Surface treated particulated polymeric matrix for forming an exposed surface of a weatherseal

Abstract

A weatherseal having a particulated matrix, wherein different sections of the matrix are subjected to different surface treatments, thereby providing corresponding different characteristics, such as coefficient of friction, texture, surface roughness or appearance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”[0003] Not Applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] The present invention relates to a vehicular weatherseal, and more particularly, to a vehicular weatherseal having an exposed surface defined by a multitude of surface roughness forming particles in a polymeric matrix, wherein one section of the exposed surface is defined by the particles having a first average position relative to the surface and a second section is defined by a different second average position relative to the surface. That is, at least a portion of the exposed surface is treated to locate a number of the particles in an alternative (or predetermined) location in the polymeric matrix. [0006] 2. Background Art [0007] Many vehicles employ windows formed of glass panels, wherein the window may be fi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] The present invention provides a vehicular weatherseal having an exposed surface defined by a multitude of surface roughness forming particles in a polymeric matrix, wherein a first section of the matrix defines a first surface roughness (coefficient of friction) and a second section of the matrix defines a different second surface roughness (coefficient of friction). That is, in one section of the matrix the particles are located in a first substantially predetermined orientation relative to a surface of the matrix and in the second section of the matrix the particles are located in a different second substantially predetermined orientation relative to the surface of the matrix. Thus, the present invention allows for the processing of a single mixture of constituents in a single extrusion, which can form a sealing surface along one section of the particulated matrix and can exhibit a substantially different appearance along a second section of the matrix.

[0016] Thus, an exposed surface of the weatherseal can be readily configured to provide either a friction reducing surface, or an aesthetically pleasing surface without requiring a change in materials or manufacturing steps for formation of the weatherseal. The present invention allows for selected sections of the exposed surface of the weatherseal to provide for sealingly engaging a panel, wherein the weatherseal reduces friction and noise generation upon relative motion between the weatherseal and the panel, the relative motion including intended engaging and disengaging motions as well as vehicle flexure induced motions. In addition, the same particulated polymeric matrix can be configured to provide a desired surface appearance such as smooth or textured non-particulated surface.

Problems solved by technology

The repeated opening and closing of the glass panel places significant stress on the seal between the glass panel and the vehicle.

However, such weatherseals do not provide for the ready opening and closing of the glass panel relative to the seal.

However, the flocking process is relatively complicated.

The complex manufacturing process adds to the cost of the weatherseal.

However, these coatings are typically not as aesthetically pleasing as non coated areas.

While the coating helps reduce friction, the coating complicates the manufacturing process, as the coating must be limited to specific areas of the weatherseal.

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