I FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a lining used for mounting on a mating part of
vehicle. This invention in particular relates to a wheel housing lining for
bumper of vehicle.
PRIOR ART
Wheel house lining constituting a plastic part fitted in the under body of
vehicle. This prevents waterlmud splashed onto the under body from getting
into the crevices between bumper (frontlrear) and combination lamp
(frontlrear), which subsequently trickle down the outer surface of the body
part such as bumper.
Wheel house lining is normally mounted on the under body and bumper
(front/ rear) of vehicle.
A wheel house lining known in the art is as shown in the fig. l(a), in which the
lining (1) is mounted on the bumper (2) and also on the under body of vehicle
with the help of mountings (MI and M2) respectively.
Now, referring to fig. l(b) and (1C) indicating sectional view (SI-SI) and (S2-S2)
of fig. l(a) respectively, wherein while fastening the wheel house lining on the
bumper flange using a clip, the lining (1) is required to be sandwiched between
the clip (3) and bumper flange (2) for ensuring proper assembly, failing which
the resin clip may push the wheel housing lining instead of fastening i.e. in
case the bumper is sandwiched between lining and clip.
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However, the above provision deteriorates aesthetics due to appearance of the
lining particularly when the colour of the bumper is any other colour than that
of the wheel housing lining (which is generally black in colour).
The mounting of the lining on the bumper fastens the lining in the required
position at the mounting area (local area). However, weak connection of the
mounting area with the rest part of the lining makes the lining susceptible to
vibration. The lining might rattle when the vehicle is in motion causing noise.
Again, as the bearing area (mounting area) is not adequately reinforced, it is
more susceptible to damage during impact or due to fatigue.
Another art is known to have been provided as shown iri fig. 2, wherein the
lining (1) is only mounted onto the underbody with no mounting on the
bumper in order to avoid deterioration of aesthetics. In this, location of the
lining with respect to the bumper is similar to section S1-S1 in fig. 1 (b) in
wheel housing area. However, due to absence of mounting on the bumper, the
wheel house lining is prone to vibration during movement of vehicle. This is
due to flexible nature of the lining, which may flutter against the bumper
creating noise.Further, absence of mounting in bumper flange area leads to
deteriorated overall rigidity of the lining.
Another art is shown in fig. 3, wherein a speed nut (N) is used to fasten lining
(1) with bumper (2)/mud flap (3) by means of a screw (S). However, the
disadvantage associated with this is that, it is expensive and involves time
consuming assembly.
Hence, the present invention has been proposed so as to address the aforesaid
shortcomings.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Primary object of the present invention is to provide a lining used for mounting
on a mating part of vehicle which overcomes disadvantages associated with the
prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a lining used for mounting
on a mating part of vehicle which is simple in construction.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lining used for
mounting on a mating part of vehicle which is efficient and reliable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a lining used for mounting on a
mating part of vehicle comprising a lining member integrally provided with a
mounting structure around the mounting area for assembling the lining with
the mating part of vehicle at the mounting area.
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 and wherein:
Fig. la shows: conventional wheel house lining and mounting thereof.
Fig. 1 b shows: sectional view (S1-S2) of fig. 1 (a).
Fig. lc shows: sectional view (Sz-S2) of fig. 1 (a).
Fig. 2 shows: a wheel housing lining and its mounting according to prior art.
Fig. 3 shows: assembly of wheel housing lining in accordance with prior art.
Fig. 4 shows: mounting of wheel housing lining on bumper according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 shows: sectional view (S3-S3) of Fig 4.
Fig. 6 shows: sectional view (S4-S4) of fig. Fig 4.
Fig. 7 shows: clip direction and location of finger during assembly.
Fig. 8 shows: open box structure of lining mounted on the vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE
ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The present invention is directed to a lining member integrated with a
mounting structure wherein the mounting structure is used for mounting of a
resin part on another resin part using a fastener such as clip, screw. Reference
may be made to fig. 4, wherein the wheel housing lining (1) is mounted on the
under body by means of a plurality of mountings (M). Further, the wheel
housing lining (1) is mounted on bumper (2) with the help of atleast one
mounting (M') as shown. Thus, the wheel housing lining is connected to under
body as well as to bumper wheel arch flange so as to secure the lining rigidly in
the desired position.
The mounting of the lining on bumper flange is such that, the lining remains
behind the bumper in order to meet the appearance requirement i.e. to avoid
deterioration of aesthetics of vehicle.
Now, reference may be made to fig. 5,in which the lining 1 is positioned behind
the bumper (2). The connection between the lining and bumper is established
by means of a clip (3).
The assembly constraint of the resin clip pushing the lining is overcome by
providing a novel profile of the lining according to the present invention
through the open box type section/U section, the lining can be secured against
the bumper to ensure proper assembly.
Now, reference may be made to fig. 6, in which the lining (1) comprises a lining
member with a mounting structure around the mounting area for assembling
lining on the bumper (2) at the mounting area as shown. The structure
constituting an open box type structure (C) having open sides.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the top wall
(T) of the structure (C) around the mounting area can be provided with an
opening.
This facilitates manufacturing of tool for fabrication of the lining and also saves
material required for the same.
While fitting the lining on the bumper, the operator requires to hold the clip
bearing surface in the wheel housing lining against the bumper flange so as to
ensure proper mounting. The same can be observed from fig. 7 indicating clip
assembly direction (D) and location of finger (F) for holding the parts together
during assembly. Referring to fig. 8 showing open box structure of the
invention for access of hand so as to hold the bumper and lining surfaces
together.
The mounting bearing surface is well connected to the lining, thereby
preventing vibration and rattling.
As shown in the figure 5, the fastener bearing surface on the wheel housing
lining is hidden away from the customer's view (S3-S3) serving the purpose, for
which the invention has been designed. Further, it is rigid, therefore less prone
to damage due to fatigue and impact.
The wheel housing lining does not rattle while the vehicle is in motion.
The lining is preferably made of plastic. It can be manufactured by the method
of injection molding. Thus, other materials and methods readily apparent to a
person skilled in the art are understood to be within scope of the invention.
Advantageous Features
- Enhancement in aesthetics.
- Avoids rattling/ vibration.
- Rigid mounting of lining, therefore less susceptible to damage.
The application of the instant invention is not restricted to bumper. The same
can be used for mounting any other parts of automobile.
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 lining used for mounting on a mating part of vehicle comprising a
lining member integrally provided with a mounting structure around the
mounting area for assembling the lining with the mating part of vehicle
at the mounting area.
2. A lining used for mounting on a mating part of vehicle as claimed in
claim 1, wherein said mounting structure constituting an open box type
structure with side openings.
3. A lining used for mounting on a mating part of vehicle as claimed in
claim 1 or 2, wherein the lining is assembled with a mating part such
as bumper by means of a fastener such as clip, screw.
4. A lining used for mounting on a mating part of vehicle as claimed in
claim 3, wherein the lining is placed behind the bumper.
5. A lining used for mounting on a mating part of vehicle as claimed in any
of the preceding claims, wherein the top wall of the box type structure
around the mounting area can be provided with an opening.
6. A lining used for mounting on a mating part of vehicle as claimed in any
of the preceding claims, is associated with the advantageous features
such as herein described.
7. A lining used for mounting on a mating part of vehicle substantially as
herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated 3 1 St day of January, C\ 2014
OF L.S.DAVAR & CO.,
APPLICANTS AGENT