Claims:We claim,
1. A fixture (100) for assisting applying of sealing material (120) to a structure (114), said structure (114) having front, back and peripheral surfaces, said fixture (100) comprising:
a frame (102) adapted to be positioned on said peripheral surfaces of said structure (114), where said frame (102) includes,
an outer frame (108); and
an inner frame (110) positioned adjacent to said outer frame (108) in a spaced relation manner, where said outer frame (108) and said inner frame (110) defines a channel (104) there between, wherein said channel (104) is adapted to receive said sealing material (120) thereby assisting applying of said sealing material (120) on said peripheral surfaces of said structure (114).

2. The fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fixture (100) includes a plurality of connecting brackets (106) adapted to connect said outer frame (108) to said inner frame (110),
wherein
each of said connecting bracket (106) is an inverted U-shaped member.

3. The fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fixture (100) includes a sealant applicator (112) adapted to be operated in one of a manual mode or an automatic mode to discharge said sealing material (120) to peripheral surface of said structure (114) through said channel (104) thereby applying said sealing material (120) on the peripheral surface of said structure (114); and
said sealant applicator (112) is a sealant gun.
4. The fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said outer frame (108) and said inner frame (110) defines at least one locator (122) adapted to facilitate alignment (positioning) of said frame (100) on said structure (114),
wherein
said locator (122) is adapted to receive corresponding locator of said structure (114) thereby facilitating alignment (positioning) of said frame (100) on said structure (114); and
said locator (122) is at least one of a cavity, opening and protrusion.

5. The fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structure (114) is at least a windshield.

6. The fixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said outer frame (108) and said inner frame (110) include a plurality of projections (or supporters) (118) which are formed at bottom surface of said outer frame (108) and said inner frame (110), respectively, where said plurality of projections (118) are adapted to facilitate at least one of positioning (locating) and frictional engagement of said outer frame (108) and said inner frame (110) on said front surface of said structure (114).

7. A method (200) for applying sealing material (120) to a predetermined surface using a fixture (100), said method (200) comprising:
positioning said fixture (100) on a structure (114);
aligning a nozzle (116) of said sealant applicator (112) with respect to a channel (104) defined between an outer frame (108) and an inner frame (110) of said fixture (100); and
discharging, by, the nozzle (116) of the sealant applicator (112), a predetermined quantity of the sealing material (120) in the channel (104) thereby applying the sealing material (120) on the peripheral surfaces of the structure (114).

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said method (200) includes rotating said structure (114) and maintaining the nozzle (116) of the sealant applicator (112) in a stationary position with respect to the channel (104) for discharging the sealing material (120) on the peripheral surface of the structure (114) thereby applying the sealing material (120) on the peripheral surfaces of the structure (114).

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said method (200) includes maintaining the structure (114) in a stationary position and moving the nozzle (116) of the sealant applicator (112) with respect to the channel (104) for discharging the sealing material (120) on the peripheral surface of the structure (114) thereby applying the sealing material (120) on the peripheral surfaces of the structure (114).

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said method (200) includes,
connecting the outer frame (108) to the inner frame (110) by using connecting brackets (106);
aligning the fixture (100) with respect to the structure, by connecting locator (122) of at least one of the inner frame (110) and the outer frame (108) with corresponding locator of the structure (114) thereby positioning the frame (100) on the structure (114); and
engaging a plurality of projections (or supporters) (118) of the outer frame (108) and the inner frame (110) with the structure (114) to facilitate at least one of positioning (locating) and frictional engagement of the outer frame (108) and the inner frame (110) on said front surface of said structure (114),
wherein
the structure (114) is at least a windshield;
said locator (122) is at least one of a cavity, opening and protrusion; and
said sealant applicator (112) is a sealant gun.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to fixtures, and more particularly, to a fixture for assisting applying of sealing material to a vehicular structure such as a windshield and the like. Further, the embodiments herein relate to a method of applying the sealing material to a predetermined surface of the vehicular structure using the fixture.
BACKGROUND
[002] Currently, many changes are being made in the appearance of cars and trucks which are greatly influenced by aerodynamic requirements of the vehicle. With respect to such aerodynamic requirements, significant changes have taken place in the manner of mounting of windshield glass to a vehicle body.
[003] The major change has been from gasket-type mounting of a windshield which yields a definite offset between the glass surface and the body surface, to the bonded glass mounting which provides a glass surface and body surface in nearly the same plane. It has been known in the past to fabricate articles such as modular window gaskets for vehicular installations from materials such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) using conventional compression or injection molding techniques. Some of such window gaskets have been injection molded directly onto the window panel, which is made of glass or other substantially transparent material. The window and gasket assemblies have then been installed in a vehicle or other window frame with adhesives and/or with integrally molded fastener protrusions. Further, more recent advancements have introduced an encapsulated glass process. This process includes the molding of a plastic trim strip onto the periphery of the glass, using an injection molding process in which the glass is placed into the mold during the molding process. This method provides a single unit for installation with excellent dimensional tolerances along the perimeter of the assembly. This process may also include the provision of glass locating identification marks, mounting tabs, spacer blocks and exterior lip-type seals. Although this process is a definite advancement over the bonding method described above, the cost of the injection mold and related equipment is intolerable for less-than-high volume production. Further, it has been found, that window panel breakage has been unacceptably high in such prior processes because of the high pressures required in the injection molding processes and because of the hardness and rigidity of the mold structures involved.
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for a fixture and a method for assisting applying of sealing material to surfaces such as windshield of a vehicle and the like, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[005] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to provide a fixture for assisting applying of sealing material to predetermined surfaces.
[006] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a fixture for assisting applying of sealing material to vehicular structure such as windshield glass and the like.
[007] Still another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a fixture which is simple in construction, yet facilitates in easy application of sealing material to predetermined surfaces.
[008] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a fixture which is portable, easy to manufacture and is inexpensive.
[009] Also, another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method of applying the sealing material to a predetermined surface using the fixture.
[0010] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c depicts a top view, and images of a fixture positioned on a windshield of a vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the fixture, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of the fixture, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts another top perspective view of the fixture with a sealant applicator, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a partial side view showing the sealant applicator being aligned with respect to a channel defined by a frame of the fixture, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts another side view of FIG. 5 showing the sealant applicator with a nozzle aligned with a channel defined by the frame of fixture, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 7a depicts an isometric view of a sealing bead being applied on the windshield, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 7b depicts a detail view of a portion of FIG. 7a showing the sealing bead applied to the windshield, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 8a depicts a top view of a locator hole defined in the fixture, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 8b depicts an enlarged view of the locator hole defined in the fixture, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method of applying a sealing material to a structure using a fixture, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0024] The embodiments herein achieve a fixture for assisting applying of sealing material to predetermined surfaces. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the fixture for assisting applying of sealing material to surfaces such as windshield glass and the like. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve the fixture which is simple in construction, yet facilitates in easy application of sealant material to predetermined surfaces. Moreover, the embodiments herein achieve the fixture which is portable, easy to manufacture and inexpensive. Additionally, the embodiments herein achieve a method of applying the sealing material to a predetermined surface using the fixture. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 through 9, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a fixture (100) being positioned onto a windshield of a vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the fixture (100) is explained herein below with reference to be assisting applying of sealing material on predetermined peripheral surfaces of a vehicular structure (114) such as a windshield and the like. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use the fixture (100) for assisting applying of sealing material to a tailgate glass, side door glass, roof, any other removable vehicular panels, any other component of vehicle, any other surface or any other glass or non-glass materials used in homes, industries or any other places without otherwise deterring the intended function of the fixture (100) as can be deduced from the description and drawings. The windshield of the vehicle is considered as a structure (114) in this description. Further, the windshield includes a front surface, a back surface and peripheral edge surfaces. In an embodiment, the fixture (100) includes a frame (102) and a plurality of connecting brackets (106).
[0026] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the fixture (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The frame (102) is fabricated to cover the peripheral edge surfaces of the windshield (or structure) (114). The frame (102) includes an outer frame (108) which is positioned along entire peripheral edge surface of the structure (114) during sealant application process. Further, the outer frame (108) is provided in a profile corresponding to the profile of the structure (114). The outer frame (108) forms the exterior portion of the frame (102).
[0027] The frame (102) includes an inner frame (110) which is positioned adjacently to the outer frame (108) in a spaced relation manner. The inner frame (110) is disposed such that it forms the interior portion of the frame (102). The dimensions of the inner frame (110) are slightly lesser than the dimensions of the outer frame (108). The inner frame (110) is separated by a predetermined distance from the outer frame (108). The outer frame (108) and the inner frame (110) define a channel ((104) (as shown in fig. 1a)) there between, where the channel (104) is adapted to receive sealing material to facilitate applying of the sealing material on the peripheral surfaces of the structure (114). Further, each of the outer frame (108) and the inner frame (110) include a plurality of projections (or supporters) (118), (as shown in fig. 3) which are formed at bottom surface of the outer frame (108) and the inner frame (110), respectively. The plurality of projections (118) are adapted to facilitate at least one of positioning (locating) and frictional engagement of the outer frame (108) and the inner frame (110) on the front surface of the structure (114).
[0028] The plurality of connecting brackets (106) is connected to the frame (102) at predetermined locations. Each connecting bracket (106) is an inverted U-shaped member which connects the outer frame (108) to the inner frame (110) i.e. one end of each connecting bracket (106) is connected to the outer frame (108) and the other end of each connecting bracket (106) is connected to the inner frame (110). In an embodiment, at least three inverted U-shaped connecting brackets are connected to the frame (102).
[0029] FIG. 4 depicts another top perspective view of the fixture (100) with a sealant applicator (112), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an angle between the sealant applicator (112) and the channel (104) defined in the frame (102) ranges between 45 degree to 50 degree. The sealant applicator (112) is positioned with respect to the channel (104) from an original position to an angle ranging from 30 to 60 degree. The sealant applicator (112) is adapted to be operated in one of a manual mode or an automatic mode to discharge the uncured sealing material to the peripheral surface of the structure (114) through the channel (104) defined in the frame (102) thereby applying the sealing material on the peripheral surface of the structure (114). The sealant applicator (112) is a sealant gun. Furthermore, the sealant applicator (112) includes a nozzle (116) which is aligned with respect to the channel (104) of the frame (102) as shown in FIG. 6. The nozzle (116) of the sealant applicator (112) is adapted to discharge the sealing material to the peripheral surface of the structure (114) through the channel (104), while moving along the entire channel (104) defined around the peripheral edges of the structure (114).
[0030] FIG. 8a depicts a top view of a locator (122) defined in the fixture (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. FIG. 8b depicts a detailed view of the locator (122) defined in the fixture (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. At least one of the outer frame (108) and the inner frame (110) defines at least one locator (122) adapted to facilitate alignment (positioning) of the frame (100) on the structure (114). The locator (122) is adapted to receive corresponding locator (plastic pin) of the structure (114) thereby facilitating alignment (positioning) of the frame (100) on the structure (114). The locator (122) is at least one of a cavity or opening or protrusion.
[0031] FIG. 7a depicts an isometric view of a sealing material (sealant bead) attached to a windshield of a vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. FIG. 7b depicts a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 7a showing the sealant bead attached to the windshield of the vehicle, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The uncured sealant disposed within the channel (104) is adapted to solidify under room temperature to form a layer of sealant (120). Thus, the sealant layer (120) is formed on the windshield (114). In an embodiment, the sealant layer (120) is adapted to provide an airtight sealing to the windshield when assembled to the vehicle front portion.
[0032] Furthermore, the structure (114) is placed on one of a stationary table and a rotating table (not shown). For example, in the sealant application process, the structure (114) is rotated and the sealant applicator (112) is maintained in a stationary position to facilitate applying of the sealing material to the peripheral surfaces of the structure (114) through the channel (104) of the frame (104). In another example, in the sealant application process, the structure (114) is maintained in a stationary position and the sealant applicator (112) is moved to facilitate applying of the sealing material to the peripheral surfaces of the structure (114) through the channel (104) of the frame (104).
[0033] FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting a method (200) of applying a sealing material to a structure (114) using a fixture (100), according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. A method (200) of applying a sealing material to a predetermined surface using a fixture (100) is disclosed. The method (200) includes positioning the fixture (100) on a structure (114) (at step 202). Furthermore, the method (200) includes aligning a nozzle (116) of the sealant applicator (112) with respect to a channel (104) defined between an outer frame (108) and an inner frame (110) of the fixture (100) (at step 206). Moreover, the method (200) includes discharging, by, the nozzle (116) of the sealant applicator (112), a predetermined quantity of the sealing material in the channel (104) thereby applying the sealing material on the peripheral surfaces of the structure (114).
[0034] Further, the method (200) includes connecting the outer frame (108) to the inner frame (110) by using connecting brackets (106). Furthermore, the method (200) includes aligning the fixture (100) with respect to the structure, by connecting locator (122) of at least one of the inner frame (110) and the outer frame (108) with corresponding locator of the structure (114) thereby positioning the frame (100) on the structure (114).
[0035] Further, the method (200) includes engaging a plurality of projections (or supporters) (118) of the outer frame (108) and the inner frame (110) with the structure (114) to facilitate at least one of positioning (locating) and frictional engagement of the outer frame (108) and the inner frame (110) on said front surface of said structure (114).
[0036] Additionally, the method (200) includes rotating said structure (114) and maintaining the nozzle (116) of the sealant applicator (112) in a stationary position with respect to the channel (104) for discharging the sealing material on the peripheral surface of the structure (114) thereby applying the sealing material on the peripheral surfaces of the structure (114).
[0037] Additionally, the method (200) includes maintaining the structure (114) in a stationary position and moving the nozzle (116) of the sealant applicator (112) with respect to the channel (104) for discharging the sealing material on the peripheral surface of the structure (114) thereby applying the sealing material on the peripheral surfaces of the structure (114).
[0038] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.