This invention is directed to a snap. The snap can be employed for a lid without
restricting scope of the invention to the same.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR ART
Snap is very commonly known to be provided with various automobile parts
such as a lid, wherein the snap acts as a locking means.
A conventional snap as illustrated in fig 1 comprises a longitudinal
substantially flat member (1) with a triangular protruded part (2) at one end
thereof forming a single piece made of plastic.
It is generally provided with a lid for vehicle which is atleast one in number on
both sides of the lid as shown with a notch (3) along one side edge.
A patent US4186232 provides a self-supporting roof plate for motor vehicles
which consists essentially of a composite structure comprising a plate of rigid
thermoplastic material bonded to a layer of foamed plastic material having a
thermo-acoustical insulating function, and a layer of a plastic material. Said
multi-layer structure includes on opposite sides two hook-like or S-shaped
arcuate strips for the assemblage of the structure against the roof body of the
car. The rigid plate, forming the supporting means for the whole structure, is a
box-type of similar structure.
Practically the above discussed snap of both the prior arts is subjected to
variation in temperature, vibration, manufacturing tolerance of mating part
and lid. As a result the lid may come out of the mating part as the snap
restricts movement of the lid solely in vertical direction.
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Another known art directing to a snaping means is shown in fig 1A. This
snaping means consists of a disc mounted with multitude of snaps including
two hook type snaps (1) and two triangular snaps (2) placed diametrically
opposite to each other as shown. This is snap fitted with a mating part.
The above involves the following disadvantages:
- It can't be detached from mating part without damage to itself/mating
part thereby adding to maintenance cost.
- It is hard to assemble with mating part.
- Loose fitment with the mating part.
In view of the above, there is a requirement of a novel snap which can
effectively address the aforesaid issues.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to propose a snap which overcomes shortcomings
of prior art.
Another object of this invention is to propose a snap which restricts movement
of the lid both in horizontal and vertical direction.
Further object of this invention is to propose a snap which avoids damage
during maintenance.
Yet another- object of this invention is to propose a snap which provides
accurate fitment with the mating part.
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SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to this invention there is provided a snap comprising a vertical
member integrated to horizontal member constituting a single piece, locking
surface of which forms a substantially L-section, wherein one of the members
is integrally provided with a protruded part at one end thereof.
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 snap with lid.
Fig. 1A shows: Another snaping means known in the art.
Fig. 2 shows: Snap of present invention.
Fig. 3 shows: Snap of fig 2 integrated with a lid in accordance with present
invention.
Fig. 3A and
3B shows: Another embodiment of instant invention.
Fig. 4 shows: Assembly of snap of present invention with mating part.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE
ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
According to this invention, there is provided a snap including a vertical
member integrated to horizontal member constituting a single piece, looking
surface of which forms a substantially L-section, wherein one of the members
is integrally provided with a protruded part at one end thereof.
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In this regard reference may be made to fig. 2, wherein the protruded part (P)
forms a substantially trapezoidal section without restricting scope of the
invention to the same. The protruded part facilitates snapping in and out of the
mating part.
In accordance with one embodiment, the snap (I) of invention can be secured
to one side of a lid (L) as illustrated in fig. 3, wherein the snap is atleast one in
number. The locking surface of the snap directing away from said lid is
utilized for locking with the mating part.
Here the member (H) with the protruded part (P) is placed away from the lid
whereas the other member (V) is secured to the lid as shown.
The opposite side of the lid is provided with conventional snap (S) and having a.
notch (N) at an intermediate portion of edge thereof.
The lid side with snap (S) of present invention is used to be fitted with the
mating part followed by fitting of other side of lid with known snap. However
while detaching the lid from said mating part in a reverse manner steps are
undertaken.
The member (H) with protruded part and another member (V) restricts
movement of the lid in vertical and horizontal direction respectively.
The length of said member (H) and another member (V) can be as per
requirement i.e. assembly/locking with mating part. Various possibilities
include H>V, V>H, V=H.
According to another embodiment as in fig. 3A, the snap (I) is mounted on a
base (B), which can be subsequently attached to a lid.
The snap can be joined to the base by means of welding, pasting, insertion or
by any other method as illustrated in fig. 3B.
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According to yet another embodiment, the snap itself as a single piece can be
attached to the lid.
Further, reference may be made to fig 4 illustrating mating of snap (S') of
present invention with the mating part (M). As can be seen, the snap of lid is
subjected to various forces (F, Fi, F2) in different directions in case of vibration.
However, the construction of said snap is such that it offers resistance in
opposite direction at the points (Pi, P2, P3) as shown in fig 4.
The snap is preferably made of any polymer of plastic by injection molding.
However other materials and methods readily apparent to a person skilled in
the art are understood to be within the ambit of invention.
The snap of present invention can be conveniently disengaged without damage
to itself/mating part during maintenance. Further it provides accurate fitment
with the mating part.
The advantageous features of the invention can be briefly summarized
hereinunder:
- Facilitates disengagement without damage to itself/mating part during
maintenance.
- Accurate fitment with the mating part.
- Easy to assemble with mating part.
- Restricts movement of the lid both in horizontal as well as in vertical
direction.
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 snap comprising a vertical member integrated to horizontal member
constituting a single piece, locking surface of which forms a substantially
L-sectibn, wherein one of the members is integrally provided with a
protruded part at one end thereof.
2. A snap as claimed in claim 1 wherein the protruded part forms a
substantially trapezoidal section facilitating spapping in and out of the
mating part.
3. A snap as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the snap is secured to one side
of a lid, which is atleast one in number.
4. A snap as claimed in any of the proceeding claims wherein the locking
surface of the snap directs away from said lid, which is employed for
locking with the mating part.
5. A snap as claimed in any of the proceeding claims wherein the member
with the protruded part is placed away from the lid and the other
member is secured to the lid.
6. A snap as claimed in any of the proceeding claims wherein the opposite
side of the lid is provided with conventional snap and having a notch at
an intermediate portion of edge thereof.
7. A snap substantially as claimed in any of the proceeding claims wherein,
the snap is mounted on a base, which is attachable to the lid.
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8. A snap as claimed in any of the proceeding claims wherein the snap itself
can be attached to the lid.
9. A snap as claimed in any of the preceding claims is associated with the
advantageous features such as herein described.
10. A snap substantially as herein described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.