Patent · US Expired

Attaching arrangement for vehicle plastic panel

US5061108A · kind A · utility

21Cited by
5References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 24, 1990
Grant dateOct 29, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 24, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T403/61
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention provides an arrangement for attaching a flexible elastomeric panel integrally formed with one or more female connectors to an automotive body support surface having one or more associated male connectors in a blind assembly connection. Each female connector comprises a cutting-tooth shaped notch molded in an attaching flange of the panel while the male connector comprises a elongated stem projecting from the support surface. The elongated stem includes a backing plate positioned in parallel spaced relation to the support surface defining a layered gap therebetween. The panel flange is moved into flush contact with the support surface enabling the support flange to be received in a layer-like gap with the stem adapted to be received in a lean-in passage of the female connector. As a result the blind assembly connection is permitted upon the panel being slid relative to the support surface in a self guided manner whereby the stem is cammed into a retaining groove portion of the notch in a resilient snap-in manner.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.