Guardian Industries Corporation

Plastech Engineered Products, Inc.

Plastech, Inc.

Andrew T Billiu

John Schultz

Julie Brown

Mark A Schreiner

Ryan E Pike

Kevin M Daniel

Robert V Himebaugh

Thomas R Wagener

Du Cao

Curtis L Mulvane

Kevin V Daniel

A window structure which may be used as a rear window in a pick-up truck or the like. In certain example embodiments, the window structure includes a slidable window panel or sheet located between a pair of fixed window panels or sheets. The slidable window panel may be approximately flush with the fixed panels when in the closed position, but not in the opened position. A seal carrier may be supported by the sliding window, and a bulb seal may be supported by at least the seal carrier so as to cover gap(s) adjacent an edge of the sliding window panel. A latch assembly is provided including spring biased pins adapted to laterally slide in the tracks of upper and lower frame members, respectively, during opening and closing of the slidable window panel.

Flush-mounted slider window for pick-up truck including seal carrier, bulb seal and/or applique

A method of manufacturing an automotive trim component/article. Extrusion is utilized to provide a colored and/or metallized sheet. The sheet is vacuum-formed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform or base structure. At least one mounting structure (e.g., formed by small-scale injection molding tooling) is vibration welded to a surface of the preform in order to form the automotive trim component. The invention is applicable to trim components such as bodyside molding, body panels, wheel covers, pillars, and the like.

Method of manufacturing automotive trim using vibration welding, and resulting article

A bumper system for an automotive vehicle is provided. The bumper system includes a composite valance adapted for attachment to a chassis of the automotive vehicle, where the composite valance includes a reinforcement section formed therein. Preferably, the reinforcement section is formed longitudinally along a central portion of the composite valance, is recessed with respect to a front surface of the composite valance, and includes a plurality of structural ribs provided therein. A cover beam , preferably constructed from a metallic material, is adapted for attachment to the composite valance. The cover beam is sized to substantially cover the reinforcement section when attached to the composite valance, and give the bumper system an overall metallic appearance.

Bumper system for an automotive vehicle

A front end assembly ( ) is provided for attaching components to a front end ( ) of an automobile chassis ( ) which eliminates the duplication of structure between a conventional grille opening reinforcement and grille, and incorporates several front end components into an integrated structure. The front end assembly ( ) includes a stabilizer bar ( ) adapted for attachment to the chassis front end ( ), and a grille system ( ) adapted for attachment to the chassis front end ( ) and the stabilizer bar ( ). Preferably, the area occupied by the stabilizer bar ( ) on the chassis front end ( ) is substantially less than the area occupied by the grille system ( ), such that structure is not duplicated between the stabilizer bar ( ) and the grille system ( ). The grille system ( ) has a grille ( ) mounted therein, lamp canisters ( ) defined on either end ( ) thereof, and lamps ( ) mounted within the lamp canisters ( ). Therefore, the grille system ( ) allows several components to be attached to the chassis front end ( ) as one integrated unit.

Front end assembly for an automotive vehicle

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Farmington Hills, MI, United States of America

Andrew T Billiu