FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a fastener in a part of vehicle. The part
with fastener is fitted to another mating part of vehicle.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR ART
Plastic part of vehicle integrated with fastener is known to have
been available for snap fitting into holes of mating part of vehicle.
Some currently available fastener will be discussed hereinbelow:
According to known art as in fig. 1, plastic part of vehicle (A) is
integrated to two snap (1,2) facing each other, wherein both the
snaps are similar in construction. The part with fasteners (snap) is
used to snap fit into holes (H) of another plastic peirt of vehicle (B).
The snap (1,2) is a cantilever snap as shown. The parts (A and B)
get locked in normal direction at two locations.
However, the above is having disadvantage that, there is a
tendency in parts to rotate relative to each other after fitment as
both the snaps are flexible to move.
Another plastic part with fastener is known to have been provided
for which reference may be made to fig. 2, in which the part (A) is
integral to a cantilever snap (1) and locator (2) for snap fitting into
another plastic part (B) with holes (H).
In the above, locking takes place at one place in normal direction
i.e. at snap (1) giving rise to gap between two parts (A, B) on outer
side exposed to customer thereby affecting its aestheticness.
In order to overcome shortcomings of the above provisions, antirotation
rib can be additionally provided as illustrated in fig. 3,
wherein a cantilever snap (S) is integral to an extended arm (E) on
both sides with a rib (R) behind each of the arms (E) as indicated
in fig. 3A.
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Such structure can be provided in a pair at one end or both ends
of plastic part alone or in combination with snap/locator discussed
prior to that.
Two such structures can overcome the disadvantages of previous
two known arts, however it occupies more space because it is
elongated constituting a bulky structure. Its extra length increases
the overlap required for mating two parts which in turn means
more material and hence adds to cost.
In view of the above, it is required to develop a fastener which can
address the aforesaid issues.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Primary object of the present invention is to provide a fastener in a
part of vehicle which overcomes disadvantages associated with the
prior art.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fastener
in a part of vehicle which is compact.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fastener
in a part of vehicle which involves less tendency of relative rotation
between attached parts with no gap therebetween.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a fastener in a part of
vehicle comprising a longitudinal member constituting a cantilever
snap extended at one end in transverse direction, which is further
extended in longitudinal direction of the snap maintaining a gap
therebetween.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more
apparent from the ensuing description when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings of exemplary embodiments of
invention and wherein:
FIG. 1 shows: Conventional fastener of vehicle part;
FIG. 2 shows: Another conventional fastening
arrangement;
FIG.3 shows: Still another fastening means according to
prior art;
FIG. 3A shows: Enlarged view of fastener of fig.3;
FIG.4 shows: Fastener in a part of vehicle according to
present invention;
FIG,5 shows: Enlarged view of fastener in accordance
with present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE
TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The invention directing to a part with fastener of vehicle is
illustrated in fig.4. A part of vehicle (A) is connected to a fastener
(F), which can also be called a modified snap. Said fastener is
integral to the part (A) according to one embodiment of invention.
The part with fastener is snap fitted into the corresponding holes
(H) of another mating part (B) of vehicle as usual.
The invention focuses on new design of fastener in order to have
less tendency of relative rotation between the attached parts with
more secure locking therebetween in vertical direction.
The newly deviced fastener in a vehicle part is illustrated in fig.4.
Now referring to fig. 5 showing enlarged view of the fastener having
a longitudinal member comprising the cantilever snap (1) which is
together with anti-rotation rib (3) strengthened by means of a rib
(2).
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y The strengthening rib (2), cantilever snap (1) and anti-rotation rib
(3) are integral to each other constituting a fastener.
Thus the cantilever snap is extended at one end in transverse
direction (2) (width direction of snap) which is further extended in
longitudinal direction of snap (3) (length direction of snap)
maintaining a gap (4) from the snap (1). The snap and anti rotation
rib are positioned at two ends of strengthening rib facing each
other. Due to provision of gap the fastener is flexible to move
during fitment with another part, which makes the assembly easy.
Further, the fastener is more strengthened due to strengthening
rib. The modification serves dual purpose of strengthening and
anti-rotation rib.
The extended part of the snap in transverse direction (2)
constitutes strengthening rib and the extended part in longitudinal
direction (3) forms anti-rotation rib.
The fastener comprises a single structure, which is generally
provided in a pair with a part of vehicle (A) as in fig. 4, wherein one
fastener is mirror image of other i.e. both face each other.
The part (A) is for example scuff located on side sill of vehicle
without restricting scope of the invention to the same. Thus, the
part integrated with fastener can be any part of vehicle which is
required to be fitted with another part of vehicle.
The fastener in a vehicle part can be made of any polymer of
plastic, which can be manufactured by injection molding.
Thus, other materials and methods readily apparent to a person
skilled in the art are understood to be within preview of the
invention.
Advantages of invention over prior art
- Less tendency of relative rotation between attached parts;
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- More secure locking in vertical direction with no gap, thereby
enhancing aestheticness;
- Consumption of less material thereby saving cost.
It is to be noted that the present invention is susceptible to
modifications, adaptations and changes by those skilled in the art.
Such variant embodiments employing the concepts and features of
this invention are intended to be within the scope of the present
invention, which is further set forth under the following claims:-

WE CLAIM:
1. A fastener in a part of vehicle comprising a longitudinal
member constituting a cantilever snap extended at one end
in transverse direction, which is further extended in
longitudinal direction of the snap maintaining a gap
therebetween.
2. A fastener in a part of vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the extended part of said snap in transverse direction
comprises a strengthening rib.
3. A fastener in a part of vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2,
wherein the extended part in the longitudinal direction
comprises anti-rotation rib.
4. A fastener in a part of vehicle as claimed in any of the
preceding claims, wherein the cantilever snap and anti
rotation rib are located at two ends of the strengthening rib
facing each other with a gap therebetween that the fastener
is flexible to move during fitment with another mating part.
5. A fastener in a part of vehicle as claimed in any of the
preceding claims, wherein the fastener forms a single
structure, strengthening rib of which rests on a vehicle part.
6. A fastener in a part of vehicle as claimed in any of the
preceding claims, wherein the fastener can be integrally
provided with a vehicle part in a pair facing each other that
one is mirror image of another.
7. A fastener in a part of vehicle as claimed in any of the
preceding claims, wherein the fastener is preferably made of
material same as that of vehicle part.
8. A fastener in a part of vehicle as claimed in any of the
preceding claims, is associated with the advantageous
features such as herein described.
9. A fastener in a part of vehicle substantially as herein
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.