Claims:
1. A glass run channel assembly (10) for a door of a vehicle, comprising:
a first seal member (2) connectable to an inner portion of a door panel (1), wherein the first seal member (2) is defined with a channel to accommodate a glass pane (G) and structured to assist sliding movement of the glass pane (G); and
a second seal member (4) connectable to the first seal member (2) through the door panel (1), the second seal member reveals outside the door panel (1) when connected to the first seal member (2), wherein the second seal member (4) includes a base (4a) and a film (9) moulded integrally on the base (4a), such that the film (9) reveals outside the second seal member (4) to impart visual appeal to the glass run channel assembly (10).

2. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second seal member (4) comprises a reinforcing member (7) defined within the base (4a), a flux member (8a), and at least one second seam (8) securable to at least a portion of a body (3) of the vehicle.

3. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second seal member (4) and the door panel (1) define a substantial C-section to accommodate the first seal member (2).

4. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second seal member (4) is connectable to the first seal member (2) by at least one of fastening arrangement (11), adhesive bonding (13) and one or more clips (12).

5. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second seal member (4) is manufactured using material selected from at least one of Polypropylene (PP), Metal, Thermoplastics, Polyethylene, or any other polymer.

6. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first seal member (2) is made of a polymeric material.

7. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the film (9) is at least one of a tinted tape, a tinted strip, and a tinted layer.

8. The assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first seal member (2) comprises at least one first seam (5) connectable to at least a portion of an inner body of the door panel (1).

9. A vehicle door comprising a glass run channel assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:[001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] Present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to door structure of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a glass run channel assembly for a door of the vehicle.

[003] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[004] Generally, vehicles such as passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles have two different window categories. A fixed type of window present at front and aft ends of the vehicle, and a movable type of window present at lateral sides of the vehicle. As the name implies, movable windows may be raised or lowered depending on requirement of the occupant. Windows serve the purpose of providing visibility to the occupants while acting as a barrier against a number of external influences such as wind, water, dust, noise, and so on. Movable windows, unlike fixed window counterparts, facilitate ventilation through interior of the vehicles whenever occupants of the vehicle wish to do so. To attain this, movable windows may be provided with window actuating mechanism which is either controlled manually or electrically.

[005] To securely hold and actuate the movable windows relative to door frame of the vehicle, an effective sealing system is necessary. Sealing system, also known synonymously as glass run mold (GRM) or glass run channel or simply, a trim, is a body and trim aggregate of vehicle anatomy. It ensures prevention of air and water leakage, dust ingress, noise ingress etc., to inside of the vehicle. In addition, they improve sturdiness of the window(s) by securing an outer contour of each window when someone tries to break in. An important characteristic of the sealing system is prevention of friction when the window is raised or lowered, so that the occupant may effortlessly raise or lower the window whenever he/she desires. Further, they allow passage of small quantity of water in a controlled manner, which thereafter drains out through an exit passage defined in the door frame. In some of the vehicles, the sealing systems are styled as per recent technological advancements to improve visual appeal and aesthetics of the vehicle when viewed from outside.

[006] A glass run channel may be of conventional type which resides inside the door and does not require surface modifications to improve its visual appeal. Such glass run channels are extensively used in low segment vehicles with the glass run channel being attached to inner portion of door panels. Further, such glass run channels are inexpensive, and are mainly intended to prevent ingress of dust, water, noise etc., i.e., assembled with a purely functional perspective. Polymers such as Ethylene Propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, Thermoplastics (TPE) or Polypropylene (PP), among others, are popular choice of materials for these glass run channels. Another type of glass run channel is an A-class glass run channel which reveals outside of the vehicle door and is visible to external environment. A-class glass run channels improve aesthetic appeal of door exterior in addition to their usual purpose of insulating the vehicle interior from external environmental conditions. A-class glass run channels are typically of hybrid configuration, i.e., a combination of conventional polymeric glass run channel (EPDM/TPE/PP, etc.) as a first part and an aesthetic second portion which may be made of stainless steel, chrome layer, a glossy surface of any color, etc.

[007] Both the types of glass run channels face a number of shortcomings, right from manufacturing stage till the time they are assembled on door panels. A typical drawback with hybrid glass run channels is huge capital requirement due to distinct manufacturing/assembly lines for distinct components of hybrid glass run channels. A subsequent drawback is requirement of complex equipment for manufacturing and assembling hybrid parts for various vehicle segments, which in turn increases complexity of design, packaging, integration, etc. Yet another drawback is maintaining different quality standards of glass run channels for high segment, medium segment, and low segment vehicles. This also creates a need for separate testing standards, validation standards etc., at the manufacturing facility, which is time consuming and expensive. Hybrid glass run channels may also face limitations with respect to feasibility of color/tint standards with limited freedom to introduce complex color/color combinations.

[008] Present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the existing arts.

[009] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0011] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a glass run channel assembly for a door of a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a first seal member connectable to an inner portion of a door panel of the vehicle. The first seal member is defined with a channel to accommodate a glass pane and is structured to assist sliding movement of the glass pane. Further, the assembly includes a second seal member connectable to the first seal member through the door panel, the second seal member reveals outside the door panel when connected to the first seal member. The second seal member includes a base, and a film molded integrally on the base, such that the film reveals outside the second seal member to impart visual appeal to the glass run channel assembly.

[0012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second seal member comprises a reinforcing member defined within the base, a flux member, and at least one second seam securable to at least a portion of a body of the vehicle.

[0013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second seal member and the door panel define a substantial C-section to accommodate the first seal member.

[0014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second seal member is connectable to the first seal member by at least one of fastening arrangement, adhesive bonding and one or more clips.

[0015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second seal member is manufactured using material selected from at least one of Polypropylene (PP), Metal, Thermoplastics, Polyethylene or any other polymer, and the first seal member is made of a polymeric material.

[0016] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the film is at least one of a tinted tape, a tinted strip, and a tinted layer.

[0017] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first seal member comprises at least one first seam connectable to at least a portion of an inner body of the door panel.

[0018] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form further embodiments of the disclosure.
[0019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0021] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a sectional perspective view of a glass run channel assembly assembled in a vehicle door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a sectional perspective view of a glass run channel assembly of FIG. 1 with a skeletal view of door panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective view of first and second seal members of the glass run channel assembly depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a sectional perspective view of the first seal member of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a sectional perspective view of the second seal member of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0027] FIGS. 6A-6C show sectional views of the second seal member assembled with the door using a fastener arrangement, a clip, and an adhesive bond, respectively, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the assembly or system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0031] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the assembly, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the assembly of the present disclosure may be employed in variety of vehicles such as passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles having different specifications. However, other components associated with the glass run channel assembly of a vehicle such as a door shell, A-class surface of the vehicle, etc., are not illustrated explicitly in the drawings of the disclosure for the purpose of simplicity.

[0032] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that an assembly, a method, a system, or a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such an assembly, a method, a system, or a device. In other words, one or more elements in the assembly or the method or the system or the device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or the method or the system or the device.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a glass run channel assembly for a door of a vehicle. The assembly is intended to insulate interior of a vehicle from external environmental factors such as air and water leakage, dust ingress, noise ingress, etc., together with the window pane. The glass run channel assembly is also intended to minimize friction when movable glass panes are actuated by user either to open or close the window. This is attained by defining a channel within the glass run channel assembly inside which the window glass pane resides and slidingly actuates. The glass run channel assembly, in addition to providing insulation to vehicle interior, plays a role in imparting aesthetic appeal to the vehicle exterior surface, popularly termed as “A-class surface” in automotive terminology. The glass run channel assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first seal member which may be connected to an inner portion of a door panel of the vehicle. This indicates that the first seal member may be assembled from an operational perspective i.e., to provide insulation to external environmental factors such as air, water, dust, noise, etc. Further, the assembly includes a second seal member which may be connected to the first seal member through the door panel. The second seal member, unlike the first seal member, may reveal outside the door panel when connected to the first seal member. The second seal member includes a base, and a film molded integrally on the base, such that the film reveals outside the second seal member to impart visual appeal to the glass run channel assembly.

[0034] The second seal member may include a base which imparts strength and rigidity to a part of the assembly and may take part in load bearing. The base of the second seal member may be reinforced by a reinforcing member and may be embedded within the base. The second seal member may also contain at least one second seam which facilitates assembly of the second seal member with the first seal member through the door panel. The second seam may contain a flux member applied over it, and is intended to impart anti-friction characteristics to glass and body when assembled or connected. Further, the second seal member when assembled to the door panel defines a C-section or a substantial C-section. The C-section or substantial C-section may accommodate a portion of the first seal member so that the door panel remains interposed between the first seal member and the second seal member. Provisions may be provided in the second seal member to accommodate connecting members such as fasteners, clips or adhesive bonding members. The fasteners or clips or adhesive bonding members ensure detachable connectivity between the second seal member relative to the door panel of the vehicle. The detachable connectivity between second seal member and the door panel ensures quick and easy removal of second seal member for surface modifications, inspection, repair, or replacement. In an embodiment, the first seal member may constitute a first profile, and the second seal member may constitute a second profile of the glass run channel assembly.

[0035] In an embodiment, the second seal member may be manufactured using a material selected from Polypropylene (PP), Metal, Thermoplastics, Polyethylene, or any other polymer applicable to glass run channels, or using a blend/infused combination of said materials. The film molded integrally with the second seal member is visible from exterior of the vehicle and may be in the form of a tinted/colored strip, tape, coat, layer, physical/chemical deposition and so on. The film manufactured integrally with the second seal member mitigates the need of separate manufacturing and assembly lines, with little or no adjustments to existing design and quality standards. This also allows the glass run channel assembly of the present disclosure to be retrofitted on existing vehicular trims or door panels. In an embodiment, the first seal member is also made of a polymeric material including but not limited to EPDM rubber, TPE, PP and so on, and may include at least one first seam which facilitates connectivity between the first seal member and the door panel.

[0036] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGS.1 to 6C. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary embodiments which disclose glass run channel assembly (10) for a vehicle, alternatively known as “glass run molds”, “window trims”, and so on. The assembly (10) is intended to insulate interior space of a vehicle from external environmental factors such as air and water leakage, dust ingress, noise ingress, etc., together with the window glass pane (G). The assembly (10) is also essential to secure the glass pane (G) of the window and seal the peripheral region of the glass pane (G) to ensure its sliding movement. The glass run channel assembly (10) is also intended to minimize friction when movable glass panes are actuated by user either manually or automatically to open or close the window, when desired. This is attained by defining a channel within the glass run channel assembly (10) inside which a portion of window glass pane (G) resides and slidingly actuates. The glass run channel assembly (10), in addition to providing insulation to vehicle interior, plays a crucial role in imparting aesthetic appeal to the vehicle exterior surface, popularly termed as “A-class surface” in automotive terminology. The design, aesthetics and structural complexity of glass run channels depend on the segment of vehicle under consideration. For example, low segment vehicles may incorporate a simple design, less complex structured glass run channel made of a less expensive polymeric material. Such glass run channels do not add to aesthetics of the door structures, rather are intended to serve their operational purposes of insulating vehicle cabins. Mid-range or high end cars, on the other hand, use chrome body glass run channels or hybrid type glass run channels which add to aesthetics of A-class surfaces in addition to insulation of vehicle cabins. In an embodiment, the type of doors considered within the ambit of present disclosure are hidden type doors which have inner panels containing skeletal frame of windows, and an outer panel assembled with the inner panel and resembling a generic door outer body. In another embodiment, visual appeal of A-class surfaces may be enhanced using Polyethylene (PE) tape film, black show surface, glossy finished surfaces, aluminum show surfaces, stainless steel show surfaces, and so on.

[0038] The glass run channel assembly (10) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure includes a first seal member (2) which may be connected to an inner portion of a door panel (1) of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 1. The door panel (1) may have structural contours or cutouts to accommodate the first seal member (2), as shown. The first seal member (2) may be defined with a provision to accommodate a portion of glass pane (G) of the window structure. Further, the first seal member (2) may be manufactured as a single entity using an applicable manufacturing technique. In an embodiment, the first seal member (2) is extruded as a unified part using a single die having a predefined profile. The design and structure of the first seal member (2) is relatively simple as compared to conventional hybrid glass run channels or EPDM glass runs. In addition, the profile of first seal member (2) may be generalized to suit door panels of vehicles belonging to all segments, which alleviates the need for development of new manufacturing equipment, for example, an extrusion die. This also results in a cost-effectiveness of overall manufacturing process.

[0039] The first seal member (2) may serve the operational purpose of providing insulation from external environmental factors such as air, water, dust, noise, etc. The first seal member (2) may also allow ingress of a small quantity of water through the channel accommodating the glass pane (G). The water so entering the first seal assembly (2) may subsequently drain out of a passage defined within the first seal member (2). To provide effective sealing and insulation against such external factors, the first seal member (2) may be manufactured using materials such as polymers, including but not limited to EPDM rubber, TPE, PP and so on. The first seal member (2) may include at least one first seam (5) which allows the first seal member (2) to be secured to the door panel (1). Further, the assembly (10) includes a second seal member (4) which may be connected to the first seal member (2) through the door panel (1). The second seal member (4), unlike the first seal member (4), may have a portion which resides outside the vehicle so that the portion may reveal outside the door panel (1) when connected to the first seal member (2). Thus, the second seal member (4) is to be designed and manufactured taking visual appeal (aesthetics) into consideration. The second seal member may include a base (4a) which constitutes a major portion of the second seal member (4), and at least one second seam (8) which may be secured to body of the vehicle. Further, a film (9) may be molded integrally above the surface of the base (4a), such that the film (9) exposes or reveals outside the second seal member (4). The exposed film (9) imparts visual appeal to the glass run channel assembly (10) and may be considered as a cost-effective alternative to conventional chrome parts in hybrid glass run channels. The integral molding of the film (9) with the base (4a) of the second seal member (4) may also reduce the number of manufacturing steps, raw material usage and separate manufacturing equipment (for example, a die) in comparison with conventional chrome counterparts.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional perspective view of the first seal member (2) and second seal member (4) in an assembled state, without the vehicle body components. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second seal member (4) defines a C-section or a substantial C-section [depicted in FIG. 2 as “C”] with the door panel (1), such that a portion of first seal member (2) may be accommodated in said C-section or substantial C-section. Further, portions of first seal member (2) engaging with corresponding portions of second seal member (4) are depicted in FIG. 3 as “A”. In an embodiment, the base (4a) of second seal member (4) has L-shaped profile which forms C-section or substantial C-section (C) with the door panel (1), as illustrated in FIG. 2. When assembled, a part of door panel (1) remains interposed between the first seal member (2) and second seal member (4) to facilitate connections. In an embodiment, a portion of base (4a) of the second seal member (4) is accommodated on top of a corresponding portion on top of the first seal member (2). Further, the base (4a) of the second seal member (4) above which the film (9) is integrally molded is clearly shown in FIG. 3 as hatched region. In an embodiment, the film (9) may be a tape, sticker, coat, deposition or the like of a color or a color combination. The film (9) may also have an enhanced surface rendering such as a glossy finish or a metallic finish to impart visual appeal to the second seal member (4), and therefore the glass run channel assembly (10) as a whole. In an embodiment, the film (9) may be co-extruded with the second seal member (4) during the extrusion of the second seal member (4). This way, the film (9) may be integrally extruded in the same manufacturing step/process with the second seal member (4) without the requirement of auxiliary set up/process to separately manufacture the film (9) alone. In an embodiment, the film (9) may be produced using material including but not limited to polyethylene (PE).

[0041] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 5 which illustrate sectional perspective views of first seal member (2) and the second seal member (4), respectively. When FIG. 4 is referred in conjunction with FIG. 3, one may see that the first seal member (2) includes a transition portion (5c) to accommodate a fastener or a clip or any other joining member during assembly. Further, the first seal member (2) includes one or more first seam (5) which may be used for securing the entire first seal member (2) with the other components of glass run channel assembly (10), such as the glass pane (G), second channel member (4) and the like. In an embodiment, the first seam (5) may be made of same material or different material as that of core portion of the first seal member (2). In another embodiment, the first seam (5) may be mounted or integrally formed with a flux member (5a) to maintain anti-frictional properties of flux with glass and body.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 5, we see that the second seal member (4) having base (4a) has an internally embedded reinforcing member (7) which may impart strength, sturdiness, and rigidity to the base (4a), especially when the base (4a) is molded in an L-shaped configuration as depicted in FIG. 5. In an embodiment, the second seal member (4) is co-extruded with the reinforcing member (7), with the reinforcing member (7) being selected from a class of materials like metals, alloys, composite materials or any other material which serves the purpose of reinforcement. The second seal member (4) may also include one or more second seam (8) which may protrude from the base (4a). The one or more second seam (8) may facilitate connectivity between the second seal m

[0043] ember (4) and the body of the vehicle, also referred to as “body side outer” of the vehicle. This results in second seam (8) of the second seal member (4) residing inside the vehicle, while aesthetic part(s) (6) of the second seal member (4) expose/reveal outside the body [body side outer] of the vehicle. The film (9), as explained previously, add to visual appeal of the second seal member (4). This way, with two different profiles of first and second seal members (2 and 4), flexibility with respect to design variations may be enhanced while minimizing the number of manufacturing steps and complexity of the glass run channel (10). With a generalized design of first seal member (2) which may be customary to all segment vehicles, designs of second seal member (4) may be continuously varied and upgraded every time depending on capital constraints. In an embodiment, material used for manufacturing second seal member (4) may be selected from one or more of Polypropylene, Polypropylene (PP), Metals, Thermoplastics (TPV), Polyethylene or any other polymeric group. In another embodiment, selection of material for second seal member (4) depends on tolerance required during the fitment and/or assembly.

[0044] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate sectional views of second seal member (4) assembled with the door panel (1) by means of a fastener arrangement, clip, and adhesive agent, respectively. As shown in FIG. 6A, a hole may be formed (drilled) through the second seal member (4) and the door panel (1) to accommodate a fastener arrangement (11), for example, a threaded bolt (11a) and an engaging nut (11b) to fasten the second seal member (4) with the door panel (1). Optionally, the faster arrangement (11) may extend to penetrate the transition portion (5c) [not seen in FIG. 6A] of the first seal member (2) to secure the first seal member (2) as well. As depicted in FIG. 6B, the assembly of second seal member (4) relative to door panel (1) and optionally the first seal member (2) may be attained using one or more clips (12) which abut said components together. In yet another configuration, the second seal member (4) may be bonded to the door panel (1) using a double-sided adhesive tape or adhesive strip (13), as illustrated in FIG. 6C.

[0045] The glass run assembly (10) of the present disclosure may have several inherent advantages.

[0046] One of the advantages is that with two different profiles of first and second seal members, there is enhanced flexibility and freedom with respect to design, colour schemes, styling, sizing, and material consumption.

[0047] A further advantage is the ease of assembly of associated components. For example, the second seal member may be conveniently fastened or bonded to the door panel. This allows the second seal member to be removed easily and effortlessly in situations of modifications, replacement, repair or for upgrading.

[0048] Another advantage is flexibility to meet different requirements and standards for a specific vehicle segment. The glass run channel assembly of present disclosure not only allows retro-fitment on existing vehicles, but also reduces overall cost of product for a given vehicle segment.

[0049] A still another advantage is that flexibility in manufacturing associated components. If a generalized first seal member is used for all vehicle segments, design variations are tried out only on the second seal member. This not only saves lead-time, but also saves capital due to requirement of single die to produce the first seal member, as compared to convention chrome and hybrid glass run channel counterparts.

[0050] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop an assembly or a method or a system of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0051] Equivalents:

[0052] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0053] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0054] Reference Numerals:

Glass run channel assembly 10
Door panel 1
First seal member 2
Body/body side outer 3
Second seal member 4
Base 4a
First seam 5
Flux on first seam 5a
Transition portion 5c
Exposed surface of second seal 6
Reinforcing member 7
Second seam 8
Flux of second seam 8a
Film 9
Fastener arrangement 11
Bolt, Nut 11a, 11b
Clip 12
Adhesive bond 13
Glass pane G
C-section/substantial C-section C
Engaging portions of first and second seal members A