Sealing Molding With Insert For Forming Closeout Surface

Abstract

A weatherstrip assembly is provided for a motor vehicle door frame. The weatherstrip assembly includes a sealing molding having a mounting portion adapted to be attached to the door frame. The weatherstrip assembly also includes an insert having a main body and a head fixedly secured thereto. The head is disposed within the mounting portion of the sealing molding. The insert and the sealing molding define an insert cavity therebetween. A molding substrate is disposed within the insert cavity to bond the insert with the sealing molding and provide a finished appearance at one end of the sealing molding.

1 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A method for manufacturing a weatherstrip assembly including an insert bonded to a sealing molding by a molding substrate utilizing a mold assembly having upper and lower mold plates defining a mold cavity, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing the sealing molding along the lower mold plate;   securing the insert to the sealing molding to form an insert cavity between the insert and sealing molding;   closing the upper mold plate against the lower mold plate; and   injecting plastic material into the mold cavity to fill the insert cavity and form the molding substrate bonding the insert with the sealing molding.   
     
     
         17 . A method as set forth in  claim 16  wherein the step of securing the insert to the sealing molding to form an insert cavity between the insert and sealing molding includes the step of inserting a portion of the insert inside the sealing molding. 
     
     
         18 . A method as set forth in  claim 17  wherein the step of closing the upper mold plate against the lower mold plate includes the step of clamping the insert in place against the sealing molding. 
     
     
         19 . A method as set forth in  claim 18  wherein the step of securing the insert to the sealing molding to form an insert cavity between the insert and the sealing molding includes the step of sealing off the sealing molding to prevent injected plastic material from entering the sealing molding.