Deflatable weatherstrips
US4761917A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60J10/84
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for sealing between a movable vehicular closure and body, especially adapted for an automobile, is disclosed. A deflatable sealing member forms a weatherstrip to seal the opening in the vehicle body and includes an operable tubular portion and an integral mounting portion. The sealing member is designed for resilient interference engagement between the closure and the body when expanded by the built-in resilient memory. The closure is mounted so as to provide relative transverse movement between the sealing member and one of said closure and said body during closing. In order to deflate the sealing member, a vacuum source, which may be a bellows pump, separate electric pump, engine vacuum, or the like, is connected to the single port of the sealing member and is activated at least during the closing of the closure. After closing, the control valves switch from the vacuum source to a vent to ambient pressure thereby inflating the sealing member. With the sealing member deflated, the closing effort of the closure is substantially reduced and compression shock inside the vehicle is eliminated. Two alternative embodiments featuring the alternative vacuum sources…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.