Two-shot secondary seal with clip

The present invention generally relates to seals for vehicles, and more particularly to flange engaging seals.

Automotive seals are often employed around the perimeter of automobile openings. Such openings typically include a flange that is mounted on both sides by a seal comprising a plurality of ribs. Such seals ( FIG. 1 ) include a hard, usually metal, carrier insert to provide structural rigidity to the seal. Such seals are not-well-suited to account for flange thickness variations that are inherently present during manufacturing processes.

Accordingly, an automotive seal is desired having the aforementioned advantages and solving and/or making improvements on the aforementioned disadvantages.

One aspect of the present invention includes a seal for an automobile body opening comprising a plastic carrier, an elastomeric bulb operably connected to the plastic carrier, and a plastic clip operably connected to, and extending away from, the plastic carrier for engagement to a flange for retaining the seal to the flange.

Another aspect of the present invention includes an automobile body opening comprising a flange. Also included is a seal having a plastic carrier, an elastomeric bulb portion operably connected to the plastic carrier, wherein the plastic carrier includes a plastic clip that extends away from the plastic carrier and engages an edge of the flange for retaining the seal to the flange.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a method for sealing a perimeter of an automobile body opening comprising a flange proximate the perimeter of the automobile body opening integrally forming a seal comprising a plastic carrier and an elastomeric bulb portion by a multi-shot injection molding process, wherein the plastic carrier includes a clip and securing the seal to the flange by snap-fitting the clip over an edge of the flange.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior seal having a metal carrier;

FIG. 2 is a top, perspective view of an automobile body for receiving a seal of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the seal of the present invention mounted to a flange of the automobile body.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the automobile opening illustrated in FIG. 2 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The reference numeral 10 ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) generally designates an opening of a vehicle body, such as that of a daylight opening. The opening 10 includes a flange 12 that is typically formed of one or more pieces of sheet metal that extends from the opening 10 . The flange extends around at least part of, but typically around the entire perimeter of the opening, which may be defined by the automobile body and/or various automotive components including, but not limited to, a headliner and interior trim 20 .

The flange 12 includes a rib 14 located proximate a distal end 16 of the flange 12 . The rib 14 extends substantially perpendicularly to the general plane of the flange 12 and may have manufacturing thickness variations of approximately six (6) millimeters (mm). The rib 14 is located on the outer panel 18 of the flange 12 and is configured to accommodate a push-on seal 22 . The rib 14 typically juts inboard toward the inner panel 30 of the flange 12 .

The seal 22 is a multi-shot injection molded seal that is comprised of a low durometer elastomeric bulb seal 24 bonded to a hard plastic carrier ring 26 that follows the flange 12 and defines the opening 10 for a side door (not illustrated), in one configuration. The plastic carrier ring 26 may be formed of at least one of the materials polypropylene talc-filled (PP-TF20) and a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The elastomeric bulb seal 24 may be formed of a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) having a durometer of approximately 30 Shore A or less. The multi-shot injection molding process of the elastomeric bulb seal 24 and the plastic carrier ring 26 may be a two-shot injection molding process.

The seal also includes a plastic clip 32 that is configured to snap-fittingly engage the rib 14 of the flange 12 . The plastic clip may be formed of various geometric configurations, but typically will comprise a hook-like end 34 that surroundingly and engagingly fits around the rib 14 of the flange 12 . This engagement, combined with that of the elastomeric bulb seal 24 to the headliner or interior trim 20 (or other suitable automotive component) facilitates a secure retaining force between the seal 22 and the opening 10 of the automobile.

A method of sealing a perimeter of the opening 10 by the seal 22 is also provided, where the seal 22 is snap-fitted to the flange 12 and the headliner or interior trim 20 .

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.