The present invention, in general, relates to a doghouse structure on a trim part and, more particularly, to a doghouse structure on the trim part made of plastic to facilitate mounting of the trim part with a BIW cut-out.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] A doghouse structure is an engineering feature used in trim parts made of plastic materials. The doghouse structures are provided on the trim parts as supporting feature to mount plastic trim part with BIW cut-out via a plastic clip on it.
[004] In existing arts, the doghouse structure comprises a top horizontal wall supported at its three sides by three side walls projecting on the trim part. The top rectangular horizontal wall includes a clip tower or a groove to insert a clip. Figure-la, lb, lc, and Id represent embodiments of existing art. Figure-la illustrates isometric view of the doghouse structure in the existing art. Figure-lb illustrates cross-sectional view of the doghouse structure in the existing art at a cross section (1) illustrated in figure-la. Figure-lc illustrates isometric view of the existing doghouse structure on a trim part, having a clip tower on it. Figure-Id illustrates isometric view of the existing doghouse structure on a trim part with a clip inserted into a groove provided in the doghouse structure.
[005] Figure-la and lb illustrate the doghouse structure on a trim part having a top rectangular horizontal wall (101) supported at its three sides by three side walls (102, 103, 104) projecting on the trim part (100). Generally, multiple ribs are provided on the trim part (100) to strengthen the trim part (100). In the existing art, due to three side close structure of the walls (102, 103, 104) of the doghouse and

only one side open, the gap between the doghouse and adjacent rib (105) is large. Large gap between the existing doghouse and adjacent rib is required so that lifter is allowed to insert and removed at time of plastic injection molding of the plastic trim. However, large gap between the doghouse and adjacent rib (105) induces flimsiness to the trim part (100) which results in low strength of trim part (100).
[006] Thus, there exists need of an improved doghouse structure on trim part to provide better strength and to reduce flimsiness of the trim part.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[007] It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks existing in prior systems.
[008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a doghouse structure that overcomes the problem of the prior art.
[009] Another object of the present invention is to provide doghouse structure on trim part for better strength and reduced flimsiness.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] To attain the above objects, the present invention provides a doghouse structure on a trim part of a vehicle, the trim part including a plurality of ribs to strengthen the plastic trim part. The doghouse structure comprises a top surface comprising two of a supported side and two of a free side; two of a support wall on the trim part to support the top surface at two of the supported side; and a vertical wall. The vertical wall joins two of the support wall at a middle section of each of the support wall.

[0012] The middle section lies equidistant from two of the free side of the top surface. Two of the supported side lie parallelly. Similarly, two of the free side lie parallelly.
[0013] The doghouse structure on plastic trim part facilitates to reduce distance between the vertical wall and two of the rib adjacent to the vertical wall on the trim part.
[0014] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.
[0015] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] 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 the following detailed description.
[0017] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0018] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and processes that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:

[0019] Figures la and lb illustrate a doghouse structure on a trim part of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the existing art.
[0020] Figures lc and Id illustrate a doghouse structure with a clip tower or a clip on the top surface of the doghouse structure, according to an embodiment of the existing art.
[0021] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a doghouse structure on a trim part of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a doghouse structure on a trim part of a vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily 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 OF THE INVENTION
[0024] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have 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 alterative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0025] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0026] 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 the 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, apparatus or device.
[0027] Hereinafter a doghouse structure will be explained in detail.
[0028] Referring to figures 2a and 2b, which illustrate a doghouse structure on a trim part (200) of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 2a illustrates isometric view of the doghouse structure according to the present invention. Figure 2b illustrates cross-sectional view (2) of the doghouse structure of figure 2a.
[0030] A doghouse structure on a trim part (200) having a plurality of ribs (205) is illustrated. The doghouse structure comprises a top surface (201) comprising two of a supported side (201a, 201b) and two of a free side (201c, 20Id); two of a support wall (202, 203) on the trim part (200) to support the top surface (201) at two of the supported side (201a, 201b); and a vertical wall (204). The vertical wall (204) joins two of the support wall (202, 203) at a middle section of each of the support wall (202, 203). In an embodiment, the top end of the vertical wall (204) touches at an underside of the top surface (201).
[0031] The middle section lies equidistant from two of the free side (201c, 201d) of the top surface (201). Two of the supported side (201a, 201b) lie parallelly. Similarly, two of a free side (201c, 201d) lie parallelly.
[0032] The doghouse structure facilitates to reduce distance between the vertical wall (204) and two of the rib (205) adjacent to the vertical wall (204) on the trim part (200).

[0033] Thus, an embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 2a and 2b increases the strength of the trim part (200) by bringing the rib (205) adjacent to the vertical wall (204) at a closer location while keeping area of the top surface (201) of the doghouse structure to mount a clip tower, unchanged. The doghouse structure is open at two sides of the vertical wall (204) and during plastic injection molding of the trim part (200), two small sized lifters are used at both open sides, so that adjacent ribs (205) on the trim part (200) are provided close to the doghouse structure.
[0034] Referring to figure 3a and 3b, which illustrate a doghouse structure on a trim part (300) of a vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 3a illustrates isometric view of the doghouse structure in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3b illustrates cross-sectional view (3) of the doghouse structure of figure 3 a.
[0036] A doghouse structure on a trim part (300) having a plurality of ribs (305) is illustrated. The doghouse structure comprises a top surface (301) comprising two of a supported side (301a, 301b) and two of a free side (301c, 301d); two of a support wall (302, 303) on the trim part (300) to support the top surface (301) at two of the supported side (301a, 301b); and a vertical wall (304). The vertical wall (304) joins two of the support wall (302, 303) at a middle section of each of the support wall (302, 303).
[0037] The middle section lies equidistant from two of the free side (301c, 301d) of the top surface (301). Two of the supported side (301a, 301b) lie parallelly. Similarly, two of a free side (301c, 301d) lie parallelly.

[0038] The doghouse structure facilitates to reduce distance between the vertical wall (304) and two of the rib (305) adjacent to the vertical wall (304) on the trim part (300).
[0039] Thus, an embodiment of present invention shown in figure 3 a and 3b increases the strength of the trim part (300) by bringing the rib (305) adjacent to the vertical wall (304) at a closer location while keeping area of the top surface (301) of the doghouse structure having a groove (306) to mount a clip, unchanged. The doghouse structure is open at two sides of the vertical wall (304) and during plastic injection molding of the trim part (300) two small size lifters are used at both open sides, so that adjacent ribs (305) on the trim part (300) are provided close to the doghouse structure. In an embodiment, the top end of the vertical wall (304) does not touch at the underside of the top surface (301) so as to allow clip to insert into the groove (306) provided on the top surface (301) of the doghouse structure.
[0040] Therefore, the improved doghouse structure on the trim part facilitates to reduce distance between the doghouse and adjacent ribs on the trim part so as to reduce flimsiness of the trim part and impart higher strength to the trim part.
[0041] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims
[0042] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0043] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles, 'a', or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).
[0044] The above description does not provide specific details of manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art are capable of choosing suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and

functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0046] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0047] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:

1. A doghouse structure on a trim part (200, 300) of a vehicle, the trim part
(200, 300) including a plurality of rib (205, 305), the doghouse structure
comprising:
a top surface (201, 301) comprising two of a supported side (201a and 201b, 301a and 301b) and two of a free side (201c and 201d, 301c and 301d);
- two of a support wall (202 and 203, 302 and 303) on the trim part (200, 300), to support the top surface (201, 301) at two of the supported side (201a and 201b, 301a and 301b); and
- a vertical wall (204, 304),
wherein the vertical wall (204, 304) joins two of the support wall (202 and 203, 302 and 303) at a middle section of each of the support wall (202 and 203, 302 and 303).
2. The doghouse structure on the trim part (200, 300) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the middle section lies equidistant from two of the free side (201c and 201d, 301c and 301d) of the top surface (201, 301).
3. The doghouse structure on the trim part (200, 300) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein two of the supported side (201a and 201b, 301a and 301b) lie parallelly.
4. The doghouse structure on the trim part (200, 300) of a vehicle as claimed
in claim 1, wherein two of a free side (201c and 20Id, 301c and 30Id) lie parallelly.
5. The doghouse structure on the trim part (200, 300) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the doghouse structure facilitates to reduce distance between the vertical wall (204, 304) and two of the rib (205, 305) adjacent to the vertical wall (204, 304) on the trim part (200, 300).
6. The doghouse structure on the trim part (200, 300) of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein top end of the vertical wall (204) touches at an underside of the top surface (201) of the doghouse structure.

7. The doghouse structure on the trim part (200, 300) of a vehicle as claimed
in claim 1, wherein top end of the vertical wall (304) does not touch at an underside of the top surface (301) of the doghouse structure.