Claims:We claim:
1. A grommet device (100) for managing cables(s), said grommet device (100) comprising:
a first grommet member (102); and
a second grommet member (104) adapted to be engaged with said first grommet member (102), said second grommet member (104) includes,
a body (104B); and
a first sealing portion (104SF) adapted to be integrated with a first portion (104BF) of said body (104B), where said first sealing portion (104SF) defines a cable receiving portion adapted to receive at least one cable (C) therethrough, where said first sealing portion (104SF) is adapted to restrict fluid flow at the interface between the cable (C) and said second grommet member (104).

2. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second grommet member (104) is adapted to be locked with said first grommet member (102) when said second grommet member (104) is introduced into and moved with respect to said first grommet member (102).

3. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second grommet member (104) includes a second sealing portion (104SS) adapted to restrict fluid flow between said first grommet member (102) and said second grommet member (104).
4. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first sealing portion (104SF) is integrated at center of the first portion (104BF) of said body (104B); and
said second sealing portion (104SS) is integrated along a circumference of the first portion (104BF) of said body (104B).

5. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first grommet member (102) includes,
a body (102B); and
a first flange (102F) extending outwardly from corresponding end of said body (102B), where said first flange (102F) is engaged with a vehicular member (DW).

6. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second grommet member (104) includes a plurality of locking legs (104L),
wherein
each of said locking leg (104L) defines at least one locking leg finger (104LF) adapted to engage at least one of a stepped portion (102B), a groove and a slot provided on said body (102B) of said first grommet member (102) thereby locking said second grommet member (104) with said first grommet member (102) when said second grommet member (104) is introduced into and moved with respect to said first grommet member (102).

7. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said grommet device (100) comprises at least one magnet adapted to connect said second grommet member (104) to said first grommet member (102); and
said first flange (102F) of said first grommet member (102) is adapted to be heat stacked or adhesive bonded onto the vehicular member (DW), where the vehicular member (DW) is at least a water shield present in a vehicle door.

8. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said second grommet member (104) includes at least one holding portion (104H) adapted to transversely extend from the first portion (104BF) of said body (104B),
wherein
said second grommet member (104) with respect to said first grommet member (102) by holding said holding portion (104H) to facilitate locking of said second grommet member (104) with said first grommet member (102).

9. A method (300) for managing cable(s), said method (300) comprising:
assembling a first grommet member (102) with a vehicular member (DW);
mounting a second grommet member (104) on at least one cable (C) by routing the cable (C) through a cable receiving portion of a first sealing portion (104SF) integrated with a portion (104BF) of a body (104B) of the second grommet member (104); and
assembling the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102),
wherein
the first sealing portion (104SF) is adapted to restrict fluid flow at the interface between the cable (C) and the second grommet member (104).

10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said method (300) comprises,
connecting a cable connector (CB) with the cable (C) after said mounting the second grommet member (104) on at least one cable (C); and
passing the cable connector (CB) through the first grommet member (102) before said assembling the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102).

11. The method (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second grommet member (104) includes a second sealing portion (104SS) integrated along a circumference of the portion (104BF) of the body (104B), where the second sealing portion (104SS) is adapted to restrict the fluid flow between the first grommet member (102) and the second grommet member (104).

12. The method (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said assembling the first grommet member (102) with the vehicular member (DW) by heat stacking or adhesive bonding the first grommet member (102) with the vehicular member (DW), where the vehicular member (DW) is at least a water shield present in a vehicle door; and
said assembling the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) by using magnets.

13. The method (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said assembling the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) by,
introducing the second grommet member (104) into the first grommet member (102); and
locking the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) by engaging at least one locking leg finger (104LF) of each locking leg (104L) of the second grommet member (104) with at least one of a stepped portion (102B), a groove and a slot provided on a body (102B) of the first grommet member (102) when the second grommet member (104) pulled with respect to the first grommet member (102) by holding at least one holding portion (104H) of the second grommet member (104).

14. A grommet device (200) for managing cable(s), said grommet device (200) comprising:
a first grommet member (202);
a second grommet member (204) adapted to be engaged with said first grommet member (202), where said second grommet member (104) includes, a body (204B) and a first portion (204F) transversely extending from a portion (204BF) of said body (204B), where said first portion (204F) defines a cable receiving portion adapted to receive at least one cable (C) therethrough; and
a first sealing member (206) adapted to be engaged with at least one cable (C) and said first portion (204F) of said second grommet member (204) to restrict fluid flow at the interface between the at least one cable (C) and said second grommet member (204).

15. The grommet device (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said grommet device (200) comprises a second sealing member (208) adapted to be engaged between said first grommet member (202) and a groove provided on another portion (204BS) of said body (204B) of said second grommet member (204) to restrict fluid flow between said first grommet member (202) and said second grommet member (204).

16. The grommet device (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said second grommet member (204) is adapted to be locked with said first grommet member (202) when said second grommet member (204) is introduced into and moved with respect to said first grommet member (202);
said first sealing member (206) is at least one of a tape and an air tight foam sleeve; and
said second sealing member (208) is at least one of an O-ring, an over moulded rubber and an air tight thick foam.

17. The grommet device (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first grommet member (202) includes,
a body (202B); and
a first flange (202F) extending outwardly from corresponding end of said body (202B), where said first flange (202F) is engaged with a vehicular member (DW).

18. The grommet device (200) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said second grommet member (204) includes a plurality of locking legs (204L),
wherein
each of said locking leg (204L) defines at least one locking leg finger (204LF) adapted to engage with at least one of a stepped portion (202B), a groove and a slot provided on said body (202B) of said first grommet member (202) thereby locking said second grommet member (204) with said first grommet member (202) when said second grommet member (204) is introduced into and moved with respect to said first grommet member (202).

19. The grommet device (200) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said grommet device (200) comprises at least one magnet adapted to connect said second grommet member (204) to said first grommet member (202); and
said first flange (202F) of said first grommet member (202) is adapted to be heat stacked or adhesive bonded onto the vehicular member (DW), where the vehicular member (DW) is at least a water shield present in a vehicle door.

20. A method (400) for managing cable(s), said method (400) comprising:
assembling a first grommet member (202) with a vehicular member (DW);
mounting a second grommet member (204) on at least one cable (C) by routing at least one cable (C) through a cable receiving portion of a first portion (204F) extending from a body (204B) of the second grommet member (204);
engaging a first sealing member (206) on at least one cable (C) and the first portion (204F) of the second grommet member (204); and
assembling the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202),
wherein
the first sealing member (206) is adapted to restrict fluid flow at the interface between the cable (C) and the second grommet member (204).

21. The method (400) as claimed in claim 20, wherein said method (400) comprises,
connecting a cable connector (CB) with the cable (C) after said mounting the second grommet member (204) on at least one cable (C); and
passing the cable connector (CB) through the first grommet member (202) before said assembling the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202).

22. The method (400) as claimed in claim 20, wherein said method (400) comprises mounting a second sealing member (208) onto a groove provided on another portion (204BS) of the body (204B) of the second grommet member (204) before or after said engaging the first sealing member (206) on the at least one cable (C) and the first portion (204F) of the second grommet member (204),
wherein
the second sealing member (208) is adapted to be engaged with the body (202B) of the first grommet member (202) and the body (204B) of the second grommet member (204) to restrict fluid flow between the grommet members (202, 204).

23. The method (400) as claimed in claim 20, wherein said assembling the first grommet member (202) with the vehicular member (DW) by heat stacking or adhesive bonding the first grommet member (202) with the vehicular member (DW), where the vehicular member (DW) is at least a water shield present in a vehicle door; and
assembling the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202) by using magnets.

24. The method (400) as claimed in claim 20, wherein said assembling the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202) by,
introducing the second grommet member (204) into the first grommet member (202); and
locking the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202) by engaging at least one locking leg finger (204LF) of each locking leg (204L) of the second grommet member (204) with at least one of a stepped portion (202B), a groove and a slot provided on a body (202B) of the first grommet member (202) when the second grommet member (204) is moved with respect to the first grommet member (202) by pulling the cable (C).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to air tight grommet devices and methods for managing cable(s)/ wire harness(s) in at least a vehicular member such as a water shield present in a vehicle door.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, water shields are used to restrict the entry of water/ water droplets from a wet section to a dry section in applications such as automotive, workstations, machinery and so on. For example, an automotive side door mainly includes door panels and a water shield. In case of automotive side doors, latch cables and wiring harness are passed through the water shield from the door wet section to their respective attachments on the door trim pads (dry section). Usually, slits are provided on the water shield to provide easy passage of the latch cable/ wiring harness through the water shield. However, the slits which allow the cables or wiring harness to pass through the water shield also act as source for air leakage. However, in modern automotive vehicles, there is a requirement of reduction in air leakage through the vehicle cabin for the purpose of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) efficiency improvements. Hence, the water shields are replaced with modular or semi modular doors which allow cables/ wiring harness to pass through grommets provided on the injection molded or sheet metal modules to reduce air leakage to the vehicle cabin. However, such modular or semi modular door is complex in design and incurs high cost and increases an overall weight of the vehicle.
[003] Further, the process of assembling the grommets onto the door and routing cable(s) through it is tedious and a time consuming process. Further, routing various sizes of cables through a single grommet is difficult and is one of the challenges posed to the original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s).
[004] Therefore, there exists a need for grommet devices and methods for managing cable(s), which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

[005] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide grommet devices for managing cable(s).
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide methods for managing cable(s).
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide air tight grommet devices which route cable(s) therethrough as well as to seal the cable interface.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide grommet devices, which retains cable(s) in a better position.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a grommet device, which simultaneously accommodates and allows various types of cables to pass therethrough and also to seal the cable interface.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide grommet devices, which allows routing of cables in a plurality of directions at the same time.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide grommet devices, which comprise an inner grommet member adapted to be locked with an outer grommet member when the inner grommet member is introduced into and engaged and moved with respect to the outer grommet member.
[0012] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] Fig. 1 depicts an exploded view of an air tight grommet device for managing cable(s)/ wiring harness(s) through a vehicular member such as water shield present in a vehicle door, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the grommet device which routes the cable(s)/ wiring harness(s) therethrough, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 3 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for managing cable(s)/ wiring harness(s) in at least the vehicular member such as the water shield present in the vehicle door, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 4 depicts an exploded view of an air tight grommet device for managing cable(s)/ wiring harness(s) through a vehicular member, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the air tight grommet device which routes the cable(s)/ wiring harness(s) therethrough, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0019] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart indicating a method for managing cable(s) in at least the vehicular member such as the water shield present in the vehicle door, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0021] The embodiments herein achieve air tight grommet devices for managing cable(s)/ wire harness, where the grommet device is adapted to route cable(s) therethrough and also restricts fluid flow at the interface between the cable(s) and the grommet device. Further, embodiments herein achieve methods for managing cables/ wire harness in at least a vehicular member such as a water shield present in a vehicle door. Referring now to t he drawings Figs 1 through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0022] Fig. 1 depicts an exploded view of a grommet device (100) for managing cable(s)/ wire harness (C) through a vehicular member (DW) such as water shield present in a vehicle door, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein. In the first embodiment, the grommet device (100) includes a first grommet member (102) and a second grommet member (104), as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the grommet device (100) is explained herein below with reference to routing cable(s)/ wire harness (C) through the vehicular member (DW) such as water shield present in a vehicle side door, where the grommet device (100) seals at the cable/wire harness interface thereby restricting fluid flow into the vehicle at door region. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/ implement the grommet device (100) for managing cable(s) through plastic or flexible membranes or in any of any other locations in the vehicle, workstations, machinery, appliances such as refrigerators, steamers, chillers and other food processing devices and any other applications, where routing of cable(s)/ wire harness and sealing at the cable interface to restrict fluid flow thereof is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the grommet device (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0023] The first grommet member (102) is adapted to support the second grommet member (104). In the first embodiment, the first grommet member (102) includes a body (102B), a first flange (102F) and a second flange (102S), as shown in fig. 2). The first flange (102F) extends outwardly from corresponding end of the body (102B) of the first grommet member (102), where the first flange (102F) is engaged with the vehicular member (DW). The first grommet member (102) is adapted to be connected to the vehicular member (DW) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For example, the first flange (102F) of the first grommet member (102) is adapted to be heat stacked or adhesive bonded onto the vehicular member (DW). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first grommet member (102) with the vehicular member (DW) by using any of fasteners, interconnecting means, locking means or any other means. The second flange (102S) extends outwardly from another end of the body (102B) of the first grommet member (102). The second flange (102S) is parallel, spaced away and opposite with respect to the first flange (102F) of the first grommet member (102).
[0024] The second grommet member (104) is adapted to route at least one cable (C) therethrough and also seals the cable interface to restrict the fluid flow at the interface between the cable (C) and the second grommet member (104). The second grommet member (104) is engaged with the first grommet member (102). The second grommet member (104) is adapted to be locked with the first grommet member (102) when the second grommet member (104) is introduced into and moved with respect to the first grommet member (102). The second grommet member (104) is adapted to be connected to the first grommet member (102) by at least one of the temporary joint and the permanent joint. For example, the second grommet member (104) is snap fitted to the first grommet member (102). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) by using any of fasteners, interconnecting means, locking means or any other means. In the first embodiment, the second grommet member (104) includes a body (104B), a first sealing portion (104SF), a second sealing portion (104SS), a plurality of locking legs (104L) and a plurality of holding portions (104H), as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2). The first sealing portion (104SF) is integrated with a first portion (104BF), as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2) of the body (104B) of the second grommet member (104). For example, the first sealing portion (104SF) is integrated at the center of the first portion (104BF) of the body (104B). It is also within the scope of the invention to integrate the first sealing portion (104SF) away from the center of the first portion (104BF) of the body (104B). The first sealing portion (104SF) of the second grommet member (104) defines a cable receiving portion adapted to receive at least one cable (C), as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2) therethrough. The first sealing portion (104SF) is adapted to restrict fluid flow at the interface between at least one cable (C) and the second grommet member (104). The first sealing portion (104SF) converges towards the center of first portion (104BF) of the body (104B) of the second grommet member (104), as shown in fig. 2). The second sealing portion (104SS) is integrated along a circumference of the first portion (104BF) of the body (104B) of the second grommet member (104). The second sealing portion (104SS) is adapted to restrict fluid flow between the first grommet member (102) and the second grommet member (104). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, each of the first sealing portion (104SF) and the second sealing portion (104SS) of the second grommet member (104) is considered to be a 2K molded seal lip or rubber lip over moulded on the first portion (104BF) of the body (104B) of the second grommet member (104). Each locking leg (104L) of the second grommet member (104) defines at least one locking leg finger (104LF), as shown in fig. 2) adapted to engage at least one of a stepped portion (102BS), as shown in fig. 2), a groove and a slot provided on an inner portion of the body (102B) of the first grommet member (102) thereby locking the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) when the second grommet member (104) is introduced into and moved with respect to the first grommet member (102). Each locking leg (104L) extends from a second portion (104BS) of the body (104B) of the second grommet member (104), where the second portion (104BS) is transverse to the first portion (104BF). The second portion (104BS) of the body (104B) extends from the first portion (104BF) of the body (104B) in a direction towards the locking legs (104L) of the second grommet member (104). Each locking leg (104L) is transverse to the first portion (104BF) of the body (104B) of the second grommet member (104). Each holding portion (104H) is adapted to transversely extend from the first portion (104BF) of the body (104B) of the second grommet member (104). The holding portions (104H) of the second grommet member (104) is adapted to be held by operator (person who assembles the grommets) to pull the second grommet member (104) with respect to the first grommet member (102) to facilitate locking of the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) when the second grommet member (104) is introduced into the first grommet member (102). Each grommet member (104H) defines a griping portion (not shown) adapted to provide grip to the operator holding the second grommet member (104).
[0025] The first grommet member (102) is pre-assembled on the vehicular member (DW) and the second grommet member (104) is pre-assembled on at least one cable (C) to reduce the assembly time. The second grommet member (104) is removably connected to the first grommet member (102). For example, the second grommet member (104) is snap fitted to the first grommet member (102). In another embodiment, the grommet device (100) includes magnets (not shown) adapted to connect the second grommet member (104) to the first grommet member (102). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) by using any of fasteners, any other thread fit, interconnecting means, locking means or any other means.
[0026] Fig. 3 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (300) for managing cable(s)/ wire harness in at least the vehicular member (DW) such as the water shield present in the vehicle door, according to first embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (300) is explained herein below with reference to managing cable(s)/ wire harness through the vehicular member (DW) such as water shield present in the vehicle side door, where routing the cable(s)/ wire harness and sealing at the cable/ wire harness interface to restrict fluid flow into the vehicle at door region is required. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/ implement the entire steps of the method (300) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (300) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (300) for managing cable(s) through plastics or flexible membranes or in any of any other locations of the vehicle, workstations, machinery, appliances such as refrigerators, steamers, chillers and other food processing devices and any other applications, where routing of cable(s) and sealing at the cable interface to restrict fluid flow thereof is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (300) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the first embodiment, the method (300) includes, pre-assembling a first grommet member (102) with a vehicular member (DW), step (302), pre-mounting a second grommet member (104) on at least one cable (C) by routing the cable (C) through a cable receiving portion of a first sealing portion (104SF) integrated with a portion (104BF) of a body (104B) of the second grommet member (104), step (304), assembling the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102), step (306), wherein the first sealing portion (104SF) is adapted to restrict fluid flow at the interface between the cable (C) and the second grommet member (104). The second grommet member (104) includes a second sealing portion (104SS) integrated along a circumference of the portion (104BF) of the body (104B), where the second sealing portion (104SS) is adapted to restrict the fluid flow between the first grommet member (102) and the second grommet member (104).
[0027] The method (300) includes, connecting a cable connector (CB), as shown in fig. 2) with the cable (C), step (305A) after the method step (304) of pre-mounting the second grommet member (104) on at least one cable (C).
[0028] The method (300) includes, passing the cable connector (CB) through the first grommet member (102), step (305B) before the method step (306) of assembling the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102).
[0029] The method step (302) of pre-assembling the first grommet member (102) with the vehicular member (DW) by heat stacking or adhesive bonding the first grommet member (102) with the vehicular member (DW).
[0030] The method step (306) of assembling the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) by, introducing the second grommet member (104) into the first grommet member (102), and locking the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) by engaging at least one locking leg finger (104LF) of each locking leg (104L) of the second grommet member (104) with at least one of a stepped portion (102BS), a groove and a slot provided on inner portion of a body (102B) of the first grommet member (102) when the second grommet member (104) is pulled with respect to the first grommet member (102) by holding at least one holding portion (104H) of the second grommet member (104).
[0031] The method step (306) of assembling the second grommet member (104) with the first grommet member (102) by, using magnets.
[0032] Fig. 4 depicts an exploded view of a grommet device (200) for managing cable(s) through a vehicular member (DW), according to second embodiments as disclosed herein. In the second embodiment, the grommet device (200) includes a first grommet member (202), a second grommet member (204), a first sealing member (206), as shown in fig. 5) and a second sealing member (208), as shown in fig. 5). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the grommet device (200) is explained herein below with reference to routing at least one cable (C)/ wire harness through the vehicular member (DW) such as water shield present in the vehicle side door, where the grommet device (200) seals at the cable interface thereby restricting fluid flow into the vehicle at door region. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/ implement the grommet device (200) for managing cable(s) through plastic or flexible membranes or in any of any other locations of the vehicle, workstations, machinery, appliances such as refrigerators, steamers, chillers and other food processing devices and any other applications, where routing of cable(s)/ wire harness and sealing at the cable interface to restrict fluid flow thereof is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the grommet device (200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0033] The first grommet member (202) is adapted to support the second grommet member (204). In the second embodiment, the first grommet member (202) includes a body (202B), a first flange (202F) and a second flange (202S), as shown in fig. 5). The first flange (202F) extends outwardly from corresponding end of the body (202B) of the first grommet member (202), where the first flange (202F) is engaged with the vehicular member (DW). The first grommet member (202) is adapted to be connected to the vehicular member (DW) by at least one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. For example, the first flange (202F) of the first grommet member (202) is adapted to be heat stacked or adhesive bonded onto the vehicular member (DW). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first grommet member (202) with the vehicular member (DW) by using any of fasteners, interconnecting means, locking means or any other means. The second flange (202S) extends outwardly from another end of the body (202B), where the second flange (202S) is parallel, spaced away and opposite with respect to the first flange (202F) of the first grommet member (202).
[0034] The second grommet member (204) is adapted to route at least one cable(C) therethrough and also seals the cable interface to restrict the fluid flow at the interface between the cable (C) and the second grommet member (204). The second grommet member (204) is engaged with the first grommet member (202). The second grommet member (204) is adapted to be connected to the first grommet member (202) by at least one of the temporary joint and the permanent joint. For example, the second grommet member (204) is snap fitted to the first grommet member (202). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202) by using any of fasteners, interconnecting means, locking means or any other means. The second grommet member (204) is adapted to be locked with the first grommet member (202) when the second grommet member (204) is introduced into and moved with respect to the first grommet member (202). In the second embodiment, the second grommet member (204) includes a body (204B), a first portion (204F) and a plurality of locking legs (204L), as shown in fig. 5). The first portion (204F) transversely extends from a portion (204BF), as shown in fig. 5) of the body (204B) of the second grommet member (204). The first portion (204F) of the second grommet member (204) defines a cable receiving portion adapted to receive at least one cable (C), as shown in fig. 4 and fig. 5) therethrough. Each locking leg (204L) defines at least one locking leg finger (204LF), as shown in fig. 5) adapted to engage with at least one of a stepped portion (202BS), as shown in fig. 5), a groove and a slot provided on an inner portion of the body (202B) of the first grommet member (202) thereby locking the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202) when the second grommet member (204) is introduced into and moved with respect to the first grommet member (202). Each locking leg (204L) extends from another portion (204BS), as shown in fig. 5) of the body (204B) of the second grommet member (204). The other portion (204BS) of the body (204B) transversely extends from the portion (204BF) of the body (204B) in a direction towards the locking legs (204L) of the second grommet member (204). Each locking leg (204L) is transverse to the portion (204BF) of the body (204B) of the second grommet member (204).
[0035] The first grommet member (202) is pre-assembled on the vehicular member (DW) and the second grommet member (204) is pre-assembled on at least one cable (C) to reduce the assembly time. The second grommet member (204) is removably connected to the first grommet member (202). For example, the second grommet member (204) is snap fitted to the first grommet member (202). In another example, the second grommet member (204) is thread fitted to the first grommet member (202) in which external threads are provided on the portion (204BS) of the body (204B) of the second grommet member (204) and internal threads are provided to the inner portion of the body (202B) of the first grommet member (202). It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202) by using any of fasteners, interconnecting means, locking means or any other means. In another embodiment, the grommet device (200) includes magnets (not shown) adapted to connect the second grommet member (204) to the first grommet member (202).
[0036] The first sealing member (206) is adapted to be engaged with at least one cable (C) and the first portion (204F) of the second grommet member (204) to restrict fluid flow at the interface between at least one cable (C) and the second grommet member (204). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the first sealing member (206) is considered to be at least a tape which is rolled onto at least one cable (C) and the first portion (204F) of the second grommet member (204) to restrict fluid flow thereof. In another embodiment, the first sealing member (206) is considered to be an air tight foam sleeve. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other sealing means to restrict fluid flow at the interface between at least one cable (C) and the second grommet member (204).
[0037] The second sealing member (208) is adapted to be engaged between the inner portion of the body (202B) of the first grommet member (202) and a groove provided on another portion (204BS) of the body (204B) of the second grommet member (204) to restrict fluid flow between the first grommet member (202) and the second grommet member (204). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the second sealing member (206) is considered to be at least an O-ring. In another embodiment, the second sealing member (206) is considered to be an over moulded rubber or an air tight thick foam. It is also within the scope of the invention to provide any other sealing means to restrict fluid flow between the first grommet member (202) and the second grommet member (204).
[0038] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (400) for managing cable(s) in at least the vehicular member (DW) such as the water shield present in the vehicle door, according to second embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (400) for managing cable(s) is explained herein below with reference to managing cable(s) through the vehicular member (DW) such as water shield present in the vehicle side door, where routing the cable(s) and sealing at the cable interface to restrict fluid flow into the vehicle at door region is required. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/ implement the entire steps of the method (400) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (400) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (300) for managing cable(s) through plastic or flexible membranes or in any of any other locations of the vehicle, workstations, machinery, appliances such as refrigerators, steamers, chillers and other food processing devices and any other applications, where routing of cable(s) and sealing at the cable interface to restrict fluid flow thereof is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (400) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. In the second embodiment, the method (400) includes, pre-assembling a first grommet member (202) with the vehicular member (DW), step (402), pre-mounting a second grommet member (204) on at least one cable (C) by routing at least one cable (C) through a cable receiving portion of a first portion (204F) extending from a body (204B) of the second grommet member (204), step (404), engaging a first sealing member (206) on at least one cable (C) and the first portion (204F) of the second grommet member (204), step (406), and assembling the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202), step (408), wherein the first sealing member (206) is adapted to restrict fluid flow at the interface between the cable (C) and the second grommet member (204).
[0039] The method (400) includes, connecting a cable connector (CB) with the cable (C), step (405) after the method step (406) of engaging the first sealing member (206) on at least one cable (C) and the first portion (204F) of the second grommet member (204).
[0040] The method (400) includes, mounting a second sealing member (208) onto a groove provided on another portion (204BS) of the body (204B) of the second grommet member (204), step (407A) before the method step (408) of assembling the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202), wherein the second sealing member (208) is adapted to engage the body (202B) of the first grommet member (202) to restrict fluid flow between the grommet members (202, 204).
[0041] The method (400) includes, passing the cable connector (CB), as shown in fig. 4 and fig. 5) through the first grommet member (202), step (407B) before the method step (408) of assembling the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202).
[0042] The method step (406) of engaging the first sealing member (206) on at least one cable (C) and the first portion (204F) of the second grommet member (204) includes, covering at least one cable (C) and the first portion (204F) of the second grommet member (204) by using adhesive tape to restrict fluid flow at the interface between the cable (C) and the second grommet member (204).
[0043] The method step (402) of pre-assembling the first grommet member (202) with the vehicular member (DW) by, heat stacking or adhesive bonding the first grommet member (202) with the vehicular member (DW).
[0044] The method step (408) of assembling the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202) by, introducing the second grommet member (104) into the first grommet member (102), and locking the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202) by engaging at least one locking leg finger (204LF) of each locking leg (204L) of the second grommet member (204) with at least one of a stepped portion (202B), a groove and a slot provided on the body (202B) of the first grommet member (202) when the second grommet member (204) is moved with respect to the first grommet member (202) by pulling the cable (C).
[0045] The method step (408) of assembling the second grommet member (204) with the first grommet member (202) by using magnets.
[0046] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.