WO1999021729A1

WO1999021729A1 - Vehicular accessory fastener

Info

Publication number: WO1999021729A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/022618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael W. Murto; Michael J. Zapinski
Original assignee: Findlay Industries
Priority date: 1997-10-24
Filing date: 1998-10-23
Publication date: 1999-05-06
Also published as: WO1999021729A8; AU1277099A

Abstract

A vehicular accessory fastener (10) for mounting automotive headliners (58) and accessories (56) to automotive structure (70) or rails. The purpose of the fastener is to more effectively mount an automotive headliner and an accessory to a vehicular structure or rail, and lessening the potential of headliner shearing. The vehicular accessory fastener includes a planar base member (12) comprising a first (18) end and a second end (20), a tang member (26) connected thereto, and a threaded rod (60) insertable through an aperture for securing the automotive accessory and a headliner to the base member. An embodiment also includes flanges (22, 24) extending from each end of the base member and an extension which further extends from each respective flange. In the planar base member and throughout at least one extension, at least one indentation extends therein, the purpose of which is to aid in maintaining rigidity of the device by creating greater surface area for force dissipation.

Description

VEHICULAR ACCESSORY FASTENER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not Applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to automotive accessory fasteners. More particularly, the present invention concerns automotive headliner and accessory- fasteners. Even more particularly, the present invention concerns automotive headliner and accessory mounting fasteners for securement to roof rails and side rails.

Typically, an automotive accessory such as an assist handle or sun visor, etc. are secured to the vehicle structure by first passing through the headliner. Clearly, the most efficient manner of installation is to affix the headliner and accessoiy to the vehicular sheet metal in a unitary fashion. Similarly, it is to be appreciated that the vehicle structure should be shaped to accommodate such affixation. In today's market, the need for faster and more efficient installation techniques is of paramount concern. The manufacturers of vehicles continue to search for devices that more efficiently fasten both headliners and accessories on the headliner, e.g. lamps, assist handles, etc., onto automotive structures without increasing the risk of damage to the headliner and other components and systems proximate thereto. Additionally, the manufacturers of vehicles search for such devices which lessen the risk of injury to the automotive installer. However, manufacturers have encountered much difficulty in their search because known fastener devices and elements thereof are either too time consuming to implement, too expensive, cause an intolerable amount of damage to the headliner, or just malfunction.

Specifically, manufacturers experience problems with the lack of rigidity of the devices. The lack of rigidity of a fastening device limits the spreading of stress and other forces directed onto the headliner, causing a greater risk of headliner and fastener deformation. Moreover, many of the existing fastener devices are shaped such that gaps or areas exist therein which cause an undesired lack of efficiency. Typifying the prior art devices which suffer from the noted deficiencies is, for example: U.S. Patent No. 2, 181,966, issued December 5, 1939 to Dean, for "FASTENING DEVICE." The patent teaches a fastener made of flat spring metal. The fastener has a U- shaped body, the ends of which are bent outwardly and thence inwardly and upwardly to form gripping portions.

U.S. Patent No. 2,499,637, issued March 7, 1950 to Flora, for "SHEET METAL CLIP FOR MOLDINGS AND THE LIKE." The patent teaches a one-piece fastener made from sheet metal. The fastener has a base, a head, a pair of spring arms, and a pair of legs. The legs bow out, then taper In a V-shape, then end in mated flat surfaces. A pair of tongues extending from the legs are adapted to snap past an item being gripped, such as a molding.

U.S. Patent No. 2,786,249, issued March 26, 1957 to Poupitch, entitled "SEALING MOLDING CLIP." The patent teaches a snap-in molding clip for securing molding strips on automobiles. The clip has a central portion made of rigidified sheet metal and a deformable sealing portion made of sponge rubber beyond the central portion.

U.S. Patent No. 3,3 78,973, issued April 23, 1968 to Tudor-Pole, entitled "JOINT COVERING STRIPS." The patent teaches a cover strip to be used to close joints such as those between panels forming the cladding of a building. The patent further teaches a clip to attach the cover strip to the joint. The clips are U-shaped, with the end of each arm bent outwards to engage the cover strip. A tongue is punched out of each arm; the tongues engage the panels that are being joined and sealed.

U.S. Patent No. 4,382,414, issued May 10, 1983 to Svirklis, entitled "STEEL PALLET CONSTRUCTION." The patent teaches a one-piece spring steel clip with a generally U-shaped body and a pair of oppositely-facing jaws located at the upper extremities of the body to hold the clip to elements being clipped.

U.S. Patent No. 4,630,338, issued December 26, 1986 to Osterland et al., and entitled "MOLDING CLIP." The patent teaches a one-piece resilient fastener. The fastener has a longitudinally-oriented base and a pair of flexing wings or legs extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower extremity of the base. The base terminates in a triangular-shaped laterally-oriented head above the extremities of the flexing wings or legs.

U.S. Patent No. 5,263,233, issued November 23, 1993 to Kim et al., entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FLOCKING AN ARTICLE AND THE ARTICLE PRODUCED THEREBY." The patent teaches a spring clip with a triangular base, a vertical body projecting upwardly from a vertex of the triangular base, and a pair of legs projecting downwardly from the extremity of the body opposite the triangular base. The legs bow outwardly, then inwardly, then outwardly; the final outward bowing is roughly parallel to two of the sides of the triangular base.

U.S. Patent No. 5,636,891, issued June 10, 1997 to Van Order et al, for "ADJUSTABLE FASTENER. " The patent teaches a snap-in fastener to attach accessories to a vehicle. The fastener comprises a spring clip having a longitudinally-oriented H-shaped base. Each end of each leg in the H- shaped base terminates in a foot projecting latitudinally from the end of the base. A pair of upwardly convergent legs extend from the body proximate its midpoint. A pair of end tabs extend upwardly and inwardly between the legs.

The present invention as described hereinbelow provides a more efficient device for fastening automotive headliners and accessories to the vehicle stmcture. More particularly, the present invention provides a device which fastens automotive headliners and accessories while at the same time more effectively lessens the stress and forces placed upon headliners during usage thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance herewith there is provided a vehicular accessory fastener or fastening device which, generally comprises:

(a) a base or base member which is a substantially planar member that absorbs retentive forces directed thereon, the base member having a first end and a second end, a first flange outwardly extending from the first end, a second flange outwardly extending from the second end;

(b) a tang member which upwardly extends from the base member, the tang member defining a wedge member that is insertable through an aperture provided in an automotive structure for mounting the fastener thereto; and

(c) means for securing an automotive accessory and an automotive headliner to the base member.

The fastening device may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, high density plastic, or the like.

As noted, the present invention is particularly adaptable for securing a vehicular headliner and an accompanying accessory, e.g., an assist handle, a sun visor, or the like, to the vehicle. In use, the base member initially absorbs stress and retentive forces directed upon a headliner when a vehicular accessory and the headliner are fastened together and, then, when the two elements are further mounted to an automotive structure or rail. The base member may include means for receiving a fastener for fastening a vehicular accessory to a headliner to enable both the accessory and the headliner essentially to be mounted together to a vehicular roof rail or other structure.

The first and second flanges which, respectively, extend from the first and second ends of the base member, are predeterminedly shaped to cooperate distribute retentive forces and stress created on a headliner, the fastener, and a vehicular accessory when the accessory is secured to the fastener and the headliner.

The tang member comprises a first projection and a second opposing projection. The first projection includes a first leg and an integral second leg, the first leg extending outwardly and angularly from the base member. The second leg extends upwardly and radially inwardly from the first leg and terminates at a plate. The second projection is constructed similarly to the first projection and in opposition thereto. Extending downwardly from each lateral side of the second leg of each projection is a wing which has a linear outwardly extending portion and an inward curvilinear or radial free end. The wings act as spring elements to enable the tang member to go past the roof rail aperture. The space or gap between the base and the free ends of the wings accommodate the sheet metal above the aperture of the structure therebetween.

As mentioned above, the means for securing an automotive accessory and a headliner to the base member may comprise any suitable means, such as a threaded rod which cooperates with an aperture formed within the base member to threadably fasten the accessory to the fastener. The fastener itself is held to the headliner by the same fastener.

In an alternative embodiment hereof, there is provided a first extension which is integral and coplanar with the base member and which extends laterally outwardly from the first flange and a second extension similarly extended from the second flange. At least one extension has at least one indentation which is formed therein, for maintaining rigidity of the fastening device.

In a third embodiment hereof, a first extension extends downwardly and outwardly from the first flange and a second extension extends downwardly and outwardly from the second flange. According to this embodiment, the base member defines a first plane and the extensions define a second plane which is below and parallel to the first plane to create a gap therebetween. The gap is filled by the headliner material, the headliner connecting to the base member. According to this embodiment, the device is particularly adapted for use with a headliner having an arcuate portion, which fills in the gap.

In a fourth embodiment, there is provided at least one extension containing an at least one indentation extending from a flange and a second extension extending from the second flange. One extension includes at least one slot formed therein while the other extension has an aperture formed therein to aid in the installing of a headliner on the device by lessening dispositioning of the device during securement thereof.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing. In the drawing, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

Figure I is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fastener in accordance herewith,

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the fastener hereof, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the fastener hereof, and

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the fastener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

More specifically and referring now to Figure 1, there is depicted therein a fastening device or fastener in accordance with a first embodiment hereof and which is generally depicted at 10.

The fastening device or fastener 10 hereof generally comprises:

(a) a base or base member 12 which initially absorbs retentive forces placed thereon, the base member including a first end and a second end, a first flange outwardly extending from the first end, a second flange outwardly extending from the second end;

(b) a tang member upwardly extending from the base member, the tang member defining a wedge member which is insertable through an aperture provided in an automotive structure to mount the fastener to the structure, and

As is known to persons skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, the fastening device 10 may comprise of metal, high density plastic, or any suitable material.

The fastener 10 is particularly adapted for securing a vehicular headliner 58 and a desired accessory 56 such as an assist handle, a sun visor, etc, to a vehicle structure 70.

As shown, the base member 12 is a substantially planar member, preferably rectangularly shaped. The base member 12 has a first side edge 14, a second side edge 16 opposite the first side edge 14, a first end 18, and a second end 20 opposite the first end 18. The base member 12 initially absorbs stress and retentive forces directed upon the headliner 58 when the automotive accessory 56 and the headliner 58 are fastened together by any suitable means, as described hereinbelow, and when the two elements are further mounted to the automotive structure 70. The base member 12 may include means for receiving a fastener such as an aperture 13, for fastening an automotive accessory to a headliner and to enable both the accessory 56 and the headliner 58 essentially to be mounted together to a veliicular roof rail or structure 70 as further described hereinbelow. A first flange 22 laterally extends from the first end 18. A second flange 24, opposite the first flange 22, extends from the second end 20.^* The flanges 22, 24 of the base member 1 -i cooperate to distribute retentive forces and the stress created on a headliner 58, the fastener 10, and an automotive accessory 56 when the accessory 56 is secured to the fastener 10 and the headliner 58. The first flange 22 and second flange 22 are of predetermined shapes and sizes which are defined according to the function for which the fastener 10 is designed.

The tang member 26 comprises a first projection 28 and an opposed second projection 30. The first projection 28 includes a first radial leg 32 secured to the base member 12 and projects angularly outwardly therefrom. A second leg 34 integral with the first leg 32 extends upwardly and radially inwardly from the first leg 32 and terminates at a plate element 36. The second projection 30 is constructed similarly to the first projection 28 and in opposition thereto. The second projection 30 includes a first radial leg 38 secured to the base member 12 and projects angularly outwardly therefrom. A second leg 40 of the second projection 30 is integral with the first leg 38 of the second projection 30, and extends upwardly and radially inwardly from the first leg 38 and terminates at a plate element 42. At least oneof the second legs 34„40 of the projections has an at least one indentation 41 therein. The indentation aids, in maintaining rigidity of the device by creating greater surface area for force dissipation.

Extending downwardly from the plate 36,42 on each lateral side of the second leg of each projection is a wing 44 and 46. Each wing has a linear-outwardly extending portion 44a,46a, respectively, and an inward curvilinear or radial free end 44b,46b as shown. At least one of the wings has an at least one indentation therein. The indentation., also, aids in maintaining rigidity of the device. The tang member 26 is a wedge shaped member which, in use, is insertable through an aperture provided in the automotive structure 70, as described below.

As noted above, the means for securing an automotive accessory and a headliner to the base member 12 may be by any suitable means as known by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Such means, for example, may be represented by a threaded fastener which cooperates with the aperture formed within the base member to and which projects through suitable registering apertures formed in the headliner and accessory to secure both to the fastening device while mounting the fastening device to the headliner.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown therein a second embodiment of the present invention which is generally denoted at 110. According to this embodiment there is provided a first extension 148 which is integral and coplanar with the base member 112 and which extends laterally outwardly from the flange 122. A second extension 150 is integral and coplanar with the base member 112 and extends laterally outwardly from the flange 124. At least one extension 148 or 150 has at least one indentation, and preferably, each extension has an indentation 152,154, which are formed in and extend from the respective ends 118, 120 and across to the respective extension. The indentations 152,154 aid in maintaining rigidity of the device by creating greater surface area for force dissipation. The extensions 148,150 cooperate to further distribute retentive forces and the stress created on a headliner 58, the fastener 110, and an automotive accessory 56 when the accessory 56 is secured to the fastener 110 and the headliner 58. The first extension 148 and second extension 150 are of predetermined shapes and sizes which are defined according to the function for which the fastener 110 is designed. In all other respects the device 1 10 is similarly constructed to the device 10.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown therein a third embodiment of the present invention which is generally denoted at 210. According to the embodiment, there is provided a first extension 248 which extends downwardly and outwardly from the flange. 222. A second extension 250 extends downwardly and outwardly from the flange 224. The extensions 248,250 cooperate to further distribute retentive forces and the stress created on a headliner 58, the fastener 210, and an automotive accessory 56 when the accessory 56 is secured to the fastener 210 and the headliner 58. The first extension 248 and second extension 250 are of predetermined shapes and sizes which are defined according to the function for which the fastener 210 is designed.

The base member 212 of the device 210 defines a first plane 260. The extensions define a second plane 262 which is below and parallel to the first plane 260. The first and second plane create a bottom gap 264 therebetween. The bottom gap 264 is a void below the base member 212 between the first and second plane. This particular embodiment of the device hereof is peculiarly adapted for use with a headliner portion 266 which abuts the base member. The portion 266 is a predetermined arcuate section 268 which fills the gap 264. The arcuate section 268 maintains rigidity of the fastening device by filling the gap 264, thus, lessening an undesired bending of the headliner which causes increased difficulty in the mounting of the fastening device onto the automotive structure. In all other respects, the device 210 is similarly constructed to the device 10.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown therein a fourth embodiment of the present invention which is generally denoted at 310. According to the embodiment, there is provided a first extension 348 which extends downwardly and outwardly from the flange 322. In all other 9 respects, the device 310 is similarly constructed to the device 10. Likewise, according to the embodiment, there is also provided a second extension 350 which also extends downwardly and outwardly from the flange 324. At least one extension, preferably each extension, has at least one indentation 352,354 formed at the respective ends 318, 320 and extended across to the respective extension. The indentations 352,354 aid in maintaining rigidity of the device by creating greater surface area for force dissipation. Moreover, one extension has at least one aperture 353 or at least one slot 355 therein, while the other extension has either the slot or the aperture. In the drawing, the slot is shown associated with the extension while the aperture is shown associated with the extension. The aperture 353 and the slot 355 aid in the installation of a headliner on the device 310 by lessening dispositioning of the device 3 lOduring securement thereon. The extensions 348,350 cooperate to further distribute retentive forces and the stress created on a headliner 58, the fastener 310, and an automotive accessory 56 when the accessory 56 is secured to the fastener 310 and the headliner 58. The first extension 348 and the second extension 350 are of predetermined shapes and sizes which are defined according to the function for which the fastener 310 is des Όig¹ned.

As shown in Figure 4, the base member 312 defines a first plane 360. The extensions lie in a second plane 362 which is below and parallel to the first plane 360, the first and second plane create a bottom gap 364. The gap 364 is a void below the base member 312 between the first and second planes. As with the third embodiment, a headliner portion 366 abuts the base member 314 and is a predetermined arcuate member which fills the otherwise void of the gap. The purpose for the headliner portion is to further maintain rigidity of the fastening device by filling the otherwise void of bottom gap, thus, lessening an undesired bending which cause an increased difficulty in the mounting of the fastening device onto the automotive structure.

In use and as depicted in Figure 1, an automotive accessory 56 such as an assist handle and an automotive headliner 58 are attached to the base member 12 of the fastener 10 via a threaded fastener 60 inserted tlirough suitable openings and into an aperture 62 formed in the base member to secure them together. The interconnected accessory 56 and headliner 58 are then secured to the vehicle by inserting the tang member 26 into a suitable aperture 68 formed In the vehicle structure 70 such as a roof rail. As shown on Figure 1, the aperture 68 of the automotive structure 70 has predetermined dimensions such that the wedge shaped tang member 26 may be inserted therethrough such that the inwardly directed curvilinear ends 44b,46b of the wings 44,46 springs past and once therepast abuts the upper side thereof. The resistance is created by the mounting of the fastener 10 onto the automotive structure or rail 70. Thus, the dimensions of the aperture 68 tlirough which the tang member inserts is preferred to be, but not limited to, a thickness greater in magnitude than that of the length of either ends 18,20 of the base member 12, but lesser in magnitude than that of the farthest distance between the opposing pairs of wings 44-44',46,46' of the tang member.

Having, thus, described the present invention, what is claimed is:

Claims

1. A fastening device for installing an automotive accessory of vehicles, the fastening device comprising:

(a) a substantially planar base member having a first end and an opposing second end, a first transverse flange extending outwardly from the first end and a second transverse flange extending outwardly from the second end,

(b) a tang member connected to the base member, the tang member including a first projection and a second opposed projection, each projection extending upwardly from the base member, the first projection and the second projection converging from the base member to form a wedge, each projection including an at least one outwardly and downwardly extending wing, the at least one wing outwardly and downwardly extending and having a inwardly curved end, the tang member being insertable through an aperture of an automotive structure upon which the at least one wing engages, a

(c) means for securing an automotive accessory to the base.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprises a substantially planar first extension extending outwardly from the first transverse flange and a substantially planar second extension extending outwardly from the second transverse flange.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first transverse flange extends outwardly and downwardly from the first end and a second transverse flange extends outwardly and downwardly from the second end, the device further comprising a substantially planar first extension extending outwardly from the first transverse flange and a substantially planar second extension extending outwardly from the second transverse flange.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein at least one of the extensions has an at least one indentation provided therein.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein at least one of the extensions has an at least one aperture formed therein for connecting the headliner and an accessory thereto.

6. The device of claim 2, wherein at least one of the extensions has an at least one slot formed therein.

7. The device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the extensions has at least one indentation formed therein.

8. The device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the extensions has at least one aperture formed therein.

9. The device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the extensions has at least one slot formed therein.

10. An assembly for fastening an automotive accessory onto an automotive headliner, the system comprising:

(a) a fastening device, the device comprising: a substantially planar base member having a first end and an opposing second end, a first transverse flange extending outwardly and downwardly from the first end and a second transverse flange extending outwardly and downwardly from the second end, a substantially planar first extension extending outwardly from the first transverse flange and a substantially planar second extension extending outwardly from the second transverse flange, the base member lying in a first plane and the extensions lying in a second plane tfierebelow, thereby defining a gap between the planes. a tang member connected to the base member, the tang member including a first projection and a second opposed projection, each projection extending upwardly from the base member, the first projection and the second projection converging from the base member to form a wedge, each projection including an at least one outwardly and downwardly extending wing, the at least one wing outwardly and downwardly extending and having an inwardly curvilinear end, the tang member being insertable through an aperture of an automotive structure with which the at least one wing engages, and means for securing an automotive accessory to the base.

(b) a headliner, the headliner having an upper side and a lower side, the lower side being connected to the first member, the upper side being connected to the base member thereby filling the bottom gap below the base member between the first and second plane;

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the extensions has at least one indentation formed therein.

12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the extensions has at least one aperture formed therein.

13. The assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the extensions has at least one slot formed therein.

14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the upper side of the headliner has an arcuate portion, the arcuate portion filling the gap upon connecting the fastening device and the headliner together.