Interengaging Fastener And Strip Edges Or Flanges (e.g., Snap-on Type) Patents (Class 52/716.6)
  • Patent number: 11701955
    Abstract: A glass run includes a trim strip 40 attached to a side of an upper glass run 24 facing outside of the passenger compartment. A trim strip holding member 50 having a front engagement portion 52 that engages with the trim strip 40 is fixed at a front side of the upper glass run 24. The trim strip holding member 50 is made of a rigid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kojima, Yasuhiro Morihara
  • Patent number: 11629505
    Abstract: A mounting clip (1) for the floating mounting of wall and ceiling panels consisting of composite wood materials, said panels being connected to one another without adhesive by corresponding locking profiles to form a wall or ceiling covering and being fastened to a substructure. The mounting clip has a base board (2), a receiving portion (4) formed in one piece with the base board and intended for engaging in a locking profile of a panel, wherein the receiving portion has a distancing piece (5) arranged as far as possible perpendicularly to the plane of the base board, and a contacting piece (6), which adjoins the distancing piece and is arranged as far as possible parallel to the plane of the base board, and a slot (8) is provided in the base board for fastening the mounting clip to a fastening means on the substructure the slot can be at least 1.5-4 cm long and extend transversely with respect to the contacting piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: SWISS KRONO Tec AG
    Inventor: Roger Braun
  • Patent number: 11548237
    Abstract: A method for making a connection between a pair of objects includes using a fixture to hold in place shims used to control the gap thickness between the objects. The gap may be subsequently filled with adhesive that is then cured. The fixture may be a flexible piece of material that is able to withstand the cure environment, for example being able to withstand heat used to cure the adhesive. The fixture may facilitate maintaining the proper gap by holding the shims in their proper places and orientation until the adhesive is cured and the shims are removed. The use of the fixture may improve the uniformity of the gap at less effort, and may reduce defects in the adhesive layer, for example by facilitating removal of the shims without disturbing or damaging the adhesive, such as by pulling the shims straight out of their locations in the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Chance Fribbs, Melby Thelakkaden, Derek M. Newman
  • Patent number: 9021764
    Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the rear glass of a cab on construction machinery is provided. The apparatus includes a window frame forming a cab window frame; a weather strip coupled to the window frame to seal a gap between the window frame and the rear glass of the cab; a glass interior fixing portion including an engagement portion inserted and engaged between the window frame and the weather strip, a body portion extending from the engagement portion at right angles and having a groove and a glass support portion supporting the rear glass of the cab; a glass exterior fixing portion engaged with the glass support portion of the glass interior fixing portion to support the rear glass of the cab; and a stopper having one side fixed to the window frame to support the rear glass of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Chun-Jin Yoon
  • Patent number: 9012006
    Abstract: A multi-layer assembly, such as a sound damping metal laminate used in the automotive industry, having first and second rigid layers and an adhesive layer in between. A retention feature in the form of a raised embossment may be formed in one or more of the rigid layers and may be located near a fastening hole, which accommodates a nut and bolt or some other type of fastening device. The retention feature may impart rigidity and improved stiffness to the multi-layer assembly in the area surrounding the fastening hole, and it may also create a space between the rigid layers that is generally devoid of adhesive from the adhesive layer. This, in turn, can improve the long term performance of the multi-layer assembly by addressing issues such as compression set, spring back and/or stress relaxation. Methods of manufacture and other embodiments are also provided, including ones that accommodate multiple fastening holes, have discontinuous retention features, and use welds in place of nuts and bolts, to name a few.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Shiloh Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Fisk, Daniel J. Driscoll, James F. Keys
  • Patent number: 8955896
    Abstract: A tri-extruded molding for mounting within a vehicle roof ditch. The tri-extruded molding is produced as an elongated trim defining component and is constructed of a rigid substrate material, a first UV graded thermoplastic elastomer applied over the exterior of the rigid substrate, with a second thermoplastic elastomer formed as a pair of laterally projecting wings along exterior and outwardly opposite edges of the rigid substrate and in communicating fashion with the jointly extruded edges of the first thermoplastic elastomer. A plurality of fasteners are seated within the track for mounting the molding to the vehicle roof ditch. A single production line process is disclosed for tri-extruding the three components into a roof ditch molding and includes a handling operation with opposing dies surfaces for compressing therebetween an initial straight length of extrusion for forming into a desired final shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: U.S. Farathane Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Charles Baxter, Wayne Bland, Steve Porter
  • Publication number: 20150013265
    Abstract: Adaptive, self-adjusting decorative trim assemblies are especially adapted for use in aircraft cabin interiors where the fuselage undergoes deformation and/or distortion due to pressurization during flight. The self-adjusting features of the decorative trim assemblies according to the embodiments described herein thus allow for relative movement between mutually intersecting interior cabin panels without jeopardizing the cabin interior aesthetics (e.g., since the relative positioning of the panels is not disrupted by virtue of such fuselage deformations).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: EMBRAER S.A.
    Inventors: Bruno Kimura CASTANHA, Fernando Henrique DA SILVA, Jay BEEVER, Oliver Turci DE CAMARGO, Joshua REA, Rainer ZIERER
  • Patent number: 8800242
    Abstract: A system for coupling a trim component to a body component having two generally perpendicular surfaces. A rotatable fastener is coupled to the trim component. The rotatable fastener has a plurality of force transmitting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Benedetti, Patricia E. Patt
  • Patent number: 8793934
    Abstract: A belt molding for an automotive door panel includes a molding body made of a hard resin and having an outer wall and an inner wall; a design tape fusion-bonded to an outer surface of the outer wall; and a lip made of a soft resin and standing from the vicinity of an edge portion of the outer wall. The outer surface of the outer wall to which the design tape is fusion-bonded is convexly curved in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. An edge portion of the design tape is covered with a root portion of the lip. A largest curvature portion of the outer wall is located immediately under a covered portion of the design tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Shiroki Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoya Sato, Takayuki Okada
  • Patent number: 8793962
    Abstract: A trim assembly having a structural part (2), first and second trim parts (14, 20), and at least one intermediate trim part (30). The second trim part (20) is attached on a second portion (10) of the structural part (2), and has an aspect face (22) extending between a first edge (24) and a second edge (26). The intermediate trim part (30) has an aspect face extending between a first edge (32) and a second edge (34), the second edge (34) being positioned facing the first edge (24) of the second trim part (20). The second trim part (20) is moveably mounted on the second portion (10), and the intermediate trim part (30) has a member capable of displacing the second trim part (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Franck Edeline
  • Patent number: 8783751
    Abstract: A coextruded molding for mounting within a vehicle roof ditch having an elongated trim defining component constructed of a first material and a structurally supporting component constructed of a second harder material coextruded along a surface of the first material. The structural supporting component includes a main body terminating at inwardly angled ends so as to define an extending track. A plurality of fasteners are seated within the track for mounting the molding to the vehicle roof ditch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Farathane Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Bland, Kevin Charles Baxter
  • Patent number: 8689519
    Abstract: The Multi-Hole Concealer Strip conceals any exposed holes in cabinetry designs. It is a decorative strip that accents any cabinet with a smooth appearance to leave a finished look to the cabinetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Zelich
  • Patent number: 8596020
    Abstract: A trim part for a body part includes an angled region having diverging limbs that enclose a first angle. A cut-out is disposed in the angled region. A closure part is configured to at least partially close the cut-out and includes diverging limbs that enclose a second angle. At least one of the diverging limbs of the closure part lies in congruence with a respective limb of the angled region so as to form a flush visible side. The first angle of the angled region is greater than the second angle of the closure part and the second limb of the angled region does not lie in congruence with the second limb of the closure part so as to provide a clearance with a third angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8544236
    Abstract: A system for coupling a trim component to a body component having two generally perpendicular surfaces. A rotatable fastener is coupled to the trim component. The rotatable fastener has a plurality of force transmitting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steve M. Benedetti, Patricia E. Patt
  • Patent number: 8539731
    Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly and related method for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the molding, wherein the first arm, and optionally the second arm, extend generally perpendicularly to the foot. A tab depends from at least one of the first and second arms. At least one of the tab and the foot engage a track in order to position the assembly over the gap. The method includes placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 8516770
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of a fixed pane on a car body flange and to a fastening clip for mounting the fixed pane which has a molding arranged on the pane circumferential edge and wherein on the molding at least one retaining member facing towards the body flange is provided for accommodating said fastening clip before the fastening clip for mounting the pane to the body flange is fixed in an insertion through-hole of the body flange in an automatically locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Richard Fritz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Bissinger, Erich Herbst, Guido Knupfer, Joachim Scheufler
  • Patent number: 8474214
    Abstract: A connecting structure includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has a clip and a stabilizer flange that is spaced apart from the clip. The second connecting part has a first engagement structure that is engageable with the clip of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an insertion direction. The second connecting part also has a second engagement structure that is engageable with the stabilizer flange of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an elevational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Dawe, Nicholas Spitler
  • Patent number: 8327600
    Abstract: A support is provided for an entrance trim panel on a carrying element of a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car. The space for accommodating an electrical wire harness is formed between the entrance trim panel and the carrying element. In such a support, it is proposed that the space for accommodating the electrical wire harness is formed above the carrying element, and that a supporting element is arranged between the carrying element and the entrance trim panel. The supporting element is rigidly connected to the carrying element in the region of one end and the entrance trim panel is supported in the region of the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Sven Stepan
  • Patent number: 8205410
    Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the molding, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly to the foot. The second arm may also extend generally perpendicularly to the foot. A tab depends from at least one of the first and second arms. At least one of the tab and the foot engage a track in order to position the assembly over the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Oliver Stanchfield
  • Patent number: 8166725
    Abstract: A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas D. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8020354
    Abstract: A molding retainer is provided for securing a molding to a return flange in a roof ditch. The retainer generally includes a throat, a stop, a molding seat and a molding clip. In the case of a discontinuous flange having individual flange coupons, the throat may define a through-hole that fits over each flange coupon. The throat may include a plurality of fingers adapted to snap fit into windows in the flange coupons, with the fingers being mounted at different heights to accommodate variations in the placement of the windows. In the case of a continuous flange, the throat may define a channel that fits over the flange. The stop engages the floor of the roof ditch to provide a reference point for the height of the molding, and the molding clip engages and holds the molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tools Works Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Scroggie, Robert Osterland, Aaron Jagoda
  • Patent number: 7845143
    Abstract: A molding-furnished glass in which a resin molding is integrally provided to the edge portion of a glass base. A metal molding is attached to the resin molding by connecting the metal molding to the resin molding through the use of a slide piece and a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Glass Company, Limited, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Katakura, Nobuyuki Inami
  • Publication number: 20100263307
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of a brick moulding system for window frames and door frames includes providing a frame member which is used to form a frame to accommodate a variety of styles of window or doors in accordance with customer requirements. The frame member has a female brick moulding attachment receptacle. A plurality of brick moulding variations is provided, all of which have a male coupling engageable with the female brick moulding receptacle. An order is received from a customer for a selected style of frame with a selected style of brick moulding. Lengths of the frame member are secured together to form the selected style of frame and in the process of forming the frame the male coupling of the selected style of brick moulding is inserted into the female brick moulding receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: ALL WEATHER WINDOWS LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Jean-Marie Gilles, Thuy Vu
  • Publication number: 20100199583
    Abstract: A seal assembly is configured to seal a tile gap between a pair of tiles. Each of the tiles may include a tile side surface. At least one of the tiles may include a groove which may be formed along a length of the tile side surface. The seal assembly may comprise a gasket assembly including first and second bulb portions which may be interconnected by a web. A spacer rope may be positionable along the web. The gasket assembly may define a folded configuration for mounting within the tile gap when the web is wrapped around the spacer rope such that the second bulb portion is positioned between the spacer rope and the first bulb portion. The second bulb portion may be receivable within the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William W. Behrens, Andrew R. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7739839
    Abstract: An elbow is positionable at the lower end of a down spout. A protective strip fabricated of an elastomeric material is positioned over the bottom of the elbow. The strip is fabricated to include an elongated member in a generally C-shaped cross sectional configuration. The elongated member covers a portion of the bottom of the elbow. The protective strip is fabricated to also include an elongated component in a generally C-shaped cross sectional configuration. The elongated component fabricated of a metallic material and is totally encased within the elastomeric material. The component is adapted to be crimped onto the bottom of the elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Joshua P. Crabtree
  • Publication number: 20100058707
    Abstract: A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas D. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20090195013
    Abstract: A vehicle door sash structure 100 is configured to include a door sash 110 that extends along an edge of a vehicle door window glass 4 and has a closed cross-section portion 111 and a projecting surface portion 112 that projects from the closed cross-section portion 111 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, a molding 120 that extends substantially along the door sash 110 and is arranged as exposed to the outside of the vehicle, a clip 130 that is made of an elastic material, is fixed to the inner surface of the molding 120 and nips the projecting surface portion 112 of the door sash 110, a convex portion that is formed so as to project from either one of the clip 130 and the door sash 110 to the other one, and a concave portion 113 that is formed at the other one and with which the convex portion is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Nobuji SUZUKI, Takaaki Kobayashi, Tomoyuki Nunome
  • Patent number: 7556852
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim component and a method for manufacturing the same are provided in which a vehicle interior trim component comprises a substrate provided with a groove portion having a plurality of bottomed groove portions and a plurality of cutout groove portions from which the bottoms have been cut, and a trim member provided with a first cover portion, the second cover portion, and a fixing member mounted on a boundary portion between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, the first cover portion located on the opposite side of the groove portion from a second cover portion, the trim member covering the substrate. The boundary portion including the fixing member is attached to the groove portion by insertion through one end of the groove portion. Each of the cutout groove portions is provided on its edge with a retainer for retaining the fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Aoki, Hiroya Imai
  • Publication number: 20090158687
    Abstract: A support is provided for an entrance trim panel on a carrying element of a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car. The space for accommodating an electrical wire harness is formed between the entrance trim panel and the carrying element. In such a support, it is proposed that the space for accommodating the electrical wire harness is formed above the carrying element, and that a supporting element is arranged between the carrying element and the entrance trim panel. The supporting element is rigidly connected to the carrying element in the region of one end and the entrance trim panel is supported in the region of the other end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Sven STEPAN
  • Publication number: 20080263991
    Abstract: A body molding with integral lock feature that is located within a channel formed in a body of a vehicle includes an elongated cover portion that is generally planar, with opposed side edges, an upper surface and a lower surface and opposed side edges. A retention member projects radially from the lower surface of the cover portion. The retention member includes at least two links interconnected via a joint, and each link is formed from a thermoplastic material having a predetermined link durometer. The joint is made from a thermoplastic material having a predetermined joint durometer. The link durometer is greater than the joint durometer, so that the retention member has a first predetermined shape prior to installation in the channel and a second predetermined shape after installation in the channel, to maintain the retention member in the channel via interference contact between a contacting joint and the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Brady J. Gambatese
  • Patent number: 7243472
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a decorative trim piece consisting substantially of a carrying element of plastic and a decorative plate of thin metal fastened thereon, to decorate the interior, in land vehicles, aircraft or watercraft, predominantly for use as dashboard elements, center console or as door trim strips. The decorative trim piece is characterized in that the completely finished decorative plate is inserted into an injection mold and that the carrying element is injection-molded as an injection molding compound directly onto the back of the decorative plate so that both elements are connected to one another at least in partial areas so solidly that they form a sturdy unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Angell-Demmel Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Taemmerich
  • Patent number: 7165371
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the demand for a technology that enables reutilization of a molding main body and the fasteners for fixing a molding main body to an automobile following the removal of these parts from one another. The present invention proposes a car molding and fastener, in which a base plate is provided to a fastener for fixing molding main body to a car body, base plate being inserted into and held in place in housing space of a fastener holder that is formed to molding main body. Elastic pieces are provided on opposite sides of base plate, and have protruding portions which engage in a releasable manner with engage-and-stop portions on either side of fastener holder. By manipulating these elastic pieces, the aforementioned engagement is released, so that fastener can be separated from fastener holder in this car molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Altia Hashimoto Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masae Yoyasu
  • Patent number: 7044524
    Abstract: The vehicle covering part (10) is provided with a snap-in connecting system (12). Provision is made here for the vehicle covering part (10) to have a support element (14) which can be fastened to the vehicle with a cohesive material joint, and a visible element (16) which can be connected to the support element (14) by snapping it in place. Furthermore, a method for fitting the vehicle covering part (10) to a vehicle body (18) is provided. The method is distinguished in that at least one layer of glue (22) is applied to that side (20) of the support element (14) which is for fastening to the vehicle, the support element (14) is bonded onto the vehicle body (18) in a stable position by means of the layer of glue (22), and the visible element (16) is then fixed on the support element (14) with the formation of a defined snap-in connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler AG, Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Luetze, Scott Schrauben
  • Patent number: 6945006
    Abstract: A countertop assembly comprising a horizontal deck having an upper and a lower surface and an elongated vertical edge surface and an elongated molded strip superimposed on the vertical surface. A pattern formed from either ridges or recesses or a combination of ridges and recesses may be molded into the front side of the elongated molded strip. A method of manufacturing this countertop assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: American Marble Industries
    Inventor: John F. Stoffer
  • Patent number: 6918223
    Abstract: Two mutually adjoined strips form a decorative covering for a vehicle having a connection element for the aligned connecting. This connection element, in one strip, consists of a detent hook and, in the other strip, consists of a detent hook receiving device. In the connected condition, the detent hook of one strip is held hooked into the detent hook receiving device of the other strip such that the exterior strip surfaces can be connected with one another at the same level and the strips can be connected with one another without gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Harald Neidlein
  • Patent number: 6726978
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is the development of a support strip, which lends a seal, made from a rubber material, a stiffness adequate for production and assembly, has good extension and compression properties, has an adequate mobility in order to be able to follow the given directional curves of the chassis components and lends the seal a clamping force sufficient for a secure and durable seating of the seal on the attachment flange of the chassis components. Said aim must be achieved with the proviso of a lowest possible weight and low production costs for said support strip. The aim is achieved by means of an asymmetric arrangement of short (2) and long (3) wedge-like recesses and slots (4) in the support strip as in FIG. 1, permitting a low weight and low production costs in fulfilling the said aims. The invention further relates to an asymmetric strip which can be used as reinforcing support for a seal made from rubber material in chassis production of automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Saar Gummi GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Sehr
  • Patent number: 6722730
    Abstract: A mounting method for mounting a plastic panel (12) to a vehicle substrate provides a support flange (24) on an inner surface of the panel. A reference nodule (28) is positioned on the inner surface of the panel. An elongate bracket (14) has an upper edge (34) thereof engaging the support flange (24). The bracket (14) has a reference notch (40) engaging the reference nodule (28) positioning the bracket (14) relative to the panel (12). A plurality of retainers (18) are mounted on the bracket (14). A double-sided adhesive tape (16) has a first adhesive on a first side thereof compatible for adhesion to the bracket (14) and a second adhesive on a second side thereof compatible for adhesion to the panel (12). The first side of the adhesive tape (16) is applied to the bracket (14) and the second side is applied to the panel (12). The tape (16) allows expansion and contraction movement of the panel (12) while securely retaining the panel (12) to the vehicle substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Decoma Exterior Trim Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Christopher Lydan, Ronald A. Mueller, Amell A. Kapadia
  • Patent number: 6698154
    Abstract: The present invention involves a window trim system with a bracket and trim ring, and a method of installing the same. The window trim system includes a clamping bracket which is press fit and screwed into preformed channels in the window frame. The clamping bracket has a receiving portion, such as a depression or catch, for interfitting with an engagement portion of the trim ring, such as a protrusion or catch. A trim ring is then snapped into place over the clamping bracket, thus hiding the screw head from sight. Advantageously, the window trim system is capable of securing the window frame to the vehicle wall with a minimal number of brackets and screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: ASV Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis R. Vance
  • Patent number: 6681543
    Abstract: A reinforcement rib is provided at the reverse side of the elongated side molding in longitudinal direction and a portion of the reinforcement rib is elevated to form a welding rib. In the clip as an attachment member, a rib hole is provided for inserting the welding rib therein and the open side of the rib hole from which the welding rib is projecting is formed with a larger bore. The side molding body is integrally formed with the attachment member by housing a dislocation preventing portion formed by heat riveting a tip end of the welding rib inserted into the rib hole of the attachment member. Thus integrated side molding with the attachment member is attached to the outer panel of the vehicle by the leg portion provided at the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadao Nada, Daiichiro Kawashima, Tetsuya Miyano, Koichi Ogiso, Yasuo Shibuya, Takehiko Shiraki, Moriyoshi Takagi
  • Publication number: 20030110732
    Abstract: The present invention involves a window trim system with a bracket and trim ring, and a method of installing the same. The window trim system includes a clamping bracket which is press fit and screwed into preformed channels in the window frame. The clamping bracket has a receiving portion, such as a depression or catch, for interfitting with an engagement portion of the trim ring, such as a protrusion or catch. A trim ring is then snapped into place over the clamping bracket, thus hiding the screw head from sight. Advantageously, the window trim system is capable of securing the window frame to the vehicle wall with a minimal number of brackets and screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis R. Vance
  • Patent number: 6536173
    Abstract: The invention is a covering for a suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is particularly suited to be retrofitable onto an installed suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is preferably a plastic cup that can be snap fit onto the main runners or cross-tees of the installed suspended ceiling grid system, and the covering includes an elongate body having an opposed flange and lip which facilitate easy assembly and disassembly from a suspended ceiling grid system. The elongate body of the covering may be planar or non-planar. The covering may also have notches defined in the flange and lip in a suitable arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Acoustic Ceiling Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert J. Rebman
  • Patent number: 6510662
    Abstract: An article holder includes a base to be attached to an inner side portion of a frame and at lease two clip members to be assembled to the base with a space therebetween. The clip members receive therein engaging projections of projecting pieces provided at an article while elastically expanding. Also, the clip members include inserting portions having engaging portions to be engaged with the engaging projections of the projecting pieces through rebounding at terminal positions to which the projecting pieces are inserted. Moreover, the clip members are rotatably assembled to the base. Thus, in case a window glass is curved to have a curved inner side on a passenger's compartment side, the article can be held corresponding to the curve by changing the engaging positions of a plurality of engaging portions with respect to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Takahide Ichimaru
  • Publication number: 20020043041
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the demand for a technology that enables reutilization of a molding main body and the fasteners for fixing a molding main body to an automobile following the removal of these parts from one another. The present invention proposes a car molding and fastener, in which a base plate is provided to a fastener for fixing molding main body to a car body, base plate being inserted into and held in place in housing space of a fastener holder that is formed to molding main body. Elastic pieces are provided on opposite sides of base plate, and have protruding portions which engage in a releasable manner with engage-and-stop portions on either side of fastener holder. By manipulating these elastic pieces, the aforementioned engagement is released, so that fastener can be separated from fastener holder in this car molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: Hashimoto Forming Industries Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Masae Yoyasu
  • Publication number: 20010052210
    Abstract: In a pillar trim mounting structure, a clip mount is protruded from the center of the back of an upper end of a center pillar trim; locking pieces are provided on both sides thereof; a clip mounted on the clip mount and the locking pieces are fitted in a mounting hole and locking holes of a center pillar panel, respectively, so that the strength of mounting the pillar trim is increased and the center pillar trim become disengaged even when an air bag is activated. Since the conventional bolt is eliminated, the ornamental cap is also eliminated and a simple appearance can be achieved. When the air bag is activated, an upper surface of each of the locking pieces work as a barrier or a guide and prevents the air bag from entering the center pillar trim and the air bag can be guided in a proper direction of expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Yasumi Mizutani, Minoru Shimatsu
  • Patent number: 6324806
    Abstract: A covering for a suspended ceiling grid system particularly suited to be retrofitable onto an installed suspended ceiling grid system. The covering is preferably a plastic cap that can be snap fit onto the main runners of cross-tees of the installed suspended ceiling grid system, and the covering includes an elongate body having an opposed flange and lip which facilitate easy assembly and disassembly from a suspended ceiling grid system. The elongate body of the covering may be planar or non-planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Acoustic Ceiling Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert J. Rebman
  • Patent number: 6318045
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing moldings to vehicle bodies is disclosed. The molding preferably,slidably receives clips at spaced locations along its length, wherein the clips have adhesive at their rear face. A desired amount of adhesive is selected for the particular molding, and spacing between the clips along the length of the molding is determined to achieve a desired adhesive area. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the clip is configured such that it is slidably received within channels on the molding, and has a unique structure which provides sufficient amounts of material of the molding to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald D. Kress
  • Patent number: 6308488
    Abstract: A mounting structure formed on a plate-like member and for mounting the plate-like member to a trim panel for a vehicle, the mounting structure comprises an approximately T-like shape in cross section. A trim assembly for a vehicle comprises: a plate-like member; a cushion member disposed on the plate-like member; and a top cover covering the whole cushion member, wherein peripheral portions of which are secured to peripheral portions of the plate-like member; wherein a mounting structure comprising an approximately T-like shape in cross section, for mounting the trim assembly to a trim panel for a vehicle is formed on the plate-like member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hoshino
  • Patent number: 6276109
    Abstract: A motor vehicle trim panel assembly and method including a molded plastic trim panel having a facia portion, an integral skirt portion, a plurality of flat cantilever platforms on an inside surface of the facia portion, and a plurality of pairs of raised bosses on the inside surface of the facia portion. Each platform has a pair of side panels attached thereto by integral “living” hinges. A push-in fastener is supported in a slot in each platform. The side panels are folded down and snapped behind the raised bosses which retain the side panels in active positions defining struts between the platform and the inside surface of the facia portion. Force applied to an outside surface of the facia portion thrusts the push-in fastener into a socket in a vehicle body panel to secure the facia portion without the push-in fasteners being externally visible. The struts react to the facia portion a fraction of the thrust applied to the push-in fastener to prevent flexure of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Arun G. Hingorani, Louis Seitz
  • Patent number: 6226953
    Abstract: A weather strip retainer includes a first pillar mount section, a roof mount section, a center pillar mount section, and a drip molding integrally formed on the front pillar mount section and the roof mount section. The roof mount section and the center pillar mount section extends continuously. The center pillar mount section is oriented in a generally vertical direction by bending a boundary zone portion between the roof mount section and the center pillar mount section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Katayama Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Uno, Katsuhisa Ishihara, Kazumasa Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6209940
    Abstract: A system is provided for assembling laminar components in places with different access. The laminar components are provided with parallel projecting flanges and a clip for bringing these flanges together. The clip is configured as a channel which is provided at one end with a pin running between the flanges of the channel. The clip is inserted into an opening in the flange and serves as a pivot point for swinging the channel to the end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Reiner Jocher, Frank Michalak, Walter Nuber