US 5,630,256 A · Buffer clip

Abstract

A buffer clip for preventing the generation of an uncomfortable sound and wherein an impact force absorbing member does not separate from the clip due to vibration or the like. The buffer clip is inserted and fitted into a mounting hole formed in a concave portion vehicle roof trim near the free end of a sun visor and a clearance for allowing insertion of a user's hand is formed between the sun visor and an outer covering material of the roof trim of the vehicle interior. The force due to impact when the sun visor is raised is absorbed by a soft layer of the buffer clip. For this reason, the roof trim does not resonate and no uncomfortable sound is produced. Further, the soft layer is formed so as to cover a flange of the clip and a catch member of the soft layer engages a catch portion of the flange. Accordingly, there is no possibility that the soft layer can separate from the clip due to vibration or the like. Hollow portions formed in the soft layer allow the soft layer to easily bend and functions as a kind of air damper.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A buffer clip which is adapted to be mounted upon a body member so as to absorb impact forces and shocks which would otherwise be generated as a result of another member forcibly coming into contact with a body member, comprising:

leg means for insertion into a mounting hole formed within a body member and having means thereon for engaging a first surface of a body member;
a flange formed upon said leg means adapted to engage a second opposite surface of a body member such that said clip can be secured to a body member;
first engagement means defined upon said flange of said leg means;
a soft layer covering said flange of said leg means and being elastically deformable so as to absorb impact forces and shocks when another member, which would otherwise impact against a body member, impacts against said soft layer;
and
second engagement means defined upon said soft layer for engaging said first engagement means of said flange of said leg means such that said soft layer is mechanically secured upon said flange of said leg means.

3 more elements

In combination with an automotive vehicle panel wherein a sun visor is pivotably mounted within the interior of an automotive vehicle and with respect to said automotive vehicle panel, a buffer clip which is to be mounted upon said vehicle panel so as to absorb impact forces and shocks which would otherwise be generated as a result of a free end portion of said sun visor forcibly impacting against said vehicle panel, comprising:

leg means for insertion within a mounting hole defined within said vehicle panel and having means thereon for engaging a first surface of said vehicle panel;
a flange formed upon said leg means for engaging a second opposite surface of said vehicle panel such that said buffer clip is secured to said vehicle panel;
means covering said flange and being elastically deformable for absorbing impact forces and shocks when said sun visor, which would otherwise impact against said vehicle panel, impacts against said flange covering means;
first engagement means defined upon said flange;
and
second engagement means defined upon said flange covering means for engaging said first engagement means of said flange such that said flange covering means is mechanically secured upon said flange.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Buffer clip

Life of this patent

Buffer clip

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22