T-FLANGE SNAP FIT FOR OUTER BELT AND DLO ASSEMBLIES TO APPLIQUE

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/062,880, filed Aug. 7, 2020. The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a T-flange snap fit for outer belt and DLO assemblies to applique.

In automotive assembly manufacturing, tolerances and detail as to final fit on vehicles is very important. Elongated trim pieces are used to provide finished surfaces around windows and doors in vehicles. Pieces of trim may need to be butted end to end in some areas. These areas of connecting trim pieces are hard to align and main proper desired fit. Inconsistencies in joint fits based on variation in manufactured parts is a common problem in such assemblies.

For instance, when installing the outerbelt to an applique it becomes reliant on the operator to push the outerbelt to the applique to ensure there is no gap. There is also the part-to-part alignment that must be tuned to each other.

Therefore, it is an objective to ensure a clean tight fit between parts and assemblies during installation.

A T-flange with a snap fit feature will ensure a tight fit once the operator overcomes the snap feature. The T-flange allows for tuning of the outerbelt fit to the applique by the use of tuning ribs in the joint clip to allow up/down, inboard/outboard or twist fine tuning.

A flange connector assembly for connecting trim pieces of a vehicle each having a longitudinal cavity. The assembly first portion having an end fitting into a cavity on a first side and second portion fitting into a cavity of a trim part to be attached. The first portion has a connection portion, and the second portion has a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion snap fit to engage each other and retain the trim portion to be attached in a proper orientation.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

A flange connector assembly is shown generally at 10. The flange connector assembly 10 is for connecting trim pieces 12 and 14 of a vehicle 16. Each trim piece 12 and 14 have a longitudinal cavity 18 and 20 respectively.

The flange connector assembly 10 includes A first portion 22 having an end 24 fitting into cavity 18 (or integrally molded or over molded) on a first end of a first side of a trim piece and second portion 26 having and end 28 fitting into a cavity 20 (or integrally molded or over molded into) a trim part 14 to be attached where in the first portion 22 has a connection portion 30 and the second portion 26 has a second connecting portion 32 wherein the first connecting portion 30 and the second connecting portion 32 snap fit to engage each other and retain the trim portions 12 and 14 to be attached.

The first portion 22 has a male T-shaped protrusion 34 and the second portion 26 has a receiving portion 36 for receiving the male portion and locking it in a secured position. The T-shaped member has a protrusion 38 including a ramp portion 40 and a locking portion 42. The second portion 26 has a receiving portion 36 including a deflectable arm 44 and a locking portion 46. The locking portion 46 is deflectable by ramp portion 40 and engages locking portion 42 with a surface 42a for the portion 46 to rest against in the locking position. This configuration allows the members 24 and 26 to lock together in position to form the assembly and assure a proper predetermined alignment of the final trim assembly. The locking by the arm 44 and the abutment with the surface 42a provides for a secure reproducible assembly with consistent tuned alignment.

The outer surface 48 of the receiving portion 36 mirrors the contour of the inner surface of the trim piece 12 and has an opening 50 defined by walls 50a, 50b, and 50c. the deflectable locking portion 46 is molded integrally with the receiving portion to extend and deflect within the opening. The locking portion 46 includes a base leg 46a, extending from the wall 50a and then an intermediate leg 46b extending into an interior area 52 of the opening 50 for allowing deflection of the locking portion. The ramp angled portion 46c is angled from the intermediate leg to provide a ramp for deflection during insertion of the mail portion into the connector.

The connector also includes an end insertion ramp surface 52 which is angled inward to provide easier insertion into the mating piece. Locking bearing surfaces such as 54 and 56 are provided for securing the connector against the inside surface 20 of the part. Arm 44 deflects into a catch on the part to be connected to in order to lock the assembly together.

The T-flange portion itself in combination with contact ribs are provided for adjustment of the pieces during securement. The snap fit will ensure a tight fit once the operator overcomes the snap feature. The T-flange allows for tuning of the outerbelt fit to the applique by the use of tuning ribs in the joint clip to allow up/down, inboard/outboard or twist fine tuning. This feature is set forth in co-pending application U.S. Ser. No. 63/062,864 now PCT/US2021/036178. which is incorporated by reference herein.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.