US20020152686A1 - Illuminating weatherseal - Google Patents

Abstract

An illuminating weatherseal for sealing an interface between confronting surfaces and illuminating the adjacent environment is disclosed. The illuminating weatherseal includes light line extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, wherein the light is emitted along a path defining a non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension. A switch can be incorporated into the illuminating weatherseal for selectively actuating the light line.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to weatherseals, and more particularly, to a weatherseal for sealing an interface between two confronting surfaces, wherein the weatherseal includes a light line extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal for illuminating the weatherseal by emitting light along a path that defines a non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Weatherseals are employed in vehicles in a variety of locations to perform the functions of sealing and noise reduction. Traditional weatherseals may have any of a variety of constructions for performing the desired sealing. It is understood the sealing function can include reducing infiltration of water, air or particles across the barrier. Further, a portion of these weatherseals are often colored to enhance the aesthetic quality of the weatherseal. The functions of traditional weatherseals have been limited to the sealing function in combination with noise reduction and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.[0002]
• However, there are additional functions, which can be performed by a weatherseal that could either reduce other previously necessary components, or add further functionality to the weatherseal.[0003]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention includes an illuminating weatherseal. In a first construction, the weatherseal includes a light line extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, wherein the light line emits light non parallel to the longitudinal dimension along the length of the weatherseal.[0004]
• While the present weatherseal can have any of a variety of configurations and be located at any of a variety of locations, the weatherseal typically includes an elastomeric body having a seating channel and a light line disposed in the seating channel.[0005]
• By employing an illuminating weatherseal, the weatherseal can clearly indicate the relative position of a component in a vehicle. For example, if the illuminating weatherseal is disposed about a door, when the door is opened, the illuminating weatherseal outlines the periphery of the open door, thereby enhancing visibility. Similarly, if the weatherseal is located about the periphery of a door opening on the frame of the vehicle, passengers entering or exiting the vehicle are provided guidance by the illuminated periphery. It is further contemplated the illuminating weatherseal may be used to light portions of the vehicle such as the trunk or the engine compartment. That is, if an illuminating weatherseal were disposed about the car frame to contact the trunk lid in the closed position, upon the opening the trunk, the illuminating weatherseal not only outlines at least a portion of the periphery of the trunk, but provides sufficient light to illuminate the interior of the trunk. Similarly, by locating the illuminating weatherseal about the engine compartment to seal with the hood, when the hood is raised, the weatherseal provides ready illumination of the engine. Further, the illuminating weatherseal can indicate the presence of a person adjacent the vehicle. As the person moves relative to the illuminating weatherseal, the movement and location of the person is indicated. Thus, it is believed the illuminating weatherseal can enhance the visibility of a person during a roadside stop. The illuminating weatherseal can incorporate a switch to selectively illuminate the light line. The switch can be a pressure sensitive switch, a touch sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a combination thereof and can be integrally formed with the weatherseal.[0006]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing a variety of locations for an illuminating weatherseal.[0007]
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a typical door seal configured for used in the present invention, wherein the light line is omitted.[0008]
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the door seal of FIG. 2, wherein the light line is included.[0009]
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a typical deck lid seal configured for used in the present invention, wherein the light line is omitted.[0010]
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the deck lid seal of FIG. 4 including a light line.[0011]
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a typical back light seal configured for used in the present invention, wherein the light line is omitted.[0012]
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the back light seal of FIG. 6 showing a light line incorporated in the weatherseal.[0013]
• FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a typical channel mount construction of a weatherseal, wherein the light line is omitted.[0014]
• FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the channel mount seal of FIG. 8 showing an incorporated light line.[0015]
• FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of an alternative construction of the sealing channel.[0016]
• FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a further construction of the seating channel.[0017]
• FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the seating channel with retaining features.[0018]
• FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the seating channel in a non recessed configuration with an operably located light line.[0019]
• FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of an illuminating weatherseal integrally incorporating a pressure sensitive switch and a touch sensitive switch.[0020]
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view in partial section showing the dual mode pressure sensitive and touch sensitive switch.[0021]
• FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of an alternative configuration of the dual mode switch.[0022]
• FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a weatherseal assembly including the light line and integrated switch.[0023]
• FIGS.[0024]18-24 are different embodiments of the detail X of FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• Referring to FIG. 1, the weatherseal[0025]10 of the present invention can be employed in amotor vehicle12. Theweatherseal10 can be used in a variety of locations for releasably and repeatedly engaging apanel14. For purposes of description, the present invention is described as a weatherseal, however, it is understood the present invention can be employed in any application that may require a sealing function and include an illuminating function.
• Typically, the[0026]weatherseal10 is disposed between confronting surfaces such aspanels14. Thepanels14 may be any of a variety of materials and do not limit the present invention. For example, thepanel14 may be glass, metal or a composite, which is painted, surface treated or bare. In the operating environment, thepanel14 can be brought repeatedly into and out of engagement with the weatherseal10. Alternatively, theweatherseal10 may be moved relative to thepanel14. Further, the weatherseal10 and thepanel14 may be located in a substantially fixed relationship. For example, theweatherseal10 may be located about afixed panel14 such as a front or rear window.
• The term weatherseal includes, but is not limited to, extrusions, moldings, edge pieces, glass guidance components, glass ran channels, weather strips and seals including channel mount or pin type mounted seals. The[0027]present weatherseal10 may be used as a weather strip in structural sealing applications including residential and commercial buildings, marine vehicles as well as the motor vehicle industry. In the motor vehicle industry, the weatherseal configuration is suitable for use in many areas including, but not limited to, storage compartments, glass guidance components, glass run channels, door seals, roof rails, deck lids, hood to cowl seals, window seals, sun roof seals, van sliders, hatch backs or window channel seals. It is understood the illuminating weatherseal can be constructed and operably located in a position that does not perform a sealing function. One example of such non sealing application is a flange finisher, trim or trim piece. Typical flange finishers are disposed on a flange to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as well as reduce the risks associated with an otherwise exposed flange.
• Referring to FIGS. 3, 5,[0028]7,9,14 and17, the weatherseal10 includes abody20 and alight line80. Typically, the weatherseal10 is an elongate structure having a length greater than a cross sectional dimension. Theweatherseal10 thus has a longitudinal dimension and a shorter transverse dimension. Although the detailed description is directed to the sealing configuration of the invention, it is understood the same teachings can be applied to the non sealing configuration.
• Body[0029]
• As seen in FIGS.[0030]2-9,14 and17, thebody20 is shown in cross section. Thebody20 can include acarrier portion30, a sealingportion40 and atrim portion50.
• Typically, the[0031]carrier portion30 is the part of thebody20, which attaches the weatherseal10 to one of the confronting surfaces. Thecarrier portion30 can have any of a variety of configurations and typically forms a base or substrate upon which the sealingportion40 and/ortrim portion50 are connected.
• The[0032]carrier portion30 can be formed of a variety of materials including plastic, thermoplastic or thermosetting materials, including but not limited to plastic, TPE, EPDM or any combination thereof. The thermoplastic materials can include polyethylene, EVA, PVC or polypropylene. Suitable vulcanized or cross-linked (thermosetting) polymeric materials include the EPDM and modified EPDM.
• The[0033]carrier portion30 can have a relatively rigid section and a relatively soft or resilient section. That is, thecarrier portion30 can exhibit one or more durometer hardnesses. Thecarrier portion30 can include a reinforcingmember32 such as a wire or metal carrier, which may be of known construction (such as knitted wire, lanced and stretched, slotted, solid (continuous) or stamped metal). It is also contemplated thecarrier portion30 can include a thermoplastic section and a thermoset section, wherein each section has a unique rigidity. Further, thecarrier portion30 can be formed at differing thicknesses to provide differing amounts of rigidity. It is contemplated thecarrier portion30 can have any of a variety of cross-sections, wherein typical cross-sections include “U” shaped, “J” shaped, “L” shaped or planar. As shown in FIGS.2-5, thecarrier portion30 can have the U shaped profile with inwardly extending gripping fins for engaging one of the confronting surfaces. Non sealing constructions of the present invention, such as the flange finisher, can be limited to abody20 employing only thecarrier portion30, wherein the flange finisher can be operably retained by friction, fasteners or adhesives. Thebody20 in the flange finisher configuration often has a U shaped cross section with at least one gripping fin for engaging the flange.
• The sealing[0034]portion40 is connected to thecarrier portion30 and typically extends from the carrier portion to contact the remaining confronting surface. The sealingportion40 can have any of a variety of configurations including bulbs, flaps or fingers. The sealingportion40 can be formed to have a different durometer, or rigidity than thecarrier portion30.
• The sealing[0035]portion40 can be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to TPEs, thermoplastics and thermosets, wherein the materials can be solid, foamed, cellular or a sponge construction. Typically, constructions of the invention having abody20 and a sealingportion40 may have one or both portions formed of an elastomeric material.
• The[0036]trim portion50 is typically connected to thecarrier portion30 and extends to overly an adjacent part of the relevant confronting surface. Although thetrim portion50 is shown attached to thecarrier portion30, it is understood the trim portion can be connected to the carrier portion, the sealingportion40 or both. Thetrim portion50 is often formed of a different color or texture than thecarrier portion30 and the sealingportion40. Thetrim portion50 can also be formed of a variety of materials including thermoplastics, thermosets and composites.
• Referring to FIGS.[0037]2-9, thebody20 further includes aseating channel60 extending along the longitudinal dimension of theweatherseal10. Theseating channel60 can be located in thecarrier portion30, the sealingportion40 or thetrim portion50. However, it is contemplated theseating channel60 will typically be located in one of thecarrier portion30 or thetrim portion50.
• The[0038]seating channel60 can extend along the entire length of the weatherseal10 or can be disposed along predetermined lengths of the weatherseal. In addition, theseating channel60 can be located at given relative position on theweatherseal10. Alternatively, the location of theseating channel60 can vary along the longitudinal dimension of theweatherseal10.
• The[0039]seating channel60 can have any of a variety of cross-sections, as dictated by the correspondinglight line80 and theelastomeric body20. Thus, referring to FIGS.10-13, theseating channel60 can have an arcuate, curvilinear or multi-facet cross-section. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, theseating channel60 can include retaining features62 such as flaps, detents, ridges, barbs or fingers which project into the seating channel. The retaining features62 can be located along the length of theseating channel60 or disposed at spaced locations. Further, theseating channel60 can be formed with a lip or overhang to engage a diameter or dimension of thelight line80. Theseating channel60 can thus be defined by a recessed area of thebody20. However, as seen in FIG. 13, theseating channel60 can be defined merely by a surface of thebody20 to which thelight line80 is connected or attached.
• Depending on the intended operating parameters, the[0040]seating channel60 can be formed or located on thebody20 by any of a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to molding, extrusion, machining, etching or ablation.
• Light Line[0041]
• Referring to FIGS. 3, 5,[0042]7,9,14 and17, thelight line80 is disposed in theseating channel60 of theelastomeric body20. Similar to theweatherseal10, thelight line80 is also an elongate structure having a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension, wherein the longitudinal dimension is substantially greater than the transverse dimension.
• The[0043]light line80 can be retained within theseating channel60 by a variety of mechanisms including adhesives, bonding or mechanical retention. Depending upon the hardness or resiliency of theelastomeric body20 in which theseating channel60 is formed, thelight line80 may be retained by friction or a snap fit. Additionally, or alternatively, thelight line80 can be retained in theseating channel60 by an adhesive.
• Although the[0044]light line80 is shown as having a generally circular cross-sectional profile, it is understood the light line can have a multi-facet, curvilinear, oval, obround, triangular, square, rectangular or other such cross-section. Further, the relative cross-sectional area of thelight line80 relative to theweatherseal10 is dependent upon a number of parameters including the desired illumination, the construction of the light line as well as construction of thebody20.
• The[0045]light line80 can be active such as self-illuminating or passive and merely transmit and emit light, and thus be, formed of a variety of light emitting devices. Depending upon the amount of lighting required, a variety of constructions can be used as thelight line80. Preferably, thelight line80 emits light along a path that defines a non-zero angle with the longitudinal dimension or axis. The optical path of the emitted light will intersect the longitudinal axis. Therefore, thelight line80 emits light along paths that are non parallel to the longitudinal dimension. The light passes from thelight line80 along the length of the light line. That is, light passes from thelight line80 intermediate the ends of the light line. The areas or sections of light emission can be determined in response to the intended operating characteristics of the weatherseal. The self-illuminating configuration of thelight line80 can include light ropes, LEDs and LED strings. Transmitting/emittinglight lines80 can include fiber optics and side emitting fiber optics, such as glass plastic or composites.
• It is understood the[0046]light line80 can include intermittent or discrete light sources extending along the longitudinal dimension of the light line. Thelight line80 can thereby provide a plurality of points of light along the longitudinal dimension. Thus, thelight line80 can be selected to provide substantially continuous light emission along the longitudinal dimension, intermittent light or an intermediate light dispersion along the longitudinal dimension.
• The[0047]light line80 is shown as a side-emitting device. That is, thelight line80 emits light transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the light line, and hence weatherseal10, such that the light travels along a path that defines a non-zero angle with the longitudinal dimension. In such construction, thebody20 can be formed without specific characteristics for enhancing light emission. However, it is understood thebody20 can be formed with reflective surfaces to enhance light emission. For example, theseating channel60 can be coated with or formed of a light reflective material. In addition, thelight line80 can include reflective surfaces to control direction of emitted light.
• Alternatively, the[0048]seating channel60 can be formed of or coated with a light absorbing material to reduce light transmission.
• Similarly, the cross sectional profile of the[0049]seating channel60 can be structured to enhance or inhibit light transmission as dictated by the intended operating environment and the structure of the particularlight line80.
• Thus, the illuminating[0050]weatherseal10 emits light non parallel to the longitudinal axis. It is contemplated thelight line80 will be constructed to emit light along a path that defines a non zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the light may be emitted along a path that is transverse or oblique to the longitudinal axis.
• Transmitting/emitting[0051]light lines80 cooperate with a light source. The light source can be dedicated to thelight line80. Alternatively, the light source can be employed for additional uses such as courtesy lights, warning lights or dome lights. The light source can be any of a variety of types such as incandescent, fluorescent, LED or lasing.
• As seen in FIGS. 3, 5,[0052]7,9,14 and17, thebody20 has a given cross sectional area, wherein thelight line80 has a cross sectional area less than the body. Preferably, the cross sectional area of thelight line80 is less than approximately50 percent of the cross sectional area of thebody20. It is contemplated the cross sectional area of thelight line80 can be20 percent or less of the cross sectional area of thebody20. Thus, thelight line80 does not contribute significantly to the cross sectional area of the weatherseal. Further, it is contemplated, thelight line80 can be located within the cross sectional area of the weatherseal. Therefore, the present illuminating weatherseal can be operably located along any existing weatherseal location.
• In a preferred construction, the[0053]light line80 extends along substantially the entire length of the weatherseal. While thelight line80 can extend the length of the weatherseal, the entire length or intermittent portions can be illuminating.
• The emission of light from the[0054]light line80 can be controlled by a variety of mechanisms, wherein the mechanism actuates the light source or the optical interconnection of thelight line80 to the light source. Capacitive, pressure or contact switches can be employed with the illuminatingweatherseal10 to selectively provide illumination wherein the switch can be integral with or external to the weatherseal. In addition,light line80 can be controlled to provide any of a variety of light characteristics such as dimming, pulsing, chasing, blinking or constant.
• For example, the[0055]light line80 can be illuminated in response to an opening or closing of a door. Alternatively, thelight line80 can be illuminated for a timed interval in response to a predetermined condition or event.
• A switch mechanism for controlling the emission of light from the[0056]light line80 can be incorporated into theweatherseal10. The switch mechanism can include a pressure or deflection type switch, a touch sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a combination of pressure and touch sensitive switches. In a preferred construction, the switch is integral with thebody20. It is contemplated the switch can extend along the length of thebody20, or along selected portions.
• Referring to FIG. 14, a combined pressure sensitive and touch sensitive switch is shown. Although the pressure sensitive and touch sensitive switches are shown in combination, it is understood either switch can be individually employed. In addition, the pressure sensitive, touch sensitive or combined switch can be located on any of the[0057]carrier portion30, the sealingportion40 or thetrim portion50. For purposes of clarity, the combined pressure sensitive and touch sensitive switch is shown on the carrier portion.
• The combined switch is provided with a bead of[0058]conductive rubber228 extending along an outer surface of the switch. Anelectrical conductor226 is preferably embedded in theconductive layer228. Preferably, theweatherseal10 is extruded, and the conductive rubber bead can be co-extruded therewith. Elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, or thermoplastics can be used for the touch sensitive portion, and the conductivity of such materials can be increased by adding conductive materials such as carbon blacks, graphite or metal powder to a base material. The combination of the electrical conductor orwire226 with theconductive rubber bead228 forms an elongated conductive surface portion extending substantially along the length of the profile. While the electrical conductor is shown as embedded in the elongated conductor surface portion, it can be disposed between the non-conductive and conductive portions, as long as it is in electrical contact with the conductive portion.
• Optionally, as seen in FIG. 14, a second[0059]electrical conductor252 is provided in anon-conducting portion232 of theweatherseal10. Theconductor252 may be conveniently employed to form a complete electrical circuit, depending on the type of sensor employed.
• FIG. 15 is diagrammatic inasmuch as it only shows the switch portion of the weatherseal in accordance with the invention. Referring to FIG. 15, a pressure sensitive switch is implemented by[0060]conductive region236 and238, each of which includes an embedded or contactingelectrical conductor240 and242 respectively. The conductor regions are encased within a hollow flexibletubular portion250 of the weatherseal, which has flexible side walls such that upon the application of pressure, theconductive regions236 and238 are brought into contact with each other, which contact can be sensed remotely as a drop in resistance of the circuit formed byelectrical conductors240 and242. The touch sensitiveconductive layer228 is formed on the surface of thehollow tubular member250 and has its own electrically conductive wire embedded therein or at least in electrical contact therewith. If desired, yet anotherelectrical wire252 can be provided innon-conducting tubing member250 for forming a complete circuit withwire226.
• As shown in FIG. 15, the[0061]sensing portion250 of the switch is connected to adetector circuit260. A portion ofdetector circuit260 that is responsive to pressure induced contact being formed betweenconductive regions236 and238 is well known, and will not be described further. The portion ofdetector260 that is responsive to touchsensitive region228 may take a variety of forms. Touch sensors for operating table lamps and the like are well known, and sensors of similar design can be employed in connection with this invention. Since only low voltage power is usually available in vehicles, the touch sensitive switch may be implemented by connecting the electrical wire running through the touch sensitive layer of the device to the gate of a field effect transistor or the like, so that the transistor will be turned on when the layer is touched.
• Referring to FIG. 16, a dual mode switch in accordance with another embodiment is illustrated in diagrammatic cross section form. The switch indicated generally at[0062]270 includes a non-conductive resilient body formed from thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Achannel274 is formed in the nonconductive body and a layer of conductive material such as a conductive rubber foam is disposed in a bottom portion of the channel. A touchsensitive cap278 is attached to the upper side walls of the channel. A firstelectrical conductor280 is embedded in touchsensitive cap278 and a secondelectrical conductor282 is embedded inlayer276.Electrical conductor280 is connected to a touchsensitive detector284 designated in this example by a connection to the gate of theFET286. A pressuresensitive detector290, preferably for responding to a contact closure is connected toelectrodes280 and282. In operation, the dual mode detector switch of FIG. 14 is responsive to contact withconductive layer278 by triggeringFET286 to produce a switching signal. The dual mode switch is responsive to pressure sufficient to cause the side walls of the channel formed in the base272 to flex and theconductive layers278 and276 to be brought into contact, to triggerdetector290 also to generate a switching signal.
• In a further configuration, and generally referring to FIGS.[0063]17-25, the switch can be formed of aground electrode325 and a spacedsensor electrode322, wherein the sensor electrode is embedded in thebody20, and theweatherseal10 includes a zone orarea323,324 of reduced rigidity between the ground electrode and the sensor electrode. The zone of reduced rigidity can be formed by anair gap323, a strip of asponge rubber324 extending along the longitudinal dimension of theweatherseal10.
• It is contemplated the[0064]ground electrode325 can be separately constructed from theweatherseal10. That is, a portion of the vehicle can be employed as theground electrode325. Thesensor electrode322 can be embedded in thecarrier portion30, the sealingportion40 or thetrim portion50. In addition, thesensor electrode322 can be configured as a loop.
• The[0065]ground electrode325, thesensing electrode322 and the zone of reducedrigidity323,324 create asensing region334 which, upon sensing a dielectric material within the region, can initiate a signal to selectively illuminate thelight line80. Thesensing region334 can be varied or shaped by arranging and/or changing the number of ground electrodes or sensor electrodes. Thesensing region334 can additionally be varied or shaped by applying different potentials to the ground electrode and or the sensing electrode.
• Thus, the capacitive switch detects a dielectric material entering the[0066]sensing region334, without requiring physical contact, by a change in capacitance between thesensor electrode322 and theground electrode325. Upon the presence of the dielectric objet, the capacity will rise, which can be used to selectively illuminate or dim thelight line80.
• Thus, the illuminating[0067]weatherseal10 can be activated through a switch integrated with the weatherseal. The switch can be activated by a flexing of the weatherseal, or location of a dielectric material adjacent the weatherseal.
• Manufacture[0068]
• The particular method for constructing the illuminating[0069]weatherseal10 is at least partially determined by the construction of thelight line80 and intended interconnection between the light line and theseating channel60.
• The[0070]weatherseal10 can be formed in an extrusion process to include theseating channel60, wherein thelight line80 is disposed within the seating channel in a downstream operation. It is contemplated that for anelastomeric body20 formed of a thermosetting material, a curing step can be performed prior to, during, or subsequent to insertion of thelight line80 into theseating channel60.
• Alternatively, the[0071]elastomeric body20 andcorresponding seating channel60 can be formed, wherein an adhesive is subsequently disposed in the seating channel and the light line is then disposed in the seating channel to contact the adhesive.
• Alternatively, the[0072]seating channel60 can be machined into thebody20 in a subsequent process, and thelight line80 then located in the seating channel.
• With respect to the switch mechanism, the components of the switch can be formed with the[0073]body20, as for example during extrusion.
• While the invention has been described in connection with a presently preferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and changes made be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, which accordingly is intended to be defined solely by the appended claims.[0074]

Claims (41)

1. An illuminating weatherseal for sealing a gap intermediate two confronting surfaces, the confronting surfaces moveable between a spaced apart open position and an adjacent closed position, the weatherseal, comprising:

(a) an elongate elastomeric body selected to attach to one of the confronting surfaces, the elastomeric body including a sealing portion being spaced from a remaining contacting surface in the open position of the confronting surfaces and contacting the remaining confronting surface in the closed position of the confronting surfaces, the elastomeric body including a seating channel extending along a longitudinal dimension of the elastomeric body; and

(b) a light line disposed in the seating channel.

2. The weatherseal ofclaim 1, wherein the light line emits light along a path defining a non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension.

3. The weatherseal ofclaim 1, wherein the elastomeric body includes a carrier portion.

4. The weatherseal ofclaim 3, wherein the carrier portion includes a reinforcing member.

5. The weatherseal ofclaim 4, wherein the reinforcing member is a metal or a thermoplastic.

6. The weatherseal ofclaim 1, wherein the light line includes one of a fiber optic, an LED, a fluorescent or an incandescent element.

7. The weatherseal ofclaim 6, wherein the fiber optic is one of a glass or a plastic.

8. The weatherseal ofclaim 1, wherein the light line is a side-emitting fiber optic.

9. The weatherseal ofclaim 1, wherein the elastomeric body includes a trim portion.

10. The illuminating weatherseal ofclaim 1, further comprising a switch integral with the elastomeric body.

11. The illuminating weatherseal ofclaim 10, wherein the switch is one of a pressure sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a touch sensitive switch.

12. The illuminating weatherseal ofclaim 10, wherein the switch creates a switching signal to control illumination of the light line.

13. A weatherseal assembly comprising:

(a) a weatherseal body having longitudinal dimension; and

(b) a fiber optic light line connected to the body, the fiber optic light line selected to emit light along a path non parallel to the longitudinal dimension.

14. The weatherseal assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the body is elastomeric and includes a carrier portion and a sealing portion.

15. The weatherseal assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the carrier portion includes a seating channel sized to receive the light line.

16. The weatherseal assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the light line includes a pair of fiber optics.

17. The weatherseal assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the light line includes a side emitting fiber optic.

18. The weatherseal assembly ofclaim 13, further comprising a switch integral with the body.

19. The weatherseal assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the switch is one of a capacitive switch, a pressure switch or a touch sensitive switch.

20. An illuminating weatherseal assembly having a weatherseal body having a cross sectional dimension and a light line extending along a longitudinal dimension of the weatherseal, the light line having a cross sectional area less that the cross sectional area of the weatherseal body and selected to emit light along a path defining a non zero angle with the longitudinal dimension.

21. The illuminating weatherseal ofclaim 20 wherein the weatherseal body includes an elastomeric body connected to the light line.

22. The illuminating weatherseal ofclaim 21, wherein the elastomeric body includes a seating channel sized to receive the light line.

23. The illuminating weatherseal ofclaim 20 wherein the light line includes one of a fiber optic, an LED, a fluorescent or an incandescent element.

24. The illuminating weatherseal ofclaim 20 further comprising a switch integral with the weatherseal.

25. The illuminating weatherseal ofclaim 24, wherein the switch is one of a capacitive switch, a pressure sensitive switch or a touch sensitive switch.

26. An elongate trim piece, comprising:

(a) elongate body having a longitudinal axis and a U shaped cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis;

(b) a reinforcing member having a corresponding U shaped cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis; and

(c) a light line connected to the body to emit light along a path non parallel to the longitudinal axis.

27. The trim piece ofclaim 26, further comprising a gripping fin extending into the U shaped cross section.

28. The trim piece ofclaim 26, wherein the reinforcing member is embedded in the body.

29. The trim piece ofclaim 26, wherein the reinforcing member is a metal or a thermoplastic.

30. The trim piece ofclaim 26, wherein the light line includes one of a fiber optic, an LED, a fluorescent or an incandescent element.

31. The trim piece ofclaim 30, wherein the fiber optic is one of a glass or a plastic.

32. The trim piece ofclaim 26, wherein the light line is a side-emitting fiber optic.

33. The elongate trim piece ofclaim 26, further comprising a switch integral with the body.

34. The elongate trim piece ofclaim 33, wherein the switch is one of a pressure sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a touch sensitive switch.

35. An illuminating assembly, comprising

(a) an elongate body having a longitudinal axis;

(b) a light line connected to the body along the longitudinal axis; and

(c) a switch integral with the elastomeric body.

36. The illuminating assembly ofclaim 35, wherein the body is elastomeric and includes a sealing portion.

37. The illuminating assembly ofclaim 35, wherein the switch is one of a pressure sensitive switch, a capacitive switch or a touch sensitive switch.

38. The illuminating assembly ofclaim 35, wherein the body includes a carrier portion, a trim portion and a sealing portion.

39. The illuminating assembly ofclaim 35, wherein the switch extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

40. The illuminating assembly ofclaim 35, wherein the switch includes a field effect transistor.

41. The illuminating assembly ofclaim 35, further comprising a sensing electrode embedded in the body.

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