Vehicular panel assembly and method for making same

Abstract

A panel assembly and method for manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adapted for use in vehicles, includes a panel of predetermined size and geometry wherein a surface of the panel to receive a gasket is primed using a material especially adapted to prepare the panel surface to bond with the gasket. The desired gasket profile is molded separately from the panel from a polymeric material. Following formation of the gasket, the panel is located thereon and pressed into intimate contact with the gasket for a prescribed period of time. The panel and attached panel are removed as an assembly. Additional or optional steps may be followed including preheating the panel and primed surface prior to bonding to shorten the cycle time and improve adhesion. Moreover, heat may be applied to the contact boundary between the panel and gasket substantially simultaneously with the application of pressure. The steps of heating and applying pressure may be repeated to insure proper adhesion. The panel assembly and the method of manufacturing the panel assembly are especially adapted for use in flush mounted panel assemblies wherein the gasket is fixed only to a single surface of the pane and allows for gradationally varying cross-sectional profiles to specifically suit a needed application.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.