WINDOW SEAL ASSEMBLY HAVING A T-SHAPTED TRIM MEMBER

Abstract: A window seal assembly having glass run channels (134, 210), outer belt seals (300) and a T-shaped trim member (128). The window seal assembly eliminates the need for joints, seems, metal fasteners and end caps resulting in an improved aesthetic appearance as well as enhanced window sealing. The trim member (128) can having various finishes such as low gloss black, high gloss black and chrome.

Description: Title of the Invention Window Seal Assembly Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for a movable vehicle window module, and more particularly to an improved vehicle greenhouse window seal module having a die cast mold or trim member which is used in conjunction with an extruded rubber belt surrounding the greenhouse window. Background of the Invention In the design of modern vehicles such as automobiles, it is known to mount the windows in a substantially flush manner with respect to the vehicle in order to provide an attractive and streamlined appearance. One major disadvantage of typical prior art flush mounted window seal assemblies is that they generally require multiple pieces which need to be assembled together, thus requiring additional assembly time and assembly line space. Another disadvantage to these multi-piece window assemblies is that they result in multiple joints and seams as well as requiring multiple fasteners, weatherstrips and endcaps. With respect to aesthetics, prior art window seal assemblies have the disadvantages of a reduced daylight opening and an increase in the amount of the visible weatherstrips. In addition, a separate decorative molding is typically required in order to produce a more aesthetically pleasing window module. Thus it is desired to produce a one piece window seal assembly which requires no additional assembly for installation into the door and results in elimination of joints, seams and endcaps and a reduction in fasteners while providing for an aesthetically pleasing window module. Summary of the Invention The apparatus of the invention provides a seamless daylight opening module (DLO) which includes glass run channels, outer belt seals and a full surround die cast piece. The apparatus of the invention has resulted in the elimination of joints, seams, metal fasteners and endcaps resulting in an improved aesthetic appearance as well as enhanced window sealing and an increase in the daylight opening. The module is shipped and installed as a combined unit reducing assembly time and assembly line space. The unique die cast piece can comprise various finishes such as low gloss black, high gloss black and chrome. With respect to maintenance, the glass runs and outerbelts can be replaced independently of the entire assembly. Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 shows a front view of the window seal assembly of the present invention shown in use for a front door module; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the window seal assembly shown in the direction 2-2 of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the window seal assembly shown in the direction 3-3 of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the window seal assembly shown in the direction 4-4 of Figure 1. Detailed Description of the Invention Figure 1 is a schematic view of a front side door assembly of a vehicle such as an automobile which may incorporate sealing units according to the various embodiments of the invention. The front side door assembly is generally designated at 1 and includes a window 4 which is movable in a vertical direction. As is well known in the art, the window 4 is slidably received in vertical guide tracks in the door frame so as to be flush or substantially flush with the adjacent vehicle structure when the window is in its closed position. When the window is closed, its edges are adapted to be received within and engaged by the window seal assembly 10 or seamless daylight opening module of the present invention. The window seal assembly 10 functions to provide a seal between the window and the adjacent vehicle door structure; to secure the window when the vehicle is traveling; and to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance For a front door module as shown in Figure 1, the window seal assembly 10 comprises three main sections: the door frame header section 100, the B-Pillar section 200, and the glass outer belt section 300, which are shown in more detail in Figures 2-4, respectively. As shown in Figure 2, the front door frame header section 100 comprises a first sealing member 105 and a second sealing member 140. The first sealing member 105 includes a first U shaped channel 110, a second U shaped channel 120, and a glass run channel 134. The first U shaped channel has finger-like projections 112 protruding from the inner sidewalls of the channel for retaining and sealing a pinch welded door frame 114 of a vehicle (not shown). An outer arm 116 laterally extends from the sealing member 105 for sealing the outer door or roof frame 118 of the vehicle. The second U shaped channel 120 is positioned in an inverted relationship with respect to the first U shaped channel 110, i.e., such that the openings of each channel face opposite directions. The channels 110, 120 share a common inner wall 115 such that they cooperate to form a generally S cross-sectional shape. Positioned within the interior of the sealing member 105 is an internal S shaped reinforcement member 122. The sealing member 105 further comprises a T shaped trim member 120 which has a lower end or stem 122 received within the second U shaped channel 120 and which is secured by fmgerlike projections 124 which extend from the interior walls of the channel. The upper portion or tee end 124 has one end received within a groove 129 formed in the outer wall of the first U shaped channel, and the second end is received within a groove of an arm 125 extending perpendicular from the outer wall of the second TJ shaped channel 120. The arm 125 together with the outer wall 128 of channel 120 and projection 136 which extends from the outer wall of the second channel, together form a glass run channel 134 for receiving a movable glass run 130. The sealing member 105 further comprises a glass run channel 134 for receiving a glass run 130. Channel 134 has one channel wall formed by leg 125 which extends peφendicular from the wall of channel 120, and the opposite channel wall is formed by legs which extend from the lower end of the U shaped channel 120. Leg 125 has a lip 127 extending therefrom for being in sealing engagement with a movable glass run 130. The second channel 120 further comprises several fmger like projections 124 for receiving and retaining the leg 126 of a T shaped die cast part 128. The T portion of the die cast part is received within grooves 129 of the sealing member 100, and provides structural support to the leg 125. The door frame header section further comprises a second U shaped part 140 having a U shaped channel 142 for receiving a distal end 144 of the door frame with an internal TJ shaped reinforcement member 146 encased in extruded rubber. The second part 140 has an exterior armlike projection 148 extending from the channel for sealing the glass run 130. The sealing member 105 may comprise a flexible, durable polymeric material or suitable thermoplastic or thermoplastic elastomeric material such as EPDM which is a copolymer of ethylene and propylenediene. The sealing member 105 may be formed by extrusion or other suitable method. The T shaped trim member 120 is preferably a die cast part and is preferably comprised of zinc, PCABS or plastic materials. The trim member 120 may additionally be powder coated or painted to the desired color. As shown in Figure 1, the window seal assembly 10 further comprises a B pillar section 200. The B pillar section 200 as best shown in Figure 3, comprises a glass run U-shaped channel 210 formed of extruded rubber and having opposed fmger like projections 212a, 212b for sealing the glass run 130. The B pillar section 200 is secured to the door frame 114. The B pillar section 200 further comprises a trim channel 216 located perpendicular to the glass run channel 210 and having opposed fmgerlike projections 218 for receiving and retaining the leg 222 of a trim member 220 within the channel. The trim channel 216 preferably has a TJ shaped reinforcement member embedded therein. The trim member 220 has an elongated T shaped portion 224 having ends 226,228 which curve about the door frame 114 and the B pillar section 200, respectively. The trim member 200 may be further fastened to the door frame 114 via fasteners 229. The trim member 220 preferably is die cast metal which may be finished a number of aesthetically pleasing ways such as low gloss black, high gloss black, and chrome. As shown in Figure 1, the window seal assembly 10 further comprises a glass outer belt section 300. As shown in more detail in Figure 4, the glass outer belt section 300 of the window assembly comprises an inverted J-shaped reinforcement member 310 with extruded rubber 311 molded thereto, and further comprises projections 312, 314 forming the outer belt seal attached thereto. The curved portion of the reinforcement member 310 forms a TJ shaped channel 316 which has an extruded rubber inner layer with fmgerlike projections 318 extending therefrom for receiving the leg 322 of a trim member 320. The leg 322 of the trim member is connected to an integrally formed curved piece 324 which forms the decorative trim. The above three sections 100,200,300 are connected together to form the window seal assembly for front door module as shown in Figure 1. The above described window seal assembly is an improved design over the prior art resulting in a module shipped as a combined molding-glassrun- weatherstrip which allows for reduced installation labor and improved sealing. The trim member is a single piece die casting which is made with no exposed joints on the molding. The appearance of the seal has been improved since the die cast part may comprise various attractive finishes as well as reducing the amount of visible rubber. While what has been described constitutes presently preferred embodiments, the invention could take numerous other forms. For example, although the preferred embodiments are described in connection with a movable window of a front automobile door, it may be utilized in connection with any movable window of any vehicle in other applications. Also the particular cross- sectional shape and configuration of the sealing member can be varied in many ways without departing from the invention. Because the invention can take on numerous other forms, it should be recognized that the invention should only be limited insofar as is required by the scope of the following claims.

Claims: I claim: 1. A window seal assembly mountable to a door frame of a vehicle for providing a seal between the movable window and the frame, said window seal assembly comprising: an elongated flexible sealing member including a first portion for mounting said assembly to said frame, and a glass run portion for receiving a portion of said movable window; a trim member having a first end for connecting to said elongated flexible sealing member, and a second curved end; wherein said window seal assembly provides a seal between said frame and said movable window. 2. The seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said first portion and said glass run portion of said elongated flexible sealing member comprise generally TJ shaped portions which are positioned in an inverted relationship with respect to each other. 3. The seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said trim member is T shaped. 4. The seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said trim member is die cast. 5. The seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said trim member comprises zinc, plastic, or PCABS. 6. The seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said trim member is T shaped, and end of said upper T section are received within grooves of said elongated flexible sealing member. 7. The seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said elongated flexible sealing member has an internal reinforcement member. 8. The seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said trim member is removable. 9. The seal assembly of claim 1 wherein said trim member is T shaped, and the upper T section is powder coated.

Inventors: KESH CHRISTOPHER, KESH, CHRISTOPHER
Applicants: GENCORP INC, KESH CHRISTOPHER, GENCORP, INC., KESH, CHRISTOPHER
Application year: 2000
Main classification: E06B7
IPC codes: B60J10