T-bayonet joint

The flange connector assembly of claim 2 wherein the T-shaped cross section connection portion has at least one ramped portion for assisting in locating during assembly.

A flange connector assembly for connecting trim pieces of a vehicle each having a longitudinal cavity comprising:

• A first male portion having an end attached to an end of a first trim portion and a second female connection portion attached to an end of a second trim part to be attached to the first trim part, said first male portion has a connection portion with a T-shaped cross section and the second female portion has a second connecting portion with a T-shaped cavity wherein the first male portion and the second female connecting portion fit to precisely engage each other and retain the trim portion to be attached, wherein the protruding T-shaped portion includes tuning surfaces and is capable of holding positioning up/down, inboard/outboard or twist fine tuning for providing alignment adjustment to the trim pieces, wherein said T-shaped cross section has a first leg and a second leg attached to said first leg offset along its length wherein said tuning surfaces include at least one longitudinally extending raised rib portion and said second leg includes at least one laterally extending tuning flange.

A process for providing assembly tuning of a flange connector fit comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a mold for making of a T-flange connector comprising a first male portion having an end attached to an end of a first trim portion and a second female connection portion attached to an end of a second trim part to be attached to the first trim part, said first male portion has a connection portion with a T-shaped cross section and the second female portion has a second connecting portion with a T-shaped cavity wherein the first male portion and the second female connecting portion fit to precisely engage each other and retain the trim portion to be attached wherein the male portion includes tuning flange surfaces which are capable of holding positioning up/down, inboard/outboard or twist fine tuning in a final assembly;
• and,
• b. fitting the T-bayonet into the female connection flange and correcting any necessary up/down, inboard/outboard or twist type fitting issues by adjusting the height of the tuning flange surfaces in the mold and remolding one or more of the male portion connectors for providing a precision fit to a final tuned connection.