Orifice sealing physical barrier
AssigneeSika Automotive
InventorsRandy Stratman, Robert B. Davis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is a physical barrier for an orifice in a panel member which includes a plastic carrier and a patch adapted to adhere to the carrier and the panel member. The patch is comprised of a heat-activated material. The patch is joined to a portion of the plastic carrier and encapsulates a peripheral edge of the plastic carrier. Joining the patch and the plastic carrier preferably employs use of traditional vacuum-forming techniques. The plastic carrier is attached to the panel member and the patch is heated to generally flow. The patch cools and forms a seal between the interface of the plastic carrier and the panel member while a portion of the patch is disposed between the plastic carrier and the panel member filling any gap therebetween.
Claims20
A physical barrier for an orifice in a panel member, comprising:
- a plastic carrier having a peripheral edge;
- a patch adapted to adhere to said plastic carrier and the panel member;
- and
- wherein said patch is attached to at least a portion of said plastic carrier and encapsulates said peripheral edge.
A method of sealing an orifice in a panel member, comprising:
- joining a patch made of a heat-activated material to a portion of a plastic carrier such that the patch encapsulates a peripheral edge of the plastic carrier;
- attaching the plastic carrier to the panel member;
- and
- adhering the plastic carrier to the panel member with a portion of the patch disposed between the plastic carrier and the panel member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.