Patent ID: 12240300

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a portion of an automotive passenger vehicle is shown at30inFIGS.1and2. The vehicle30has a body, generally indicated at32, and a plurality of doors34(represented by a single door34inFIGS.1and2) coupled to the body32. In certain embodiments, such as shown inFIG.1, the door34may be considered a portion of, or extension of, the body32.

Each of the doors34has a window frame36defining a window opening37that may include a window38, and a seal assembly40adjacent to the window frame36. In the representative embodiments illustrated herein and depicted throughout the drawings, the seal assembly40is realized as a window seal assembly40which is coupled to and extends along at least a portion of the window frame36and also supports the encapsulated glass window38. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the seal assembly40could be realized in a number of different ways, for different vehicle30applications or for different types of vehicles30, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, while the present invention is adapted for use with automotive passenger vehicles, it will be appreciated that the seal assembly40could be used in connection with any type of vehicle, such as heavy-duty trucks, trains, airplanes, ships, construction vehicles or equipment, military vehicles, or any other type of vehicle that utilizes seal assemblies40.

Referring toFIGS.3A and3B, one embodiment of a window sealing system45is shown that includes a below belt seal assembly70and an upper glass run seal assembly55that, when positioned within the vehicle30such as shown inFIGS.1-2, also can be defined or otherwise realized as the window seal assembly40. In certain embodiments, as will be described below, the upper glass run seal assembly55may include one or more extruded strips of material operatively attached to each other and to the below belt seal assembly70, as will be described further below.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.1-2, the upper glass run seal assembly55includes a first extruded strip58(i.e., a first strip of material58) operatively attached to the below belt seal assembly70, a second extruded strip60(i.e., a second strip of material60) operatively attached to the first extruded strip58, and a third extruded strip62(i.e., a third strip of material62) operatively attached to the second extruded strip60to form the window sealing system45and window sealing assembly40as described in greater detail below. For ease of description the extruded strips of material58,60,62of the upper glass run seal assembly55may alternatively be referred to hereinafter as strips of material58,60,62or simply as strips58,60,62. In alternative embodiments, the upper glass run seal assembly55only requires at least one extruded strip of material that is coupled to the

In the representative embodiments illustrated herein, the extruded strips58,60,62each have a generally curved profile and are configured to seal against a window closure member35, including sealing against the window38, when the window closure member35is in the closed position (not shown in detail but generally shown inFIGS.1and2, but generally known in the art). However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the window seal assembly40could have any suitable profile, shape, or configuration sufficient to effect receiving the window closure member, including the window38, in the closed position without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiments, the first extruded strip58is operatively attached to both the second extruded strip60as well as to the glass window38via a molding66which bonds the extruded strips58,60together. Specifically, the molding66of the window seal assembly40couples the first extruded strip58and the second extruded strip60together in a predetermined orientation that is complimentary to the shape and orientation of the window frame36of the vehicle30, as described in greater detail below. Similarly, the second extruded strip60is operatively attached to both the third extruded strip62as well as to the glass window38via a molding68which bonds the extruded strips60,62together. Specifically, the molding68of the window seal assembly40couples the second extruded strip60and the third extruded strip62together in a predetermined orientation that is complimentary to the shape and orientation of the window frame36of the vehicle30.

In certain embodiments, the first extruded strip58has a generally U-shaped profile that extending between the strip ends159,161defined by a base163, or body163and includes a first side165and a second side166(i.e., a first arm165and a second arm165) spaced from one another and each extending transversely from the base163. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the second extruded strip60and third extruded strip62also have a generally U-shaped profile that extending between the respective strip ends169,171and179,181defined by a respective base173,183(or body173,183) that each include a first side175,185and a second side176,186(i.e., a first arm175,185and a second arm176,186) respectively spaced from one another and respectively extending transversely from a respective base173,183.

The strips58,60,62are typically formed from a flexible and durable polymeric material that can create a seal to a component within the door34. By way of non-limiting example, one or more portions of the strips58,60,62of material could be manufactured via a plastic extrusion process utilizing one or more predetermined materials (and hence are referred to as extruded strips of material58,60,62as noted above), such as from one or more types of EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber and/or TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanized) rubber.

In the illustrated embodiments, the body163,173,183of the strips58,60,62also supports a carrier (not shown) therein, which similarly has a generally U-shaped profile. The carrier may be manufactured from metal, such as steel, or from any other suitable material, and may have other profiles (e.g., rectangular), without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the body163,173,183of the first extruded strip58, second extruded strip60, and third extruded strip62are realized as a “division bar” and includes one or more sealing lips (similar to the sealing lips81,83of the strip72of material of the below belt seal assembly70described below) which are each configured to engage portions of the window closure member37as the window closure member37and window38moves between open and closed positions with respect to the window frame36.

In addition to bonding the extruded strips58,60,62together, in the illustrated embodiments of the window seal assembly40depicted throughout the drawings, the moldings66,68also at least partially encapsulates the glass window38and may bond to one or more locators (not shown) used to help position, align, or otherwise attach the window seal assembly40to the window frame36of the vehicle30in proximity to the window38, such as via spring clips (not shown) attached to the locators. The moldings66,68may also bond to other components, such as a bulb strip employed to compress against vehicle30trim pieces (not shown, but generally known in the related art). However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the window seal assembly40could comprise a number of different arrangements of components beyond those illustrated inFIG.3and could be of different shapes and configurations to suit particular vehicle30applications and, thus, could employ additional strips and/or moldings without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiments of the moldings66,68partially encapsulating the glass window38, it will be appreciated that the upper glass run seal assembly55could be provided with moldings66,68which bonds the first and second and third extruded strips58,60,62together without also bonding to other components. Other configurations are contemplated.

The window seal assembly40further includes a below belt seal assembly70that is operatively attached to the upper glass run seal assembly55and in particular to the first extruded strip58, and is configured to facilitate rigidly securing the window seal assembly40to the door34and/or the body32of the vehicle30at a position below the window opening37as shown inFIGS.1and2. Here, it will be appreciated that the rigid securing of the window seal assembly40via the below belt seal assembly70affords advantages in applications where the window seal assembly40is relatively large and/or heavy (e.g., supports the window38and window closure member35), or in applications where additional retention rigidity is required beyond the retention afforded by locators and spring clips.

The below belt seal assembly70, as shown inFIGS.1-5and8-12and as best shown inFIG.4, includes an extruded strip of material72having a generally U-shaped profile and including an intermediate portion74extending between a first strip end76and a second strip end78. The extruded strip72of material (seeFIG.4), similar to the extruded strips58,60,62, is typically formed from a flexible and durable polymeric material that can create a seal to a component within the door34. By way of non-limiting example, one or more portions of the strip of material72could be manufactured via a plastic extrusion process utilizing one or more predetermined materials, such as from one or more types of EPDM rubber and/or TPV rubber, and hence is referred to as an extruded strip of material72, and extruded strip72, or strip72hereinafter.

Also similar to the first, second and third strips58,60,62, the extruded strip of material72includes a first side73and a second side75each extending transversely from a base85, and in certain embodiments with each side73,75extending along the entire length of the strip of material72between the first and second strip end76,78(including along the intermediate portion74), and with the interior surfaces of the sides73,75and base85defining an internal channel87that is configured to receive, and in partially encapsulate and seal, to an outer portion of the window38when the window38is moved (i.e., lowered) within the door34during certain operations of the vehicle30. In addition, each of the first and second sides73,75include an engagement area73A,75A.

In certain of these embodiments, a terminal end of each the first and second sides73,75, opposite the base section85and adjacent to and extending from the respective engagement area73A,75A, form an outward lip77,79(seeFIG.9). The outward lips77,79, may extend along all or a portion of the first and second sides73,75between the first and second strip ends76,78(including along the intermediate portion74). In certain embodiments, the outward lips77,79extend transverse and outwardly from the length of the sides73,75, and in further embodiments the outward lips77,79are curved and extend transverse and outwardly to the length of the first and second sides73,75at the terminal ends adjacent to and extending from the engagement areas73A,75A.

In still further embodiments, as also shown inFIGS.5and8-12, the extruded strip of material72also includes an additional pair of sealing lips81,83(sometimes alternatively referred to as finger like-projection portions81,83) extending respectively inwardly (and in a direction opposite the respective outward lips77,79) from one of the first and second sides73,75at one or both of the respective first and second strip end76,78. These sealing lips81,83of the strip of material72abut or otherwise engage portions of the window38of the vehicle30when the window38is moved to the lowered position within the door34or other portion of the body32when the window seal assembly40is coupled within the vehicle30and when the window38extends within the internal channel87towards the inner surface of the base section85when the window38is moved to the lowered position within the door34or other portion of the body32.

In certain embodiments, the base85, sides73,75and lips77,79are formed of a common polymeric material, such as the one or more types of EPDM rubber and/or TPV rubber as described above.

The below belt seal assembly70also includes one or more fasteners80that are respectively coupled, and preferably bonded, to the intermediate portion74and/or to one or both of the first and second strip ends76,78via a molding82that forms at least one bracket193, such as a plurality of brackets193, that includes the afore-mentioned fasteners80. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated inFIGS.3,5,6, and9-13herein, the fastener80is in the form of a threaded nut80.

In the embodiment shown, the molding82is bonded to the base85of the strip of material72along the entirety of the length between the first and second strip ends76,78including along the intermediate portion74, although in other embodiments the molding82may be bonded to either one of the first or second sides73,75(alone or in combination with being bonded to the base section85) along the entirety of the length between the first and second strip ends76,78including along the intermediate portion74. In still further embodiments, the molding82is bonded to the extruded strip of material72(along the base section85and/or along one or both of the first or second sides73,75) along less than the entirety of the length between the first and second strip ends76,78including along the intermediate portion74. In these embodiments, the first and second lips77,79each extend outwardly from the sides73,75at a distance at least equal to the thickness of the molding82disposed on the sides73,75.

In these embodiments, the molding82includes the at least one bracket193that are each operatively attached to the each of the fastener80and to the strip of material72such as via a molding process (by way of non-limiting example, via injection molding) with the molding82formed from a thermoplastic material such as Polypropylene (PP) or High-Density Polyethylene (HD-PE).

In certain embodiments that include the outward lips77,79, such as shown inFIG.5, the terminal ends82A,82B of the molding82partially surrounding the base section85and sides73,75terminate at the respective engagement areas73A,75A and are thus spaced from the outward lips77,79lips so as to provide a gap93between the terminal ends82A,82B of the molding82and the respective outward lip77,79.

The fasteners80can be in the form of a threaded nut80as described above (see in particularFIG.5), or alternatively may take on other forms such as a threaded bolt. In certain embodiments such as when the fastener80is in the form of a threaded nut80, the fasteners80define access openings (access opening is shown inFIG.5by arrow190) for introduction of an additional fastening device205therethrough that cooperate with the fasteners80(i.e., engages with the fastener80) to secure the window seal assembly40within the door34or within other portions of the body32of the vehicle30. By way of example, where the additional fastening device is a threaded bolt205such as shown inFIG.11, and wherein the fastening device is a threaded nut80as also shown inFIG.11, the threaded bolt205may be introduced through the access opening190of the threaded nut80, while being threadingly engaged to the threaded nut80within the access opening190, and with a portion of the bolt205extending within the body32(or door34) of the vehicle30(such as being threadingly engaged with an opening in the body32) to secure the below belt seal assembly70(and hence the window seal assembly40including the below belt seal assembly70) to the body32(or door34) of the vehicle30.

Even still further, other additional fasteners or fastening devices (not shown) that are not threaded may be utilized in conjunction with the fasteners80described herein in further alternative embodiments, including for example spring clips or u-nuts or other additional fastening devices having hook-like features (not shown) that are bonded to the intermediate portion74and function for securing the window seal assembly40to the door34or the body32of the vehicle30.

In the representative embodiments depicted herein, the below belt seal assembly70, is formed in-place such as via a molding process (by way of non-limiting example, via injection molding) from a thermoplastic such as Polypropylene (PP) or High-Density Polyethylene (HD-PE) within a mold (shown schematically inFIGS.7-10) according to the logic illustrated inFIG.6Aand as described below. Once formed, the below belt seal assembly70may be coupled with the one or more of the three extruded strips58,60and62that individual or collectively define the upper glass run seal assembly55to form the window seal assembly40.

In certain embodiments, the below belt sealing system70may be subsequently positioned adjacent to the first extruded strip58of the upper glass run seal assembly55, such as shown inFIGS.3A and3B. As shown inFIG.3A, the below belt sealing system70is positioned adjacent to the first extruded strip58with a small gap47present between the first strip end76of the extruded strip72and the strip end159of the first extruded strip58to form the window sealing system45. In certain other embodiments as shown inFIG.3B, the below belt seal assembly70may abut and/or may be subsequently bonded to the first extruded strip58of the upper glass run seal assembly55. The bonding could be accomplished through an additional molding90in an additional or concurrent molding process. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the below belt seal assembly70could be formed from any suitable material sufficient to align, abut, or bond to the first extruded strip58and to facilitate proper alignment of the window seal assembly40. As yet another alternative, an adhesive (not shown) may be applied between the first strip end76and the strip end159of the first extruded strip58, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.1-2and inFIG.3B, the three strips58,60and62are illustrated and are coupled together and form the upper glass run seal assembly55that are secured together and to the below belt seal assembly70via the moldings66,68and90as described above. However, in other embodiments, the window seal assembly40, in accordance with the present invention, can include the below belt seal assembly70coupled to the first extruded strip58with or without the additional extruded strips60,62(i.e., the upper glass run seal assembly55can include the first extruded strip58alone or in combination with one or both of the additional strips60,62). Still further, in additional embodiments, the number of additional extruded strips can be more than the two additional extruded strips60,62as shown.

Even still further, while the present invention as illustrated inFIGS.1-5includes a first extruded strip58coupled to the first strip end76of the extruded strip of material72via the molding90, alternative embodiments are contemplated.

By way of non-limiting examples (not shown), an additional strip of extruded material similar to the first extruded strip58may also be coupled to the second strip end78of the extruded strip of material72via an additional molding similar to the molding90. Still further, the additional strip of extruded material may alternatively be coupled to the intermediate portion74of the extruded strip of material72via an additional molding similar to the molding90. Even still further, an additional extruded strip of material similar to the first extruded strip58may also be coupled to the second strip end78of the extruded strip of material72and a second additional strip of material may be coupled to the intermediate portion74of the extruded strip of material72via an additional molding or moldings similar to the molding90.

A molding method for forming the below belt seal assembly70similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG.4(and as shown inFIG.11), and the subsequent method for forming a window seal assembly40including the below belt seal assembly70and the upper glass run seal assembly55ofFIGS.1-2is depicted generically inFIGS.7-10and in an accompanying logic flow diagram200inFIGS.6A and6Bin accordance with one exemplary method of the present invention.

Referring first toFIG.6Aand to step202, the method200begins by providing a mold tool. The mold tool, shown inFIGS.7-10by reference numeral500and illustrated schematically and not intended to provide precise dimensions or configurations corresponding to the formed below belt seal assembly70of the present invention, includes a mandrel502, an upper slide504, and a pair of slide tools506,508with a first one506of the pair of slide tools including a pin510. The pin510may be coupled to or be integrally formed and project outward from the first one506of the slide tools. The mandrel502has a base region511and domed region512extending transversely from the base region511. The base region511includes a trough region513defining a cavity515positioned adjacent to the domed region512. In certain embodiments, the domed region512includes a top side514with a first side516and an opposing second side518extending from the top side514. The sides516,518of the domed region512may each include a pocket region523for receipt of the sealing lips81,83. In alternative embodiments, the pin510could alternatively be coupled to be integrally formed and project outwardly from the upper slide tool504and work in the same manner as the pin510coupled to or integrally formed with the first one506of the slide tools as shown inFIGS.7-10. The method continues in step204by positioning the first slide tool506in spaced relationship from the first side516of the mandrel502and positioning a second slide tool508in spaced relationship to the second side518of the mandrel502.

Next, in step206and as best shown inFIG.7, a strip of material72(i.e., the extruded strip of material72previously formed by the plastic extrusion process) having an intermediate portion74extending between a first and second strip end76,78is loaded onto the mandrel502with the first strip end76positioned between the first side516of the domed region512of the mandrel502and the first slide tool506and with the second strip end78positioned between the second side518of the domed region512of the mandrel502and the second slide end508with the intermediate portion74positioned adjacent the top side514of the domed region512of the mandrel502. In alternative embodiments, step206can proceed prior to, or simultaneous with, step204.

In certain embodiments the ends of the sides73,75of the strip of material72opposite the base85extend into cavity515defined by the trough region513. Further, in certain of these embodiments that include the outward lips77,79, a terminal end or the entirety of each the outward lips77,79is positioned within the cavity515defined by the troughed region513.

As noted above, as also shown inFIGS.7-10, the strip of material72also includes the additional pair of sealing lips81,83extending respectively inwardly from one of the first and second sides73,75at one or both of the respective first and second strip end76,78and these are positioned within the respective pocket region523along the sides516,518of the domed region512.

Next, in step208, each of the pair of slide tools506,508is moved (i.e., slid) towards the mandrel502, such as towards the domed region512of the mandrel502, from a first position to a second position to stretch the strip of material72against the mandrel502, such as against the domed region512of the mandrel502. This sliding of the pair of slide tools506,508can be done simultaneously or sequentially (in either order).

In certain embodiments, the pair of slide tools506,508are slid diagonally (shown by arrows525,530inFIG.8) towards the mandrel502from the first position to the second position.

In certain embodiments, during this diagonal movement, a projection517,519of the respective pair of slide tools506,508covers a portion of the first and second sides73,75within the cavity515adjacent to the troughed portion513, and in particular is brought into contact with the engagement area73A,75A of the first and second sides73,75of the strip of material72and stretches the first and second sides73,75along the respective opposing first and second sides516,518. In embodiments including the outward lips77,79, such as shown inFIG.9, a projection517,519of the respective pair of slide tools506,508are brought into contact with the engagement area73A,75A of the first and second sides73,75at a position adjacent to the respective outward lips77,79.

Alternatively, as also shown inFIG.8, the pair of slide tools506,508are slid laterally (shown by arrows526,531inFIG.8) towards the mandrel502from the first position to the second position by essentially the same method as described above.

Next, in step210in certain embodiments, the fastener80, such as a threaded nut80, is loaded onto the pin510of the first slide tool506(seeFIG.8) with the access opening190defined the threaded nut80surrounding and in close proximity or in contact with the outer surface of the side of the pin510. In certain of these embodiments, step210can occur prior to or simultaneous with step206or208.

The location of the pin510along the first one506of the slide tools is illustrated schematically inFIGS.7-10, is illustrated for ease of illustration in an alternative location from a pin510that would be used to form the below belt seal assembly70ofFIG.4. In particular, the location of the pin510inFIGS.7-10forms the below belt seal assembly70as illustrated inFIG.11having the access opening190extending in a direction ninety degrees offset from the corresponding access opening190in the below belt seal assembly70illustrated inFIG.4. Still further, in alternatives to the illustration ofFIGS.7-10, the pin510could alternatively be coupled to or extend from the upper slide tool504or be positioned in alternative locations on the first one of the slide tools, and work in the same manner as the pin510coupled to or extending from the first one506of the slide tools as shown inFIGS.7-10.

As noted above, the fastener80described in step210may take on alternative forms, including that of another threaded fastener such as a threaded bolt or a non-threaded fastener including but not limited to a spring clip, u-nut or a fastener having a hook-like feature. In these embodiments, the use of the pin510, and the loading of the fastener510onto the pin510, are not necessary. In addition, is still further alternative embodiments, the fastener80can be coupled to the formed one or more brackets193after formation of the below belt seal assembly70.

In step212, the upper slide504is slid towards the mandrel502, and in particular towards a top side514of the domed region512of the mandrel502, from an open position to a closed position, as shown by arrow537inFIG.8, wherein the upper slide504, the pair of slide tools506,508, the projections517,519and the mandrel502define a molding cavity520therebetween when the pair of slide tools506,508are in the first position and when the upper slide504is in the closed position. During step212, the fastener80and the strip of material72are contained in the molding cavity520. In certain embodiments, step210can occur prior to or simultaneous with step208or210.

In step214, and as also represented inFIG.8, a molding material522is directed into the molding cavity520to form a molding82that bonds the fastener80to the extruded strip of material72to form the below belt seal assembly70. During this step, one or more brackets193are formed within the molding material522that include the fasteners80or serve as the location for the subsequent attachment of the fasteners80.

In step216, the upper slide504is retracted to the open position (shown by arrow547inFIG.9orFIG.10) and the pair of slide tools506,508are retracted from the second position back to the first position, thereby allowing the formed below belt seal assembly70to be removed from the mandrel (seeFIG.11in which the below belt seal assembly70is removed). Optionally, the sealing lips81,83may be removed from the formed below belt seal assembly70as a part of step214.

In certain embodiments, as shown inFIG.9, the pair of slide tools506,508are slid diagonally (shown by arrows535,540) away from the mandrel502from the second position to the first position. The diagonal sliding ofFIG.9corresponds to the embodiment also illustrated inFIG.8described above wherein the pair of slide tools506,508are slid diagonally towards from the mandrel502illustrated by arrows525,530and corresponding to Step208.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG.10, the pair of slide tools506,508are slid laterally (shown by arrows545,550) away from the mandrel502from the second position to the first position. The lateral sliding ofFIG.10corresponds to the embodiment also illustrated inFIG.9described above wherein the pair of slide tools506,508are slid laterally towards from the mandrel502as shown by arrows526,531and corresponding to Step208.

In certain embodiments, during this diagonal or lateral movement shown by arrows535,540or545,550, the projection517,519of the respective pair of slide tools506,508uncovers the sides73,75(and is disengaged from the engagement area73A,75A) within the cavity515adjacent to the troughed portion513and is brought out of contact with of the strip of material72corresponding to the sides73,75. In embodiments that include the outward lips77,79, this diagonal or lateral movement also uncovers a top portion of the outward lips77,79adjacent to, and extending from, the sides73,75to expose the gap93created between the terminal ends82A,82A of the molding82and the top surface of the outward lips77,79.

In further embodiments, in addition to forming the below belt seal assembly70, such as also shown in the logic flow diagram ofFIG.6A, the method continues as shown inFIG.6Bto form the window seal assembly40and associated window sealing system45including the below belt seal assembly70, the first extruded strip58, and optionally the second extruded strip60and third extruded strip62and any further additional strips that define the upper glass run seal assembly55. For ease of description, the method is described with respect to forming a window seal assembly40inFIG.6Bhas only the first extruded strip58coupled to the below belt seal assembly70in steps224and226below, although in further embodiments additional strips such as the second extruded strip60and third extruded strip62can also be coupled to the first extruded strip60opposite the below belt seal assembly70with additional conventional steps extending from the non-conventional steps224and226of the present invention described below to form the window seal assembly40such as shown inFIGS.1-3.

Referring now toFIG.6Band in step218, a separate molding apparatus (i.e., separate mold from the mold500) is provided having a one or more receptacles defining a molding cavity.

In step220, the below belt seal assembly70is positioned into the molding cavity of the separate mold within one of the one or more receptables725,730contained in the molding cavity.

In step222, the first extruded strip58and optionally any additional strips of material (i.e., the second extruded strip60and/or the third extruded strip62in the embodiment shown inFIGS.1-3), depending upon the size and shape of the desired seal assembly40, are formed as the upper glass run seal assembly55in a prior step in a conventional forming process such as via extrusion process. The strips58,60,62may be formed from a flexible polymeric material that is capable of forming a seal with the window38. In certain embodiments, the flexible polymeric material is the same or a different material as the strip72used in the below belt seal assembly70as described above. By way of non-limiting example, one or more portions of the first extruded strip58and/or the second extruded strip60and/or the third extruded strip62could be manufactured via a plastic extrusion process utilizing one or more predetermined materials, such as from one or more types of EPDM rubber and/or TPV rubber as described above, and many include the carriers as described above. As opposed to forming the first extruded strip58and optionally any additional strips of material in step222, the first extruded strip58and optionally any additional strips of material (i.e., the second extruded strip60and/or the third extruded strip62) may simply be provided in alternative embodiments of the method200as the upper glass run seal assembly55.

Next, in step224, one of the strip ends169of the first extruded strip58into the molding cavity within a second one of the one or more receptacles in the separate molding apparatus with a portion of the base section or body163of the first extruded strip58engaging the below belt seal assembly70in the first receptacle. In particular, corresponding to the embodiment ofFIGS.1-3, with the strip end169of the first extruded strip58engaging the first strip end76of the below belt seal assembly70.

Further, and optionally as a part of step224, the second extruded strip60and/or third strip are loaded into additional receptacles with the second extruded strip60engaging the first extruded strip58as described above and with the third extruded strip62engaging the second extruded strip60(and in particular the strip end171of the second extruded strip60engaging the strip end179of the third extruded strip62).

In step226, material is directed into the molding cavity within the first one of the one or more receptacles of the separate mold to form a molding90bonding the first extruded strip58together with the below belt seal assembly70to form the window seal assembly40.

The window seal assembly40, and associated window seal system45, formed in accordance with this method that includes a threaded nut80as the fastener80and the threaded bolt205, may be then be introduced into the body32or door34of the vehicle30and secured to the body32or door of the vehicle30by threadingly engaging the bolt205within the access opening190of the threaded nut and engaging an end portion of the bolt205to the body32or door34to form the window sealing system40as described above.

In an alternative method to form the window seal assembly40ofFIG.3Afrom the window sealing system45including the below belt seal assembly70and upper glass run seal assembly55, the method merely consists of positioning the strip end159of the first extruded strip58of material of the upper glass run seal assembly55adjacent to, and in certain embodiments is adjacent and spaced from the first strip end76of the extruded strip72of material of the below belt seal assembly70to form a gap47. In certain embodiments, an adhesive can be applied to one or both of the strip ends159,76to secure the first strip58to the strip72of the below belt seal assembly70, while in other embodiments a fastener can alternatively be used alone or in conjunction with the adhesive to secure the first strip58to the strip72of the below belt seal assembly70.

In alternative embodiments, as shown inFIG.13, alternative below belt seal assemblies70are provided in which the number, or location, of the bracket193and fasteners80may be different from the embodiments illustrated inFIGS.4and11. In particular, a single bracket193and fastener80is illustrated on two below belt seal assemblies70inFIG.13, as compared to the below belt seal assemblies70ofFIGS.4and11that include two brackets193each having a single respective fastener80.

In still further embodiments, the fastener80may be coupled to bracket193in accordance with the embodiments ofFIGS.4,11and13at any point and time during the assembly of the window seal assembly40, including in a post-production step to the steps described above. Preferably, the fastener80is bonded or otherwise secured or fastened to bracket193in this post-production step prior to the window seal assembly40being installed into door34and/or the body32of the vehicle30as described above.

While the invention has been described with reference to the examples above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all examples falling within the scope of the appended claims.