U.S. patent application number 09/989872 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-16 for metallo-plastic clip for attaching vehicle roofs and accessories to the body of a vehicle.
Invention is credited to Magarino, Antonio Romero.
Application Number | 20020056175 09/989872 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 8244220 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020056175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Magarino, Antonio Romero |
May 16, 2002 |
Metallo-plastic clip for attaching vehicle roofs and accessories to
the body of a vehicle
Abstract
The metallo-plastic clip comprises a clip and a plastic shank of
which is part the corresponding accessory to be placed in an
opening provided on the vehicle body, with an interposed vehicle
roof. The clip is provided with flexible flaps with a bend after
which there is a horizontal segment of maximum size with a notch
for attaching the clip to the opening of the vehicle body, while in
a central area the flexible flaps are provided with a cut without
loss of material forming center segments projected towards the
centre and with rounded comers which allow passage between them,
with their corresponding lateral displacement and thereby also of
the flexible flaps, of any tool in order to free the clip from the
shank. The maximum size of the horizontal segments and therefore of
the notch for attaching the clip is obtained by a bend of lateral
sectors which form part of the clip itself, above the bend of the
corresponding flexible flap, with these lateral sectors projecting
inwards and ending in end extensions for support of the clip on the
vehicle roof.
Inventors: |
Magarino, Antonio Romero;
(Burgos, ES) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & BOTTS
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
|
Family ID: |
8244220 |
Appl. No.: |
09/989872 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09989872 |
Nov 21, 2001 |
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PCT/ES00/0106 |
Mar 24, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/289 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 13/0212 20130101;
Y10T 24/309 20150115; Y10T 24/30 20150115; F16B 5/0642 20130101;
F16B 5/0664 20130101; F16B 5/0657 20130101; Y10T 24/303 20150115;
F16B 5/065 20130101; Y10T 24/304 20150115; B60R 13/0206
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/289 |
International
Class: |
F16B 005/06 |
Claims
We claim:
1. Metallo-plastic clip for attaching vehicle roofs and accessories
to the body of a vehicle, comprising two units which may be coupled
to each other, one of which is said metallo-plastic clip itself and
the other a shank, the former attachable to an opening of a vehicle
body through notches provided in flexible lateral flaps which are
complemented by external, lateral sectors of the sides of said
clip, and which said lateral sectors are joined continuously to end
extensions for support on a corresponding roof under which will be
placed an accessory, which forms part of said shank coupled to said
clip, with the entire set locked in said opening of said vehicle
body, characterised in that said lateral sectors provided on either
side of said flexible lateral flaps of said clip have an initial
bend at a position above that of a second bend of said flexible
lateral flaps, from which second bend is defined a rectangular
lower segment of maximum size, providing an also maximum size for
said notch used to lock said clip in said opening of said vehicle
body; with said flexible lateral flaps also provided with a
trapezoidal cut without loss of material, defining corresponding
segments projecting inwards and provided with a rounded bend after
which appear diverging segments, allowing the use of a conventional
tool to separate opposing edges of a top part of clip by which said
shank is attached.
2. Metallo-plastic clip for attaching vehicle roofs and accessories
to the body of a vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, characterised in
that after said initial bend of said lateral sectors of said clip
there is defined an inward projection, and after a 90 degree bend
with respect to the inside there is an outward projection, with a
further bend defining an external vertical segment which is
separated from side edges of said rectangular lower segment with a
larger flexible lateral flap, and with a horizontal surface defined
between the initial bends of said lateral sector which rests on a
corresponding support provided for such purpose in the side walls
of said clip.
3. Metallo-plastic clip for attaching vehicle roofs and accessories
to the body of a vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, characterised in
that said shank comprises a bridge with a tapering top part
defining two upwardly converging planes on which slide said
opposing edges of said clip, with said shank provided with stirrups
on which lock said opposing edges, thus attaching the clip and the
shank.
4. Metallo-plastic clip for attaching vehicle roofs and accessories
to the body of a vehicle, as claimed in claim 1, characterised in
that side walls of said shank define a lower socket, as well as
recesses for placing vertical segments which are extensions of said
lateral sectors of said clip, and on whose side columns are
similarly defined guides and supports for said shank on the vehicle
body.
5. Metallo-plastic clip for attaching vehicle roofs and accessories
to the body of a vehicle, as claimed in claim 4, characterised in
that said shank is attached with said side columns and said sockets
to a base from which the corresponding accessory projects, by means
of walls complemented by plates.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application PCT/ES00/00106 filed Mar. 24, 2000, which International
Application was published by the International Bureau on Sep. 27,
2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a means for attaching certain
internal accessories of a vehicle to its body, with an intermediate
panel or lining which makes up the roof and which acts as a self
supporting element, which means consists of a metal clip suitably
coupled to an opening provided for such purpose in the vehicle
body, so that it may be removed, and a plastic shank of which is
part of the accessory, which shank may be coupled to the clip
forming a set which is securely attached to the vehicle body, with
the intermediate lining or roof, and with the accessory which the
shank is part of, on the inside of the vehicle.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Spanish Invention Patent P 9700867 and its addition 9800689
describe a means for attaching accessories to a car's body using a
suitable coupling between a metal clip attached to an opening
provided in the car body and a shank which bears the accessory and
designed to be attached to the clip, with an intermediate panel or
lining of the vehicle roof, so that as the accessory is attached
the corresponding area of the roof lining is also attached.
[0006] Said attachment means described in the aforementioned
Spanish Invention Patent and its addition is characterised in that
the clip is constructed as a body with two lateral parts and a
flexible flap in each part, and collaterally a side sectors which
extend into lower and end segments which converge slightly upwards
and outwards, so that the flaps, at the level of a bend made in
each one, are provided with a notch by which the clip is attached
to the opening provided in the vehicle body, as the notch is
engaged in the corresponding side edges of the opening, while the
lateral extensions provide the support surface for the inner face
of the vehicle roof or lining, as said roof must be interposed
between the lateral extensions of the clip and a base of the shank
which is coupled and retained by the clip.
[0007] In this structure of the clip and shank described in Spanish
Invention Patent 9700865 and addition 9800689 there are parts and
elements which must perform such functions as allowing the
coupling, fitting and locking between the clip and the shank, as
well as allow their detachment from each other, so that the size of
the flexible flaps and therefore of the longitudinal notch which
they have for attachment of the clip on the opening of the car
body, is limited because between the side edges of the flaps and
the sectors on whose lower segments run the side extensions there
is a great separation in order to allow to place walls provided in
the shank.
[0008] In addition, on order to detach the shank and clip in order
to remove the accessory the shank must have an inner tubular
structure through which a special tool may be inserted and the top
edges o the clip separated, freeing the shank. In other words, this
detachment cannot be achieved with any tool, requiring a special
tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a clip with
structural characteristics which allow to remove it from the shank
without the need of special tools. A further object of the
invention is to provide a shank obtained by injection together with
the accessory, so that it is sturdy and with guides of a suitable
size next to the comers, allowing the length of support of the
resulting flexible flaps of the clip to be maximum, thus also
providing a contact and guidance area on the shorter sides of the
car body opening, all of this providing a maximum stability in
assembly and coupling of the set.
[0010] The metallo-plastic clip object of the invention solves the
above described problem by means of improvements made in both the
clip and shank which not only provide a larger notch in the
flexible flaps for attaching the clip to the body opening and allow
the use of any tool to detach the clip and shank, but also provide
greater stability to the set and a sturdy and reliable
attachment.
[0011] More specifically, one of the improvements consists in that
the side sectors of the flexible flaps instead of being bent at
their bottom are bent at an intermediate level, above the bend of
the flexible flaps, so that the bend of these side sectors projects
inward and then after a further 90 degree bend project outward,
forming lateral vertical extensions which join at an angle with the
end segments where the clip rests on the vehicle roof. This novel
construction of the aforementioned parts gives rise firstly to
horizontal supports at the level of the first bend of the side
sectors, which supports are meant to be placed on corresponding
surfaces provided for such purpose in the sides of the shank, and
furthermore, allow the lower end segment of the flexible flaps to
have a greater length and thereby a longer notch, which allows an
improved attachment of the clip on the opening of the vehicle
body.
[0012] A further improvement consists of the flexible flaps being
provided with a cut without any material being lost, which
determines on each flexible flap an inwardly projecting segment
bent near its lower free end, from where it then diverges, so that
the bends are left facing each other allowing the insertion between
them of any expansion tool which separates the flexible flaps, as
it naturally will act on the bends of these internal segments which
are part of the aforementioned flaps, allowing detachment from the
shank.
[0013] A further improvement, in this case made on the shank,
consists in its structure comprising a bridge whose top part ends
as a spindle, allowing insertion between the opposing ends provided
for this purpose in the top part, so that between the sides of this
tapering top part and the bridge are provided stirrups in which
said top opposing edges insert, while on the side there are sockets
with resting points for the horizontal surfaces which are supported
on the vehicle body. Above these sockets are supports for the
planes defined by the first bend of the side segments of the clip,
as well as side recesses for placing the lateral and vertical
projection of the side segments.
[0014] Additionally, said shank sockets are located as far as
possible towards the ends of the opening of the vehicle body, and
between its side supports and the supports for the clip side
segments there are centering guides, also located as near as
possible to the corners of said opening, in order to provide a
great stability to the attachment means, as well as an
anti-rotation effect with respect to the perpendicular axis of the
opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] These and further characteristics of the invention will be
more clearly understood in view of the accompanying drawings of a
preferred embodiment, where for purposes of illustration only the
following is shown:
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a plan view, a front elevation view and a side
elevation view along a semi-section of the clip which is the object
of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a general perspective view of the clip shown in
the previous figure.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the shank meant to insert
in the clip shown in the previous FIGS. , where the corresponding
accessory is part of said shank.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the coupling between the
clip and the shank of the previous figures.
[0020] FIG. 5 shows the set shown in the previous FIG. mounted on
the lining or roof of a vehicle, where said roof or lining acts as
a self supporting element of the set, all to be assembled on the
corresponding opening made for such purpose in the vehicle
body.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the assembly set shown in
the previous figure.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a further sectional view similar to that of the
previous FIG. , showing an expansion tool in the insertion stage
prior to being used to separate the flexible flaps which free the
clip from the shank.
[0023] FIG. 8 shows a further sectional view similar to that of the
previous FIG. , with the expansion tool separating the flexible
flaps and freeing the clip from the shank.
[0024] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the clip as in FIGS. 1
and 2 but with the end support segments shortened.
[0025] FIG. 10 shows a schematic plan view of the assembly of the
set of clip and shank on the opening provided in the vehicle body,
showing the contact areas and centering of the shank, and the long
support surface of the clip notches on the edges of the
opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0026] As may be seen in the figures, the metallo-plastic clips for
attaching roof vehicles and accessories to a vehicle body,
comprising a clip 1 and a shank 2 of which is part the
corresponding accessory 3, as seen in FIG. 4.
[0027] Clip 1 comprises two lateral flexible flaps 4 with a mainly
trapezoidal shape, although on the bottom it is rectangular, which
flaps 4 are attached through an upper longitudinal band 5 to
corresponding lateral sectors 6 with each clip provided with four
lateral sectors 6. On the top bands 5 common to the flexible flaps
and the lateral sectors 6 define opposing edges 7 which previously
are provided with a rounded bend 8 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0028] Near their bottom edge, flexible flaps 4 are provided with a
double bend 9 between which bends is defined a segment provided
with a notch 10 and in correspondence with the bottom edge are
provided tabs 11, two on one side and a single tab 11 on the other.
After the first bend 9 of flexible flaps 4 the latter expand and
define a rectangular segment 12 of a greater size above which are
lateral sectors 6. Said rectangular segment 12 does not represent
an obstacle for lateral sectors 6 as the latter have a first bend
13 above the plane of the start of bend 9 of flexible flaps 4, so
that after said first bend 13 lateral sector 6 projects inwards to
again bend in a right angle with respect to the prior one and
project outwards, after which a vertical segment 14 extends
downwards and separated from the ends of horizontal segment 12
corresponding to flexible flaps 4, so that said vertical segment 14
of each lateral sector 6 again bends on its bottom to define,
together with that of the other lateral sector, end extensions 15
with projections 16-16' the first wider and longer, with an
intermediate line 17 through which extensions 15 may be eliminated,
remaining only the part of extension 15 bearing extensions 16' as
shown in FIG. 9, where the clip is shortened, which may be of great
use in certain applications.
[0029] Between the first bend 13 and the second of lateral sectors
6, horizontal support planes 18 are defined, the purpose of which
will be described later.
[0030] As may have been observed, the fact that the bends of
lateral sectors 6 begins at a greater height and that they are
projected inwards and outwards allows the bottom rectangular
segment 12 of flexible flaps 4 to attain a greater width, and
thereby also notch 10 provided for insertion in opening 19 made for
such purpose in the vehicle body 20, in order to obtain a better
locking of clip 1 in opening 19 as said locking shall be determined
by notch 10 of each flexible flap 4.
[0031] As may be seen in the figures, flexible flaps 4 of clip 1
diverge downwards from their top opposing ends 7, with lower tabs
11 also diverging and projecting outwards after the aforementioned
bends 9.
[0032] These flexible flaps 4, in addition to the above described
characteristics, are provided in a central area with a slit which
defines an opening 21 with a preferably trapezoid shape, without
loss of material, determining segments 22 which project inwards,
with a shape such that after a bend 23 they end in a outwardly
diverging segment 24, with bends 23 facing each other, the purpose
of which shall be described later.
[0033] As relates to shank 2, of which accessory 3 is a part, which
is obtained from plastic by simultaneous injection of both
elements, it includes a base 25 which upon mounting on the vehicle
body is placed beneath the corresponding lining or roof 26, while
on the latter's top surface are attached end extensions 15 with
their extensions 16-16', as shown in FIG. 5.
[0034] Said shank 2 comprises a bridge 27 under which is defined an
opening 28, with walls 29 collateral to which are plates 30, and on
the sides are sockets 31 as separated as possible, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 6.
[0035] The top of upper bridge 27 of shank 2 has a tapering shape
32 in order to aid in insertion of clip 1 when the latter's edges 7
slide on converging planes 32 which define said spindle-like shape,
with aforementioned edges 7 locked under stirrups 33 made for such
purpose in bridge 27.
[0036] In said shank 2 are defined lateral supports or columns 34
which act as guides for shank 2 as it is inserted, with walls
provided with plates 30 and sockets 31, and supports 35 for support
planes 18 of the clip 1, also shown in FIG. 3, opposite columns 34;
on the top of sockets 31 are recesses 36 meant to house segments 14
which are extensions of lateral sectors 6 of clip 1. Additionally,
in these columns or top part of their sockets 31 are defined
centering guides 37 with the corresponding opening 19 for the
vehicle body 20, further including four supports 38 in
correspondence with the top edge of sockets 31 and whose support
points 38 comprise the support means for the shank 2 on the vehicle
body 20.
[0037] With the set placed on opening 19 of body 20 and clip 1
attached through notches 10 of flexible flaps 4 in the edges of
said opening 19, in order to detach accessory 3 it is necessary to
unlock clip 1 from shank 2, for which a tool 39 is inserted in
opening 28 of shank 2, so that the end of this tool 39 eventually
meets diverging segments 24 of the corresponding segments 22 of
flexible flaps 4 of clip 1, so that by continuing to move said tool
39 upwards the segments 22 will be separated as their bend 23 is
pressed, resulting in the flexible flaps separating and thereby the
displacement of their edges 7 with respect to stirrups 33 of shank
2, releasing the latter and allowing to pull on it, thus detaching
the accessory, all of this so that assembly takes place by simply
pressing upwards with shank 2 and accessory 3 until it locks in
clip 1, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0038] In order to release clip 1 it is enough to press together
tabs 11 using pliers or any other suitable tool, freeing them from
opening 19 of body 20.
[0039] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present
invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments,
which are presented here for purposes of illustration and not of
limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims
that follow.
* * * * *