US3572799A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Resilient buffer strip
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-03-24
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Granted: 1971-03-30
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Expires: 1989-03-24
Abstract
Abstract This invention pertains to an exterior molding structure for use on automobile doors and side panels as a resilient bumper strip adapted to receive blows from metallic bodies striking against such doors or panels. The bumper strip is formed of a longitudinally extending metallic molding, adapted to be secured to the panels by retaining members or an adhesive, and a longitudinally extending medially disposed strip of plastic material having an outer surface projecting beyond the plane of the metallic-molding strip and secured thereto by a welded element substantially embedded within the mass of plastic material and having a surface portion disposed closely adjacent a surface of the metallic molding strip with which it is welded, preferably by series welding.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E Truesdell
- 👤 William H Nienstedt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 03:59
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R13/00; B60R13/04; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24479; Y10T428/2457
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
234 words
A composite molding structure designed for service as an exterior bumper strip supported on a vehicle door or side panel and adapted to be secured to such supporting panel by means attached to said panel, comprising in combination: a longitudinally extending integrally formed metallic-molding strip having; a substantially medial longitudinally extending depressed groove or recess formed by a web and a pair of lateral retention elements formed of said strip; and a relatively hard, resilient strip of plastic bumper material secured to said metallic-molding strip in said recess; said plastic strip comprising; a body having as a part thereof a cross-sectional configuration generally corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of said recess; said body part being seated and held in said recess in close fitting relationship; another part of said plastic strip extending forwardly and outwardly of said metallic-molding strip as a resilient bumper; and retention means for said plastic strip comprising at least one longitudinally extending metallic retention member substantially embedded in and forming an integral part of said plastic material; said metallic retention member having a longitudinally extending area thereof exposed at and substantially in the plane of a surface of said body part seated in and adjacent a surface of said recess; said metallic retention member being substantially coextensive in length with said plastic strip; said metallic retention member being fusingly welded to said metallic-molding strip in the area of said recess.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
234 words
A composite molding structure designed for service as an exterior bumper strip supported on a vehicle door or side panel and adapted to be secured to such supporting panel by means attached to said panel, comprising in combination: a longitudinally extending integrally formed metallic-molding strip having; a substantially medial longitudinally extending depressed groove or recess formed by a web and a pair of lateral retention elements formed of said strip; and a relatively hard, resilient strip of plastic bumper material secured to said metallic-molding strip in said recess; said plastic strip comprising; a body having as a part thereof a cross-sectional configuration generally corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of said recess; said body part being seated and held in said recess in close fitting relationship; another part of said plastic strip extending forwardly and outwardly of said metallic-molding strip as a resilient bumper; and retention means for said plastic strip comprising at least one longitudinally extending metallic retention member substantially embedded in and forming an integral part of said plastic material; said metallic retention member having a longitudinally extending area thereof exposed at and substantially in the plane of a surface of said body part seated in and adjacent a surface of said recess; said metallic retention member being substantially coextensive in length with said plastic strip; said metallic retention member being fusingly welded to said metallic-molding strip in the area of said recess.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
75 words
The structure defineD in claim 1, and wherein said metallic-molding strip further comprises: side members extending longitudinally along and adjacent said medial recess and laterally away therefrom and generally in the same direction; said side members terminating in distal edge portions generally opposed and inturned toward each other and spaced away from the plane of said web; said distal edges being adapted to engage and become secured to mechanical means attached to said supporting panel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
82 words
The structure defined in claim 1, and wherein said metallic-molding strip further comprises: side members extending longitudinally along and adjacent said medial recess and laterally away therefrom and generally in the same direction; said side members terminating in distal edge portions generally opposed and inturned toward each other and spaced away from the plane of said web; and a layer of adhesive on the outer facing surfaces of said distal edge portions for securement of said molding structure to said supporting panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structure defined in claim 3, wherein said distal edge portions lie substantially in a plane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The structure defined in claim 1, wherein said metallic retention member comprises a wire having a generally oval cross-sectional configuration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
98 words
The structure defined in claim 1, wherein said metallic retention member comprises: a generally T-shaped member; the arms of said member being fully embedded in said plastic body; and the edge of the stem of said member being exposed at and in the plane of said surface. 7 The structure defined in claim 1, wherein said metallic retention member comprises: a generally flanged channel-shaped member; the flanged portions of said member being fully embedded in said plastic body; and the web portion of said member having its outer surface exposed at and in the plane of said surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure defined in claim 1, wherein sand plastic strip body further comprises a relatively hard and rigid plastic bumper material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
94 words
The structure defined in claim 1, wherein said plastic strip body further comprises: a first carrier portion substantially filling said recess and formed of a relatively hard and rigid plastic material; said retention member being embedded in said first portion; and a second outer surface layer of plastic material fused to said first carrier portion and overlying the same at least between the edges of said molding strip retention elements; said second layer being relatively softer and more flexible than said first carrier portion and projecting outwardly beyond the surface of said metallic-molding strip.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The structure defined in claim 9, wherein said first carrier portion is characterized by a hardness of from about 80 to about 100 on a durometer scale, and said second softer outer layer is characterized by a hardness of from about 60 to about 65 on a durometer scale.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The structure defined in claim 1, wherein said relatively hard, resilient strip of plastic material is characterized by a hardness of from about 60 to about 100 on a durometer scale.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-29 | 1974-09-28 | 1975-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-29 | 1978-09-28 | 1979-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-29 | 1982-09-28 | 1983-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |