U.S. patent application number 14/576417 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for vehicle panel and emblem.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Geoffrey John COOPER, Paul Kenneth DELLOCK, Hossein Jacob SADRI.
Application Number | 20160176359 14/576417 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55358894 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160176359 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SADRI; Hossein Jacob ; et
al. |
June 23, 2016 |
Vehicle Panel and Emblem
Abstract
An emblem assembly for a vehicle having a number of attachment
features such as two locating-pins, two opposing force clips, an
orthogonal force clip, and an adhesive. A body panel having an
embossed emblem-mating surface defining a number of attachment
features such as a 2-way locating-slot, a 4-way locating-hole, a
central void with opposing substantially parallel edges, a clip
retention slot with an orthogonal edge, and a panel surface area
for adhesive contact. The emblem assembly and the emblem-mating
surface features combine to provide an effective support for an
emblem on a body panel of a vehicle. The emblem may be located on a
tailgate of a pickup with an aluminum body panel.
Inventors: |
SADRI; Hossein Jacob; (Novi,
MI) ; COOPER; Geoffrey John; (Canton, MI) ;
DELLOCK; Paul Kenneth; (Northville, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55358894 |
Appl. No.: |
14/576417 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/191 ;
296/1.07; 296/57.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 25/00 20130101;
B62D 25/12 20130101; B60R 13/005 20130101; B62D 33/0273
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 13/00 20060101
B60R013/00; B62D 25/00 20060101 B62D025/00; B62D 33/027 20060101
B62D033/027 |
Claims
1. A tailgate for a pickup comprising: a panel having an
emblem-mating surface offset from a primary surface, the
emblem-mating surface defining a central void between opposing
edges and a clip-retention slot with an orthogonal edge; and an
emblem assembly having first and second clips each contacting one
of the opposing edges, and a third clip engaging the clip-retention
slot.
2. The tailgate of claim 1 wherein the void is substantially
quadrilateral in shape.
3. The tailgate of claim 2 wherein the void is substantially
rectangular in shape with the opposing edges extending in a
parallel direction, and wherein the void has two lateral edges
extending perpendicular to the opposing edges, and a distance
between the opposing edges is further than a distance between the
lateral edges.
4. The tailgate of claim 1 wherein a first area defined by the void
is equal to or greater than a second area defined by the
emblem-mating surface minus the void.
5. The tailgate of claim 1 wherein the emblem assembly has a
panel-mating surface and the tailgate further comprises an adhesive
disposed at least partially between the panel-mating surface and
the emblem-mating surface.
6. The tailgate of claim 1 wherein the emblem-mating surface
further defines a circular 4-way locating-hole and a 2-way
locating-slot, the 2-way locating-slot having a substantially
straight length longer then a width and the 4-way locating-hole,
the 2-way locating-slot defining a mounting axis extending down a
center of the length, and the 4-way locating-hole being located
substantially in-line with the mounting axis, and the emblem
assembly further has first and second locating-pins disposed in the
4-way locating-hole and 2-way locating-slot, respectively.
7. The tailgate of claim 6 wherein the 4-way locating-hole and
2-way locating-slot are disposed in the emblem-mating surface
adjacent the opposing edges.
8. The tailgate of claim 7 wherein the first and second clips are
disposed in-line with the mounting axis.
9. The tailgate of claim 1 wherein the panel is aluminum.
10. (canceled)
11. The emblem assembly of claim 12 further comprising: an adhesive
disposed on the panel-mounting surface; and a disposable pull sheet
disposed on the adhesive.
12. An emblem assembly for an automobile comprising: a panel-mating
surface; two clips extending from the panel-mating surface and
capable of providing opposing-force towards each other along an
axis, wherein each of the two clips have a first end connected to
the panel-mating surface, a first segment extending away from the
first end to a bend segment, a second segment extending from the
bend segment back toward the panel-mating surface to a second end,
and the second end of each opposing-force clip is offset from the
panel-mating surface and disposed outwardly from each respective
first end along the axis a third clip extending from the
panel-mating surface and capable of providing a force substantially
perpendicular to the axis; and two locating-pins extending from the
panel-mating surface and disposed along the axis outwardly from the
two clips.
13. The emblem assembly of claim 12 wherein each second segment has
an opposing edge contact surface configured to engage a body panel
of an automobile.
14. The emblem assembly of claim 12 wherein the third clip has a
proximal end in contact with the panel-mating surface with two leg
segments extending outwardly therefrom to a distal end, and a
center segment disposed between the leg segments extending from the
distal end back toward the panel-mounting surface.
15. The emblem assembly of claim 14 wherein the leg segments are
substantially flat and configured to contact a primary edge of a
clip-retention slot in a body panel and the center segment is
notched and configured to contact a secondary edge of the
clip-retention slot in the body panel.
16. The emblem assembly of claim 12 wherein the two locating-pins
are circular having substantially similar diameters wherein a first
of the two locating-pins is configured to be disposed in a 4-way
locating-hole having a diameter larger than the diameter of either
of the two locating-pins and a second of the two locating-pins is
configured to be disposed in a 2-way locating-slot having a width
larger than the diameter of either of the two locating-pins.
17. A stamped aluminum body panel comprising: a primary surface; an
emblem-mating surface embossed into the primary surface; a central
void defined within the emblem-mating surface between substantially
parallel opposing edges; a clip-retention slot defined within the
emblem-mating surface with an orthogonal edge substantially
parallel to the opposing edges; and a 2-way locating-slot and 4-way
locating-hole defined within the emblem-mating surface, each
adjacent to one of the opposing edges.
18. The aluminum body panel of claim 17 wherein the void defines a
first area of open space and the emblem-mating surface defines a
second area of body panel, wherein the first area is equal to or
greater than the second area, and wherein the emblem-mating surface
is configured to have an emblem adhesively applied thereto and the
first and second areas are sized accordingly to reduce potential
oil canning of the aluminum body panel due to a mass of the
emblem.
19. The aluminum body panel of claim 17 wherein center points of
the 2-way locating-slot and 4-way locating-hole define an axis
extending therethrough, the 2-way locating-slot having a length
along the axis longer than a width across the axis and a portion of
each opposing edge is substantially orthogonal to the axis along
the axis.
20. The aluminum body panel of claim 17 wherein the emblem-mating
surface is embossed inwardly from the primary surface in vehicle
position having a stamped intermediate perimeter extending between
the primary and emblem-mating surfaces.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to emblems attachable to vehicles,
and more specifically to an emblem and body panel structure each
designed to allow the emblem to be attached to the panel
efficiently with high quality fit and function.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Pickup trucks are motor vehicles with a front passenger
area, often referred to as a cab, and an open top rear cargo area,
often referred to as a box. The box typically has a substantially
flat bed from which two sidewalls and a forward interconnecting
headboard extend upwardly therefrom. Pickup trucks may also employ
a bottom hinged door, commonly referred to as a tailgate, hinged at
the rear edge of the bed and closable to provide a fourth wall for
the cargo area. Cabs and boxes may be separate assemblies or part
of the same unibody structure. Pickup trucks are popular largely
because the box allows them to be utilized in so many different
ways, including carrying a variety of types of cargo and towing
various types of trailers.
[0003] Traditionally the majority of body structures on pickup
trucks have been formed from steel alloys. Through years of
experience, pickup truck designers have learned how to engineer
steel truck body parts that withstand the variety of demanding
pickup truck applications. The current regulatory and economic
environments have increased the importance of making pickup trucks
more fuel efficient as well as functional and durable. One way to
reduce the fuel consumption of a vehicle is to reduce vehicle
structure weight.
[0004] Aluminum alloys typically have a higher strength to weight
ratio than steel alloys. Consequently, replacing steel with
aluminum offers the potential for weight reduction. However, the
elastic modulus of aluminum is generally lower than the elastic
modulus of steel. As well, fabrication techniques and methods of
joining parts that work well for steel parts may not work well for
the same aluminum part. Due to these and other differences, simple
material substitution does not necessarily produce an acceptable
design.
[0005] Oil canning is a phenomenon that may occur when light-gauge
metal is used in flat structures. Internal stresses in the metal
may cause the material to bulge inwardly or outwardly in localized
areas and oscillate back and forth. These bulges/oscillations may
be visible, especially under certain lighting conditions.
Furthermore, a transition from an inward bulge to an outward bulge,
or vice versa, may produce a popping sound. Oil canning may be more
prevalent in aluminum structures than steel structures of the
similar shapes and sizes. Although oil canning does not alter
objective measures of structural integrity, it may be perceived by
consumers as an indication of lower quality.
[0006] Manufacturers of pickup trucks often like to place an emblem
or badge on an external tailgate panel to provide information as to
the make or model of the pickup truck. The emblems have a shape and
weight and may increase the opportunity for oil canning when placed
on a flat structure. The emblem may also extend outwardly from the
surface of the metal also increasing an opportunity for oil
canning. As well, other components, such as lights or cameras, may
be included as part of the emblem structure adding even more weight
and complexity to the emblem and a yet even greater potential for
the oil canning phenomenon.
SUMMARY
[0007] One aspect of this disclosure is directed to a tailgate for
a pickup. In this aspect, the tailgate has a panel having a primary
surface, such as a class-A exterior body surface. The panel for
this tailgate may be aluminum. The panel also has an emblem-mating
surface offset from the primary surface. The emblem-mating surface
defines a central void with opposing edges. The emblem-mating
surface also defines a clip-retention slot with an orthogonal edge.
An emblem assembly is located on the tailgate. The emblem assembly
has first and second clips each contacting one of the opposing
edges. The emblem assembly also has a third clip engaging the
clip-retention slot.
[0008] The void may be substantially quadrilateral in shape, and
more specifically, the void may be substantially rectangular in
shape. The opposing edges of the void may extend in a parallel
direction relative each other. The void may have two lateral edges
extending perpendicular to the opposing edges, and a distance
between the opposing edges is further than a distance between the
lateral edges. The lateral edges are not necessarily continuous and
may be interrupted.
[0009] The void may define a first area of open space. The
emblem-mating surface minus the void may define a second area of
panel material. The first area may be equal to or greater than the
second area. The emblem assembly may have a panel-mating surface
and the tailgate may further comprise an adhesive disposed between
a portion of the panel-mating surface and a portion of the
emblem-mating surface.
[0010] The emblem-mating surface may further define a 4-way
locating-hole and a 2-way locating-slot. The 2-way locating-slot
may have a substantially straight length longer then a width. The
4-way locating-hole may be substantially circular. The 2-way
locating-slot may define a mounting axis extending down a center of
the length of the slot. The 4-way locating-hole may be located
substantially in-line with the mounting axis. The emblem assembly
may further include first and second locating-pins disposed in the
4-way locating-hole and 2-way locating-slot, respectively. The
4-way locating-hole and 2-way locating-slot may be disposed in the
emblem-mating surface adjacent the opposing edges. The first and
second clips may be disposed in-line with the mounting axis.
[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure is directed to an emblem
assembly for an automobile. This emblem assembly has a panel-mating
surface. The emblem assembly has two clips extending from the
panel-mating surface. The two clips are capable of providing
opposing-force towards each other along an axis. The emblem
assembly has a third clip extending from the panel-mating surface.
The third clip is capable of providing a force substantially
perpendicular to the axis. The emblem assembly also has two
locating-pins extending from the panel-mating surface. The two
locating pins are disposed along the axis outwardly from the two
clips.
[0012] The emblem assembly may have an adhesive disposed on a
portion of the panel-mounting surface and a disposable pull sheet
disposed on the adhesive. Each of the two clips may have a first
end connected to the panel-mating surface, and a first segment
extending away from the first end to a bend segment. The clips may
also have a second segment extending from the bend segment back
toward the panel-mating surface to a second end. The second end of
each opposing-force clip is offset from the panel-mating surface
and disposed outwardly from each respective first end along the
axis. Each second segment may have an opposing edge contact surface
configured to engage a body panel of an automobile.
[0013] The third clip may have a proximal end in contact with the
panel-mating surface. The third clip may have two leg segments
extending outwardly from the proximal end to a distal end. The
third clip may also have a center segment disposed between the leg
segments extending from the distal end back toward the
panel-mounting surface. The leg segments may be substantially flat
and configured to contact a primary edge of a clip-retention slot
in a body panel. The center segment may be notched and configured
to contact a secondary edge of the clip-retention slot in the body
panel.
[0014] The two locating-pins may be generally circular having
substantially similar diameters. A first of the two locating-pins
may be configured to be disposed in a 4-way locating-hole in the
body panel. The 4-way locating-hole having a diameter larger than
the diameter of either of the two locating-pins. A second of the
two locating-pins may be configured to be disposed in a 2-way
locating-slot in the body panel. The 2-way locating-slot having a
width larger than the diameter of either of the two
locating-pins.
[0015] A further aspect of this disclosure is directed to a stamped
aluminum body panel. The stamped aluminum body panel has a primary
surface. The stamped aluminum body panel also has an emblem-mating
surface embossed into the primary surface. A void is defined within
a central region of the emblem-mating surface. The void is defined
between substantially parallel opposing edges. A clip-retention
slot is also defined within the emblem-mating surface. The
clip-retention slot is defined on one side by an orthogonal edge.
The orthogonal edge is substantially parallel to the opposing
edges. A 2-way locating-slot and a 4-way locating-hole are further
defined within the emblem-mating surface. The 2-way locating-slot
and a 4-way locating-hole are each adjacent to one of the opposing
edges.
[0016] The void may define a first area of open space. The
emblem-mating surface may define a second area of body panel. The
first area may be equal to or greater than the second area. The
emblem-mating surface may be configured to have an emblem
adhesively applied thereto and the first and second areas are sized
accordingly to reduce potential oil canning of the aluminum body
panel due to a mass of the emblem.
[0017] Center points of the 2-way locating-slot and 4-way
locating-hole may define an axis extending therethrough. The 2-way
locating-slot may have a length along the axis longer than a width
across the axis. A portion of each opposing edge may also extend
substantially orthogonal to the axis along the axis.
[0018] The emblem-mating surface may be embossed inwardly from the
primary surface in vehicle position. A stamped intermediate
perimeter may also extend between the primary and emblem-mating
surfaces.
[0019] The above aspects of this disclosure and other aspects will
be explained in greater detail below with reference to the attached
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a partial rear perspective view of a pickup truck
having a tailgate with an emblem on the tailgate.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a partial view of a tailgate structure for
receiving an emblem.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a rear view of an emblem assembly that cooperates
with the tailgate structure of FIG. 2
[0023] FIG. 4 is a top view of an emblem assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to
the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are intended to be merely examples that may be embodied
in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily
to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show
details of particular components. The specific structural and
functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting,
but as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
how to practice the disclosed concepts.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 10 having a number of body panels 12.
In this specific example, the vehicle 10 is a pickup truck and one
of the body panels 12 is shown as being part of a tailgate assembly
14. The body panels 12 may be formed from a number of different
materials, such as polymers, plastics, composites, fiberglass,
metals, or the like, or any combination of the above. Common metals
used for vehicle body panels 12 are steel and aluminum alloys,
although other metals have been used and are contemplated. Body
panels 12 may also be formed by a number of different manufacturing
methods such as, but not limited to, stamping, extruding, forging,
casting and molding.
[0026] The body panel 12 on the tailgate assembly 14 is shown with
an emblem 16 mounted thereon. The body panels 12 are shown with a
primary surface 18. A primary surface 18 may be defined as any
surface on a body panel 12 visible by a person in the normal
viewing of the vehicle. Primary surfaces 18 are often primed,
painted and clear coated to provide a class-A appearance. A primary
surface 18 of a body panel 12 may be susceptible to oil canning on
a vehicle, and the chance for oil canning may be increased by an
emblem 16 being mounted onto the panel 12.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a panel 12 with emblem 16 removed or not yet
installed. An emblem-mating surface 24 is shown offset from the
primary surface 18. The emblem-mating surface 24 may be embossed
into the primary surface 18 during forming of the panel 12. A
stamped intermediate perimeter 26 may extend between the primary
surface 18 and the emblem-mating surface 24. Transitional bend
radii may be used for efficiently stamping the panel 12 depending
on the material and thickness of the panel 12. The intermediate
perimeter 26 may provide structural stability and reduce the
propensity for a panel 12 to oil can in the area of the
intermediate perimeter 26. The emblem-mating surface 24 may also be
embossed inwardly from the primary surface 18, when in vehicle
position, such that an emblem assembly 16 may be inset into a
pocket formed by the offset emblem-mating surface 24.
[0028] The emblem-mating surface 24 defines a void 28. The void 28
may be substantially centrally located in the emblem-mating surface
24. The void 28 is at least partially defined by first and second
edges 30, 32. The first and second edges 30, 32 are opposing edges
30, 32. The first and second edges 30, 32 may extend in a
substantially parallel direction relative to each other. The void
28 may also be at least partially defined by third and fourth edges
34, 36. The third and fourth edges 34, 36 may be two lateral edges
34, 36. The third and fourth edges 34, 36 may also extend in a
substantially parallel direction relative to each other.
[0029] The third and fourth edges 34, 36 may extend in a
substantially perpendicular direction relative to the first and
second edges 30, 32. The lateral edges 34, 36 are not necessarily
continuous between the opposing edges 30, 32 and may be interrupted
by ears, tabs or detents. The void 28 may be substantially
quadrilateral in shape, as shown. The void may be substantially
rectangular in shape, as shown. A first distance between the
opposing edges 30, 32 (i.e., length of the void 28) may be further
than a second distance between the lateral edges 34, 36 (i.e.,
width of the void 28). The void 28 may be further partially defined
by corners extending between the edges 30, 32, 34, 36. These
corners may have forming radii conducive to a blanking or punching
operation performed while stamping the panel 12.
[0030] A first area 40 may be defined by the void 28. The first
area 40 is of the open space between the edges 30, 32, 34, 36 and
corners (i.e., the perimeter of the void 28). A second area 42 may
be defined by the emblem-mating surface 24 minus a void 28. The
second area 42 may be defined as the physical surface of the body
panel 12 disposed within and surrounded by the intermediate
perimeter 26. The second area 42 does not include the first area
40. The second area 42 may have all of the voids, slots and holes
that are defined by the emblem-mating surface 24 removed from the
calculation. The first area 40 may be substantially equal to or
greater than the second area 42. Thus the void 28 and emblem-mating
surface 24 are sized accordingly to reduce potential oil canning of
the body panel 12 if the emblem 16 is adhesively applied to the
panel 12.
[0031] A clip-retention slot 46 may be defined by the emblem-mating
surface 24. The clip-retention slot 46 may be at least partially
defined by a primary edge 48. The primary edge 48 may extend in a
direction substantially parallel to the opposing first and second
edges 30, 32. The primary edge 48 may also be referred to as an
orthogonal edge 48. The clip-retention slot 46 may also be at least
partially defined by a secondary edge 50. Secondary edge 50 may
oppose primary edge 48. Secondary edge 50 may extend in a
substantially parallel direction to the primary edge 48.
[0032] A 2-way locating-slot 54 may be defined by the emblem-mating
surface 24. The 2-way locating-slot 54 may be disposed adjacent one
of the first or second edges 30, 32. The 2-way locating-slot 54 has
a length 56 and a width 58. The length 56 may be substantially
straight and greater in distance than the width 58. A center point
60 may be located half way between the length 56 and width 58.
[0033] A 4-way locating-hole 64 may be defined by the emblem-mating
surface 24. The 4-way locating-hole 64 may be disposed adjacent one
of the first or second edges 30, 32. The 4-way locating-hole 64 may
be disposed adjacent one of the first or second edges 30, 32
opposite to the location of the 2-way locating-slot 54. The 4-way
locating-hole 64 may be substantially circular with a center point
66 located at the center of the circular shape.
[0034] An axis 70 may be defined as a substantially straight line
extending through the center point 60 of the 2-way locating-slot 54
and the center point 66 of the 4-way locating-hole 64 in which the
length 56 of the 2-way locating-slot 54 extends along the axis 70.
Alternatively, a mounting axis 70 may be defined by extending a
line down a center of the length 56 of the 2-way locating-slot 54
and then locating the 4-way locating-hole 64 substantially in-line
with the mounting axis 70. The center point 66 of the 4-way
locating-hole 64 may be disposed directly in-line with the mounting
axis 70.
[0035] The width 58 of the 2-way locating-slot 54 may be
substantially similar to a diameter of the 4-way locating-hole 64.
The width 58 of the 2-way locating-slot 54 may be sized similar to,
but slightly larger than, a locating-pin disposed therein. The
diameter of the 4-way locating-hole 64 may be sized similar to, but
slightly larger than, a locating-pin disposed therein. A portion of
each opposing first and second edges 30, 32 may cross the axis 70
and extend substantially perpendicular to the axis 70 at the
locations where they cross the axis 70.
[0036] FIGS. 3 and 4 show an emblem assembly 76. Emblem assembly 76
may be similar to emblem 16. Emblem assembly 76 has a
panel-mounting surface 78. A portion of the panel-mounting surface
78 may be configured to contact a body panel 12 (see FIG. 1). A
portion of the panel-mounting surface 78 may be configured to
contact an emblem-mating surface 24 (see FIG. 2). The portion of
the panel-mounting surface 78 in contact with the body panel 12 or
emblem-mounting surface 78 may be substantially flat. The entire
panel-mounting surface 78 may be substantially flat.
[0037] An adhesive 80 may be disposed on portions of the
panel-mounting surface 78. A disposable pull sheet 82 having a pull
tab 84 (see specifically FIG. 3) may be disposed on top of the
adhesive 80 to cover the adhesive 80 before installation of the
emblem assembly 76 to a vehicle 10. The pull tab 84 may extend
outwardly past the panel-mating surface 78 for enhanced finger
grip. Alternatively, the adhesive 80 may be applied to the body
panel 12 such that the emblem assembly 76 does not have any
adhesive 80 while still providing some adhesive 80 at least
partially disposed between the panel-mating surface 78 of the
emblem assembly 76 and the body panel 12 of the vehicle 10 when
installed (see FIG. 1). Although adhesive may improve the
interaction between the emblem assembly 76 and the body panel 12,
adhesive may not be used at all.
[0038] First and second locating-pins 86, 90 extend from the
panel-mating surface 78. The locating-pins 86, 90 may have a number
of projecting ribs 92, such that from the top the projecting ribs
resemble a triangle, a plus, a 5-point star, a 6-point star, etc.
The projecting ribs 92 extend radially outward from a center
providing a substantially circular outer perimeter surface of the
locating-pins 86, 90 with a diameter. Locating-pins 86, 90 may have
substantially similar diameters relative to each other. A
substantially straight emblem axis 94 may extend through center
points of the locating-pins 86, 90 along the panel-mounting surface
78.
[0039] The locating-pins 86, 90 are configured to be disposed
within and cooperate with the 4-way locating-hole 64 and 2-way
locating-slot 54 defined by the emblem-mating surface 24 of the
body panel 12 (see FIG. 2). The first locating-pin 86 may be
disposed in the 4-way locating-hole 64 (see FIG. 2). The 4-way
locating-hole 64 may have a diameter slightly larger than the
diameter of the first locating-pin 86. The second locating-pin 90
may be disposed in the 2-way locating-slot 54 (see FIG. 2). The
2-way locating-slot 54 may have a width 58 slightly larger than the
diameter of the second locating-pin 90. When the two locating-pins
86, 90 cooperate with the two locating-hole/slots 54, 64, the
emblem axis 94 will substantially align with the mounting axis 70
(see FIG. 2).
[0040] First and second clips 100, 102 may be in contact with and
extend from the panel-mating surface 78. The first and second clips
100, 102 are capable of providing opposing-force towards each other
along axis 94. The first and second clips 100, 102 are configured
to contact the first and second edges 30, 32, respectively, of the
void 28 (see FIG. 2). The first and second clips 100, 102 may be
disposed in-line with the mounting axis 70 (see FIG. 2) when the
emblem assembly 76 is installed on a vehicle panel 12. First and
second clips 100, 102 may be coated to prevent any potential
corrosion issue. Two examples of first and second clips 100, 102
are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, with clips 100a and 102a being in FIG.
3 and clips 100b and 102b being in FIG. 4.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 3, The first and second clips 100a, 102a
may be mirror images of each other connected to and extending away
from the panel-mounting surface 78. The clips 100a, 102a may extend
away from the panel-mounting surface 78 at an angle, and extend
away from each other. The clips 100a, 102a may be elastically
deformable and provide a spring force tension against the first and
second edges 30, 32 of the void 28 (see FIG. 2) providing a spring
force that pulls the emblem assembly 76 toward the vehicle.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 4, the first and second clips 100b, 102b
may be mirror images of each other having a first end 104 connected
to the panel-mating surface 78. Each of the first and second clips
100, 102 may have a first segment 106 extending away from the first
end 104 to a bend segment 108. The first and second clips 100, 102
may also have a second segment 110 extending from the bend segment
108 back toward the panel-mating surface 78 to a second end 112.
The second ends 112 may be offset from the panel-mating surface 78.
The second ends 112 may be disposed outwardly from each respective
first end 104 along the axis 94. The second end 112 may curve back
toward the first end 104 or first segment 106. The first and second
clips 100, 102 may have an opposing edge contact surface 114
configured to engage a body panel 12 of a vehicle 10. The edge
contact surface 114 may be a notch or bend in the second segment
110.
[0043] Referring again to both FIGS. 3 and 4, a third clip 120 may
be in contact with and extend from the panel-mounting surface 78.
The third clip 120 may be capable of providing a force
substantially perpendicular to the axis 94. The third clip 120 is
configured to engage a clip-retention slot 46 on a body panel 12
(see FIG. 2). It is also envisioned that the third clip 120 may be
configured to engage one of the third and fourth edges 34, 36 of
the void 28 (see FIG. 2).
[0044] The third clip 120 may have a proximal end 122 in contact
with the panel-mating surface 78. Two leg segments 124 may extend
outwardly from the proximal end 122 to a distal end 126. A center
segment 128 may be disposed between the leg segments 124 extending
from the distal end back 126 toward the panel-mounting surface 78.
The center segment 128 may be offset from the panel-mounting
surface 78. The two leg segments 124 may be substantially flat and
configured to contact a primary edge 48 of a clip-retention slot 46
in a body panel 12 (see FIG. 2). The center segment 128 may be
notched and configured to contact a secondary edge 50 of the
clip-retention slot 46 in the body panel 12 (see FIG. 2).
[0045] The emblem assembly 76 has a mass that is supported by, is
in contact with, and extends outwardly from a body panel 12 (as
emblem 16 is shown in FIG. 1). Emblem assembly 76 may also contain
additional componentry such as a rear view camera. Additional
componentry may increase the mass of the emblem assembly 76 and may
increase the outward extension of the emblem assembly 76 from the
body panel 12. The emblem assembly 76 and the body panel 12 may be
improved by any combinations of the above features to provide a
lower cost quality attachment while also maintaining high
appearance standards and reducing potential oil-canning of the body
panel.
[0046] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not
intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the
disclosed apparatus and method. Rather, the words used in the
specification are words of description rather than limitation, and
it is understood that various changes may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as claimed. The
features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to
form further embodiments of the disclosed concepts.
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