Donnelly Corporation

Herbert D Tucker

Keith A Nieboer

A method for molding a gasket or casing around a peripheral portion of sheet material with portions of a separate part embedded within the gasket and other portions extending out of the gasket is disclosed. Preferably, the method is used to form vehicular window assemblies and includes inserting a separate part in a pocket or recess in one of two cooperating mold sections prior to closing the mold, closing the mold such that a portion of the separate part is urged tightly against a part of the recess by the sheet material in the mold, and filling the mold cavity to embed part of the separate part in the gasket while another portion extends out of the cavity.

Method for forming a molded assembly with an embedded part

A molded panel assembly such as that for a vehicle window and various embodiments of fasteners for mounting on the molded panel assembly and securing the panel assembly to a support such as a vehicle body are disclosed. The panel assembly is of the type including a panel with a peripheral edge and a casing of molded material, such as a resinous plastic, molded around at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the panel. Each of the fasteners includes a base, resilient means on the base for engaging a rigid member, such as the window panel itself, to urge the base into sealing contact with a mold portion during molding of the casing of the assembly and for retaining the fastener in the molded portion or casing of the assembly. Attachment means are also provided on the base for securing the fastener and panel assembly to a support. In certain forms, the attachment means on the fastener may include at least one resilient member extending from the base and adapted to engage a pocket in a mold assembly to retain the fastener in a desired position within a mold during molding of the casing. Projecting means are provided on the base for locating and positioning the fastener in a mold during molding of the casing and for aiding in the retention of the fastener in the casing.

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Rochester, MI, United States of America

Herbert D Tucker