Abstract:
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.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a National Phase of International Application Number PCT/US2012/021312, filed Jan. 13, 2012 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/433,017 filed Jan. 14, 2011. 
    
    
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic cut-away side view illustrating the respective orientation of a connection stud at the base of a roof ditch and a structural C-section of overlying molding with an exemplary molding retainer assembly shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective elevation view illustrating an exemplary two-piece molding retainer assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective elevation view illustrating an exemplary stud engagement latch used in the molding retainer assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective elevation view illustrating an exemplary molding engagement clip portion of the molding retainer assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic elevation perspective view illustrating the stud of  FIG. 1  secured at the interior of the stud engagement latch portion of the molding retainer assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view of another exemplary molding retainer assembly in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the molding retainer assembly of  FIG. 6  in assembled condition; and 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-section taken generally along line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7  illustrating retention of a C-section molding support. 
     
    
    
     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 to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  5 , in one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a molding retainer assembly  10  for securing a C-section  12  of a molding strip  13  in overlying relation to a connection stud  14  projecting upwardly from the base of a roof ditch  16  of an automobile or other similar environment of use. In this regard, it will be understood that the roof ditch  16  has a generally concave profile and may be formed at the intersection of a vehicle roof panel  18  and an adjacent or body side panel  17 . In this regard, the roof ditch  16  typically extends substantially along the roof line of the vehicle. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the C-section  12  may 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 strip  13  which is configured to extend in sealing relation between opposing walls of the roof ditch  16 . As best seen through joint reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the molding retainer assembly  10  may have a generally elongated rectangular profile which may be oriented with its longitudinal dimension in general alignment with the longitudinal dimension of the roof ditch  16 . 
     It is to be understood that while the molding retainer assembly  10  may be described in relation to its use within a roof ditch  16  of an automobile, the present invention is in no way limited to such use. Accordingly, the molding retainer assembly  10  may 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 to  FIGS. 2-5 , in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the molding retainer assembly  10  includes a stud engagement latch  20  ( FIG. 3 ) adapted to matedly receive the connection stud  14 . The molding retainer assembly  10  also includes a molding engagement clip  22  ( FIG. 4 ) adapted to engage the underside of the “C” section  12  in a manner as will be described further hereinafter. According to one contemplated practice, the stud engagement latch  20  and the molding engagement clip  22  may 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 latch  20  and a molding engagement clip  22  may be formed from either the same material or from different materials as may be desired. 
     As illustrated, the stud engagement latch  20  includes a pair of raised snap heads  30  of angled construction defining catch structures adapted to extend in snap-in relation through window slots  31  in the molding engagement clip  22 . With the stud engagement latch  20  snapped into place, it is blocked against separation from the molding engagement clip  22 . As shown, the snap heads  30  are mounted on support pillars  32  projecting upwardly from outboard platform surfaces  33  on the stud engagement latch. The snap heads  30  in combination with the support pillars  32  thus define upwardly projecting snap-in latch elements positioned for alignment with the window slots  31 . In the exemplary construction, the snap heads  30  define shoulder stops  34  projecting in an outboard direction away from the support pillars  32  at an effective height such that in the assembled condition of  FIG. 2 , shoulder stops  34  are disposed in blocking relation over underlying support surfaces  35  disposed in framing relation adjacent to the window slots  31  on the molding engagement clip  22 . As shown, the window slots  32  and adjacent support surfaces  35  may be in sunken relation to surrounding portions of the molding engagement clip  22  such that in the assembled condition, the snap heads  30  are substantially surrounded by slightly raised walls. As will be appreciated, such an arrangement protects against unintended disengagement. 
     In the illustrated exemplary construction the support pillars  32  supporting the snap heads  30  each have a smaller effective diameter in cross-section than the corresponding window slots  31  through which they project. Thus, the support pillars  32  may float within the windows while the latched condition is maintained. Accordingly, in the latched condition shown in  FIG. 2 , a degree of limited relative movement may take place between the stud engagement latch  20  and the molding engagement clip  22  in both the longitudinal and cross-car directions. 
     As best illustrated through joint reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the illustrated exemplary construction, the stud engagement latch  20  includes a stud containment ring  36  adapted to matedly receive and retain an enlarged diameter stud head  37  disposed at the distal end of a reduced diameter post portion  38  of the connection stud  14 . The interior of the stud containment ring  36  includes a pair of opposing arc snap structures  40  formed from multiple molded-in cooperating flexible snap fingers  41  which project radially inwardly from the inner diameter of stud containment ring  36 . In this regard, as best seen in  FIG. 3 , the exemplary snap fingers  41  making up the arc snap structures  40  have a generally dogleg profile such that the arc snap structures  40  include inwardly projecting leg segments  42  extending raised wall segments  43 . Thus, the arc snap structures  40  include a raised wall in spaced relation radially inwardly from the inner diameter of the stud containment ring  36 . 
     As shown, when the snap heads  30  are inserted in latching relation into the window slots  31 , the stud containment ring  36  enters an acceptance opening  45  in the molding engagement clip  22  and is held against withdrawal by the latching connection at the window slots  31 . The effective outer diameter of the stud containment ring  36  is slightly less than the effective inner diameter of the acceptance opening  45  to facilitate a degree of relative movement in the lateral and longitudinal directions. 
     With the stud containment ring  36  at least partially inserted into the acceptance opening  45 , the raised wall segments  43  of the snap fingers  41  are disposed radially inwardly from the perimeter wall of an acceptance opening  45  in the molding engagement clip  22  to define a reduced diameter pass-through opening between the arc snap structures  40 . In practice, when the stud head  37  is matedly inserted into the acceptance opening  45 , the raised wall segments  43  will snap behind the underside of the stud head  37  upon full insertion as best seen in  FIG. 5 . In this connected relation, the arc snap structures  40  are disposed circumferentially partially about the post portion  38  of the connection stud  14 . By snapping in partial surrounding relation about the connection stud  14 , the stud engagement latch  20  may engage in a degree of forward and aft movement in the longitudinal direction relative to the fixed position connection stud  14  while maintaining a clamping connection. Moreover, since the effective outer diameter defined by the stud containment ring  36  is less than the inner diameter of acceptance opening  45 , a degree of cross-car (i.e. lateral) movement also may take place. Thus, in the latched condition, the stud engagement latch  20  may move relative to the molding engagement clip  22 . 
     In the exemplary construction, biasing arms  50  in the form of molded in leaf springs extend away from either end of the molding engagement portion  22 . In operation, the biasing arms  50  act against the bottom of the roof ditch  16  so 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 ditch  16  by urging each molding retainer assembly  10  always to the top of the corresponding connection stud. 
     As noted previously, the molding engagement clip  22  is adapted to engage a “C” section  12  of the molding strip  13 . In the exemplary construction, the molding engagement clip  22  includes molding attachment elements in the form of a pair of outwardly curved flexible bullhorns  54  disposed along one lateral side and a sloped shoulder  56  defining an overhang ledge disposed along substantially the full length of the opposing lateral side. As best seen in  FIG. 1 , the bullhorns  54  engage one side of the C-section with the other side of the C-section being captured at the overhang defined by the sloped shoulder  56 . 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 studs  14  will be arranged along the base of the roof ditch  16 . At each of the connection studs  14 , a molding retainer assembly  10  as described may be oriented substantially longitudinally within the roof ditch  16 . The molding retainer assemblies  10  may thus cooperatively engage a molding strip  13  at positions along the roof ditch to provide a secure cover. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate another exemplary embodiment for a molding retainer assembly  110  in 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 assembly  110  may capture a stud head (not shown) between opposing arc snap structures  140  in 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 opening  145  in the molding engagement clip  122 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the stud engagement latch  120  has a generally elongated rectangular configuration including extended platform surfaces  133  projecting outboard from the stud containment ring  136 . Snap-in projections  130  defining upwardly projecting snap-in latch elements extend upwardly away from the platform surfaces for insertion into aligned window slots  131  disposed in sunken relation in the molding engagement clip  122 . By way of example only, and not limitation, the snap-in projections  130  may have an arrowhead shaped profile with a pair of flexible wing elements  160  defining catch structures extending in downwardly angled relation away from the distal end of a support post  162 . As will be appreciated, the wing elements are at an effective height such that during insertion of the snap-in projections  130  into the window slots  131 , the wing elements  160  flex inwardly and then snap outwardly behind the sunken support surfaces  135  framing the window slots  131 . 
     As shown, the support posts  162  of the snap-in projections  130  are smaller in cross-section than the corresponding window slots  131  through which they project. Thus, the support posts  162  may float within the window slots while the latched condition is nonetheless maintained. Accordingly, in the latched condition shown in  FIG. 7 , a degree of limited relative movement may take place between the stud engagement latch  120  and the molding engagement clip  122  in both the longitudinal and cross-car directions. 
     In the illustrated exemplary construction the stud engagement latch  120  further includes biasing arms  150  in the form of molded in leaf springs extending away from either end of the stud engagement latch. In operation, the biasing arms  150  act against the bottom of the roof ditch so as to continuously urge the molding retainer assembly  110  upwardly. 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 assembly  110  to the top of the corresponding connection stud. 
     In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the molding engagement clip  122  includes an arrangement of downwardly curved flexible hooking elements  170  disposed along either lateral side. In use, as a molding C-section  112  ( FIG. 8 ) is pressed onto the molding engagement clip  122 , the hooking elements  170  flex 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 clip  122  includes an arrangement of outwardly projecting feet  172  disposed generally at the corners of the molding engagement clip  122  at an elevation below the reach of the hooking elements  170 . In operation, as a molding C-section is pressed over the hooking elements  170 , the feet  172  define 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 elements  170  and the feet  172 . At the same time, support elements  174  aid in maintaining the desired C-section profile. Of course, virtually any other arrangement for securing the C-section in place may likewise be used. 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments and equivalents to the extent permitted by the prior art.