Abstract: An electrical connector adapted to receive a mating connector member is provided. The electrical connector includes an elastomeric base and a connector member supported on the elastomeric base, where the connector member is operable to mate with the mating connector. The elastomeric base is configured to allow the connector member to be resiliently displaced along substantially orthogonal x, y, and z axes in order to facilitate alignment between the connector member and the mating connector during their assembly.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for securing a wire harness to a vehicle trim panel includes the use of an inventive holding clip. The clip has a secured portion which is fixed to the underlying trim panel. A retaining portion is biased against the trim panel, and wires are received in a holding portion between the secured portion and the retaining portion. The clip also includes an entry portion spaced away from the retaining portion which facilitates the movement of the wire under the entry portion to bias the retaining portion away from the trim panel and allows movement of a wire into the holding portion. In a first preferred method, the wires are assembled by first attaching the clips to the trim panel and then routing the wires into the holding portion. In a second preferred method, the wires are routed into the clips prior to the clips being secured to the trim panel. The clips are then secured to the trim panel and at the same time the wires are captured on the trim panel.

Abstract: This assembly is for attaching a wire harness to a panel. Preferably, the panel is a motor vehicle interior trim panel and the harness is a flat wire harness. Typically, the panel then attaches to an outside door frame. The assembly includes a motor vehicle interior trim panel having a surface with at least one pin protruding therefrom, and a wire harness having at least one aperture therein, wherein the wire of the harness is adjacent the surface of the trim panel and the pin of the trim panel passes through the aperture of the wire harness. A portion of the pin extends beyond the aperture and that portion of the pin is heat staked to secure the wire harness to the trim panel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame having an inner surface and a trim panel having an outer surface adapted to overlie the inner surface of the frame. A plurality of electrical devices are secured in the frame and the trim panel for carrying out various tasks and operations. A plurality of electrical wires are secured to the outer surface of the trim panel and electrically connect to the several electrical devices. Wire routing elements extend from the outer surface of the trim panel for individually and sequentially securing the plurality of electrical wires on the outer surface of the trim panel to eliminate the need for a prefabricated wiring harness. The routing elements may comprise a series of L-shaped posts between which the electrical wires are woven, a series of tabs having a V-shaped receiving notch into which the wires are seated, channels along which the electrical wires are secured by glue, or self-locking strap-like clamps for clamping the electrical wires to the trim panel.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame having an inner surface and a trim panel having an outer surface adapted to overlie the inner surface of the frame. A plurality of electrical devices are secured in the frame and the trim panel for carrying out various tasks and operations. A plurality of electrical wires are secured to the outer surface of the trim panel and electrically connect to the several electrical devices. Wire routing elements extend from the outer surface of the trim panel for individually and sequentially securing the plurality of electrical wires on the outer surface of the trim panel to eliminate the need for a prefabricated wiring harness. In a preferred embodiment, the routing element comprises opposed retainers. The opposed retainers ensure the wire is securely held on the trim panel.