Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/263,722, filed November 23, 2009.

[0002] This application is related to commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 7,350,849, issued April 1 , 2008, and expressly incorporates the subject matter of the ^' 849 patent as if fully rewritten herein.

Background of the Disclosure

[0003] This disclosure relates to a weatherstrip or weatherseal mounting or retaining structure and, more particularly, to a retainer assembly for securing weatherseals to an associated vehicle body.

[0004] Existing retainers mount glass edge seals along peripheral portions of an opening in a vehicle body, for example, about the periphery of a door window opening. These retainers are preferably one-piece and eliminate distinctive joint lines where separate components of the retainer meet. U.S. Patent 7,350,849 discloses, for example, a retainer which comprises (i) a show portion that extends from a generally planar first base portion, and (ii) a leg portion that extends from a generally planar second base portion which are fused together along the base portions into a one-piece retainer that forms a cavity dimensioned to receive and retain a weatherseal in the cavity. The generally planar base portions overlap and receive fasteners that extend through spatially aligned openings. The fasteners pass through the aligned openings in the retainer and into corresponding openings formed in the vehicle body to secure the retainer thereto.

[0005] While an improvement over earlier retainer assemblies, these existing one-piece retainers have undesired restrictions and limitations. For example, specialized tooling is required to fusion bond or ultrasonically weld together regions on the overlapping surfaces of the first and second base portions. This adds cost associated with the inclusion of heat staking equipment in the manufacturing line. Moreover, the fusion bond process necessarily requires the first and second base portions to be formed of similar materials. This limits the variability and potential end uses of the retainer.

[0006] Thus, although this one-piece retainer has been commercially successful and provides certain advantages over prior arrangements, there is still a need to reduce cost of manufacture, reduce cost of assembly, ease installation, and expand use of dissimilar materials in forming the retainer.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0007] The present disclosure is directed towards a retainer assembly that secures a weatherseal to an opening in an associated vehicle body.

[0008] A first exemplary embodiment of a retainer assembly includes a first retainer portion that is operatively coupled to a second retainer portion. The first retainer portion includes an outer show portion that extends from a first base portion, a retaining flange that protrudes from the outer show portion, and a first securing member and a second securing member provided in the first base portion. The second retainer portion includes a leg that extends from a second base portion, a retaining flange that protrudes from the leg, and a second securing member provided in the second base portion that mechanically engages the securing member of the first base portion. Securing the first and second retainer portions together forms a cavity that is adapted to receive an associated weatherstrip.

[0009] In another embodiment, a cavity is provided in the retainer assembly to advantageously position a lighting device preferably along an edge of the retainer assembly.

[0010] A primary benefit provided by this disclosure relates to the elimination of additional steps and equipment for joining first and second portions of a retainer assembly.

[0011] Another feature resides in the ease of installation of the two-piece retainer assembly.

[0012] Yet another advantage is associated with the ability to join dissimilar first and second materials in an inexpensive, reliable manner. [0013] Still, other features and benefits will be found in the following, detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a partial portion of an elongated retainer assembly according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along lines l-l of the retainer assembly shown in Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a partial first portion of the retainer assembly shown in Figure 2.

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view from an underside of a partial second portion of the retainer assembly shown in Figure .

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an elongated retainer assembly.

[0019] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines 11-11 of the retainer assembly shown in Figure 5.

[0020] Figure 7 is a side perspective view of a retainer-and-weatherstrip assembly according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled arrangement of Figure

8.

[0023] Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 with the weatherseal shown in dotted line and the addition of a light member.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0024] The present disclosure is directed to a retainer assembly 10 for securing a weatherstrip or weatherseal W to glass-opening edges on an associated vehicle body. Figures 1-4 illustrate a first embodiment of this retainer assembly disclosure. More particularly, the retainer assembly includes a first retainer portion 12 in mechanical engagement with a second retainer portion 14 which together form an interior cavity 16 for receiving an associated weatherseal W (Figure 7). Although only a segment or partial longitudinal portion of the retainer assembly is shown, one skilled in the art will recognize that the retainer assembly has an elongated length that proceeds along an inner peripheral region of an opening in the vehicle body, for example, about the window opening in a vehicle door where peripheral edge portions of the associated window or glass are received in the weatherseal mounted or secured in the retainer assembly. Thus, the retainer assembly and components thereof have an extended length that typically coincides with the inner periphery of the vehicle body opening or external peripheral portions of the window.

[0025] The first retainer portion 12 includes an outer show surface or show portion 18 that extends from a continuous first base portion 20. In the particular embodiment, the show portion and the first base portion are disposed in a generally L- shape, i.e., the outer show portion is disposed approximately perpendicular or at an included angle slightly less than perpendicular relative to the first base portion. The outer show portion 18 typically has a slight, inward curvature (for example, a distal edge of the show portion is bent inwardly toward the first base portion as the show portion proceeds outwardly from the junction with the first base portion) and is dimensioned to overlie a glass-edge perimeter (not shown) on the outer body side of the vehicle. The surface of the outer show portion 18 transitions smoothly along, contours, and blends into a surface of the vehicle surface surrounding the window.

[0026] The outer show portion 18 is joined along a recessed corner edge 22 (Figure 2) formed where an inner length of the outer show portion meets an inner length of the first base portion 20. Further, a first retaining flange 24 protrudes inwardly from an inner surface of the outer show portion 18, preferably at a location adjacent the corner edge to engage a corresponding recess R1 in the weatherseal W (Figure 7). Typically, the weatherseal W is formed from a material that is more flexible than the retainer so that the weatherseal is inserted into the retainer and an undercut region or recess R1 is mechanically engaged by the retaining flange to hold the weatherseal in place in the retainer assembly and prevent inadvertent removal therefrom. The retaining flange 24 is in generally perpendicular relationship to the inner surface of the outer show portion which provides a secure retaining feature.

[0027] The second retainer portion 14 operatively cooperates with the first retainer portion 12, specifically the second retainer portion is mechanically joined to the first retainer portion. A leg portion 26 extends outwardly from a generally planar, second base portion 28. The leg portion 26 preferably extends from the second base portion 28 at a generally obtuse angle, with a recess 30 disposed intermediate the leg portion and the second base portion. The recess forms a generally squared shoulder or retaining flange 30 that engages an undercut region R2 of the weatherseal in a manner similar to the first retaining flange 24 received in the recess R1 so that the weatherseal is mechanically engaged by the retainer assembly and cannot be inadvertently removed from the retainer assembly.

[0028] The first retainer portion 12 cooperates with the second retainer portion 14 along their respective base portions 20, 28 to achieve the mechanical engagement between these components. Specifically, the first retainer portion 12 has at least one of a male and female securing member provided in the first base portion, and the second retainer portion 14 comprises at least one of the other of the male and female mechanical securing member provided in the second base portion. Typically, plural male and female securing members cooperatively engage one another at longitudinally spaced locations along the lengths of the first and second base portions of the retaining portions.

[0029] The male and the female mechanical securing members of the first and second base portions 20, 28 couple in a manner that maintains a generally planar relation or surface to the retainer assembly 10. The planar surface conformation of the base region of the retainer assembly permits flush engagement with the associated vehicle body about the perimeter of the opening.

[0030] A preferred form of the corresponding male and female mechanical securing members is shown in the retainer assembly 10 of Figures 1-4. The first retainer portion 12 includes a locking tab portion 40 (Figure 3) which is cantilever- mounted at a distal or terminal end or leading edge 58 of the first planar base portion 20. The locking tab portion is hinged at the leading edge and a free end 42 of the locking tab can pivot upwardly toward the first base portion in response to insertion of the tab portion into a corresponding opening or locking recess 80 formed in the second retainer portion 14 (Figure 4). That is, the height of the opening/recess 80 is less than the normal unbiased position of the free end 42 of the locking tab so that the locking tab deflects or pivots as the first and second retainer portions 12, 14 are advanced toward one another.

[0031] The locking tab portion 40 is supported on opposite edges by a pair of parallel legs 44 that extend from the first base portion 20. The locking tab portion 40 includes an inward-turned finger (hereinafter referred to as the "locking tab 40") situated between terminal ends of each of the legs 44 and is preferably shaped to follow a generally arcuate curve, although the locking tab will deform or pivot as the tab portion is advanced into the recess of the second base portion. The locking tab 40 is normally spaced from the plane of the base portion and extends downwardly by a gap or dimension 46 (Figure 1 ) from the pair of legs 44 until the tab encounters a force that urges the locking tab in plane with the remainder of the first base portion, i.e., upon insertion in to the reduced height of the recess 80.

[0032] The first base portion 12 further includes a planar surface 50 (Figure 2) that has a shoulder 52 that is advanced into mechanical engagement with the second base portion 14, particularly with the recess 80. Upon complete receipt in the recess, the locking tab 40 deflects downwardly and engages shoulder 88 in the recess of the second base portion to preclude inadvertent removal and maintain the mechanically locked relationship.

[0033] An opening 94 (Figure 4) is provided along an inner surface of the second retainer portion. This opening 94 provides access to the locking tab 40 when the latter is engaged within the locking recess 80; namely, the opening 94 can provide a release capability so that the first retainer portion 12 can mechanically disengage the second retainer portion 14. Specifically, to mechanically disengage the retainer assembly 10, a user depresses the locking tab 40 through the opening 94. [0034] A second embodiment of the male and female mechanical securing members is shown in Figures 5 and 6. The second base portion 28 of the second retainer portion 14 includes a planar surface 110 opposite a convex, arcuate inner surface 112. The planar surface 110 faces the body of the associated vehicle while the arcuate surface 112 faces the interior weatherstrip receiving cavity 16. A second terminal edge 114 is formed between the flat surface 110 and the arcuate surface 112.

[0035] At least one opening 116 is formed through the planar surface 110 to the space. The opening 116 functions to catch a corresponding planar protrusion 158 on the locking tab 140 and effectively seats the locking tab in recess 120. The planar protrusion 158 extends outwardly from the first planar surface 142 and through the opening 116 of the second retainer portion 14. In this manner, the planar protrusion 158 essentially functions as the locking tab 140 when it is pushed into the reduced height of locking recess 120. A height of the planar protrusion 158 extends upwardly from the sidewalls 118 which form the opening 116; hence, the planar protrusion seats within the opening to lock any movement of the locking tab 140.

[0036] Figure 6 also illustrates a foam member 160 that may be added to prevent moisture intrusion along this locking tab 140 interface with the opening 116. The foam member also serves to reduce or eliminate squeak and rattle between the components. The foam member 160 may be dimensioned to normally extend above the planar surface 1 10 and will be compressed when the retainer is secured to the vehicle body.

[0037] Figure 7 further illustrates mounting of a weatherseal W in the retainer assembly. The weatherseal is received in the cavity formed by the assembled first and second retaining portions and retained by the retaining flanges 24, 30. The retaining flanges engage the respective undercut regions R1 , R2 in a base portion of the weatherseal and position the weatherseal in the cavity 16 in a manner that a peripheral edge of the associated window (not shown) is received in the weatherseal to seal the interior of the vehicle from the external elements.

[0038] Turning to Figures 8-10, retainer assembly 210 secures a weatherseal W to an associated vehicle body. A first retainer portion 212 includes an outer show surface or show portion 218 that extends from first base portion 220. Again, the show portion and the first base portion are disposed in a generally L-shaped configuration. A retaining flange 224 protrudes inwardly from an inner surface on the show portion and preferably at a location that allows it to facilitate retention of the weatherseal W (Figure 10).

[0039] The second retainer portion 214 is mechanically joined and operatively connected to the first retainer portion when the generally planar base portion 228 is advanced in overlying relation with the first base portion 220. Shoulder or retaining flange 230 engages an undercut region of the weatherseal in a manner similar to the earlier embodiments so that the weatherseal is not inadvertently removed from the retainer assembly once the retainer assembly is mechanically engaged. First and second mechanical securing members of the base portions 220, 228 couple in a manner that maintains the generally planar relation. In this embodiment, locking tab portion 240 is provided on the second retainer portion so that leading edge 258 slides over surface 220 and locking tab 260 is received in a corresponding recess or opening 262 in the first retainer prtion. As shown in Figure 8, a pair of the locking tabs are provided, although a greater or lesser number of tabs may be provided along the length of the retainer portions. In addition, alignment openings 270, 272 are provided in the base portion of each of the first and second retainer portions and adapted to each receive a fastener that secures the retainer assembly to a vehicle body surface 300. The fastener is generally referenced as 302. The fastener also holds the planar regions 214, 220 in flush, planar relation so that the retainer portions cannot easily separate due to the mechanical engagement of the tabs with the recesses 262 and by being pressed against the body surface 300 of the vehicle. This arrangement of Figures 8-10 provides for a slightly modified configuration that does not require a full cavity being formed in either of the first or second retainer portions to receive the tab from the other of the first and second retainer portions and therefore is easier to mold and assemble.

[0040] It is also appreciated that if subsequent repair work is required, the fasteners can be removed and one or both of the retainer portions easily slid apart relative to the other, and the weatherseal removed or replaced if necessary. Re- assembly of the components is then easily accomplished in the same manner as described above.

[0041 ] Also shown in Figure 10 is a cavity 310 formed in one of the retainer portions, here the outer or first retainer portion 212. The cavity 310 is adapted to receive a light source 312, which may be individual spaced light members or a light strip such as an LED light strip. One of the retainer portions advantageously provides protection for the light source 312 in the cavity 310 and, due to the gap or spacing 314 relative to the body 300 of the vehicle, provides for an illuminated region about the perimeter of the retainer assembly, particularly the show surface. Of course, other locations for the LED may be desired in the retainer assembly without departing from the scope and intent of the present disclosure.

[0042] In any of the embodiments described above, one skilled in the art will recognize that the first and second retainer portions may be formed from the same material or from dissimilar materials. This can be particularly useful in terms of cost savings and aesthetic appearance where different materials may be desired at different locations on the vehicle. Typically, the two materials are each plastic, but this is not always necessary. The plastic(s) can be easily molded into the desired conformation and allows for a more efficient use of assembled components such that they may be disassembled and a new or different component can be added. All of this can be achieved with common tooling. Further, this integrated snap-fit mechanical engagement eliminates the use of sonic welding or heat staking equipment and the necessity of like or compatible materials to be used in the prior arrangement. Moreover, the snap-fit mechanical engagement is essentially hidden from view once the retainer assembly is secured to the vehicle.

[0043] As shown and described in the ^' 849 patent, a fastener arrangement secures the retainer assembly to a vehicle body. The fasteners extend through aligned mating holes in the vehicle body and the retainer assembly. Alternatively, a tape can be used with or without the fasteners to secure to the planar surface of the retainer assembly to the vehicle body. [0044] The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.