William G Bradac

US Patent:

6991278, Jan 31, 2006

Filed:

May 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/137542

Inventors:

Todd L. Hockenberry - Beaver PA, US
Jeffrey W. Jones - Shaker Heights OH, US
Daniel J. Cellura - Parma OH, US
William G. Bradac - North Olmsted OH, US
Gregory W. Shimola - Westlake OH, US

Assignee:

The XLO Group of Companies, Inc. - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

B60J 5/00

US Classification:

2961467, 296 391

Abstract:

A combined trim panel and water shield includes a water shield having opposite first and second surfaces, and is of a size and shape to generally conform to a door panel and a trim panel to be protected. The trim panel is configured to cover a vehicle door panel and has a first surface configured to face an interior compartment of the vehicle and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the first surface of the water shield and the second surface of the trim panel. A second sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the second surface of the water shield. In a further aspect, a sealing system is provided for application to a vehicle interior trim panel to prevent the entry of water or dust into an interior compartment of the vehicle. The system includes a trim panel configured for covering a vehicle door panel wherein the trim panel has a first surface configured to face an interior compartment of the vehicle and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least one compressible sealing member engages the trim panel and provides a sealing interference between the vehicle door panel and the trim panel when the trim panel is installed on the door panel.

US Patent:

20060012218, Jan 19, 2006

Filed:

Jul 11, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/178718

Inventors:

Todd Hockenberry - Beaver PA, US
Jeffrey Jones - Shaker Heights OH, US
Daniel Cellura - Parma OH, US
William Bradac - North Olmsted OH, US
Gregory Shimola - Westlake OH, US

International Classification:

B60J 5/00

US Classification:

296146700

Abstract:

A combined trim panel and water shield includes a water shield having opposite first and second surfaces, and is of a size and shape to generally conform to a door panel and a trim panel to be protected. The trim panel is configured to cover a vehicle door panel and has a first surface configured to face an interior compartment of the vehicle and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the first surface of the water shield and the second surface of the trim panel. A second sealing layer, applied in a predetermined pattern, engages the second surface of the water shield. In a further aspect, a sealing system is provided for application to a vehicle interior trim panel to prevent the entry of water or dust into an interior compartment of the vehicle. The system includes a trim panel configured for covering a vehicle door panel wherein the trim panel has a first surface configured to face an interior compartment of the vehicle and a second surface opposite the first surface. At least one compressible sealing member engages the trim panel and provides a sealing interference between the vehicle door panel and the trim panel when the trim panel is installed on the door panel.

US Patent:

54823439, Jan 9, 1996

Filed:

Jul 25, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/279445

Inventors:

William G. Bradac - Cleveland OH

Assignee:

The Excello Specialty Company - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

B32B 328
B60R 2700

US Classification:

296 391

Abstract:

A vehicle door construction having an outer door panel and an inner door panel with a trim panel joined to the inner door panel by attachment hooks extending from the trim panel into hook openings in the inner door panel. A plastic water deflector sheet is positioned between the trim panel and the inner door panel. The deflector sheet has through apertures corresponding to the locations of the hook openings in the inner door panel. The sheet also has a portion adjacent each through aperture that is laterally deformed to extend through the associated hook opening and form an awning-like hood over the corresponding hook.