Claims:1. A structure (200) for mounting of a trim tail end (100) with a back panel (301) of a vehicle, comprising:
a frame (204) integrated parallel with a horizontal face of the trim tail end (100);
a guiding arm (202) formed integrally at an end of the frame (204);
a hook structure (203) provided alongside the guiding arm (202) on the frame (204); and
a locator member (205) formed integrally on the frame (204) and present on an opposite end to the guiding arm (202),
wherein the back panel (301) has a slot portion (302) to receive the guiding arm (202) projecting outwards from the frame (204), the guiding arm (202) being configured to be inserted from above in the slot portion (302) for engagement between the hook structure (203) and the back panel (301).
2. The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hook structure (203) has a two-step structure projecting towards the frame (204) and connecting an upper portion (203a) of the two-step structure with inner surface of the back panel (301) post disposition in the slot portion (302).
3. The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guiding arm (202) is positioned in transverse direction within the slot portion (302) supporting connection of the hook structure (203) with inner surface of the back panel (301) post disposition in the slot portion (302).
4. The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locator member (205) is disposed within the slot portion (302) in parallel and opposite end to the hook structure (203).
5. The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guiding arm (202) is shaped in a conical form with a tip forming outwardly away from the frame (204).
6. The structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (204) rests on the upper surface of the back panel (301) and adjacent to the slot portion (302).
7. The mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locator member (205) is in engagement with the slot portion (302) longitudinally post disposition.
8. The mounting structure (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame (204) is integrated with a doghouse (201) formed on an inner surface of the horizontal face of the trim tail end (100).

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein relates to a trim tail end of a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mounting structure of the trim tail end on a back panel of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, development has been under way for techniques increasing the overall rigidity of the vehicle body. In order to increase the rigidity and operational ease in the back panel of the vehicle, several adaptations in the arrangements are performed. The back panel forms rear wall of the vehicle and a trim tail end structure is mounted on the back panel. The mounted trim tail end improves the appearance and prevents damage to items loaded in a luggage compartment.
[0003] In a conventional state of art prevailing in the industry, the trim tail end is mounted on the back panel using a flower clip resembling structure. In such known arrangements, the mounting structure includes a hook and various snaps connected to the trim tail end. These features of the trim tail end snap fits when they enter the slots provided in the back panel.
[0004] It is to be noted that the hook is present at the horizontal bottom surface of the trim tail end. The operator, while exercising the mounting activity, is required to place the hook from the top, into the slot of the back panel. This arrangement and method has certain operational disadvantages while performing the mounting. Such as, the operator does not have a proper view to determine the location of the slot on the back panel. As a result, the operator ends in facing operational difficulty to assemble the hook at its correct position. Further, there are chances that the hook mismatches the given slot and fails to fit properly in the desired place. Moreover, when the user/operator mistakenly forces his hand on the trim tail end for support or while pushing the suitcase in the luggage compartment, there are chances that the hook or lock detaches and the trim tail end may come out.
[0005] The conventional techniques available to engage the trim tail end with the back panel lacks to supplement a rigid structure with firm fitment of said parts. A loose fitment may also cause unwanted noise. Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is compromised if gaps are visible between the two parts.
[0006] In the recent years, as more and more features are being introduced into the vehicle, the effective packaging of components in limited space is becoming more challenging. There are issues of hand access and visibility during the fitment of the trim tail end to the back panel of the vehicle. Also as discussed, along with operational issues with the assembly, the rigidity of the structure and the aesthetic proposition of the entire structure is compromised.
[0007] In an effort to improve the fitment of said parts, few techniques were introduced which included the mounting structure presence with multiple clips on the horizontal face of trim tail end for mounting with back panel of vehicle. The technique introduced a hook structure on vertical face of trim tail end to aid in proper mounting assistance from the clips. But such a structure too lacks the operational agility as for operator it is still tough to insert the hook into the slot of back panel without a proper view. Additionally, such introduced structure possesses several components thus increasing the cost and complexity of the configuration.
[0008] In some other configurations, along with multiple clips, a claw shaped portion is introduced on vertical face of the trim tail end. But still the operational agility remained a long felt unresolved need.
[0009] Therefore, in all the known techniques, structures present in the market relating to trim tail end engagement with the back panel fail to provide a sturdy structure which may not only provide operational ease but also firmly secure the trim tail end with the back panel and ceases its movement in all directions.
[0010] It is thereby required to provide a mounting structure which provides rigid fitment of the trim tail end with the back panel of vehicle while providing operational ease for assembly.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0011] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks in prior method/product/apparatus.
[0012] It is a primary object to provide a frame integrated with doghouse on inner surface of a horizontal face of a trim tail end.
[0013] It is an another primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a hook structure with a guiding arm integrated to the frame for ease of assembly and imparting a firm locking mechanism.
[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a locator member such that movement of the trim tail end is controlled in the longitudinal direction.
[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a cost-effective and simple design.
[0016] It is another object of the present disclosure to reduce the manufacturing and assembly time.
[0017] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to a person skilled in the art after consideration of the following detailed description taken into consideration with accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments of the present subject matter are illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0018] Solution to one or more drawbacks of existing technology and additional advantages are provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0019] The present disclosure offers a solution in the form of a structure for mounting of a trim tail end with a back panel of a vehicle including a frame integrated parallel with a horizontal face of the trim tail end, a guiding arm formed integrally at an end of the frame; a hook structure provided alongside the guiding arm on the frame and a locator member formed integrally on the frame and present on an opposite end to the guiding arm.
[0020] In an aspect of the invention, the back panel has a slot portion to receive the guiding arm projecting outwards from the frame, the guiding arm being configured to be inserted from above in the slot portion for engagement between the hook structure and the back panel.
[0021] In an aspect of the invention, the hook structure has a two-step structure projecting towards the frame and connecting an upper portion of the two-step structure with inner surface of the back panel post disposition in the slot portion.
[0022] In an another aspect of the invention, the guiding arm is positioned in transverse direction within the slot portion of the back panel supporting connection of the hook structure with inner surface of the back panel post disposition in the slot portion.
[0023] In yet other aspect of the invention, the locator member is disposed within the slot portion in parallel and opposite end to the hook structure.
[0024] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the guiding arm is shaped in a conical form with a tip forming outwardly away from the frame.
[0025] In an aspect of the invention, the frame rests on the upper surface of the back panel and adjacent to the slot portion.
[0026] In an another aspect of the invention, the locator member is in engagement with the slot portion longitudinally post disposition.
[0027] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the frame is integrated with a doghouse formed on inner surface of a horizontal face of the trim tail end.
[0028] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] 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 present disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, 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 or structure 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:
[0030] Fig. 1 is an illustrative view of a structure for mounting of a trim tail end with a back panel of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention;
[0031] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the structure for mounting of the trim tail end with the back panel, integrated with the doghouse formed on inner surface of a horizontal face of a trim tail end;
[0032] Fig. 3 is an illustrative view of the structure integrated with the trim tail end and mounted with the back panel ; and
[0033] Fig. 4 is the step-by-step illustration of the structure integrated with the trim tail end and mounting on the back panel of the vehicle in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0036] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0037] Referring to Fig. 1, a structure for mounting of a trim tail end with a back panel of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention accompanying related figures is discussed. The Fig. 1 presents an illustrative up-side down view of the structure (200) for mounting of the trim tail end with the back panel. The structure (200) accomplishes the objective of the present invention by engaging with the back panel of the vehicle. The structure (200) is for mounting a trim tail end (100) with the back panel (not shown in fig. 1) of a vehicle. The structure (200) for mounting of the trim tail end (100) with the back panel (301) includes a frame (204) forming a rigid structure connected by four parallel and opposite straight bars. The frame (200) acts a base arrangement for the other elements of the structure (200) to be placed on it and act as a unit.
[0038] The frame (204) is integrated with a doghouse (201) formed on inner surface of a horizontal face of the trim tail end (100) such that when placing the trim tail end (100) on the back panel, the frame (204) rests on the upper surface of the back panel.
[0039] As illustrated in Fig. 2, the frame (204) is integrated with the doghouse (201) formed on inner surface of the horizontal face of the trim tail end (100). Such is the configuration that when the trim tail end (100) mounts on the back panel, the frame (204) and its elements provide the required fitment structure by engaging with the back panel.
[0040] Referring to Fig. 1, on an end of the frame (204), preferably at one of the edges of the frame (204), an integrally formed guiding arm (202) is present. In a preferred configuration, the guiding arm (202) projects outwards of the frame (204) in a conical shape. The cone shaped structure is such formed that the tip is formed outwardly away from the frame (204).
[0041] The guiding arm (202) acts as a navigation unit for the structure (200), providing the operational ease of use that was missing in the conventional available structures.
[0042] Further, the present structure (200) includes a hook structure (203) provided alongside the guiding arm (202) on the frame (204). The hook structure (203) has a two-step structure (203a). The hook structure (203) is preferably present on an adjacent lateral side of the guiding arm (202) and is integrated with the frame (204). The hook structure (203) is responsible to engage and fasten with the back panel of the vehicle.
[0043] The structure (200) has an additional element, i.e., a locator member (205). The locator member (205) is formed integrally on the frame (204) and is present on an opposite end to the guiding arm (202) on the frame (204).
[0044] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4; the trim tail end (100) is placed on the back panel (301). The back panel (301) has a slot portion (302) on its upper surface. The slot portion (302) is an opening formed on the back panel which is responsible to receive the guiding arm (202) and the locator member (205). While placing the trim tail end (100) on the back panel (301), the guiding arm (202) is the first element of the trim tail end (100) structure that comes in contact with the upper surface of the back panel (301). The guiding arm (202) provides navigation and helps the operator to identify location of the slot portion (302) as referred in Fig. 4(b). Once the guiding arm (202) is placed above the slot portion (302), the guiding arm (202) then inserts into the slot portion (302), as referred in Figs. 4(c) and 4(d). The insertion or disposition of the guiding arm (202) in the slot portion (302) from above helps in engagement between the hook structure (203) and the back panel (301). Post insertion, the guiding arm (202) slides into the slot portion (302) as referred to Fig. 4(e), so that the hook structure (203) which has a two-step structure projecting towards the frame (204), connects an upper portion (203a) of the two-step structure with inner surface of the back panel (301) in the slot portion (302). The two-step structure of the hook structure (203) is a zig-zag structure with an upper portion (203a) applying force against the gravity and imparts a fitment structure in vertical direction. Additionally, the two-step structure provides an added advantage of a minimum contact surface thus reducing noise generated while imparting a strong fitment between the trim tail end (100) and the back panel (301) of the vehicle.
[0045] Now, as the hook structure (203) is engaged with upper surface of the back panel (301), the guiding arm (202) is positioned in a transverse direction within the slot portion (302) supporting connection of the hook structure (203) with upper surface of the back panel (301) post disposition in the slot portion (302).
[0046] Further, with the configuration of the guiding arm (202) and the hook structure (203) in the slot portion (302), the locator member (205) being present in opposite end to the hook structure (203) is also disposed within the slot portion (302). It is to be understood that the slot portion (302) is an extended opening on the back panel (301) and is present to receive the trim tail end (100). The locator member (205) and the guiding arm (202) are so configured that their sizes are in proportion with the slot portion (302) so that insertion and fitment can be properly achieved. As the locator member (205) is inserted into the slot portion (302), the locator member (205) is in engagement with the slot portion (302) longitudinally thus restricting the movement of the trim tail end (100) along the length of the vehicle.
[0047] So, as it is understood, the hook structure (203) by means of a two-step structure connects the upper portion of the two-step structure to the inner surface of the back panel (301) thus restricting the movement of the trim tail end (100) in the vertical direction and the locator member (205) correspondingly present on the opposite end engages with the slot portion (302) laterally to restrict the movement along the length of the vehicle.
[0048] As the present structure (200) is mounted on the back panel (301), the frame (204) with its integrally formed parts like the guiding arm (202), the hook structure (203) and the locator member (205) rests on the top surface of the back panel (301) and adjacent to the slot portion (302). The frame (204) is provided to connect the hook structure (203) and the locator member (205) so as to improve rigidity of the structure (200) for mounting of the trim tail end (100) with the back panel (301) in assembled condition.
[0049] The structure (200) of the trim tail end (100) when mounted on the back panel (301) is advantageous as it provides: (i) operational ease of access with the guiding arm (202); (ii) proper fitment with the two-step hook structure (203); (iii) with the locator member (205) cease any movement in lateral directions.
[0050] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present disclosure contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the disclosure, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Also, while a feature of the present disclosure may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present disclosure. The present disclosure also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.