Patent Publication Number: US-2007110954-A1

Title: Vehicular clamping strip having an optical locking cord

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      Not applicable.  
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
      Not applicable.  
     REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING” 
      Not applicable.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to vehicular clamping strips, such as flange engaging strips and weatherseals, and particularly, to a vehicular clamping strip having an optical locking cord for securing a clamping channel to the vehicle, wherein the optical locking cord is at least one of light generating, light emitting or specularly reflective.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      U.S. Pat. No. 2,637,880 discloses a self-sealing window strip, wherein a mounting strip receives a peripheral edge of two adjacent windows and a locking strip is disposed along a lateral edge of the window strip, between the peripheral edges of the windows, to engage the window strip with the windows.  
      Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,492,566 discloses a connector strip for engaging peripheral edges of a pair of windows, wherein the connector strip includes a wedge for engaging a lateral portion of the connector strip.  
      The need exists for a vehicular clamping strip that can operably engage a variety of flange thicknesses, while providing additional functionality. The need also exists for such a clamping strip that can be readily installed. A further need exists for a locking cord actuated clamping strip, wherein the locking cord provides optical properties. A need also exists for a vehicular clamping strip having an optical locking cord that can provide a sealing or a trimming function of a vehicular weatherseal.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention provides a vehicular clamping strip, such as a weatherseal, that can operably engage a variety of flange thicknesses wherein an optical locking cord disposes the vehicular clamping strip in a clamping state.  
      The present invention provides a clamping strip including a clamping channel having a first closed end and a pair of projecting legs sized to receive a portion of a flange, an outer surface of the clamping channel including a spreader jaw and an optical locking cord cooperatively engaging the spreader jaw to secure the clamping channel to the flange, wherein the optical locking cord is at least one of light generating, light emitting or specularly reflective.  
      In further constructions, the vehicular clamping strip includes a panel contacting member extending from one of the projecting legs for contacting a spaced panel, and the optical locking cord forms an exposed surface of the clamping strip.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a motor vehicle, showing an operable location of the clamping strip.  
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a construction of the clamping strip in an uninstalled configuration.  
       FIG. 4  is the clamping strip of  FIG. 3  in an installed configuration.  
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a door seal in an uninstalled configuration.  
       FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of the door seal of  FIG. 5  in an installed configuration.  
       FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of a glass run seal in an uninstalled configuration.  
       FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of the glass run seal of  FIG. 7  in an installed configuration.  
       FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of a beltline seal in an uninstalled configuration.  
       FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the beltline seal of  FIG. 9  in an installed configuration. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      Referring to  FIG. 1 , a clamping strip  10  of the present invention is employed in a motor vehicle  12 . The clamping strip  10  can be configured as a dynamic or static weatherseal as well as a trim piece.  
      Therefore, the term clamping strip  10  includes, but is not limited to, weatherseal extrusions, moldings, trim, trim pieces, edge pieces and seals. In the motor vehicle industry, the clamping strip  10  is suitable for use in many areas including, but not limited to, door seals, roof rails, deck lids, trunk lids, back window seals, belt line seals, fixed window seals, windshields, front hood seals, hood-to-cowl seals, sun roof seals, lower door seals and moveable window seals. In the weatherseal configuration, the clamping strip  10  can be used in a variety of locations on the vehicle for releasably and repeatedly engaging a panel  14  or fixedly engaging the panel.  
      The panel  14  can be any of a variety of materials and does not limit the present invention. For example, the panel  14  can be glass, metal or a composite, which is painted, surface treated or bare. In the operating environment, the panel  14  can be brought repeatedly into and out of engagement with the weatherseal  10 . The engagement of the panel  14  and the clamping strip  10  can result from motion of the panel relative to the weatherseal. Alternatively, the clamping strip  10  can be moved relative to the panel  14 . It is also contemplated the clamping strip  10  can be located about a fixed panel  14  such as a front or rear window. It is also understood the clamping strip  10  can be a trim piece of the vehicle, such as an interior trim piece.  
      The clamping strip  10  can cooperatively engage a flange  16  of the vehicle, as well as the panel  14 , such as a window. Thus, the term flange is intended to encompass body panel edges and seams as well as fixed or static windows.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 3-10 , the clamping strip  10  includes a clamping channel  20  and an optical locking cord  80 .  
      The clamping channel  20 , in cross section, is defined by a first leg  22 , a closed end  24  and a second leg  26  projecting from the closed end  24 .  
      The clamping channel  20  can include one or more gripping fins  28  on an inside surface of the channel for firmly securing the clamping strip  10  to the vehicle  12 , such as the flange  16 . The gripping fins  28  can be formed by the variety of materials known in the art, such as thermosets or thermoplastics, including a sponge or foamed material of reduced density. The number, sizing and spacing of the gripping fins  28  can be selected in view of the anticipated flange thickness and variations to be accommodated. Further, the gripping fins  28  can be of the same, a harder or a softer material than the remainder of the clamping channel  20 . It is also contemplated, the gripping fins  28  can include two or more portions of differing durometer materials. The gripping fins  28  are optional and can be eliminated, as the engagement of the optical locking cord  80  and the clamping channel  20  can be selected to operably retain the clamping strip  20  on the flange  16  without requiring the gripping fins.  
      The closed end  24  connects the first leg  22  to the second leg  26  and has a generally curvilinear cross section. However, it is understood the closed end  24  can be curvilinear or faceted. An outside surface of the clamping channel  20 , such as the closed end  24  includes a spreader jaw  50  sized to cooperatively engage the optical locking cord  80 . Generally, the spreader jaw  50  terminates at a hinge  52 . In one configuration, the spreader jaw  50  extends through a substantial thickness of the closed end  24  of the clamping channel  20 , such that the hinge  52  is defined by the remaining thickness of the closed end  24 . The spreader jaw  50  defines a pair of spaced legs moveable between a loaded position retaining the optical locking cord  80  so as to secure, or clamp the clamping channel  20  with the flange  16  and an unloaded position free of the optical locking cord so as to allow the flange to be inserted within the clamping channel. The spreader jaw  50  can be any of a number of cross-sectional profiles including, but not limited to, generally circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, curvilinear or faceted.  
      It is also understood the unloaded position of the legs  22 ,  26  can be splayed (diverging), parallel or converging, and the loaded position of the legs can be splayed (diverging), parallel or converging depending upon the construction of the clamping channel  20  and the respective flange. For example, if the legs  22 ,  26  are converging in the unloaded position, the insertion of the optical locking cord  80  into the spreader jaw may create a clamping force between the legs, without substantial movement of the legs. Alternatively, insertion of the optical locking cord  80  into the spreader jaw  50  may induce further convergence of the legs  22 ,  26 .  
      Further, the location of the spreader jaw  50  within the clamping channel  20  is at least partially determined by design considerations and intended operating parameters, and thus the spreader jaw,can be located at a junction of one of the legs  22 ,  26  and the closed end  24 . It is also contemplated the clamping channel  20  can include a plurality of spreader jaws  50  such as having a spreader jaw disposed at each junction of a leg and the closed end. Alternatively, a single spreader jaw  50  can be located at an offset or asymmetric location in the clamping channel  20 . That is, the spreader jaw  50  can be located intermediate a junction of one leg and the closed end  24  and the centerline of the clamping channel  20 .  
      The spreader jaw  50  can be formed without specific characteristics for enhancing light emission. However, it is understood the spreader jaw  50  can be formed with reflective surfaces, such as a lining or coating to enhance light emission. For example, the spreader jaw  50  can be coated with or formed of a light reflective material.  
      As seen in  FIGS. 3-6 ,  9  and  10 , in one configuration, the clamping channel  20  can be formed without structural metal. That is, at least the clamping channel  20  does not require a metal carrier or metal reinforcement for providing sufficient rigidity to perform the required functions. However, it is understood the clamping strip  10  can include metal in the form of a filler, trace amounts or colorants, and particularly those amounts that do not inhibit subsequent recycling of the polymer material. Such metal is in contrast to the structural metal sufficient to reinforce the clamping channel  20 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the clamping channel  20  can include an optional reinforcing member  45  such as a ribbon, thread, cord, cable, stamped metal, wire carrier or foil, which enhances rigidity or stability in at least a single dimension. The reinforcing member  45  can be a substantially inextendable cord that can provide stability along a longitudinal dimension of the clamping strip  10 , while allowing the material of the clamping strip to define the rigidity in the transverse dimensions. The reinforcing member  45  is shown as a generally flat ribbon or tape which resists elongation along the longitudinal axis of the clamping channel  20  as well as resisting bending in a single transverse direction. Such reinforcing member  45  can be located in both legs  22  and  26 , both the legs and the closed end  24  of the clamping channel  20  or in a single leg. Alternatively, the reinforcing member  45  can be in the configuration of a carrier and located within both the clamping channel  20  and a window receiving channel. The reinforcing member  45  can be any of a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastics, polymers, metals or fiberglass. The reinforcing member  45  can thereby reduce elongation along a longitudinal dimension, without increasing stability, or rigidity of the weatherseal  10  in one or two transverse dimensions.  
      Optionally, as seen in  FIGS. 5-10 , a panel contacting member  25  can be connected to the clamping channel  20 , such as by an integral connection. The panel contacting member  25  can be a sealing member or a trim member. That is, the panel contacting member  25  can form a sealed interface with the panel  14  or “trim out” a portion of vehicle to provide a finished exposed surface, which does not form a sealed interface. Typically, the panel contacting member  25  is a sealing member such as a bulb or a window receiving channel, and is transversely spaced from the clamping channel  20  along a length of the clamping strip  20 . It is understood the panel contacting member  25  can be a static seal or a dynamic seal. One, two or more panel contacting members  25  can be incorporated with a clamping channel  20 . Thus, each leg of the clamping channel  20  can include at least one panel contacting member  25 , wherein the panel contacting members are sealing members, trim members or a combination thereof.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a glass run configuration of the clamping strip  10  is shown, such as extending along an A-pillar of the vehicle  12 . In this configuration, the clamping strip  10  includes the clamping channel  20 , the optical locking cord  80  and the panel contacting member  25 , wherein the panel contacting member is an inverted window receiving channel  60  (often referred to as a glass run channel). The overall cross-sectional profile of the clamping strip  10  is thus a generally curvilinear or segmented S.  
      In the configuration of the panel contacting member  25  being a window receiving channel  60 , as seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the panel engaging member has a cross section defined by the second leg  26 , a window channel closed end  64  and an exterior leg  62  projecting from the window channel closed end. The window channel closed end  64  provides a connection of the second leg  26  to the exterior leg  62 . Depending upon the length of the second leg  26 , the second leg can form a common leg of the clamping channel  20  and the window receiving channel  60  or can define a separate channel forming length corresponding to the respective first leg  22  or exterior leg  62 . Thus, the second leg  26  can define a transition from the clamping channel  20  to the window receiving channel  60 . The first leg  22  includes a free end  21 , and the exterior leg  62  includes a free end  61 .  
      In the glass run configuration, the exterior leg  62  of the panel contacting member  25 , can include a sealing lip or fin  68  that projects into the window receiving channel  60  to contact the panel  14  as the panel is located within the window receiving channel.  
      The optical locking cord  80  is sized to be operably received within the spreader jaw  50  to dispose the spreader jaw into the clamping configuration. The optical locking cord  80  can be a substantially bulbous member sized to impart the motion to the spreader jaw  50 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in an alternative configuration, the panel contacting member  25  is a sealing member, such as a sealing bulb. In this configuration, the panel contacting member  25 , is integrally connected to an outer surface of one of the legs of the clamping channel  20 . The sealing member is formed to be resiliently deformable for repeatedly and releasably engaging a relatively moveable panel in a compression or sliding motion. The sealing member can be formed of a sponge or cellular structure, having open or closed cells.  
      The optical locking cord  80  is moveable relative to the spreader jaw  50  (and hence the clamping channel  20 ) between an open, uninstalled position and a locked (installed) position. Thus, the clamping strip  10  is moveable between an open, uninstalled position and an installed (flange engaging) position.  
      The spreader jaw  50  and the optical locking cord  80  are sized to move the legs  22  and  26  from a spread (splayed) position ( FIGS. 3, 5 ,  7  and  9 ) to a locking (clamping) position ( FIGS. 4, 6 ,  8  and  10 ) upon engagement of the optical locking cord with the spreader jaw. The amount of displacement between the open position and the closed position of the legs  22  and  26  can be controlled by the sizing of the spreader jaw  50  and optical locking cord  80 . The configuration of the gripping fins  28  can also be controlled to assist in accommodating various flange thicknesses.  
      The optical locking cord  80  can be retained within the spreader jaw  50  by a variety of mechanisms including adhesives, bonding or mechanical retention. Depending upon the hardness or resiliency of the clamping channel  20  in which the spreader jaw  50  is formed, the optical locking cord  80  can be retained by friction or a snap fit.  
      Although the optical locking cord  80  is 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. Typically, the optical locking cord  80  has a cross section complimentary to the spreader jaw  50 . Further, the relative cross-sectional area of the optical locking cord  80  relative to the clamping channel  20  is dependent upon a number of parameters including the desired illumination, the construction of the optical locking cord as well as construction of the channel  20 .  
      The optical locking cord  80  has sufficient rigidity or hardness to urge the clamping channel  20  to the closed position, and maintain a clamping bias by the clamping strip  10 . Thus, as subsequently discussed, the optical locking cord  80  can include an embedded reinforcing polymer to provide the necessary rigidity or hardness. It is also contemplated the optical locking cord  80  can include a reinforcing member such as an inextensible elongate member including, but not limited to a cable, cord, fiber or wire.  
      In one construction, the optical locking cord  80  extends along substantially the entire length of the clamping strip  10 . While the optical locking cord  80  can extend the length of the clamping strip  10 , the entire length or intermittent portions of the strip can be optical.  
      The optical locking cord  80  is a separate component from the clamping channel  20  and subsequently engaged with the clamping channel. That is, the optical locking cord  80  is separately manufactured from the clamping channel  20  and subsequently engaged with the clamping channel at installation. However, even the separately constructed optical locking cord  80  can be partially engaged with the clamping channel  20 , such as via the spreader jaw  50 , while the clamping channel remains in the unloaded (splayed) configuration. Thus, the optical locking cord  80  can be separately constructed then sufficiently engaged with the spreader jaw  50  to allow handling and simultaneous locating of the splayed clamping channel  20  and the optical locking cord relative to the flange  14 , wherein the optical locking cord is then fully engaged with the spreader jaw to dispose the clamping channel to the clamped (installed) configuration. It is also understood that further configurations of the clamping strip  10  can include the optical locking cord  80  tethered to the clamping channel  20  in the uninstalled (splayed) position, wherein the optical locking cord is movable to the clamped position while remaining tethered to the clamping channel, thereby disposing the clamping channel in the clamped position.  
      Generally, the optical locking cord  80  can be active such as self-illuminating, passive, such as merely transmitting and emitting light or reflective to a degree greater than diffuse reflection. That is, the optical locking cord  80  is one of light emitting, light generating or specular reflective, or at least diffractive. It is also contemplated, the optical locking cord  80  can include reflective surfaces to control direction of emitted light. Therefore, depending upon the amount of lighting required, a variety of constructions can be used as the optical locking cord  80 .  
      In the active or passive configuration of the optical locking cord  80 , the optical locking cord emits light along a path that defines a non-zero angle with a longitudinal dimension or axis of the cord or the clamping strip  10 . The optical path of the emitted light will intersect the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the optical locking cord  80  emits light along paths that are non parallel to the longitudinal dimension. The light passes from the optical locking cord  80  along the length of the optical locking cord. That is, light passes from the optical locking cord  80  intermediate the ends of the optical locking cord. The areas or sections of light emission can be determined in response to the intended operating characteristics of the clamping strip  10 . The self-illuminating (active) configuration of the optical locking cord  80  can include light ropes, LEDs and LED strings. The transmitting/emitting (passive) optical locking cord  80  can include fiber optics and side emitting fiber optics, such as glass plastic or composites. An example of the optical locking cord  80  includes the Bridgestone Luxaura™ light guide, which generally includes an LED illuminator optically coupled to an elongate acrylic body, wherein cladding is employed to render the light guide side emitting.  
      It is understood the optical locking cord  80  can include intermittent or discrete light sources or emitters extending along the longitudinal dimension of the optical locking cord. The optical locking cord  80  can thereby provide a plurality of points of light along the longitudinal dimension. Thus, the optical locking cord  80  can be selected to provide substantially continuous light emission along the longitudinal dimension, intermittent light or an intermediate light dispersion along the longitudinal dimension.  
      The optical locking cord  80  can include sheathing or cladding to assist in providing a bond between a glass fiber optic and an encapsulating polymer. The encapsulating polymer can be selected to provide a desired degree of hardness or rigidity to the optical locking cord. The embedding polymer can be translucent or transparent, and thermoset, thermoplastic or a thermoplastic elastomer. A representative material is polyethylene or acrylic.  
      Alternatively, the spreader jaw  50  can be formed of, or coated with, light absorbing material to reduce light transmission. Similarly, the cross sectional profile of the spreader jaw  50  can be structured to enhance or inhibit light transmission as dictated by the intended operating environment and the structure of the particular optical locking cord  80 .  
      The transmitting/emitting optical locking cord  80  cooperates with a light source. The light source can be dedicated to the optical locking cord  80 . 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, light emitting diode (LED) or lasing.  
      The emission of light from the optical locking cord  80  can be controlled by a variety of mechanisms, wherein the mechanism actuates the light source or the optical interconnection of the optical locking cord to the light source. Capacitive, pressure or contact switches can be employed with the clamping channel  20  to selectively provide illumination wherein the switch can be integral with or external to the clamping channel. In addition, optical locking cord  80  can be controlled to provide any of a variety of light characteristics such as dimming, pulsing, chasing, blinking or constant.  
      For example, the optical locking cord  80  can be illuminated in response to an opening or closing of a door. Alternatively, the optical locking cord  80  can 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 optical locking cord  80  can be incorporated into the clamping strip  10 . 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 one construction, the switch is integral with the clamping channel  20 . It is contemplated the switch can extend along the length of the channel  20 , or along selected portions. Thus, the clamping strip  10  can be activated through a switch integrated with the strip. The switch can be activated by a flexing of the strip, or location of a dielectric material adjacent the clamping strip  10 .  
      For the reflective configuration, the optical locking cord  80  exhibits at least diffractive and, in certain configurations, specular reflection. That is, in contrast to a diffuse reflector, such as existing locking cords (in which the surface merely scatters radiation incident on the surface, thus producing diffuse reflection), the present reflective surface of the optical locking cord  80  is specular as the light is reflected, as by a mirror or speculum.  
      As seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the reflective optical locking cord  80  can have a reflective surface  82  formed in a variety of configurations. Generally, the reflective surface  82  is formed as a film, layer, flock, textile, cord or laminate, by any of a variety of processes, including but not limited to an extrusion, spray, sputter, molding or colliquefaction.  
      The reflective surface  82  can be an extrudate, a reflective cloth extruded, or coextruded, with the corresponding portion of the optical locking cord  80 , or a preformed strip applied by extrusion. Textile includes, but is not limited, to woven, pile or cut fibers. Alternatively, the reflective surface  82  can be formed from a colliquefaction. Further, the reflective surface  82  can be the exposed surface of the optical locking cord  80 . That is, the entire optical locking cord  80  can be formed of a reflective material. The reflective surface  82  thus forms the exposed surface of the portion of the optical locking cord  80 .  
      The reflective extrudate forming the reflective surface  82  can include reflective particles within a non-reflective matrix. The reflective particles can include glass or plastic microspheres, particles, crushed particles, fractured particles or beads, which are reflective, refractive, reflex reflective, retroreflective, prismatic, externally coated, internally coated, fluorescent or photoluminescent. It is contemplated the reflective particles can be disposed within a non-reflective matrix, as well as on the surface of a non-reflective matrix. Alternatively, the entire extrudate can be formed of a generally reflective material. For example, a reflective thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer or thermoset can be extruded, without requiring the addition of the reflective particles.  
      The reflective configuration can also be formed by a colliquefaction. In the colliquefaction configuration, which can include a contiguous colliquefaction, the reflective surface  82  is a film formed from a powder coating applied to the locking cord  80  and subsequently melted to form a reflective surface and preferably continuous surface layer. Thus, the reflective surface  82  is a colliquefied powder coating forming a contiguous layer. The reflective surface  82  is preferably bonded to the clamping channel  20  to preclude non-destructive separation. In an alternative configuration, the colliquefied powder coating can form discrete reflective locations on the optical locking cord  80 .  
      In certain constructions, the reflective surface  82  is a film having a thickness which is sufficiently small to provide flexibility in the film. The flexibility of the film forming the reflective surface  82  does not detrimentally reduce the flexibility of the optical locking cord  80 . Thus, the film can conform with the clamping strip  10  during flexures.  
      The film can be formed of a powder coating. It is also contemplated the powder coating can be used to coat the spreader jaw  50  with an optically desirable surface. Powder coatings are finely ground plastic particles including resin, a crosslinker in thermoset powders, pigments, extenders, and various flow additives and fillers to achieve specific properties. Powder coatings are applied as a dry material and when the powder coating is heated, the particles colliquefy (melt) to form a contiguous film, which is typically very durable and chemical resistant. Powder coating materials can be thermoplastic or thermoset. The thermoplastic powders do not chemically react in a cure phase during colliquefaction.  
      Thermoset powder coatings are applied and then cured, typically in an oven at a certain temperature for a certain time. The cure process will cause a chemical crosslinking to take place, changing the powder into a contiguous film that will not remelt.  
      The powder coating can be formulated to create the film which is the reflective surface  82 . That is, the reflective surface  82  can be formed from a powder coating so that incident light reflects from the reflective surface. That is, the film resulting from the powder coating can be reflective. The powder coatings can include glass or plastic microspheres, particles, crushed particles, fractured particles or beads, which are reflective, refractive, reflex reflective, retroreflective, prismatic, externally coated, internally coated, fluorescent or photoluminescent in combination with the film forming powder coating. It is contemplated the reflective particles can be disposed within a non-reflective powder coating.  
      A thermoset powder coating for the reflective surface  82  can include a resin particle containing a thermosetting resin, and a particle containing a curing agent.  
      A thermosetting resin used in the powder coating can include epoxy resins, acrylic resins, phenol resins and polyester resins. These thermosetting resins can be used alone, or combined together with two or more kinds. In particular, a thermosetting resin having an epoxy group (that is, glycidyl group), such as epoxy resins, acrylic resins are available. These thermosetting resins have excellent reactivity to a curing agent comprising the curing particles, even at relatively low temperatures, for example, 120° C. or less.  
      A latent curing agent such as dicyandiamide, imidazolines, hydrazines, acid anhydrides, blocked isocyanates, and dibasic acids can be added to the resin particles as a curing promoter. The latent curing agent is typically stable at room temperature, and crosslinks with a thermosetting resin in a range of 140° C. to 260° C. It is understood any of a variety of cross-linking agents can be employed.  
      The use of a colliquefied powder coating to form the reflective surface film  82  allows the processing parameters to be maximized for the given component. That is, the processing (temperatures and pressures) of the clamping channel  20  do not need to accommodate the processing parameters of the powder coating to be liquefied.  
      Suitable powder coatings, as sold by Morton Powder Coating of Warsaw, Ind., include DG-5001 CORVELL® BLUE (ethylene/Acrylic), DG-7001 CORVEL® BLACK 20 (Ethylene/Acrylic), 78-7001 CORVEL® BLACK (Nylon) and 70-2006 CORVEL® YELLOW (Nylon), wherein the reflective particles are incorporated into the powder coating.  
      Alternatively, the powder coating can be a material that becomes or acquires reflectivity upon colliquefaction. That is, the material becomes reflective as a result of the heating and colliquefaction.  
      The clamping channel  20  is formed of a polymeric material, and preferably a polymeric material having sufficient rigidity to perform the intended functions. A material that has been found suitable is a structural grade polypropylene. It is understood that comparably rigid thermoset materials can be employed. However, use of thermoset materials requires additional processing steps for recycling of the thermoset materials. In contrast, thermoplastic materials can be readily remelted and reconfigured into subsequent products.  
      The clamping channel  20  can be formed from a number of different plastic materials, for example, thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Depending on the hardness, TPEs are sometimes categorized as thermoplastics and sometimes as elastomers. For purposes of this invention, no such distinction will be made, and hard and soft grades of plastic will all be referred to as TPEs.  
      TPEs are commercially available in several different brands and types. Each type can be obtained in different grades having different properties such as hardness, tensile strength, compression, elongation, thermal stability and colorability. Selection of the appropriate TPE for a particular application depends on a suitable combination for such properties. Types of TPEs that are particularly useful are styrenic block co-polymers, rubber polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic alloys, thermoplastic elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic isomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides and blends thereof.  
      Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based TPEs are also suitable for window seals and are available in different grades and blends with other TPEs and rubbers. P-Valloy is one such material available from GBIE (Gerry Bareich Import Export Inc.) of Canada.  
      Formation of the clamping strip  10  can be by extrusion or molding as well known in the industry and for the present materials. Specifically, the formation of the clamping channel  20  and any associated panel contacting member  25  and gripping fins  28  can be provided by an extrusion die or dies, as well as various mold configurations.  
      In installation of the clamping strip  10 , the optical locking cord  80  is initially in the open, uninstalled position, such that the first leg  22  and the second leg  26  are slightly splayed and the spreader jaw  50  is unloaded. The splayed clamping channel  20  is disposed over the flange  16  of the vehicle  12 . The optical locking cord  80  is moved to the installed position so as to be disposed in the spreader jaw  50 . As the optical locking cord  80  is disposed into the spreader jaw  50 , the first leg  22  is urged towards the second leg  26  and the gripping fins  28  in the clamping channel  20  compress on the flange  16 . A varying thickness of the flange  16  is at least partially accommodated by the sizing of the gripping fins  28 .  
      While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.