Connection between a support and a plate element

Details Connection between a support and a plate element Connection between a support and a plate element

1999-02-17

2001-09-11

Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)

Joints and connections

Member ends joined by inserted section

Expansible section

C024S458000, C024S292000, C411S048000, C411S508000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06287043

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a connection between a support and a plate element. It finds particular application in conjunction with a connection between a body part of a motor vehicle and a door face, and will be described with particular reference thereto. It will be appreciated, however, that the present invention is also amenable to other like applications.
Conventional connections between a support (e.g., body part of a motor vehicle) and a plate element (e.g., a door face) include an upper part and a lower part. The upper part attaches to the plate element while the lower part attaches to the support. A neck-shaped intermediate region of the connection, between the upper and lower parts, is equipped with locking elements. The intermediate region penetrates into an anterior region of a contact piece. The contact piece is embedded in a support opening and is equipped with counter stops. In a mounted position, the contact piece spreads behind the support opening.
The conventional constructions guarantee excellent tolerance compensation over a large region due to interaction of the locking elements of the neck-shaped intermediate region and the counter stops. Furthermore, the intermediate region in the anterior portion penetrates the contact piece and spreads the contact piece behind the support opening, for example, a door opening of a motor vehicle. Therefore, the conventional constructions create a secure attachment of the connection piece to the support. However, conventional constructions fail to adequately seal the support opening. In order to achieve such a seal using conventional constructions, costly structural reconstructions have been necessary.
The present invention provides a new and improved apparatus and method which overcomes the above-referenced problems and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A connection (
1
) between a support (
2
) and a plate element includes an upper part (
3
), attachable to the plate element, and a lower part (
4
), connectable to the support (
2
). A neck-shaped intermediate region (
5
), between the upper and lower parts (
3
,
4
, respectively), includes locking elements (
10
). A contact piece (
12
) on the lower part (
3
) has counter stops (
14
) and a first flange (
16
). The intermediate region (
5
) penetrates in an anterior region of the contact piece (
12
). The contact piece (
12
) spreads behind the support (
2
) after being inserted through an opening (
7
) in the support (
2
). A flexible hose gasket (
20
), surrounding the intermediate region (
5
), is in a substantially cylindrical shape when the connection (
1
) is in a pre-mounted position.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the support is a motor vehicle and the plate element is a body part of the motor vehicle.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the plate element is a door facing of the motor vehicle.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a lower portion of the upper part (
3
) includes a second flange (
22
). The hose gasket (
20
) flexes to a second shape and is sealed between the second flange (
22
) and the support (
2
) when the connection (
1
) is in an installed position.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the hose gasket (
20
) flexes to a shape including first and second cones (D
1
, D
2
) when the connection (
1
) is in the installed position.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, a lower portion (
25
) of the hose gasket (
20
) is clamped between the support (
2
) and the first flange (
16
), for creating a seal around the support opening (
7
) when the connection (
1
) is in the installed position.
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, a portion of the contact piece (
12
) above the first flange (
16
) includes a casing (
18
). The counter stops (
14
) are arranged around an interior circumference of the casing (
18
).
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the second flange (
22
) includes a conically tapering edge (
24
) acting upon a top portion of the hose gasket (
20
).
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the hose gasket (
20
) includes at least one of a rubber and a synthetic material.
One advantage of the present invention is that a connection is achieved between a support (
2
) and a plate element without requiring costly structural reconstructions.
Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 5106255 (1992-04-01), Andre et al.
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patent: 5540528 (1996-07-01), Schmidt et al.
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patent: 6039523 (2000-03-01), Kraus
patent: 248728 (1953-07-01), None
patent: 10983291 (1981-03-01), None
patent: 27 18 170 A1 (1978-10-01), None
patent: 2 249 451 (1979-04-01), None
patent: 694401 (1953-07-01), None
patent: 1501529 (1978-02-01), None

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