) polymeric materials include the EPDM and modified EPDM.

The carrier portion30can have a relatively rigid section and a relatively soft or resilient section. That is, the carrier portion30can exhibit one or more durometer hardnesses. The carrier portion30can include a reinforcing member32such as a wire or metal carrier, which may be of known construction (such as knitted wire, lanced and stretched, slotted, solid (continuous) or stamped metal). It is also contemplated the carrier portion30can include a thermoplastic section and a thermoset section, wherein each section has a unique rigidity. Further, the carrier portion30can be formed at differing thicknesses to provide differing amounts of rigidity. It is contemplated the carrier portion30can have any of a variety of cross-sections, wherein typical cross-sections include “U” shaped, “J” shaped, “L” shaped or planar. As shown inFIGS. 2–5, the carrier portion30can have the U shaped profile with inwardly extending gripping fins for engaging one of the confronting surfaces. Non sealing constructions of the present invention, such as the flange finisher, can be limited to a body20employing only the carrier portion30, wherein the flange finisher can be operably retained by friction, fasteners or adhesives. The body20in the flange finisher configuration often has a U shaped cross section with at least one gripping fin for engaging the flange.

The sealing portion40is connected to the carrier portion30and typically extends from the carrier portion to contact the remaining confronting surface. The sealing portion40can have any of a variety of configurations including bulbs, flaps or fingers. The sealing portion40can be formed to have a different durometer, or rigidity than the carrier portion30.

The sealing portion40can be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to TPEs, thermoplastics and thermosets, wherein the materials can be solid, foamed, cellular or a sponge construction. Typically, constructions of the invention having a body20and a sealing portion40may have one or both portions formed of an elastomeric material.

The trim portion50is typically connected to the carrier portion30and extends to overly an adjacent part of the relevant confronting surface. Although the trim portion50is shown attached to the carrier portion30, it is understood the trim portion can be connected to the carrier portion, the sealing portion40or both. The trim portion50is often formed of a different color or texture than the carrier portion30and the sealing portion40. The trim portion50can also be formed of a variety of materials including thermoplastics, thermosets and composites.

Referring toFIGS. 2–9, the body20further includes a seating channel60extending along the longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal10. The seating channel60can be located in the carrier portion30, the sealing portion40or the trim portion50. However, it is contemplated the seating channel60will typically be located in one of the carrier portion30or the trim portion50.

The seating channel60can extend along the entire length of the weatherseal10or can be disposed along predetermined lengths of the weatherseal. In addition, the seating channel60can be located at given relative position on the weatherseal10. Alternatively, the location of the seating channel60can vary along the longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal10.

The seating channel60can have any of a variety of cross-sections, as dictated by the corresponding light line80and the elastomeric body20. Thus, referring toFIGS. 10–13, the seating channel60can have an arcuate, curvilinear or multi-facet cross-section. Further, as shown inFIG. 10, the seating channel60can include retaining features62such as flaps, detents, ridges, barbs or fingers which project into the seating channel. The retaining features62can be located along the length of the seating channel60or disposed at spaced locations. Further, the seating channel60can be formed with a lip or overhang to engage a diameter or dimension of the light line80. The seating channel60can thus be defined by a recessed area of the body20. However, as seen inFIG. 13, the seating channel60can be defined merely by a surface of the body20to which the light line80is connected or attached.

Depending on the intended operating parameters, the seating channel60can be formed or located on the body20by any of a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to molding, extrusion, machining, etching or ablation.

Light Line

Referring toFIGS. 3,5,7,9,14and17, the light line80is disposed in the seating channel60of the elastomeric body20. Similar to the weatherseal10, the light line80is also an elongate structure having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension, wherein the longitudinal dimension is substantially greater than the transverse dimension.

The light line80can be retained within the seating channel60by a variety of mechanisms including adhesives, bonding or mechanical retention. Depending upon the hardness or resiliency of the elastomeric body20in which the seating channel60is formed, the light line80may be retained by friction or a snap fit. Additionally, or alternatively, the light line80can be retained in the seating channel60by an adhesive.

Although the light line80is shown as having a generally circular cross-sectional profile, it is understood the light line can have a multi-facet, curvilinear, oval, obround, triangular, square, rectangular or other such cross-section. Further, the relative cross-sectional area of the light line80relative to the weatherseal10is dependent upon a number of parameters including the desired illumination, the construction of the light line as well as construction of the body20.

The light line80can be active such as self-illuminating or passive and merely transmit and emit light, and thus be, formed of a variety of light emitting devices. Depending upon the amount of lighting required, a variety of constructions can be used as the light line80. Preferably, the light line80emits light along a path that defines a non-zero angle with the longitudinal dimension or axis. The optical path of the emitted light will intersect the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the light line80emits light along paths that are non parallel to the longitudinal dimension. The light passes from the light line80along the length of the light line. That is, light passes from the light line80intermediate the ends of the light line. The areas or sections of light emission can be determined in response to the intended operating characteristics of the weatherseal. The self-illuminating configuration of the light line80can include light ropes, LEDs and LED strings. Transmitting/emitting light lines80can include fiber optics and side emitting fiber optics, such as glass plastic or composites.

It is understood the light line80can include intermittent or discrete light sources extending along the longitudinal dimension of the light line. The light line80can thereby provide a plurality of points of light along the longitudinal dimension. Thus, the light line80can be selected to provide substantially continuous light emission along the longitudinal dimension, intermittent light or an intermediate light dispersion along the longitudinal dimension.

The light line80is shown as a side-emitting device. That is, the light line80emits light transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the light line, and hence weatherseal10, such that the light travels along a path that defines a non-zero angle with the longitudinal dimension. In such construction, the body20can be formed without specific characteristics for enhancing light emission. However, it is understood the body20can be formed with reflective surfaces to enhance light emission. For example, the seating channel60can be coated with or formed of a light reflective material. In addition, the light line80can include reflective surfaces to control direction of emitted light.

Alternatively, the seating channel60can be formed of or coated with a light absorbing material to reduce light transmission.

Similarly, the cross sectional profile of the seating channel60can be structured to enhance or inhibit light transmission as dictated by the intended operating environment and the structure of the particular light line80.

Thus, the illuminating weatherseal10emits light non parallel to the longitudinal axis. It is contemplated the light line80will be constructed to emit light along a path that defines a non zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the light may be emitted along a path that is transverse or oblique to the longitudinal axis.

Transmitting/emitting light lines80cooperate with a light source. The light source can be dedicated to the light line80. Alternatively, the light source can be employed for additional uses such as courtesy lights, warning lights or dome lights. The light source can be any of a variety of types such as incandescent, fluorescent, LED or lasing.

As seen inFIGS. 3,5,7,9,14and17, the body20has a given cross sectional area, wherein the light line80has a cross sectional area less than the body. Preferably, the cross sectional area of the light line80is less than approximately 50 percent of the cross sectional area of the body20. It is contemplated the cross sectional area of the light line80can be 20 percent or less of the cross sectional area of the body20. Thus, the light line80does not contribute significantly to the cross sectional area of the weatherseal. Further, it is contemplated, the light line80can be located within the cross sectional area of the weatherseal. Therefore, the present illuminating weatherseal can be operably located along any existing weatherseal location.

In a preferred construction, the light line80extends along substantially the entire length of the weatherseal. While the light line80can extend the length of the weatherseal, the entire length or intermittent portions can be illuminating.

The emission of light from the light line80can be controlled by a variety of mechanisms, wherein the mechanism actuates the light source or the optical interconnection of the light line80to the light source. Capacitive, pressure or contact switches can be employed with the illuminating weatherseal10to selectively provide illumination wherein the switch can be integral with or external to the weatherseal. In addition, light line80can be controlled to provide any of a variety of light characteristics such as dimming, pulsing, chasing, blinking or constant.

For example, the light line80can be illuminated in response to an opening or closing of a door. Alternatively, the light line80can be illuminated for a timed interval in response to a predetermined condition or event.

A switch mechanism for controlling the emission of light from the light line80can be incorporated into the weatherseal10. The switch mechanism can include a pressure or deflection type switch, a touch sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a combination of pressure and touch sensitive switches. In a preferred construction, the switch is integral with the body20. It is contemplated the switch can extend along the length of the body20, or along selected portions.

Referring toFIG. 14, a combined pressure sensitive and touch sensitive switch is shown. Although the pressure sensitive and touch sensitive switches are shown in combination, it is understood either switch can be individually employed. In addition, the pressure sensitive, touch sensitive or combined switch can be located on any of the carrier portion30, the sealing portion40or the trim portion50. For purposes of clarity, the combined pressure sensitive and touch sensitive switch is shown on the carrier portion.

The combined switch is provided with a bead of conductive rubber228extending along at outer surface of the switch. An electrical conductor226is preferably embedded in the conductive layer228. Preferably, the weatherseal10is extruded, and the conductive rubber bead can be co-extruded therewith. Elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, or thermoplastics can be used for the touch sensitive portion, and the conductivity of such materials can be increased by adding conductive materials such as carbon blacks, graphite or metal powder to a base material. The combination of the electrical conductor or wire226with the conductive rubber bead228forms an elongated conductive surface portion extending substantially along the length of the profile. While the electrical conductor is shown as embedded in the elongated conductor surface portion, it can be disposed between the non-conductive and conductive portions, as long as it is in electrical contact with the conductive portion.

Optionally, as seen inFIG. 14, a second electrical conductor252is provided in a non-conducting portion232of the weatherseal10. The conductor252may be conveniently employed to form a complete electrical circuit, depending on the type of sensor employed.

FIG. 15is diagrammatic inasmuch as it only shows the switch portion of the weatherseal in accordance with the invention. Referring toFIG. 15, a pressure sensitive switch is implemented by conductive region236and238, each of which includes an embedded or contacting electrical conductor240and242respectively. The conductor regions are encased within a hollow flexible tubular portion250of the weatherseal, which has flexible side walls such that upon the application of pressure, the conductive regions236and238are brought into contact with each other, which contact can be sensed remotely as a drop in resistance of the circuit formed by electrical conductors240and242. The touch sensitive conductive layer228is formed on the surface of the hollow tubular member250and has its own electrically conductive wire embedded therein or at least in electrical contact therewith. If desired, yet another electrical wire252can be provided in non-conducting tubing member250for forming a complete circuit with wire226.

As shown inFIG. 15, the sensing portion250of the switch is connected to a detector circuit260. A portion of detector circuit260that is responsive to pressure induced contact being formed between conductive regions236and238is well known, and will not be described further. The portion of detector260that is responsive to touch sensitive region228may take a variety of forms. Touch sensors for operating table lamps and the like are well known, and sensors of similar design can be employed in connection with this invention. Since only low voltage power is usually available in vehicles, the touch sensitive switch may be implemented by connecting the electrical wire running through the touch sensitive layer of the device to the gate of a field effect transistor or the like, so that the transistor will be turned on when the layer is touched.

Referring toFIG. 16, a dual mode switch in accordance with another embodiment is illustrated in diagrammatic cross section form. The switch indicated generally at270includes a non-conductive resilient body formed from thermoplastic or thermosetting material. A channel274is formed in the non-conductive body and a layer of conductive material such as a conductive rubber foam is disposed in a bottom portion of the channel. A touch sensitive cap278is attached to the upper side walls of the channel. A first electrical conductor280is embedded in touch sensitive cap278and a second electrical conductor282is embedded in layer276. Electrical conductor280is connected to a touch sensitive detector284designated in this example by a connection to the gate of the FET286. A pressure sensitive detector290, preferably for responding to a contact closure is connected to electrodes280and282. In operation, the dual mode detector switch ofFIG. 14is responsive to contact with conductive layer278by triggering FET286to produce a switching signal. The dual mode switch is responsive to pressure sufficient to cause the side walls of the channel formed in the base272to flex and the conductive layers278and276to be brought into contact, to trigger detector290also to generate a switching signal.

In a further configuration, and generally referring toFIGS. 17–25, the switch can be formed of a ground electrode325and a spaced sensor electrode322, wherein the sensor electrode is embedded in the body20, and the weatherseal10includes a zone or area323,324of reduced rigidity between the ground electrode and the sensor electrode. The zone of reduced rigidity can be formed by an air gap323, a strip of a sponge rubber324extending along the longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal10.

It is contemplated the ground electrode325can be separately constructed from the weatherseal10. That is, a portion of the vehicle can be employed as the ground electrode325. The sensor electrode322can be embedded in the carrier portion30, the sealing portion40or the trim portion50. In addition, the sensor electrode322can be configured as a loop.

The ground electrode325, the sensing electrode322and the zone of reduced rigidity323,324create a sensing region334which, upon sensing a dielectric material within the region, can initiate a signal to selectively illuminate the light line80. The sensing region334can be varied or shaped by arranging and/or changing the number of ground electrodes or sensor electrodes. The sensing region334can additionally be varied or shaped by applying different potentials to the ground electrode and or the sensing electrode.

Thus, the capacitive switch detects a dielectric material entering the sensing region334, without requiring physical contact, by a change in capacitance between the sensor electrode322and the ground electrode325. Upon the presence of the dielectric object, the capacity will rise, which can be used to selectively illuminate or dim the light line80.

Thus, the illuminating weatherseal10can be activated through a switch integrated with the weatherseal. The switch can be activated by a flexing of the weatherseal, or location of a dielectric material adjacent the weatherseal.

Manufacture

The particular method for constructing the illuminating weatherseal10is at least partially determined by the construction of the light line80and intended interconnection between the light line and the seating channel60.

The weatherseal10can be formed in an extrusion process to include the seating channel60, wherein the light line80is disposed within the seating channel in a downstream operation. It is contemplated that for an elastomeric body20formed of a thermosetting material, a curing step can be performed prior to, during, or subsequent to insertion of the light line80into the seating channel60.

Alternatively, the elastomeric body20and corresponding seating channel60can be formed, wherein an adhesive is subsequently disposed in the seating channel and the light line is then disposed in the seating channel to contact the adhesive.

Alternatively, the seating channel60can be machined into the body20in a subsequent process, and the light line80then located in the seating channel.

With respect to the switch mechanism, the components of the switch can be formed with the body20, as for example during extrusion.

While the invention has been described in connection with a presently preferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and changes made be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, which accordingly is intended to be defined solely by the appended claims.