Retractable retainer and sealant assembly method
US5678826A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 4, 1995 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 4, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2041/0601
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle body pillar has a cavity therein through which air flow creates undesirable noise and in which moisture and fluids such as water are not to be collected. An expandable sealant plug is inserted therein and retained in place by one or more extractable retainers. The sealant material forming the plug is later expanded and cured under controlled conditions, sealing the cavity so as to prevent the flow of air through it. The expanded sealant also effectively blocks the intrusion of fluids such as water, minimizing corrosion within the pillar. The extractable retainers are then removed and permanent retainers used to hold moldings or the like in place. The sealant also seals the permanent retainers. In other instances, the same type of extractable retainers used with the expandable sealant may be used with a hot melt sealant which, when melted, provides sealing for the later-installed permanent fasteners and the apertures through which they extend.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.