Decorative molding assembly for a vehicle door frame
AssigneeDecoma Exterior Trim Inc.
InventorPeter J. Ellis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A decorative molding assembly for a vehicle door frame having a window opening for a transitional window pane moveable between open and closed positions. The molding assembly includes a window door seal mounted to the door frame and having a channel for selective sealing engagement with the window pane. A molding strip has an arm mating with the window door seal and faces outward to provide an appealing appearance. A retaining member engages the arm of the molding strip and the window door seal to secure the molding strip and the window door seal within the window opening of the door frame such that the window pane is securely sealed within the window opening when the window pane is in the closed position.
Claims17
A decorative molding assembly for a vehicle door frame having a window opening for a transitional window pane moveable between an open position spaced from the window opening and a closed position abutting the window opening, said assembly comprising;
- a window door seal having a retaining portion for engagement with the door frame and having a channel for selective sealing engagement with the window pane,
- a molding strip having an exterior facing surface for creating an outer peripheral border for the window opening of the door frame and an inwardly projecting arm mating with said window door seal, and
- a retaining member engaging said arm of said molding strip and said window door seal for securing each of said molding strip and said window door seal within the window opening of the door frame such that the window pane is securely sealed within the window opening when the window pane is in the closed position.
A method of installing a molding assembly comprising a window door seal and a molding strip into a window opening of a vehicle door frame, said method comprising the steps of;
- mounting the window door seal around a portion of the molding strip;
- positioning a lower section of the molding strip within the window opening;
- moving the molding strip and door seal toward the window opening to abut the door seal against the door frame;
- fastening a retaining portion of the door seal to the door frame to secure the door seal to the door frame;
- and
- engaging a retaining member against the molding strip to secure the molding strip and door seal to the door frame.
A decorative molding assembly for a vehicle door frame having a window opening for a translating window pane moveable between an open position and a closed position, said assembly comprising;
- a window seal having a retaining portion for engagement with the door frame and having a channel for selective sealing engagement with the window pane,
- a molding strip having an exterior facing surface for creating an outer peripheral border for the window opening of the door frame and an inwardly projecting arm engaging said retaining portion, and
- a retaining member engaging said arm of said molding strip for securing each of said molding strip and said window seal about a portion of the window opening of the door frame, said portion of said channel concealing said retaining member and movable for enabling access for the retainer member to engage said arm and said retaining portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.