Patent ID: 6038756
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: B25B,B60G,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of mounting a suspension bumper to a structural member on a motor vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:(a) providing an aperture in the structural member for receiving the suspension bumper;(b) providing a blind bore axially extending from an open end to a closed end on the suspension bumper;(c) inserting a first end of an installation tool in said blind bore;(d) providing a resilient retaining tip on an outer surface of said closed end of the suspension bumper, said resilient tip having an uncompressed sectional area greater than said aperture in the structural member and a retaining groove having a sectional area substantially equal to aperture;(e) aligning said retaining tip adjacent with said aperture;(f) applying an insertion force on the suspension bumper with said installation tool to compress said retaining tip through said aperture in the structural member and allow said retaining groove to engage a periphery of said aperture;(g) applying a withdrawal force on said installation tool in a direction opposite from said insertion force sufficient to remove said installation tool from said blind bore, said withdrawal force being smaller in magnitude than a force required to remove said retaining tip from said aperture; and(h) providing an interference fit between said blind bore and said first end of said insertion tool such that said withdrawal force exceeds a predetermined minimum sufficient to withdraw the suspension bumper if said retaining groove fails to completely engage said periphery of said aperture.