Roof ditch molding retainer assembly

A multi-piece molding retainer assembly including a female stud engagement latch which is held in floating snap-fit relation within a molding engagement clip adapted to engage and retain the overlying molding. The stud engagement latch and the molding engagement clip are moveable in relation to one another in both the longitudinal and lateral directions after attachment. The retainer assembly accommodates variations in stud position and height such that the attached molding may be properly positioned despite variations in the studs.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to attachment clips for molding, and more particularly, to a retainer assembly adapted to secure a molding strip having a C-section interior in covering relation relative to a roof ditch extending along the intersection between a roof panel and side panel of an automotive vehicle or like environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common to use molding and other trim elements on automobiles and similar products. Moldings may be applied to cover joints, seams and other unappealing features, or they may be applied simply for aesthetic purposes. Because it is not always easy to attach molding directly to automobile body parts, molding is often attached using a specialized retainer clip. A variety of automobiles now include a roof ditch that extends along a portion of the roof above the doors. The roof ditch is typically defined by the joint between the roof and the side panel of the automobile. Typically, the roof ditch is covered at least in part by a roof ditch molding. Such molding typically has an interior support of metal or the like with a generally “C” shaped section profile. The interior support may be covered with a more pliable material such as rubber or the like which extends outwardly to engage edges of the roof ditch. In many applications, the roof ditch molding is secured in the roof ditch by a plurality of retainers that attach to weld studs disposed along the roof ditch channel. In some instances, the lateral position and/or height of the weld studs may vary at different positions along the roof ditch. Such variation may make it difficult to obtain the desired placement of the overlying molding.

While prior molding retainers have worked well, they tend to be substantially fixed relative to the underlying studs or other structures to which they are attached. Thus, if the stud is out of position, the overlying molding will likewise tend to be out of position. Accordingly, a continuing need exists for a roof ditch molding retainer which accommodates variations in the weld stud or other attachment structure while maintaining a secure connection between the weld stud and the molding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a multi-piece molding retainer assembly including a female stud engagement latch which is held in floating snap-fit relation within a molding engagement clip adapted to engage and retain the overlying molding. The stud engagement latch and the molding engagement clip are moveable in relation to one another in both the longitudinal and lateral (i.e. cross-car) directions. The retainer assembly accommodates variations in stud position and height within the roof ditch such that the attached molding may be properly positioned despite variations in the studs.

In one exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a molding retainer adapted to lockingly engage a connection stud having an enhanced diameter head within a vehicle roof ditch and to hold an elongate molding strip having a C-section support in covering relation to the vehicle roof ditch over the connection stud. The molding retainer includes a molding engagement clip adapted to engage an underside of the molding strip in nested relation to the C-section support such that the C-section support extends in arched relation between opposing lateral sides of the molding engagement clip. The molding engagement clip includes an arrangement of molding attachment elements adapted to lockingly engage interior surfaces of the molding strip. The molding engagement clip includes an acceptance opening oriented for alignment with the connection stud and a pair of window slots disposed on opposite sides of the acceptance opening. The molding retainer further includes a stud engagement latch, non-integral with the molding engagement clip. The stud engagement latch includes a raised stud containment ring adapted for insertion at least partially into the acceptance opening in the molding engagement clip. The stud containment ring further includes a pair of opposing snap structures projecting radially inwardly and adapted to snap behind the enhanced diameter head upon insertion of the connection stud. The stud engagement latch further includes a plurality of upwardly projecting snap-in latch elements positioned for alignment with the window slots when the stud containment ring is inserted into the acceptance opening. Each of the upwardly projecting snap-in latch elements includes a catch structure at an effective height to latch behind a surface adjacent a corresponding window opening upon at least partial insertion of the containment ring into the acceptance opening.

In another exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a method of holding an elongate molding strip having a C-section support in covering relation to a vehicle roof ditch over a connection stud having an enhanced diameter head within the vehicle roof ditch. The method includes providing a molding engagement clip adapted to engage an underside of the molding strip in nested relation to the C-section support such that the C-section support extends in arched relation between opposing lateral sides of the molding engagement clip, wherein the molding engagement clip includes an arrangement of molding attachment elements adapted to lockingly engage interior surfaces of the molding strip. The molding engagement clip includes an acceptance opening oriented for alignment with the connection stud and a pair of window slots disposed on opposite sides of the acceptance opening. The method further includes providing a stud engagement latch, non-integral with the molding engagement clip, wherein the stud engagement latch includes a raised stud containment ring adapted for insertion at least partially into the acceptance opening in the molding engagement clip. The stud containment ring includes a pair of opposing snap structures projecting radially inwardly and adapted to snap behind the enhanced diameter head upon insertion of the connection stud. The stud engagement latch further includes a plurality of upwardly projecting snap-in latch elements positioned for alignment with the window slots when the stud containment ring is inserted into the acceptance opening, each of the upwardly projecting snap-in latch elements having a catch structure at an effective height to latch behind a surface adjacent a corresponding window opening upon at least partial insertion of the containment ring into the acceptance opening. The method further includes inserting the upwardly projecting snap-in latch elements through corresponding window slots to establish a latched connection between the molding engagement clip and the stud engagement latch, inserting the molding engagement clip in nested relation to the C-section support, and inserting the connection stud into the raised stud containment ring between the opposing snap structures such that the opposing snap structures are disposed beneath the enhanced diameter head.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numbers are used to designate like features.

Before the exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is in no way limited in its application or construction to the details and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the invention is capable of other embodiments and being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of terms such as “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now toFIGS. 1,2and5, in one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a molding retainer assembly10for securing a C-section12of a molding strip13in overlying relation to a connection stud14projecting upwardly from the base of a roof ditch16of an automobile or other similar environment of use. In this regard, it will be understood that the roof ditch16has a generally concave profile and may be formed at the intersection of a vehicle roof panel18and an adjacent or body side panel17. In this regard, the roof ditch16typically extends substantially along the roof line of the vehicle. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the C-section12may be formed from metal or other material having structural integrity and is typically provided with an outer covering of flexible polymer defining the exterior of the molding strip13which is configured to extend in sealing relation between opposing walls of the roof ditch16. As best seen through joint reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the molding retainer assembly10may have a generally elongated rectangular profile which may be oriented with its longitudinal dimension in general alignment with the longitudinal dimension of the roof ditch16.

It is to be understood that while the molding retainer assembly10may be described in relation to its use within a roof ditch16of an automobile, the present invention is in no way limited to such use. Accordingly, the molding retainer assembly10may likewise be used to secure a molding strip in place in any number of other environments of use as may be desired.

As best seen through joint reference toFIGS. 2-5, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the molding retainer assembly10includes a stud engagement latch20(FIG. 3) adapted to matedly receive the connection stud14. The molding retainer assembly10also includes a molding engagement clip22(FIG. 4) adapted to engage the underside of the “C” section12in a manner as will be described further hereinafter. According to one contemplated practice, the stud engagement latch20and the molding engagement clip22may each be formed as independent unitary structures from polymeric materials such as Nylon, acetal resin or the like by use of injection molding or other suitable formation practices as will be known to those of skill in the art. In this regard, the stud engagement latch20and a molding engagement clip22may be formed from either the same material or from different materials as may be desired.

As illustrated, the stud engagement latch20includes a pair of raised snap heads30of angled construction defining catch structures adapted to extend in snap-in relation through window slots31in the molding engagement clip22. With the stud engagement latch20snapped into place, it is blocked against separation from the molding engagement clip22. As shown, the snap heads30are mounted on support pillars32projecting upwardly from outboard platform surfaces33on the stud engagement latch. The snap heads30in combination with the support pillars32thus define upwardly projecting snap-in latch elements positioned for alignment with the window slots31. In the exemplary construction, the snap heads30define shoulder stops34projecting in an outboard direction away from the support pillars32at an effective height such that in the assembled condition ofFIG. 2, shoulder stops34are disposed in blocking relation over underlying support surfaces35disposed in framing relation adjacent to the window slots31on the molding engagement clip22. As shown, the window slots32and adjacent support surfaces35may be in sunken relation to surrounding portions of the molding engagement clip22such that in the assembled condition, the snap heads30are substantially surrounded by slightly raised walls. As will be appreciated, such an arrangement protects against unintended disengagement.

In the illustrated exemplary construction the support pillars32supporting the snap heads30each have a smaller effective diameter in cross-section than the corresponding window slots31through which they project. Thus, the support pillars32may float within the windows while the latched condition is maintained. Accordingly, in the latched condition shown inFIG. 2, a degree of limited relative movement may take place between the stud engagement latch20and the molding engagement clip22in both the longitudinal and cross-car directions.

As best illustrated through joint reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, in the illustrated exemplary construction, the stud engagement latch20includes a stud containment ring36adapted to matedly receive and retain an enlarged diameter stud head37disposed at the distal end of a reduced diameter post portion38of the connection stud14. The interior of the stud containment ring36includes a pair of opposing arc snap structures40formed from multiple molded-in cooperating flexible snap fingers41which project radially inwardly from the inner diameter of stud containment ring36. In this regard, as best seen inFIG. 3, the exemplary snap fingers41making up the arc snap structures40have a generally dogleg profile such that the arc snap structures40include inwardly projecting leg segments42extending raised wall segments43. Thus, the arc snap structures40include a raised wall in spaced relation radially inwardly from the inner diameter of the stud containment ring36.

As shown, when the snap heads30are inserted in latching relation into the window slots31, the stud containment ring36enters an acceptance opening45in the molding engagement clip22and is held against withdrawal by the latching connection at the window slots31. The effective outer diameter of the stud containment ring36is slightly less than the effective inner diameter of the acceptance opening45to facilitate a degree of relative movement in the lateral and longitudinal directions.

With the stud containment ring36at least partially inserted into the acceptance opening45, the raised wall segments43of the snap fingers41are disposed radially inwardly from the perimeter wall of an acceptance opening45in the molding engagement clip22to define a reduced diameter pass-through opening between the arc snap structures40. In practice, when the stud head37is matedly inserted into the acceptance opening45, the raised wall segments43will snap behind the underside of the stud head37upon full insertion as best seen inFIG. 5. In this connected relation, the arc snap structures40are disposed circumferentially partially about the post portion38of the connection stud14. By snapping in partial surrounding relation about the connection stud14, the stud engagement latch20may engage in a degree of forward and aft movement in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed position connection stud14while maintaining a clamping connection. Moreover, since the effective outer diameter defined by the stud containment ring36is less than the inner diameter of acceptance opening45, a degree of cross-car (i.e. lateral) movement also may take place. Thus, in the latched condition, the stud engagement latch20may move relative to the molding engagement clip22.

In the exemplary construction, biasing arms50in the form of molded in leaf springs extend away from either end of the molding engagement portion22. In operation, the biasing arms50act against the bottom of the roof ditch16so as to continuously urge the molding retainer assembly upwardly. As will be appreciated, such upward biasing aids in avoiding height variations at different positions along the length of the roof ditch16by urging each molding retainer assembly10always to the top of the corresponding connection stud.

As noted previously, the molding engagement clip22is adapted to engage a “C” section12of the molding strip13. In the exemplary construction, the molding engagement clip22includes molding attachment elements in the form of a pair of outwardly curved flexible bullhorns54disposed along one lateral side and a sloped shoulder56defining an overhang ledge disposed along substantially the full length of the opposing lateral side. As best seen inFIG. 1, the bullhorns54engage one side of the C-section with the other side of the C-section being captured at the overhang defined by the sloped shoulder56. Of course, virtually any other arrangement for securing the C-section in place may likewise be used.

As will be appreciated, in practice multiple connection studs14will be arranged along the base of the roof ditch16. At each of the connection studs14, a molding retainer assembly10as described may be oriented substantially longitudinally within the roof ditch16. The molding retainer assemblies10may thus cooperatively engage a molding strip13at positions along the roof ditch to provide a secure cover.

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate another exemplary embodiment for a molding retainer assembly110in accordance with the present invention wherein elements corresponding to those described previously are designated by like reference numerals within a 100 series. As will be appreciated, in this embodiment the molding retainer assembly110may capture a stud head (not shown) between opposing arc snap structures140in substantially the same manner as described in relation to the previous embodiment wherein the snap ring structures define a reduced diameter passageway at the interior of an acceptance opening145in the molding engagement clip122.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 6 and 7, the stud engagement latch120has a generally elongated rectangular configuration including extended platform surfaces133projecting outboard from the stud containment ring136. Snap-in projections130defining upwardly projecting snap-in latch elements extend upwardly away from the platform surfaces for insertion into aligned window slots131disposed in sunken relation in the molding engagement clip122. By way of example only, and not limitation, the snap-in projections130may have an arrowhead shaped profile with a pair of flexible wing elements160defining catch structures extending in downwardly angled relation away from the distal end of a support post162. As will be appreciated, the wing elements are at an effective height such that during insertion of the snap-in projections130into the window slots131, the wing elements160flex inwardly and then snap outwardly behind the sunken support surfaces135framing the window slots131.

As shown, the support posts162of the snap-in projections130are smaller in cross-section than the corresponding window slots131through which they project. Thus, the support posts162may float within the window slots while the latched condition is nonetheless maintained. Accordingly, in the latched condition shown inFIG. 7, a degree of limited relative movement may take place between the stud engagement latch120and the molding engagement clip122in both the longitudinal and cross-car directions.

In the illustrated exemplary construction the stud engagement latch120further includes biasing arms150in the form of molded in leaf springs extending away from either end of the stud engagement latch. In operation, the biasing arms150act against the bottom of the roof ditch so as to continuously urge the molding retainer assembly110upwardly. As will be appreciated, such upward biasing aids in avoiding height variations at different positions along the length of the roof ditch by urging each molding retainer assembly110to the top of the corresponding connection stud.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, the molding engagement clip122includes an arrangement of downwardly curved flexible hooking elements170disposed along either lateral side. In use, as a molding C-section112(FIG. 8) is pressed onto the molding engagement clip122, the hooking elements170flex inwardly and then spring out to latch behind the interior of the inwardly curved edge portions of the C-section. In addition, the illustrated exemplary molding engagement clip122includes an arrangement of outwardly projecting feet172disposed generally at the corners of the molding engagement clip122at an elevation below the reach of the hooking elements170. In operation, as a molding C-section is pressed over the hooking elements170, the feet172define a blocking surface beyond which the inwardly curved edge portion of the C-section cannot pass. Thus, in the final assembly, the inwardly curved edge portion of the C-section is clamped between the hooking elements170and the feet172. At the same time, support elements174aid in maintaining the desired C-section profile. Of course, virtually any other arrangement for securing the C-section in place may likewise be used.