W-base retainer
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorsDerek Scroggie, Robert Osterland
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A w-base retainer that may be used in many applications, including numerous applications throughout the automotive industry, includes two-stage double-snap-over w-base features with opposite w-base features for assembling moldings to a sheet metal or substrate panel. The w-base retainer will improve the ease of assembly of parts, provide a proper fit, and provide a functional retention of moldings to structural panels. The w-base retainer may be used on, for example, automotive body side moldings, including, for example, doors, pillars, green house moldings and other moldings.
Claims20
A w-base retainer comprising:
- a retainer base defining a first side and a second side;
- at least two w-base features, each w-base feature extending outwardly from the first side of the retainer base, each w-base feature including wings that further define a groove formed in each wing, the at least two w-base features are joined by a support rib and spaced apart across a first surface of the first side;
- and
- a third w-base feature extending outwardly from the second side of the retainer base, the third w-base feature defining a post and flexible members extending outwardly from the post.
A w-base retainer comprising:
- a retainer base defining a first side and a second side;
- the first side further defining a first surface;
- a first w-base feature and a second w-base feature spaced apart across on and extending outwardly from the first surface of the retainer base, the first and second w-base features each include flexible members that further define a groove and an angled surface;
- at least one support rib joining and supporting the first and second w-base features;
- wherein the at least one support rib has cross supports configured to secure the support rib in position;
- and
- a third w-base feature extending outwardly from the second side of the retainer base, the third w-base feature defining a post and flexible members joined at a common end and extending outwardly from the post.
A w-base retainer mountable to a molding and a panel, wherein the molding defines molding flanges and the panel includes a hole, comprising:
- a retainer base defining a first side and a second side;
- the first side further defining a first surface;
- a first w-base feature and a second w-base feature joined by support rib and spaced apart across on and extending outwardly from the first surface of the retainer base and mountable to the molding, the first and second w-base features each include flexible members that further define a groove and an inclined surface;
- and
- a third w-base feature extending outwardly from the second side of the retainer base, the second w-base feature defining a post and flexible members joined at a common end and extending outwardly from the post, the flexible members mountable to the hole in the panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.