US 6,739,094 B1 · Seal with compliant magnetic appendage

Abstract

A weatherseal employing a magnetic appendage for enhancing the sealing with a mounting surface. The weatherseal includes an elastomeric base that conforms to and engages the mounting surface. The seal portion extends from the base for selective engagement with a second surface, such as a door of a vehicle. An appendage is fabricated from a magnetic elastomer that is sufficiently flexible to conform to irregularities in the mounting surface. Preferably, only the appendage is formed of the magnetic elastomer to achieve an effective seal with only a small amount of the expensive magnetic elastomer to enhance the seal with the mounting surface and avoid, for example, the use of more expensive welded mounting channels that add undesired weight to the vehicle.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A weatherseal for sealing between facing, first and second surfaces, the seal comprising:

an elastomeric base adapted for conforming to and engagement with an associated first surface;
a seal portion extending from the base for selective engagement with an associated second surface when the first and second surfaces are disposed in close proximity;
and
an appendage extending from one of the base and seal portion, the appendage fabricated from a magnetic elastomer that is sufficiently flexible to conform to irregularities in an associated first surface, wherein the appendage is the only portion of the seal that is magnetized.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Seal with compliant magnetic appendage

Life of this patent

Seal with compliant magnetic appendage

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20