Integral tensioning member for variable sheetmetal thickness carrier attachment
AssigneeSika Technology AG
InventorsMichael C. Niezur, Robert B. Davis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A carrier for engaging a panel and a method of making a carrier for engaging a panel are disclosed. The carrier generally includes a base portion, an attachment member disposed on the base portion which is operable to engage a panel, and a springbar disposed on the base portion. The method generally includes forming a base portion, forming an attachment member, and forming a springbar on the base portion. The attachment member cooperates with the base portion to define a maximum panel thickness, and the springbar engages panels having a thickness less than or equal to the maximum panel thickness to provide tension between the base portion and a panel.
Claims23
A carrier for engaging panels of varying thicknesses, comprising:
- a base portion;
- at least one attachment member disposed on said base portion, said at least one attachment member configured to engage the panels, said at least one attachment member cooperating with said base portion to define a maximum thickness therebetween;
- and
- a tensioning member integrally molded with said base portion, said tensioning member configured to abut panels defining a thickness no greater than the maximum thickness to provide tension between said base portion and the panels.
A method of manufacturing a carrier for engaging panels of varying thicknesses, comprising:
- forming a base portion;
- forming at least one attachment member disposed on said base portion, said attachment member configured to engage the panels to define a maximum thickness between said base portion and said attachment member;
- and
- integrally forming a tensioning member with said base portion, said tensioning member configured to engage panels defining a thickness no greater than the maximum thickness to provide tension between said base portion and the panels.
A carrier for engaging panels of varying thicknesses, comprising:
- a base portion;
- a positive engagement feature disposed on said base portion, said positive engagement feature configured to engage the panels and define a maximum thickness between said base portion and the panels;
- and
- a tensioning member integrally molded with said base portion, said tensioning member configured to abut the panels and provide a tension between said base portion and the panels;
- wherein relative movement between the clip and the panel is generally prevented in a first direction by the tension, and in a second direction by said positive engagement feature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.