1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a glass run channel for a motor vehicle door. More particularly, the invention relates to a glass run channel with an integrated upper reveal.
2. Description of Related Art
Motor vehicle doors typically include a metal header with an outwardly extending flange. A reveal molding is commonly secured along the flange and includes a reveal surface that is visible along the exterior of the door. A separate glass run channel is then fixedly secured to the reveal molding for receiving a window pane in a closed position.
According to one aspect of the invention, an integrated glass run assembly is provided for a motor vehicle door frame having a header section defining a window opening. The integrated glass run assembly includes a window receiving portion adapted for receiving a window pane. The window receiving portion includes a main body and spaced apart first and second legs extending out therefrom to define a window receiving channel. The integrated glass run assembly also includes a retention portion adapted to be mounted to the header section. The retention portion includes an outboard segment fixedly secured to the second leg of the window receiving portion to define a retention channel for receiving the header section therein. The outboard segment includes a reveal surface. A decorative reveal is secured to the outboard segment of the retention portion for providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance therealong.
The invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Referring to
An integrated glass run assembly, generally shown at 20, is an elongated molding extending along the header section 12 of the door frame. As shown in
Each connecting end 52, 56 includes a respective projection 62, 66 disposed within the channel 23 of the header section 12. Each projection 62, 66 engages and abuts the door frame to provide locking engagement therewith. The first leg 24 and the main body 28 define a hinge 53 therebetween to provide flexible movement of the first leg 24 relative to the main body 28. It is contemplated that the second leg 26 and the main body 28 could also define a hinge therebetween without exceeding the scope of the invention.
The glass run channels 21 positioned along the division post and the B-pillar, as shown in
The integrated glass run assembly 20 also includes a retention portion, generally indicated at 32, adjacent the window receiving portion 22. The retention portion 32 includes an outboard segment 36 that is fixedly secured to the second leg 26 of the window receiving portion 22. The outboard segment 36 and the second leg 26 define a retention channel 38 therebetween. The retention portion 32 is attached to the flange 14 of the header section 12 by mounting the outboard segment 36 and second leg 26 around the flange 14 such that the flange 14 is fixedly secured within the retention channel 38. The retention portion 32 may be fixedly mounted along the flange 14 by any of numerous known materials and methods including, but not limited to, adhesive or tape.
The integrated glass run assembly 20 is formed as an extruded member from TPV (thermoplastic vulcanisate) of different durometer values to meet varying flexibility and durability requirements. More specifically, the retention portion 32 has a durometer of approximately 40 D. It is, however, appreciated that the durometer for the retention portion 32 may vary.
The integrated glass run assembly 20 includes a reveal or “A” surface 40 extending along the outboard segment 36 of the retention portion 32. A decorative trim or upper reveal 42 is coupled to the reveal surface 40 to provide the integrated glass run assembly 20 with an aesthetically pleasing, finished exterior. The upper reveal 42 may be formed from any of numerous materials including, but not limited to, chrome film. Because the retention portion 32 is formed from TPV with a durometer of 40 D, the retention portion 32 provides a hard surface that allows the upper reveal 42 to be applied without wrinkling or other similar irregularities.
Finally, it is appreciated that the integrated glass run assembly 20 may be heat-formed to adapt to corners on the door frame. The integrated glass run assembly 20 is a lightweight, cost-effective, UV stable molding that provides for the upper reveal or decorative trim 42 to be incorporated with the glass run channel. Further, the integrated glass run assembly 20 could be co-extruded with sealing lips 30.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/CA08/00454 | 3/11/2008 | WO | 00 | 9/16/2009 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60918422 | Mar 2007 | US |