Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – In situ attached-type channel or trim strip – Vehicle trim
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-14
2001-10-30
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
In situ attached-type channel or trim strip
Vehicle trim
C052S511000, C052S716600, C052S718010, C296S146700, C296S039100, C428S031000, C428S099000, C428S100000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308488
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a trim assembly for a vehicle, in particular, a mounting structure of a plate-like member for mounting the plate-like member to a trim panel for a vehicle and a trim assembly using the same.
2. Description of Related Art
In a door lining or trim panel for a vehicle, a trim assembly (pad) having a decorative top cover to improve luxurious feeling for aesthetic appearance is known.
For example, an earlier door lining assembly (pad) or a trim panel assembly (pad) for a trim panel for a vehicle is attached above an armrest portion of the trim panel. Thereby, the trim panel has a good aesthetic appearance with the decorative top cover. A portion of the trim panel has a plane recess for the trim panel assembly to be attached. A side of the trim panel assembly has a plane shape to be attached to the trim panel. The trim panel assembly is mounted to be secured to the trim panel by a screw or the like with the plane portions of the trim panel and the trim panel assembly facing each other.
A trim panel assembly having claws on a side to be attached to a trim panel, which are inserted into attaching holes of the trim panel and then bent for securing the trim panel assembly, is known.
However, the above-described earlier trim panel assemblies have problems as follows when the trim panel assemblies are attached to the trim panel.
In a case of the former, the trim panel assembly and the portion of the trim panel have the same plane shapes as each other, so that the trim panel assembly easily moves relative to the trim panel. Accordingly, when the trim panel assembly is attached to be secured to the trim panel, the trim panel assembly slightly moves from an accurate position on the trim panel assembly, thereby requiring a lot of time for positioning and attaching the trim assembly.
In a case of the latter, the works for bending the claws and securing the trim panel assembly are troublesome and require a lot of time; or speciallized equipment is required for bending claws.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention was developed in view of the above-described problems. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mounting structure of a plate-like member, for mounting the plate-like member to a trim panel for a vehicle, and for enabling the plate-like member to be mounted to the trim panel in a short time, to be accurate positioned and to be easily secured thereto. Another object of the present invention is to provide a trim assembly using the above-described mounting structure. A further object of the present invention is to provide a trim assembly which requires no specialized equipment for bending claws.
In order to accomplish the above-described object, in one aspect of the present invention, a mounting structure formed on a plate-like member and for mounting the plate-like member to a trim panel for a vehicle comprises an approximately T-like shape in cross section.
For the trim panel, a door lining or a trim panel for a door of a vehicle is generally applied; however, for example, a side lining for a body side molding, or the like can be also applied.
For the plate-like member, polypropylene is generally applied; however, another hard resin can be also applied.
According to the mounting structure of the invention, the mounting structure is formed on the plate-like member, for mounting the plate-like member to a trim panel for a vehicle, and comprises an approximately T-like shape in cross section. On the other hand, a hole portion having a shape to fit to the T-like shape is formed in the trim panel. The plate-like member is mounted to the trim panel for a vehicle through the mounting structure, thereby it is possible to speedily mount the plate-like member to the trim panel. Further, through the mounting structure, it is possible for anyone to easily perform a positioning of the plate-like member and to certainly secure the plate-like member to the trim panel for a vehicle. The mounting structure has the T-like shape in cross section, so that the mounting structure has high strength and is not deformed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of looseness or a rattle of the plate-like member during the vehicle operation. Further, the plate-like member and the mounting structure formed in the plate-like member are made of resin, so that it is possible to prevent scratches by the mounting structure against a member of the vehicle, such as the trim panel to which the plate-like member is mounted. Further, the mounting structure and the plate-like member made of resin are lighter than the those made of iron plate, so that it is possible to improve safety of work. Further, it is possible to require no specialized equipment for bending claws. Further, it is possible to easily disassemble the member of the vehicle and the plate-like member, thereby improving recyclability thereof.
The mounting structure of the plate-like member can further comprise two bar-like guide members. Top faces of the bar-like guide members and a lower surface of a head portion of the T-like shape of the mounting structure can be approximately parallel to each other.
According to the mounting structure, the mounting structure can have two bar-like guide members, so that it is possible for anyone to more easily carry out the positioning of the plate-like member to the trim panel for a vehicle through the mounting structures and to more certainly secure the plate-like member to the trim panel for a vehicle. Further, a space may not result between the plate-like member and the member of the vehicle, to which the plate-like member is mounted, so that it is possible to prevent the occurrence of looseness or a rattle of the plate-like member during the vehicle operation.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a trim assembly for a vehicle comprises: a plate-like member; a cushion member disposed on the plate-like member; and a top cover covering the whole cushion member, wherein peripheral portions of the cover are secured to peripheral portions of the plate-like member; wherein a mounting structure comprising an approximately T-like shape in cross section, for mounting the trim assembly to a trim panel for a vehicle, is formed on the plate-like member. The mounting structure can further comprise two bar-like guide members.
The trim assembly is used for a door lining assembly (pad) or a trim panel assembly (pad) for a door panel of a vehicle. However, it is not limited to this, for example, the trim assembly can also be used for a side lining assembly (pad) for a body side molding, or the like.
For the top cover, cloth is generally applied; however, artificial leather, natural leather or the like can also be applied.
For the cushion member, foamed resin, such as polyurethane foam or the like can be applied; however, another material having cushioning properties can also be used for the cushion member.
According to the trim assembly for a vehicle, the trim assembly comprises a plate-like member, a cushion member disposed on the plate-like member, and a top cover covering the whole cushion member, wherein peripheral portions of the top cover are secured to peripheral portions of the plate-like member; wherein a mounting structure comprising an approximately T-like shape in cross section and two bar-like guide members is formed on the plate-like member. Accordingly, the trim assembly is mounted to the trim panel through the mounting structure, so that it is possible for anyone to easily carry out the positioning of the trim assembly to the member of the vehicle through the mounting structure and to more certainly secure the trim assembly to the trim panel for a vehicle. Further, it is possible to require no specialized equipment for bending claws.
The plate-like member can have an approximately plane shape or a curved shape on a side to which the mounting structure is formed. Top faces of the bar-like guide members and a lower surface of a head portion of the T-like shape of the mounting struc
Dorsey Dennis L.
Friedman Carl D.
Oliff & Berridg,e PLC
TS Tech Co. Ltd.
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