We Claim:
1. A connector (100) for connecting a first weatherstrip (200) to a second
weatherstrip (300), the connector (100) comprising:
5 a housing (102) configured to cover one end of the first weatherstrip (200)
and the second weatherstrip (300);
an intermediate wall (104) comprises a first face (110) and a second face
(112) and is configured to separate the housing (102) into a first region (106) and a
second region (108), the first region (106) connectable to at least a portion of the
10 first weatherstrip (200) and the second region (108) detachably coupled to at least
a portion of the second weatherstrip (300);
wherein the first face (110) of the intermediate wall (104) includes a
plurality of protrusion (114) projecting outwards away from the first face (110), the
plurality of protrusion (114) is configured to snap-fit the connector (100) to the first
15 weatherstrip (200) and the second face (112) of the intermediate wall (104)
configured to engage the connector (100) to the second weatherstrip (300) using
adhesive means.
2. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) defines a
20 substantially U-shaped cross-section.
3. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate wall (104)
comprises a reinforcement structure (116) embedded within the intermediate wall
(104) to enhance the structural integrity of the connector (100).
25
4. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises
a grooved surface (118) along its length on an inner surface of the first region (106)
configured to enhance snap-fit engagement with the first weatherstrip (200).
30 5. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions
(114) defines a first leg (114a) and a second leg (114b) projecting outwards away
19
from the first face (110), the first leg (114a) and the second leg (114b) are spaced
apart having a distance slightly less than a predetermined width of the housing
(102).
5 6. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector (100) is made
of a thermoplastic or elastomeric material, such as plastic.
7. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adhesive means
configured to engage the connector (100) to the second weatherstrip (300)
10 comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied on the second face (112) of
the intermediate wall (104).
8. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first region (106) of the
housing (102) includes a clamping mechanism configured to exert pressure on the
15 first weatherstrip (200) for a tighter and more secure connection between the
connector (100) and the first weatherstrip (200).
9. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an alignment guide feature
on the housing (102) to assist in positioning and aligning the connector (100) with
20 the first weatherstrip (200) and the second weatherstrip (300).
10. The connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the
plurality of protrusion (114) has a tapered surface for ease of snap-fitting onto the
first weatherstrip (200).