FIELD OF INVENTION
[001]The present subject matter described herein, relates to a vehicle construction and more particularly, relates to securing of a decorative or garnish component to a vehicle body.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] A spoiler is a decorative component for a vehicle body part designed to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle to which this part is attached. Spoilers are also used for aesthetic aspects of the vehicle. The rear spoiler is attached to the rear of the vehicle. It is therefore a body part located and attached between the roof and the rear window. The spoiler can be attached, for example, on the upper part of the tailgate, at the back of the vehicle just above the upper edge of the rear window.
[003] Existing designs for fixing of a spoiler onto a vehicle body includes a plastic nut which is fixed onto an outer panel of the vehicle body, and then a spoiler cap along with a screw is placed on the plastic nut. This plastic screw upon tightening pushes the walls of the plastic nut and in turn grips the outer panel for securing the spoiler. However, in this type of mounting concept a strength of the plastic nut is crucial as it can sustain torque up to a certain level. During endurance running there exists a scenario where due to high stress the plastic nut gets wear off and spoiler gets lifted, which is undesirable. Further, the conventional plastic nut is not useful in case of blow molded spoiler where there is no hole for the tooling accessibility in an inner panel of the vehicle body.
[004] German Patent publication DE102009054246A1 provides - The arrangement has a fastening element (1), which is arranged at center of a tube element such that a disk-shaped lower area (1.1) of the fastening element is arranged at an end of the tube element and a blade-screw-shaped upper area (1.2) of the fastening element is arranged at the opposite end of the tube element. The

fastening part is plugged with the tube element in a component such that the disk-shaped lower area lies at a surface side of the component and the blade-screw-shaped upper area lies at the opposite surface side of the component. An independent claim is also included for a method for fastening multiple components at fastening point, particularly vehicle body.
[005] However, the components, assembly, shape, and location of the parts mentioned in the prior art is not similar to the present disclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a fastening assembly for securing a decorative component to a vehicle body.
[007] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently designed fastening assembly that is distinct from all conventional designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] The present invention relates to a fastening assembly for securing a decorative component to a vehicle body. The fastening assembly includes a bolt; a spoiler cap configured to be received by the bolt, the spoiler cap being coupled to the decorative component; a washer configured to be received by the bolt subsequent to receiving the spoiler cap; a nut configured to be received by the bolt subsequent to receiving the washer; and a spring interposed between the washer and the nut, wherein, the nut is received by a recess on an outer panel of the vehicle body upon pressing of the bolt against a compression of the spring, and the nut is secured about the recess upon rotation of the bolt and successive releasing of the bolt against an expansion of the spring.
[009] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates a back door of a vehicle body;
[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a fastening assembly for securing a decorative component to the vehicle body of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Fig. 3 a illustrates an assembled view of the fastening assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Fig. 3b illustrates a view of the fastening assembly;
[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates different views of a nut of the fastening assembly;
[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates different views of an outer panel of the vehicle body of Fig. 1;
[0017] Fig. 6a and 6b illustrates plan and elevation views of the fastening assembly; and
[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates a view of the back door of the vehicle body with the decorative component secured to the vehicle body through the fastening assembly.
[0019] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and

methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0020] The present disclosure presents embodiments for a fastening assembly for securing a decorative component to a vehicle body. The fastening assembly includes a bolt; a spoiler cap configured to be received by the bolt, the spoiler cap being coupled to the decorative component; a washer configured to be received by the bolt subsequent to receiving the spoiler cap; a nut configured to be received by the bolt subsequent to receiving the washer; and a spring interposed between the washer and the nut, wherein, the nut is received by a recess on an outer panel of the vehicle body upon pressing of the bolt against a compression of the spring, and the nut is secured about the recess upon rotation of the bolt and successive releasing of the bolt against an expansion of the spring.
[0021] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.

[0022] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a back door of a vehicle body 90. In an example, the back door of the vehicle body 90 is configured to receive a decorative component 702 (See Fig. 7). In an example, the decorative component 702 is a spoiler.
[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a fastening assembly 100 for securing the decorative component 702 to the vehicle body 90 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the fastening assembly 100 includes a bolt 102; a spoiler cap 104 configured to be received by the bolt 102, the spoiler cap 104 being coupled to the decorative component 702; a washer 106 configured to be received by the bolt 102 subsequent to receiving the spoiler cap 104; a nut 108 configured to be received by the bolt 102 subsequent to receiving the washer 106; and a spring 110 interposed between the washer 106 and the nut 108.
[0025] Fig. 3a illustrates an assembled view of the fastening assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3b illustrates a view of the fastening assembly, wherein the nut 108 is secured to an outer panel 502 (See Fig. 5) of the vehicle body 90 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates different views of the nut 108 of the fastening assembly 100. In an example, the nut 108 may be a star nut, wing nut, lug nut, or the like. In an embodiment, the nut 108 defines a cross like shape having trapezoidal head and tail 112, and lug arms 114.
[0027] Fig. 5 illustrates different views of the outer panel 502. In an embodiment, the outer panel 502 includes a recess 504 having a shape substantially similar to

the nut 108. Further, the outer panel 502 defines a plurality of stepped portions 506 adjacent to the recess 504. In an embodiment, the nut 108 of the fastening assembly 100 is received by the recess 504 on the outer panel 502 of the vehicle body 90 upon pressing of the bolt 102 against a compression of the spring 110. Upon pressing of the bolt 102, the nut 108 penetrates through the recess 504 such that a thickness of the nut 108 moves beyond a depth of a step of the plurality of stepped portions 506.
[0028] Further, the nut 108 is secured about the recess 504 upon rotation of the bolt 102 and successive releasing of the bolt 102 against an expansion of the spring 110. In an example, the plurality of stepped portions 506 are configured to receive the nut 108 after rotation of the bolt 102 and successive releasing of the bolt 102 against an expansion of the spring 110. Further, subsequent to receiving, the plurality of stepped portions 506 restrict a rotation of the nut 108 by arresting a movement of the trapezoidal head and tail 112, and the lug arms 114. In an example, the restriction in rotation of the nut 108 is due to interference between the thickness of the nut 108 and the depth of the step of the plurality of stepped portions 506.
[0029] Fig. 6a illustrates a plan and elevation of the fastening assembly 100, wherein the bolt 102 is pressed against the compression of the spring 110, and the nut 108 penetrates through the recess 504 of the outer panel 502. Fig. 6b illustrates a plan and elevation of the fastening assembly 100, wherein the bolt 102 is rotated and released against the expansion of the spring 110, such that the nut 108 is secured about the recess 504. In an embodiment, the rotation of the bolt 102 is 90 Degree clockwise or counterclockwise. Alternatively, the rotation of the bolt 102 may be in a range of 1-179 Degree clockwise or counterclockwise.
[0030] Fig. 7 illustrates a view of the back door of the vehicle body 90, wherein the decorative component 702 is secured to the vehicle body 90 through the fastening assembly 100. The fastening assembly 100 has eliminated the use of plastic nut and screw of the conventional art and replaced it with the nut 108 and the bolt 102 which is loaded with the spring 110. Further, the fastening assembly

100 eliminates the torque loss issue as well as part wear off which would affect the spoiler 702 fitment on the outer panel 502. Further, the fastening assembly 100 is useful for mounting the spoiler 702, wherein there is no hole for tooling accessibility from an inner panel of the back door, as against the conventional art.
[0031] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

We claim:
A fastening assembly (100) for securing a decorative component (702) to a vehicle body (90), the fastening assembly (100) comprising:
a bolt (102);
a spoiler cap (104) configured to be received by the bolt (102), the spoiler cap (104) being coupled to the decorative component (702);
a washer (106) configured to be received by the bolt (102) subsequent to receiving the spoiler cap (104);
a nut (108) configured to be received by the bolt (102) subsequent to receiving the washer (106); and
a spring (110) interposed between the washer (106) and the nut (108),
wherein, the nut (108) is received by a recess (504) on an outer panel (502) of the vehicle body (90) upon pressing of the bolt (102) against a compression of the spring (110), and the nut (108) is secured about the recess (504) upon rotation of the bolt (102) and successive releasing of the bolt (102) against an expansion of the spring (110).
2. The fastening assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nut (108) defines a cross like shape having trapezoidal head and tail (112), and lug arms (114).
3. The fastening assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the recess (504) includes a shape substantially similar to the nut (108).
4. The fastening assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the outer panel (502) defines a plurality of stepped portions (506) adjacent to the recess (504), the plurality of stepped portions (506) configured to receive the nut (108) after rotation of the bolt (102) and successive releasing of the bolt (102) against an expansion of the spring (110).
5. The fastening assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein subsequent to receiving, the plurality of stepped portions (506) restrict a rotation of the nut (108) by arresting a movement of the trapezoidal head and tail (112), and the lug arms (114).
6. The fastening assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotation of the bolt (102) is in a range of 1–179 Degree clockwise or counterclockwise.
7. The fastening assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rotation of the bolt (102) is 90 Degree clockwise or counterclockwise.
8. The fastening assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bolt (108) as received in the plurality of stepped portions (506), is unfastened based upon pressing of the bolt (102) against a compression of the spring (110), rotating the bolt (102) in succession to the pressing, and successively removing the nut (108) from the recess (504) against an expansion of the spring (110).
, Description:A FASTENING ASSEMBLY FOR SECURING A DECORATIVE COMPONENT TO A VEHICLE BODY
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a vehicle construction and more particularly, relates to securing of a decorative or garnish component to a vehicle body.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] A spoiler is a decorative component for a vehicle body part designed to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle to which this part is attached. Spoilers are also used for aesthetic aspects of the vehicle. The rear spoiler is attached to the rear of the vehicle. It is therefore a body part located and attached between the roof and the rear window. The spoiler can be attached, for example, on the upper part of the tailgate, at the back of the vehicle just above the upper edge of the rear window.
[003] Existing designs for fixing of a spoiler onto a vehicle body includes a plastic nut which is fixed onto an outer panel of the vehicle body, and then a spoiler cap along with a screw is placed on the plastic nut. This plastic screw upon tightening pushes the walls of the plastic nut and in turn grips the outer panel for securing the spoiler. However, in this type of mounting concept a strength of the plastic nut is crucial as it can sustain torque up to a certain level. During endurance running there exists a scenario where due to high stress the plastic nut gets wear off and spoiler gets lifted, which is undesirable. Further, the conventional plastic nut is not useful in case of blow molded spoiler where there is no hole for the tooling accessibility in an inner panel of the vehicle body.
[004] German Patent publication DE102009054246A1 provides - The arrangement has a fastening element (1), which is arranged at center of a tube element such that a disk-shaped lower area (1.1) of the fastening element is arranged at an end of the tube element and a blade-screw-shaped upper area (1.2) of the fastening element is arranged at the opposite end of the tube element. The fastening part is plugged with the tube element in a component such that the disk-shaped lower area lies at a surface side of the component and the blade-screw-shaped upper area lies at the opposite surface side of the component. An independent claim is also included for a method for fastening multiple components at fastening point, particularly vehicle body.
[005] However, the components, assembly, shape, and location of the parts mentioned in the prior art is not similar to the present disclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a fastening assembly for securing a decorative component to a vehicle body.
[007] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently designed fastening assembly that is distinct from all conventional designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] The present invention relates to a fastening assembly for securing a decorative component to a vehicle body. The fastening assembly includes a bolt; a spoiler cap configured to be received by the bolt, the spoiler cap being coupled to the decorative component; a washer configured to be received by the bolt subsequent to receiving the spoiler cap; a nut configured to be received by the bolt subsequent to receiving the washer; and a spring interposed between the washer and the nut, wherein, the nut is received by a recess on an outer panel of the vehicle body upon pressing of the bolt against a compression of the spring, and the nut is secured about the recess upon rotation of the bolt and successive releasing of the bolt against an expansion of the spring.
[009] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates a back door of a vehicle body;
[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a fastening assembly for securing a decorative component to the vehicle body of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Fig. 3a illustrates an assembled view of the fastening assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Fig. 3b illustrates a view of the fastening assembly;
[0015] Fig. 4 illustrates different views of a nut of the fastening assembly;
[0016] Fig. 5 illustrates different views of an outer panel of the vehicle body of Fig. 1;
[0017] Fig. 6a and 6b illustrates plan and elevation views of the fastening assembly; and
[0018] Fig. 7 illustrates a view of the back door of the vehicle body with the decorative component secured to the vehicle body through the fastening assembly.
[0019] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0020] The present disclosure presents embodiments for a fastening assembly for securing a decorative component to a vehicle body. The fastening assembly includes a bolt; a spoiler cap configured to be received by the bolt, the spoiler cap being coupled to the decorative component; a washer configured to be received by the bolt subsequent to receiving the spoiler cap; a nut configured to be received by the bolt subsequent to receiving the washer; and a spring interposed between the washer and the nut, wherein, the nut is received by a recess on an outer panel of the vehicle body upon pressing of the bolt against a compression of the spring, and the nut is secured about the recess upon rotation of the bolt and successive releasing of the bolt against an expansion of the spring.
[0021] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0022] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a back door of a vehicle body 90. In an example, the back door of the vehicle body 90 is configured to receive a decorative component 702 (See Fig. 7). In an example, the decorative component 702 is a spoiler.
[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a fastening assembly 100 for securing the decorative component 702 to the vehicle body 90 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the fastening assembly 100 includes a bolt 102; a spoiler cap 104 configured to be received by the bolt 102, the spoiler cap 104 being coupled to the decorative component 702; a washer 106 configured to be received by the bolt 102 subsequent to receiving the spoiler cap 104; a nut 108 configured to be received by the bolt 102 subsequent to receiving the washer 106; and a spring 110 interposed between the washer 106 and the nut 108.
[0025] Fig. 3a illustrates an assembled view of the fastening assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3b illustrates a view of the fastening assembly, wherein the nut 108 is secured to an outer panel 502 (See Fig. 5) of the vehicle body 90 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates different views of the nut 108 of the fastening assembly 100. In an example, the nut 108 may be a star nut, wing nut, lug nut, or the like. In an embodiment, the nut 108 defines a cross like shape having trapezoidal head and tail 112, and lug arms 114.
[0027] Fig. 5 illustrates different views of the outer panel 502. In an embodiment, the outer panel 502 includes a recess 504 having a shape substantially similar to the nut 108. Further, the outer panel 502 defines a plurality of stepped portions 506 adjacent to the recess 504. In an embodiment, the nut 108 of the fastening assembly 100 is received by the recess 504 on the outer panel 502 of the vehicle body 90 upon pressing of the bolt 102 against a compression of the spring 110. Upon pressing of the bolt 102, the nut 108 penetrates through the recess 504 such that a thickness of the nut 108 moves beyond a depth of a step of the plurality of stepped portions 506.
[0028] Further, the nut 108 is secured about the recess 504 upon rotation of the bolt 102 and successive releasing of the bolt 102 against an expansion of the spring 110. In an example, the plurality of stepped portions 506 are configured to receive the nut 108 after rotation of the bolt 102 and successive releasing of the bolt 102 against an expansion of the spring 110. Further, subsequent to receiving, the plurality of stepped portions 506 restrict a rotation of the nut 108 by arresting a movement of the trapezoidal head and tail 112, and the lug arms 114. In an example, the restriction in rotation of the nut 108 is due to interference between the thickness of the nut 108 and the depth of the step of the plurality of stepped portions 506.
[0029] Fig. 6a illustrates a plan and elevation of the fastening assembly 100, wherein the bolt 102 is pressed against the compression of the spring 110, and the nut 108 penetrates through the recess 504 of the outer panel 502. Fig. 6b illustrates a plan and elevation of the fastening assembly 100, wherein the bolt 102 is rotated and released against the expansion of the spring 110, such that the nut 108 is secured about the recess 504. In an embodiment, the rotation of the bolt 102 is 90 Degree clockwise or counterclockwise. Alternatively, the rotation of the bolt 102 may be in a range of 1–179 Degree clockwise or counterclockwise.
[0030] Fig. 7 illustrates a view of the back door of the vehicle body 90, wherein the decorative component 702 is secured to the vehicle body 90 through the fastening assembly 100. The fastening assembly 100 has eliminated the use of plastic nut and screw of the conventional art and replaced it with the nut 108 and the bolt 102 which is loaded with the spring 110. Further, the fastening assembly 100 eliminates the torque loss issue as well as part wear off which would affect the spoiler 702 fitment on the outer panel 502. Further, the fastening assembly 100 is useful for mounting the spoiler 702, wherein there is no hole for tooling accessibility from an inner panel of the back door, as against the conventional art.
[0031] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.