US20030070390A1 - Interconnected trim components with light-blocking overlap flanges - Google Patents
Interconnected trim components with light-blocking overlap flanges Download PDFInfo
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- US20030070390A1 US20030070390A1 US09/975,243 US97524301A US2003070390A1 US 20030070390 A1 US20030070390 A1 US 20030070390A1 US 97524301 A US97524301 A US 97524301A US 2003070390 A1 US2003070390 A1 US 2003070390A1
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- trim
- components
- trim components
- joint line
- recess
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- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000007547 defect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
- F16B5/0607—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
- F16B5/0621—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
- F16B5/0664—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship at least one of the sheets or plates having integrally formed or integrally connected snap-in-features
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/04—External Ornamental or guard strips; Ornamental inscriptive devices thereon
Definitions
- the present invention relates to interconnected trim components, such as automotive exterior trim components, where appearance, minimal thickness, ease of assembly, and also secureness of the interconnected assembly are important.
- Automotive exterior trim components are often interconnected to each other in an effort to improve uniformity of the gap between the trim components, and to improve flushness of their outer surfaces.
- the attachment mechanisms for interconnecting trim components sometimes are too thick, which causes the trim components to protrude outward from a vehicle body more than is desired, or forces vehicle designers to make additional room under the trim components on the body panels at a location where space is at a premium.
- Another problem is “see-through” and also non-uniformity along a joint line between the abutting trim components. People entering a vehicle are positioned very close to the exterior trim components, such that any defect or non-uniformity is highly visible. In particular, any gap between abutting edges will allow a person to “see through” the gap and see body color of the vehicle. This is objectionable, even if there is no rust or other problem, since it looks bad and gives the impression of poor quality of assembly. Also, variations in the width of gaps are easily seen and look bad.
- attachment mechanisms Another problem is the cost of attachment mechanisms and their poor reliability. Attachment mechanisms that utilize multiple parts and pieces tend to be expensive, both because of the cost of individual components, but also because of manual labor to sub-assemble and connect them. Further, every additional piece adds to dimensional variation, making it difficult to provide a highly consistent assembly in terms of high uniformity of gap along a joint line and high uniformity of flushness at abutting edges. Still further, dimensional variations can increase the variation of insertion forces for assembly and can increase the variation of retention forces once the components are interconnected.
- connection system and trim component system solving the aforementioned problems and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.
- a trim system for aesthetic components such as exterior automotive trim
- first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces but that overlap to prevent see-through between the trim components.
- One of the first and second trim components includes a recess, and the other includes a retainer for frictionally engaging the recess to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line.
- One of the first and second trim components includes an alignment flange portion, and the other includes at least one clamping flange for engaging the alignment flange portion to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces.
- a trim system for aesthetic components such as exterior automotive trim
- first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces.
- One of the first and second trim components includes a recess, and the other includes a retainer for frictionally engaging the recess to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line.
- One of the first and second trim components includes a pair of alignment flange portions, and the other includes a pair of clamping flanges for engaging the alignment flange portions to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces and to maintain engagement of the hook with the recess.
- the hook and recess are located between the alignment flange portions and the clamping flanges.
- a trim system for aesthetic components such as exterior automotive trim
- first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces.
- One of the edge flanges includes a reduced-thickness lip, and the other includes an overlapping lip that overlaps the reduced-thickness lip to prevent see-through between the trim components.
- the first and second trim components include retainers that frictionally engage to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line while maintaining a constant gap and an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces.
- a trim system in another aspect, includes first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces, retainers integral with the first and second trim components that secure the edge flanges together, and alignment features extending perpendicular to the edge flanges.
- One of the alignment features includes resilient tabs defining a tapered chute, and the other of the alignment features defines at least one mating surface fitting into the chute and engaging the resilient tabs. The alignment features permit some lateral adjustability of the first and second trim components but bias the first and second trim components toward a predetermined relative location along the joint line.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger vehicle with trim components embodying the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inside surface of the trim components of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of the circled area III in FIG. 2 showing the connection arrangement of the present trim components
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 3;
- FIGS. 5 - 6 are exploded plan and side views of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 5;
- FIGS. 8 - 12 are views of a modified trim connection arrangement, the views being similar to the FIGS. 3 - 7 .
- a trim system 20 embodying the present invention includes first and second 25 aesthetic trim components 21 and 22 (FIGS. 2 - 3 ) adapted for interconnected attachment to each other and to an outside of painted exterior vehicle body panels 23 (FIG. 1).
- first and second trim components 21 and 22 have edge flanges 24 and 25 (FIG. 2) with adjacent features that define a narrow but uniform joint line 26 that is visible between their outer surfaces.
- the flanges 24 and 25 overlap to prevent “see-through” between the trim components, as discussed below.
- the first and second trim components 21 and 22 also include a recess 29 (FIG. 3) and a retainer hook 30 that, when assembled, frictionally engages the recess 29 to retain the first and second trim components 21 and 22 closely together to minimize a width of the joint line 26 .
- the first and second trim components 21 and 22 still further include a pair of alignment flange portions 31 on opposite sides of the recess 29 and hook 30 , and a pair of mating clamping flanges 32 engaging the alignment flange portions 31 to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces 27 and 28 .
- the alignment flange portions 31 are formed integrally with the edge flange 24 , and have a reduced thickness defining a lip 33 shaped to minimize a thickness of the assembly along the joint line.
- the hook 30 and clamping flanges 32 are also designed to minimize a total thickness of the assembly at the connection area, while at the same time permitting some lateral adjustment of the two trim components 21 and 22 in a direction parallel the joint line 26 .
- the illustrated trim component 21 (FIG. 4) includes the edge flange 24 , the recess 29 , a ramp 33 ′ leading to recess 29 , and the clamping flanges 32
- the illustrated trim component 22 includes the edge flange 25 with lip 33 , the hook 30 , the alignment flange portions 31 , and lip 33 .
- a scope of the present invention includes variations where one or more of these features are “reversed” and placed on the other trim component 21 and 22 .
- the trim components 21 and 22 are generally characterized by long, thin, and shiny sections that are adapted for attachment to an outer surface of a painted body panel, such as to a quarter panel of a vehicle.
- a painted body panel such as to a quarter panel of a vehicle.
- they can be chromed stamped sheet metal parts or chromed molded plastic parts.
- the trim components 21 and 22 are intended to improve an appearance of the vehicle, by covering joints and seams, but also by providing a shiny and jewel-like appearance on the vehicle. It is important that the trim components 21 and 22 be basically defect-free when positioned on a vehicle's quarter panel, since in this location, they are close to a vehicle driver's eye level or to a passenger's eye level when entering the vehicle.
- the trim components 21 and 22 must preferably hide not only joint lines and surface defects (such as may occur when body panels are blended together), but also must hide paint color at their joint line, must be secure, and must provide a gap/joint line that is very uniform in width and flushness.
- the edge flange 24 (FIG. 4) of trim component 21 includes an inclined surface or ramp 33 ′ beginning at an edge of the flange 24 and extending “upwardly” toward a blind locking surface 34 at a front edge of the recess 29 .
- the ramp 33 ′ and recess 29 can be any width desired, but are shown to be about equal to a width of the clamping flanges 32 , and extend completely between one clamping flange 32 to the other.
- the width of the retainer hook 30 is somewhat narrower than the recess 29 and ramp 33 ′, so that the hook 30 can adjust laterally between the clamping flanges 32 . Nonetheless, the size and shape of the hook 30 does provide an alignment function during assembly as the hook 30 travels up the ramp 33 ′ into the recess 29 .
- the clamping flanges 32 are L-shaped, and include a first leg 35 that extends perpendicular to the flange 24 , and a second leg 36 that extends parallel the flange 24 .
- the first and second legs 35 and 36 define a good-sized throat for initially receiving flange portions 31 , and include a ramp surface 36 ′ that is shaped to closely receive and align in a “vertical” direction” alignment flange portions 31 of the flange 25 on the trim component 22 .
- the undersurface of the parallel leg 36 includes an angled surface 36 ′ adjacent to and close to the first leg 35 , so that at an end of its travel, as the flange 25 is pressed against the clamping flange 24 , the flange 25 is forcibly clamped by the clamping flanges 32 into a closely controlled flush-exterior-surface condition.
- the undersurface on the perpendicular leg 35 is shaped to permit a sure assembly, but also provides only a minimum amount of clearance so that the hook 30 has enough overtravel to assure that it snaps into place in the recess 29 when pressured in an installation direction, but so that when the installation pressure on the hook 30 is removed and the overtravel eliminated, the gap of the joint line 26 does not become too large.
- the gap can be controlled to a uniform width of less than 1-mm and to a surface flushness of less than 0.5-mm.
- the retainer hook 30 on the edge flange 22 is defined by a pair of slots 38 that extend perpendicularly into the edge flange 22 , with the slots 38 separating the retainer hook 30 from the alignment flange portions 31 .
- the stem 39 of the retainer hook 30 becomes shorter, thus making the stem 39 structurally stronger and stiffer.
- the stem 39 becomes stiffer, it becomes more difficult to press the retainer hook 30 up the ramp 33 , thus increasing installation pressure required for assembly.
- the stem 39 can be made wider, which stiffens stem 39 . As stem 39 is increasingly widened, it begins to approach the clamping flanges 32 , such that it limits the lateral adjustability of one trim component 21 to the other trim component 22 along the joint line 26 .
- the trim components 21 A and 22 A are very similar to trim components 21 and 22 , but are modified to include wing flanges or resilient locator tabs 40 to further control lateral adjustability.
- the illustrated tabs 40 are integrally formed as part of the clamping flanges 32 , and are located on an outboard edge of the clamping flanges 32 .
- Mating arcuate surfaces 41 are formed along the edge of flange portions 31 for engaging the resilient tabs 40 .
- the arcuate surfaces 41 are shaped to define a throat or chute that angles the trim component 21 A toward a center location on the trim component 22 A as the trim components 21 A and 22 A are assembled together.
- the resilient tabs 40 are adapted to flex and provide some lateral adjustability as the trim components 21 A and 22 A are assembled together. Depending upon the shape and size of the features 40 and 41 , more or less lateral adjustability is provided by the arrangement.
- the illustrated arrangement provides less than 2-mm of lateral adjustability, and more preferably provides less than 1-mm of lateral adjustability, and still more preferably provides less than 0.5 mm of lateral adjustability. Nonetheless, the resilient tabs 40 are intended to and do clearly provide some lateral adjustability, which lateral adjustability is not provided simply by clearance or looseness, but instead is taken up by a biasing and flexing of the resilient tabs 40 .
- the present trim components 21 and 22 are designed so that it is relatively easy to adjust the installation force required for assembly, and so that it is relatively easy to adjust the surface flushness of the exterior surface of the two trim components 21 and 22 and ( 21 A and 22 A), the gap uniformity and size along the joint line 26 of the two trim components 21 and 22 (and also 21 A and 22 A), while still permitting lateral adjustability and relative movement between the two trim components 21 and 22 (and also 21 A and 22 A).
- metal on the molding dies can be ground to: increase hook strength (e.g.
- the exterior surfaces of the trim components 21 and 22 do not necessarily need to be perfectly flush. Instead, it is possible to achieve an excellent appearance (and potentially even a better appearance) by making the exterior surfaces of a lower one of the edge flanges 24 and 25 to be not quite flush, but instead to have the lower exterior surface of the edge flanges 24 and 25 define a slight step inward such that a person looking downward on the joint line does not see any gap at all. This can be done by varying a thickness of lip 33 and/or by varying a portion of flange 24 that engages lip 33 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Vehicle Interior And Exterior Ornaments, Soundproofing, And Insulation (AREA)
Abstract
A trim system includes aesthetic trim components adapted for interconnected attachment to painted exterior vehicle body panels. The first and second trim components have edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces but that overlap to prevent see-through between the trim components. The first and second trim components include a recess and a hook frictionally engaging the recess to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line. The first and second trim components also include an alignment flange portion and a clamping flange engaging the alignment flange portion to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces. At least one of the edge flanges has a reduced thickness to minimize a thickness of the assembly, with the hook and clamping flanges also being designed to minimize total thickness.
Description
- The present invention relates to interconnected trim components, such as automotive exterior trim components, where appearance, minimal thickness, ease of assembly, and also secureness of the interconnected assembly are important.
- Automotive exterior trim components are often interconnected to each other in an effort to improve uniformity of the gap between the trim components, and to improve flushness of their outer surfaces. However, the attachment mechanisms for interconnecting trim components sometimes are too thick, which causes the trim components to protrude outward from a vehicle body more than is desired, or forces vehicle designers to make additional room under the trim components on the body panels at a location where space is at a premium.
- Another problem is “see-through” and also non-uniformity along a joint line between the abutting trim components. People entering a vehicle are positioned very close to the exterior trim components, such that any defect or non-uniformity is highly visible. In particular, any gap between abutting edges will allow a person to “see through” the gap and see body color of the vehicle. This is objectionable, even if there is no rust or other problem, since it looks bad and gives the impression of poor quality of assembly. Also, variations in the width of gaps are easily seen and look bad.
- Another problem is the cost of attachment mechanisms and their poor reliability. Attachment mechanisms that utilize multiple parts and pieces tend to be expensive, both because of the cost of individual components, but also because of manual labor to sub-assemble and connect them. Further, every additional piece adds to dimensional variation, making it difficult to provide a highly consistent assembly in terms of high uniformity of gap along a joint line and high uniformity of flushness at abutting edges. Still further, dimensional variations can increase the variation of insertion forces for assembly and can increase the variation of retention forces once the components are interconnected.
- Accordingly, a connection system and trim component system solving the aforementioned problems and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.
- In one aspect of the present invention, a trim system for aesthetic components, such as exterior automotive trim, includes first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces but that overlap to prevent see-through between the trim components. One of the first and second trim components includes a recess, and the other includes a retainer for frictionally engaging the recess to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line. One of the first and second trim components includes an alignment flange portion, and the other includes at least one clamping flange for engaging the alignment flange portion to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces.
- In another aspect of the present invention, a trim system for aesthetic components, such as exterior automotive trim, includes first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces. One of the first and second trim components includes a recess, and the other includes a retainer for frictionally engaging the recess to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line. One of the first and second trim components includes a pair of alignment flange portions, and the other includes a pair of clamping flanges for engaging the alignment flange portions to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces and to maintain engagement of the hook with the recess. The hook and recess are located between the alignment flange portions and the clamping flanges.
- In another aspect of the present invention, a trim system for aesthetic components, such as exterior automotive trim, includes first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces. One of the edge flanges includes a reduced-thickness lip, and the other includes an overlapping lip that overlaps the reduced-thickness lip to prevent see-through between the trim components. The first and second trim components include retainers that frictionally engage to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line while maintaining a constant gap and an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces.
- In another aspect, a trim system includes first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces, retainers integral with the first and second trim components that secure the edge flanges together, and alignment features extending perpendicular to the edge flanges. One of the alignment features includes resilient tabs defining a tapered chute, and the other of the alignment features defines at least one mating surface fitting into the chute and engaging the resilient tabs. The alignment features permit some lateral adjustability of the first and second trim components but bias the first and second trim components toward a predetermined relative location along the joint line.
- These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger vehicle with trim components embodying the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inside surface of the trim components of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of the circled area III in FIG. 2 showing the connection arrangement of the present trim components;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 3;
- FIGS.5-6 are exploded plan and side views of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 5; and
- FIGS.8-12 are views of a modified trim connection arrangement, the views being similar to the FIGS. 3-7.
- A trim system20 (FIG. 1) embodying the present invention includes first and second 25
aesthetic trim components 21 and 22 (FIGS. 2-3) adapted for interconnected attachment to each other and to an outside of painted exterior vehicle body panels 23 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 2-4, which are perspective views looking at an inside “non-show_surface of the trim components (i.e. the surface that abuts the body panel), first andsecond trim components edge flanges 24 and 25 (FIG. 2) with adjacent features that define a narrow butuniform joint line 26 that is visible between their outer surfaces. However, theflanges second trim components retainer hook 30 that, when assembled, frictionally engages therecess 29 to retain the first andsecond trim components joint line 26. The first andsecond trim components alignment flange portions 31 on opposite sides of therecess 29 andhook 30, and a pair ofmating clamping flanges 32 engaging thealignment flange portions 31 to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces 27 and 28. Thealignment flange portions 31 are formed integrally with theedge flange 24, and have a reduced thickness defining alip 33 shaped to minimize a thickness of the assembly along the joint line. Thehook 30 andclamping flanges 32 are also designed to minimize a total thickness of the assembly at the connection area, while at the same time permitting some lateral adjustment of the twotrim components joint line 26. - The illustrated trim component21 (FIG. 4) includes the
edge flange 24, therecess 29, aramp 33′ leading torecess 29, and theclamping flanges 32, while the illustratedtrim component 22 includes theedge flange 25 withlip 33, thehook 30, thealignment flange portions 31, andlip 33. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that a scope of the present invention includes variations where one or more of these features are “reversed” and placed on theother trim component - The
trim components trim components trim components trim components - The edge flange24 (FIG. 4) of
trim component 21 includes an inclined surface orramp 33′ beginning at an edge of theflange 24 and extending “upwardly” toward ablind locking surface 34 at a front edge of therecess 29. Theramp 33′ andrecess 29 can be any width desired, but are shown to be about equal to a width of theclamping flanges 32, and extend completely between oneclamping flange 32 to the other. The width of theretainer hook 30 is somewhat narrower than therecess 29 and ramp 33′, so that thehook 30 can adjust laterally between theclamping flanges 32. Nonetheless, the size and shape of thehook 30 does provide an alignment function during assembly as thehook 30 travels up theramp 33′ into therecess 29. - The clamping flanges32 (FIG. 4) are L-shaped, and include a
first leg 35 that extends perpendicular to theflange 24, and asecond leg 36 that extends parallel theflange 24. The first andsecond legs flange portions 31, and include aramp surface 36′ that is shaped to closely receive and align in a “vertical” direction”alignment flange portions 31 of theflange 25 on thetrim component 22. Specifically, the undersurface of theparallel leg 36 includes anangled surface 36′ adjacent to and close to thefirst leg 35, so that at an end of its travel, as theflange 25 is pressed against theclamping flange 24, theflange 25 is forcibly clamped by theclamping flanges 32 into a closely controlled flush-exterior-surface condition. Also, the undersurface on theperpendicular leg 35 is shaped to permit a sure assembly, but also provides only a minimum amount of clearance so that thehook 30 has enough overtravel to assure that it snaps into place in therecess 29 when pressured in an installation direction, but so that when the installation pressure on thehook 30 is removed and the overtravel eliminated, the gap of thejoint line 26 does not become too large. For example, by tuning the present arrangement, the gap can be controlled to a uniform width of less than 1-mm and to a surface flushness of less than 0.5-mm. - The
retainer hook 30 on theedge flange 22 is defined by a pair ofslots 38 that extend perpendicularly into theedge flange 22, with theslots 38 separating theretainer hook 30 from thealignment flange portions 31. By shortening theslots 38, thestem 39 of theretainer hook 30 becomes shorter, thus making thestem 39 structurally stronger and stiffer. In turn, as thestem 39 becomes stiffer, it becomes more difficult to press theretainer hook 30 up theramp 33, thus increasing installation pressure required for assembly. Also, thestem 39 can be made wider, which stiffens stem 39. Asstem 39 is increasingly widened, it begins to approach the clampingflanges 32, such that it limits the lateral adjustability of onetrim component 21 to theother trim component 22 along thejoint line 26. - The
trim components components resilient locator tabs 40 to further control lateral adjustability. The illustratedtabs 40 are integrally formed as part of the clampingflanges 32, and are located on an outboard edge of the clampingflanges 32. Matingarcuate surfaces 41 are formed along the edge offlange portions 31 for engaging theresilient tabs 40. The arcuate surfaces 41 are shaped to define a throat or chute that angles thetrim component 21A toward a center location on thetrim component 22A as thetrim components resilient tabs 40 are adapted to flex and provide some lateral adjustability as thetrim components features resilient tabs 40 are intended to and do clearly provide some lateral adjustability, which lateral adjustability is not provided simply by clearance or looseness, but instead is taken up by a biasing and flexing of theresilient tabs 40. - The
present trim components 21 and 22 (and also 21A and 22A) are designed so that it is relatively easy to adjust the installation force required for assembly, and so that it is relatively easy to adjust the surface flushness of the exterior surface of the twotrim components joint line 26 of the twotrim components 21 and 22 (and also 21A and 22A), while still permitting lateral adjustability and relative movement between the twotrim components 21 and 22 (and also 21A and 22A). Specifically, where trim components are molded plastic parts, metal on the molding dies can be ground to: increase hook strength (e.g. by shortening theslots 38 to in turn shorten the stem 39), reduce installation force by improving the surface smoothness and angle of theramp 33′ or by improving the angle of thehook 30, improve ease of assembly by increasing a width of thestem 39 for improved accuracy and alignment during assembly of the twotrim components 21 and 22- (and also 21A and 22A), increase the clamping force of the clampingflanges 32 asramps 33′ engage the alignment flange portions 31 (which affects both force of insertion during assembly as well as affecting surface flushness). It is noted that surface flushness of the exterior surfaces of the edge flanges on thetrim components 21 and 22 (and also 21A and 22A) can also be affected by the thickness and shape of theedge flanges trim components 21 and 22 (and also 21A and 22A) do not necessarily need to be perfectly flush. Instead, it is possible to achieve an excellent appearance (and potentially even a better appearance) by making the exterior surfaces of a lower one of theedge flanges edge flanges lip 33 and/or by varying a portion offlange 24 that engageslip 33. - It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (17)
1. A trim system for aesthetic components, such as exterior automotive trim components, comprising:
first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces, but that overlap to prevent see-through between the trim components, one of the first and second trim components including a recess and the other including a retainer for frictionally engaging the recess to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line, one of the first and second trim components including an alignment flange portion and the other including a clamping flange for engaging the alignment flange portion to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces.
2. The trim system defined in claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a hook having a flexible stem that extends along line parallel the outer surfaces
3. The trim system defineed in claim 1 , including a second retainer on the one trim component having the first-mentioned retainer, and a second clamping flange on the one trim component having the first-mentioned clamping flange, the first-mentioned retainer and the second retainer being on opposing outboard sides of the second clamping flange and the first-mentioned clamping flange.
4. The trim system defined in claim 1 , wherein the retainer and the recess and also the clamping flange and the alignment flange portion are configured to allow lateral adjustment in a direction parallel the joint line.
5. The trim system defined in claim 1 , including a ramp in the one trim component having the recess, the ramp providing an angled path into recess for the retainer and being configured to flex the retainer as the retainer moves toward the recess during assembly.
6. The trim system defined in claim 1 , wherein the alignment flange portion is integrally formed as part of one of the edge flanges.
7. The trim system defined in claim 1 , wherein the first and second trim components are molded parts that characteristically do not have blind surfaces such that the first and second trim components can be molded using molding dies not having slides and undercut mechanisms for forming blind surfaces.
8. The trim system defined in claim 1 , wherein one of the first and second trim components includes a resilient alignment feature shaped to engage a mating alignment feature on the other of the first and second trim components.
9. The trim system defined in claim 8 , wherein the resilient alignment feature includes an arcuately-shaped tab that flexes laterally to permit some relative adjustment movement of the first and second trim components in a lateral direction parallel the joint line.
10. A trim system for aesthetic components, such as exterior automotive trim components, comprising:
first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces, one of the first and second trim components including a recess and the other including a retainer for frictionally engaging the recess to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a width of the joint line, one of the first and second trim components including a pair of alignment flange portions and the other including a pair of clamping flanges for engaging the alignment flange portions to maintain an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces and to maintain engagement of the hook with the recess, the hook and recess being located between the alignment flange portions and the clamping flanges.
11. A trim system for aesthetic components, such as exterior automotive trim components, comprising:
first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces, one of the edge flanges including a reduced-thickness lip and the other including an overlapping lip that overlaps the reduced-thickness lip to prevent see-through between the trim components, the first and second trim components including retainers that frictionally engage to retain the first and second trim components closely together to minimize a gap width of the joint line while also maintaining a constant gap and an optimal flushness of the outer surfaces.
12. A trim system for aesthetic components, such as exterior automotive trim components, comprising:
first and second trim components with edge flanges that define a joint line between their outer surfaces, retainers integral with the first and second trim components that secure the edge flanges together, and alignment features extending perpendicular to the edge flanges, one of the alignment features including resilient tabs defining a tapered chute and the other of the alignment features defining at least one mating surface fitting into the chute and engaging the resilient tabs, the alignment features permitting some lateral adjustability of the first and second trim components but biasing the first and second trim components toward a predetermined relative location along the joint line.
13. The trim system defined in claim 12 , wherein the resilient tabs include arcuately-shaped tabs that extend and flex in a direction parallel the joint line.
14. The trim system defined in claim 12 , wherein the resilient tabs include first and second resilient tabs shaped to flex in opposite directions.
15. The trim system defined in claim 12 , wherein the resilient tabs are shaped to provide lateral relative adjustability in a range of about 0.5 to 2.0 mm.
16. The trim system defined in claim 12 , wherein the retainers include hooks shaped to engage in an assembly direction that is generally perpendicular to the joint line.
17. The trim system defined in claim 12 , wherein the edge flanges of the first and second trim components overlap to prevent seeing through the joint line.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/975,243 US20030070390A1 (en) | 2001-10-11 | 2001-10-11 | Interconnected trim components with light-blocking overlap flanges |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/975,243 US20030070390A1 (en) | 2001-10-11 | 2001-10-11 | Interconnected trim components with light-blocking overlap flanges |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20030070390A1 true US20030070390A1 (en) | 2003-04-17 |
Family
ID=25522822
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/975,243 Abandoned US20030070390A1 (en) | 2001-10-11 | 2001-10-11 | Interconnected trim components with light-blocking overlap flanges |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20030070390A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20080315620A1 (en) * | 2007-06-25 | 2008-12-25 | Faurecua Interior Systems U.S.A., Inc. | Auto Panel Attachment Device |
US20090302645A1 (en) * | 2008-06-06 | 2009-12-10 | Caterpillar Inc. | Machine having trim piece assembly with reduced discordance and method |
FR2986585A1 (en) * | 2012-02-08 | 2013-08-09 | Continental Automotive France | Fixing device i.e. clip, for use in case of auto radio in vehicle to fix elements, has wall comprising anti-return strip swinging between maximum stress and rest positions, so that end of wall is in contact and supported with stop strip |
US20140091597A1 (en) * | 2011-05-27 | 2014-04-03 | Nifco Inc. | Cowling fastening structure |
US8910987B1 (en) * | 2013-10-18 | 2014-12-16 | Nissan North America, Inc. | Vehicle body trim structure |
FR3022308A1 (en) * | 2014-06-13 | 2015-12-18 | Renault Sas | FIXING DEVICE |
JP2017218130A (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2017-12-14 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Door mirror device |
JP2017218129A (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2017-12-14 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Vehicular mirror device |
US20180072244A1 (en) * | 2016-09-15 | 2018-03-15 | Iddea California, Llc | Vehicle sport bar with removable decorative panels |
US20180355897A1 (en) * | 2016-02-02 | 2018-12-13 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Panel Assembly for a Motor Vehicle |
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JP2017218129A (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2017-12-14 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Vehicular mirror device |
US20180072244A1 (en) * | 2016-09-15 | 2018-03-15 | Iddea California, Llc | Vehicle sport bar with removable decorative panels |
US10046721B2 (en) * | 2016-09-15 | 2018-08-14 | Iddea California, Llc | Vehicle sport bar with removable decorative panels |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:DUNN, J. PAUL;REEL/FRAME:012256/0721 Effective date: 20011005 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |