Abstract:
A method of installing automotive window trim molding by applying a pair of spaced parallel gripping and retaining members on opposing planar surfaces of the window edge, adhering only one of the members to one of the surfaces, and subsequently removing all but the adhered member.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a method of installing a window trim molding for adhering to a planar edge surface of the outer periphery of a fixed automotive window. 
     PRIOR ART STATEMENT 
     It is known to provide a window trim molding around the periphery of the edge of the window by forming spaced opposing members interconnected by a member at approximately right angles thereto, thereby forming a U-shaped channel into which the edge of the window is inserted. The opposing members closely grip and retain the outer and inner planar surfaces of the window edge, and the surface of the interconnecting member contacts the vertical edge of the window between the planar surfaces. Adhesion between the members and the window edge may be provided by application of an adhesive to the contacted surfaces of the window edge while a primer, acting as an adhesion promoter, may be applied to the contacting surfaces of the molding. This provides the maximum adhesion between the window and the molding members. Such a construction is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,019 to Gross; 5,338,087 to Gross et al; and 5,538,314 to Young et al; all of common assignment. In these constructions, a portion of the outer gripping member also conceals the space between the edge of the window and an adjacent body panel. 
     A second type of molding may be applied to the inner planar surface only of the window so that the edge of the window is not concealed. The molding member is adhered to the window edge by use of a similar adhesive and compatible primer, and may have an attached flexible member that extends into the space between the window edge and the body panel. A typical patent showing such a construction is U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,028, issued to Hill et al. Two pending applications filed by one of the Applicants herein are Ser. No. 09/488,049, filed Jan. 20, 2000; and 09/548,850, filed Apr. 13, 2000. These applications refer to both types of construction discussed above, one of which utilizes members gripping and retaining the outer and inner planar surfaces of the window edge and the vertical window edge; and the other having a single member adhered to only the inner planar surface of the window edge. These applications also refer to other related prior art, which is now brought to the attention of the PTO. The salient feature of these applications is in the use of a co-extruded material on the window edge-contacting surface or surfaces of the window edge, in lieu of the primer material. This concept is also incorporated herein as a modified form of the invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides for a method of installing a molding around the periphery of the window edge wherein the molding initially is similar to the type of molding having gripping and retaining members on both planar surfaces, thus providing maximum holding and alignment of the molding on the window. However, adhesion is provided between the inner member of the molding and the inner planar surface of the window edge only; but not between the outer member and the outer planar surface of the window; and not between the interconnecting member of the molding and the vertical window edge. These last two members are subsequently removed so that only the inner molding member remains adhered to the window edge, and the outer planar surface of the window edge is exposed. By using previously installed indicia at the plane of intersection of the lower member and the interconnecting member, to designate the portions to be removed, the desired member remains adhered to the window. A flexible member, similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,028, is also part of the remaining adhered molding member and extends into the space between the body panel and the window edge. 
     The process utilized herein, and the related molding construction, thus provides a superior initial grip of the molding on the window edge than if done as in the prior art processes. This minimizes the chance of misalignment of the adhered member, and also avoids the use of expensive and cumbersome aligning mechanisms which would be required if the adhered member were to be applied, as in the prior art. This process also lessens the possibility of the adhered member pulling away during assembly. The adhesion referred to herein may be either achieved by applying the adhesive on the inner planar surface of the window edge, in combination with a primer on the contacting surface of the molding member; or in combination with a co-extruded elastomeric material on the contacting surface of the molding member, as discussed above. 
     It is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved installation of a window trim molding on an automotive window. 
     It is a further object to provide a secure and accurate installation of such a window trim molding. 
     These and other objects and features will become apparent from the embodiments described and shown herein. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical automotive vehicle illustrating various locations of the novel molding. 
     FIG.2 is an enlarged sectional and perspective view of a novel molding installed on one of the window locations. 
     FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG.2 illustrating removal of portions of the molding and retention of a portion thereof. 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the molding installed on a portion of the window edge, after removal of certain portions. 
     FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating a modified form of invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the automobile  11  is typical of a motor vehicle which includes a fixed rear window  12 , fixed side windows  13 , and the windshield  14 . The novel molding  15  is manufactured as a continuous strip and extends around at least a portion of the window, as required. The molding is typically composed of an elastomeric material such as polyvinyl chloride, having a hardness of about  80  to  90  Shore A, and may include filler material. The molding is initially installed around the edge of the window, typically the rear windowl 2 , which is secured to a body panel  16  by means of an adhesive  17 . The edge of the window is adjacent to the body panel, and separated by a space  18 . As described herein, the term “edge” comprises the outer portion of the outer planar surface  19 , the outer portion of the inner planar surface  20 , and the vertical surface  21  extending therebetween. The molding is primarily composed of outer and inner gripping and retaining members  22  and  23  and an interconnecting member  24  which extends generally vertically therebetween. The members  22 ,  23  and  24  then form a U-shaped channel into which the window edge is received. The member  22  has an inner surface  25  contacting the outer planar surface of the window edge, and the member  23  has an inner surface  26  contacting the inner planar surface of the window edge. The interconnecting member  24  has an inner surface  27  contacting the surface  21  of the window. Extending outwardly and approximately coplanar with the member  23  is an integral segment  30  which forms a flexible member. When the molding is installed on the window edge, this segment extends into the space  18  to partially conceal this space from view. An adhesive material  28  is applied to the inner planar surface  20  of the window edge, a preferred material being urethane, which is applied in the form of a bead about 0.025 to 0.050 inch thick. A thin layer of a liquid primer  29 , which is compatible with the adhesive, is applied to the surface  26 . This may be a conventional material, such as a blend of methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, and methyl methacrylate. The primer is applied to the molding surface prior to installation of the molding on the window edge, and adhesion occurs when surfaces  20  and  26  are in contact with the adhesive material  28 . Pressure of the installation will cause the bead of adhesive  28  to become thinner; namely about 0.010 to 0.020 inch. The surfaces  25  and  27  are not similarly adhered. A notch  31  is formed into the surface  32  opposite the surface  27 , this notch extending along the entire extent of the molding strip and located at the plane  33  along the inner planar surface  20  of the window edge. 
     When the above described assembly is complete, and the adhesive is dried to provide permanent attachment of the member  23  to the surface  20 , the next step is the removal of the non-adhered members  22  and  24 . As shown in FIG. 3, this is done by applying a slitting mechanism  34  at the point of indicia, which acts as a cut line. A typical indicia is in the form of the rectangular notch, having a vertical wall  37  and horizontal walls  38  and  39 , but may be of any other practical shape. The slitting mechanism cuts through the interconnecting member  24 , allowing the freed members  22  and  24  to be pulled away in the direction shown by arrow  35 . The slitting mechanism may be a manual device, or a conventional machine such as a power saw. As shown in FIG. 4, The resulting assembly consists of the member  23  which is adhered to the inner planar surface of the window edge, thus leaving exposed the outer planar surface of the window edge; and the flexible member 30  which extends into the space  18 . 
     MODIFIED FORM OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a modification; wherein the same reference numbers are applied to the same parts as above. In this modification, adhesion is provided between member  23  and inner planar surface  20  of the window edge by a different method. Instead of applying a primer  29  to the contacting surface  26  of member  23 , a promoter in the form of a second elastomeric material  36  is co-extruded with the principal material to form a layer as the inner surface. The material is compatible with the adhesive applied to the window edge. Such co-extrusion is well known in the art as shown for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,711 to Desir, Sr. The material  36  is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is well known in the industry, and sold under various trade names. This material has a thickness between 0.005 and 0.020 inch, and becomes unitary with the primary material when extruded so that it becomes monolithic. The juncture of the principal material and the second material is shown in dash lines. The assembly of this form of the molding is the same as described above; after bonding of the second material to the window edge, the outer and interconnecting members are removed as before to create the final assembly. 
     The embodiments shown and described herein are exemplary, and other modifications are deemed to be within the spirit of the invention.