FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a novel U-nut structure to fasten mating part of
vehicle. This is used to fasten a panel (mating part) which could have very
small thickness, even to the order of 0. lmm by means of screw.
BACKGROUND1 PRIOR ART
In automobile, two panels to be joined together usually include a sheet of
metal/plastic panel. Some U-screw nut structures are known to have been
provided in the art as fastening means. The same is discussed hereinbelow:-
A known art provides a U-shaped screw nut structure for a vehicle bumper. A
first open pore with screw threads is arranged in the center of an upper portion
of a screw nut. One side of the upper portion of the screw nut is provided with
a connecting portion between the screw nut and a lower cover plate of a
bumper assembly. The screw nut is integrated on the lower cover plate of the
bumper assembly through the connecting portion, and the lower cover plate of
the bumper assembly is provided with a second open pore corresponding to the
first open pore in position.
However, it can't fasten a mating part of 0.1 mm thickness.
US3999583:- It discloses a one-piece plastic U-nut for retention on the edge of
an apertured panel.
Another prior art constituting a fastener for securing primary and secondary
panels together comprises a molded plastic one-piece U-nut and a molded
plastic screw. The nut comprises two plates, each having a plate hole
therethrough, which face each other with their plate holes in registry and
which are integrally and resiliently interconnected along one edge in spaced
apart relationship. One plate supports on its outer side an integrally formed
nut shank having an internally threaded bore in registry with the plate holes.
The other plate supports on its innerside an integrally formed annular shaped
sloped lock tab which surrounds its associated plate hole and holds the nut in
place on the primary panel.
Still another prior art comprises a U- 'nut fastener assembly including a U- nut
fastener including a first arm member, a second arm member formed unitarily
with the first arm member. A bite portion formed unitarily between the first
and second arm portions such that the first arm member, the second arm
member, and the bite portion are oriented to form a substantially U-shape. The
nut includes -a single helical thread having a proximal end and a distal end
that are separated by a longitudinal gap. The U-nut assembly also includes a
I fastener device adapted to be received within the U-nut fastener.
A U-nut is available in the marketwhich can be frictionally mounted to a panel
by the frictional engagement of first and third legs with the panel. The third leg
is resiliently connected to a second leg that is in turn connected to the first leg.
A threaded barrel on the third leg receives a fastener to connect two panels
together.
In all of the above four known arts, U-nut is provided with screw maintaining a
gap between the outer lower surface of the nut and screw head for
accommodating another panel so as to keep all components in position.
Further, it can't fasten a thinner mating part having thickness of 0.1 mm.
Hence, the present invention proposes a novel U-nut structure to fasten mating
part of vehicle.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel U-nut structure to
fasten mating part of vehicle which overcomes disadvantages associated with
the prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel U-nut structure to
fasten mating part of vehicle which is efficient and reliable.
Further object of the present invention is to provide a novel U-nut structure to
fasten mating part of vehicle which can fasten a panel of the order of 0.1 mm
thickness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a novel U-nut structure to fasten
mating part of vehicle comprising of a U-shaped screw nut, which comprises a
lower member with a hole and a upper member with a corresponding hole
together with a connecting part therebetween, in which a sleeve is provided on
the periphery of each hole so as to fasten a panel by means of a screw.
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. 1 shows: an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2shows: assembly of panel (mating part) with screw nut structure of
present invention.
Fig. 3 shows: front view of the present invention.
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DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE
ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
The present invention discloses a novel U-nut structure to fasten mating part
of vehicle. This is used to fasten a panel (mating part) which could have vcry
small thickness, even to the order of 0. lmm by means of screw.
Now, reference may be made to fig. 1, in which the U-screw nut structure
comprising of a U shaped screw nut. The screw nut comprising of a lower
member (1) and a upper member (2) with a connecting part (3) therebewteen
provided integrally. The lower member is provided with a hole and the upper
member is provided with a corresponding hole so as to house the shank of
screw. The hole in the upper member may be threaded for tight grip while
holding screw therein. .
The inner surface of the lower member (1) supports a sleeve (4). Further,
another sleeve (7) is provided on the top surface of said upper member (2).
Each sleeve (4, 7) is mounted on the periphery of respective hole as shown in
figure 1. The hole with respective sleeve (4, 7) constitutes boss.
The lower member, connecting part and upper member form U-shaped screw
nut, which can be integrally provided.with a molded part (P) as shown in fig. 1.
There is longitudinal gap between ends of upper and lower member. Said
molded part is preferably made of resin of required stiffness.
One side surface of the boss (4) is in contact with inner surface of the lower
member (1) by means of a guide (5). The provision of said guide facilitates
insertion of mating part such as fender without restricting scope of the
invention to the same.
The upper member (2) is provided in connection with the connecting part (3) by
means of a transitional surface (T) to avoid development of stress and a
member (8). Other end of said upper member (2) Is also provided in connection
with a transitional surface (T) so as to form a flange (6) at the end.
All the parts (1-8, T, P) of said screw nut structure discussed hereinabove are
integrally provided constituting a single entity. Both the sleeves are provided to
accommodate and align shank of the screw therethrough.
The gap between the upper surface of the lower sleeve (4) and inner surface of
upper member (2) is to the order of 3mm so as to facilitate manufacturing of
the structure by injection molding. Similarly, the distance between thc inner
surface of the flange and member (6, 8) and inner surface of lower member (1)
is also maintained to the order of 3 mm for the same reason. The lower surface
of the flange (6) and member (8) is disposed at the same level.
The gap between the top surface of sleeve (4) and lower surface of the flange
and member (6, 8) is equal to the thickness of the mating part (M) so as to
fasten the mating part tightly.
The mating part can be of any material such as sheet metal, plastic. The screw
nut structure is preferably made of resin of required stiffness.
Said structure can be manufactured by the method of injection molding.
The mating part (M) is inserted through the opening of the screw nut as shown
in fig. 2 followed by fastening with a self tapping screw (S). The head of the
screw remains in contact with the outer surface of the lower member.
After the assembly, said mating part (M) remains in contact with inner surface
of the flange, upper surface of the' lower sleeve and inner surface of the
memberas shown in fig. 3.
Advantageous Features
- Fastens panel (mating part) which could have very small thickness, even
to the order of 0. Imm by means of screw.
- Cost effective.
- Easy assembly.
- Less time consuming assembly.
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: -

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WE CLAIM:
1. A novel U-nut structure to fasten
U-shaped screw nut, which comprises a lower member with a hole and a
upper member with a corresponding hole together with a connecting part
therebetween, in which a sleeve is provided on the periphery of each hole
so as to fasten a panel by means of a screw.
2. A novel U-nut structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve is
provided on the inner and outer surface of the lower and upper member
respectively to accommodate and align shank of the screw therethrough.
3. A novel U-nut structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein one side of
the lower sleeve is provided in connection with the inner surface of the
lower member by means of a guide facing outward, which facilitates
insertion of the panel (mating part).
4. A novel U-nut structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims,
wherein the upper member is provided in connection with the connecting
part at one end by means of a transitional surface to avoid development
of stress and a member.
5. A novel U-nut structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein other end of said
upper member is provided in connection with a transitional surface so as
to form a flange at the end.
6. A novel U-nut structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims,
wherein the longitudinal gap between the upper surface of the lower
sleeve and inner surface of upper member and the distance between the
upper surface of the flange and member and inner surface of lower
member is sufficient enough to facilitate manufacturing of the screw nut
structure.
7. A novel U-nut structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims,
wherein the gap between the top surface of lower sleeve and lower
surface of the flange and memb.er is equal to the thickness of the mating
part so as to fasten the mating part tightly.
8. A novel U-nut structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims,
wherein all the components are provided integrally so as to constitute a
single entity.
9. A novel U-nut structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims,
wherein the U-shaped screw nut can be integrally provided with a
molded part.
10. A novel U-nut structure as claimed in any of the preceding claims,
wherein the inner surface of said upper hole may be threaded and theUnut
structure is associated .with the advantageous features such as
herein described.
Dated w (SOMA RANI MISHRA)
QF L.S.DAVAR & CO.,
APPLICANTS AGENT