CLIAMS:1. A fastening member 100 for attaching panel members of a vehicle, the fastening member 100 comprising:
a grommet portion 106 having a hole, wherein the grommet portion 106 being adapted to be inserted in a hole 10 on a first panel member 102 of the vehicle;
an engagement portion 120 connected to the grommet portion 106 and having a hole aligned with the hole on the grommet portion, wherein the engagement portion 120 is adapted to be engaged with a second panel member 104; and,
an insertion element 126 adapted to be inserted through an each of the engagement portion 120 and grommet portion 106 to engage the first panel member 102 with the second panel member 104.

2. The fastening member 100as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grommet portion 106 includes:
a grommet flange member 108 having the through hole;
a set of flexible spaced apart legs 110 extending outwardly from the grommet flange member 108, wherein the set of flexible spaced apart legs 110 include a groove aligned with the hole, and an outer surface of the flexible spaced apart legs define a channel 112 with the grommet flange member 108;
wherein a portion of the first panel member 102 engages with the channel 112, upon the insertion of the set of flexible spaced apart legs 110 in the hole.

3. The fastening member as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the set of flexible spaced apart legs 110 is a pair of spaced apart tapered legs, and the insertion element is a screw.

4. The fastening member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement portion of the fastening member comprises,
a tubular member connected to the grommet flange member, wherein the tubular member being concentric to the hole on the grommet portion, and,
a second flange member provided on an opposite end portion of the tubular member, such that a space is provided between the second flange member and the grommet flange member for engaging the second panel member therewith.

5. The fastening member as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the tubular member and the second flange member include a through hole concentric to the hole on the grommet portion, for allowing the insertion element to pass therethrough.

6. The fastening member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement portion includes reinforcements extending from an opposite face of the second flange member.

7. A method for attaching a first panel member of a vehicle with a second panel member of a vehicle, the method comprising acts of:
engaging a grommet portion of a fastening member through a hole on flange portion of the first panel member;
inserting an insertion element through a hole on an engagement portion and the grommet portion, wherein the insertion of the insertion element expands the set of flexible spaced apart legs of the grommet portion thereby snugly engaging the first panel member with the fastening member; and
guiding the slot on the flange of the second panel member through the engagement portion of the fastening member, thereby engaging the second panel member with the fastening member.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first panel member is a fender and the second panel member is a bumper.

9. The method o as claimed in claim 7, wherein the flange portion on the first panel member includes holes and the flange portion on the second panel member includes slots.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the holes on the flange portion on the first panel member are square cut-outs and the slots on the flange portion on the second panel member are J-shaped guide path cut-outs.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a fastening structure, more particularly, embodiments relate to a structure for fastening two elements of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

Generally, vehicles include a plurality of panel members joined to the vehicle frame to form the complete external assembly of the vehicle. Various panel members, such as but not limiting to bumpers and fenders are typically joined with one another using brackets. The brackets are generally made up of plastic material. Specifically, to mount panel member such as bumper with panel member such as fender following procedure is generally adopted. Firstly, a conventional plastic bracket is mounted on the fender, typically by screw and snaps. The conventional bumper side flange typically has cut outs for engaging snaps, so the bumper flushness with fender is controlled by Snaps. However, the conventional plastic brackets are vehicle/model specific. Therefore, there is a requirement to have a different type of plastic bracket for every different type/model of vehicle having different bumpers and fenders. Further, the joining of vehicle panel members with conventions plastic brackets often leads to flushness in joints between flushness in joints. It is often seen that the joining of vehicle panel members with conventions plastic brackets leads to creation of joints, that have gaps and flushness which is well beyond the acceptable limits. Obviously, the flushness and gap in joints of panel members is undesired, as it negatively affects the appearance of the vehicle, and may also lead to other issues.

In light of foregoing discussion, it is necessary to provide a system to properly join various panel members which overcomes the limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of system as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a fastening member for panel members of a vehicle. The fastening member comprises a grommet portion having a hole, the grommet portion being adapted to be inserted in a hole on a first panel member of the vehicle. An engagement portion connected to the grommet portion and having a hole aligned with the hole on the grommet portion, the engagement portion adapted to be engaged with a second panel member. The fastening member further includes an insertion element adapted to be inserted through an each of the engagement portion and grommet portion to engage the first panel member with the second panel member.

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.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a fastening member which is compact, lightweight, easy to manufacture, and easy to assemble.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fastening member for joining a bumper with a fender of a vehicle without any flushness therebetween.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of joining a bumper with a fender of a vehicle.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a fastening member which is a common bracket (adaptive bracket), and which can be used for mounting various types (styling) of bumper.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a quick, easy, reliable, direct and positive mounting of bumper with a fender of a vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a fastening member with panel members of vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A, 2B 2C 2D and 2E illustrate different views of the fastening member of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an assembled perspective view of a fastening member with panel members of vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of the fastening member engaged with a bumper member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a sectional view of the fastening member engaged with the bumper and the fender.

FIG. 4B illustrates another sectional view of the fastening member engaged with the bumper and the fender.

FIG. 5A illustrates a front view of the fender with square cutout.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front view of the fender with the fastening member engaged therewith.

FIG. 5C illustrates rear view of the fastening member engaged with the bumper and the fender.

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 system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

To overcome the drawbacks mentioned in the background, a fastening member for panel members of a vehicle is provided. The fastening member comprises a grommet portion having a hole. The grommet portion is being adapted to be inserted in a hole on a first panel member of the vehicle. An engagement portion is connected to the grommet portion and having a hole aligned with the hole on the grommet portion. The engagement portion is adapted to be engaged with a second panel member of the vehicle. The fastening member also comprises an insertion element adapted to be inserted through an each of the engagement portion and grommet portion to engage the first panel member with the second panel member. The fastening member therefore provides a direct positive mounting of panel members such as bumper with fender. The fastening member enables quick and easy mounting of bumper with fender, even in confined locations where it is difficult to employ a runner.

As an exemplary embodiment FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a fastening member 100 (also referred to as fastening element 100) with panel members 102 and 104 of vehicle (not numbered). The fastening member 100 of the present disclosure is employed for joining vehicle panel members such as a first panel member 102 with another panel member such as a second panel member 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first panel member 102 is a fender, and the second panel member 104 is a bumper.

The fastening member 100 includes a grommet portion 106. The grommet portion 106 is adapted to be inserted in at least one hole 10 of the plurality of holes provided on a first panel member 102 of the vehicle. More specifically, the grommet portion 106 includes a grommet flange member 108 having a through hole, and a set of flexible spaced apart legs 110 extending outwardly from the grommet flange member 108, as best shown in FIG 2C. The set of flexible spaced apart legs 110 extending outwardly from the grommet flange member 108, include a groove 114 aligned with the hole. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the grommet portion 106 includes pair of spaced apart tapered legs, as best shown in FIG. 2D. In such an embodiment, the holes 10 on a flange portion 14 on the first panel member 102 (fender) are square cut outs (best shown in FIG. 1 and 5), and the pair of spaced apart tapered legs 110 are adapted to be inserted in such square cut outs. Further, an outer surface of the flexible spaced apart legs defines a channel 112 (Marked in FIG. 2A, 2C and 2E) with the grommet flange member 108. A portion of the first panel member 102 engages with the channel 112, upon the insertion of the set of flexible spaced apart legs 110 in the hole 10.

The fastening member 100 further includes an engagement portion 120. The engagement portion 120 is connected to the grommet portion 106, and has a hole aligned with the hole on the grommet portion 106. The engagement portion 120 is adapted to be engaged with a second panel member 104 of the vehicle.

More specifically, the engagement portion 120 includes a tubular member 122 [best shown in FIG. 2c] which is connected to the grommet portion 106. The tubular member 122 is connected concentric to the hole on the grommet portion 106. The engagement portion 120 further includes a second flange member 124 [best shown in FIG. 2E] provided on an opposite end portion of the tubular member 122, such that a space S, best shown in FIG. 2C, is provided between the second flange member 124 and the grommet flange member 108 for engaging the second panel member 104 therewith, best illustrated in FIG. 4 A and 4 B. The engagement portion 120 and the grommet portion 106 of the fastening member 100, in the present embodiment of the disclosure may be composed of material such as but not limiting to a plastic material, thermoplastic material etc..

Referring again to Fig. 1, the fastening member 100 further includes an insertion element 126. The insertion element 126 is adapted to be inserted through an each of the engagement portion 120 and the grommet portion 106 to engage the first panel member 102 with the second panel member 104. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insertion element 126 is a screw. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the insertion element 126 is an externally threaded screw, and a concentric hole on the the engagement portion 120 and the grommet portion 106 is an internally threaded hole, and allows the insertion element to pass therethrough.

The fastening member 100 furthermore includes bottom resting face 128 (numbered in FIGS. 2C and 2D) extending from an opposite face of the second flange member 124. The bottom resting face 128 precludes the rotation of the panel member of the vehicle, i.e. the fender, with respect to the fastening member 100. Further reinforcements 130 are provided in the engagement portion 120, in between the bottom resting face 128 and the wall which is connected to tubular member 122. The reinforcements 130 are provided to enhance mechanical strength of the fastening member 100.

Referring now to figure 5, in conjunction with figures 1 and 3, a method of engaging the first panel member 102 with the second panel member 104 with a fastening member 100 is disclosed.

The method includes a engaging the one or more grommet portions such the grommet portion 106 of a fastening member 100 through the one or more holes, such as the hole 10 on flange portion 14 on the first panel member 102. Thereafter, insertion the one or more insertion elements, such as the insertion element 126 through the holes on respective engagement portions and the grommet portions, are done. The insertion of the insertion elements 126 expands the set of flexible spaced apart legs 110 of the respective grommet portions thereby snugly engaging the first panel member 102 with the fastening member 100.

The next step includes guiding the slots 132 [best shown in FIG. 1] on the flange of the second panel member 104 through the engagement portions of the fastening members, thereby engaging the second panel member 104 with the fastening members 100.

As best shown in Figure 1, the slots 132 on the flange portion on the second panel member are configured in a shape such as but not limiting to J-shaped guide path cut-outs. In other embodiments, the slots 132 on the flange portion on the second panel member are configured other shapes, such as L-shaped guide path cut outs, C- shaped guide path cut outs, or any other curved/bent shaped profile. Once the second panel member 104 is engaged with the fastening member 100, other auxiliary nuts/screws 134 are installed.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, three fastening members such as the fastening member 100 are used for mounting a bumper with a fender of the vehicle.

Therefore the present disclosure provides a fastening member which is a common bracket (adaptive bracket) for mounting various types (styling) of bumper.

Equivalents

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.

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). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

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.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Fastening member
102 First panel member, fender
104 Second panel member, bumper
106 Grommet portion
10 Holes on a first panel member 102
14 Flange portion of the first panel member 102
108 Grommet flange member
110 Flexible spaced apart legs
112 Channel
120 Engagement portion
122 Tubular member
124 Second flange member
126 Insertion element
128 Bottom resting face
130 Reinforcements
132 Slots on the flange portion of the Second panel member 104
S Space