Indian Patents. 256338:A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING TRIM ON SHEET PANEL OF A VEHICLE

Title of Invention	A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING TRIM ON SHEET PANEL OF A VEHICLE
Abstract	A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a prototype vehicle comprising a support member having a slot at one end and a hole at the other end, a push button having a collar, slip insert into slot in the said support member and press fit to fix said support member on to the panel and a tree clip for fixing said trim to the support member.

Full Text	FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See Section 10; rule 13) TITLE OF THE INVENTION A Bracket Assembly For Mounting Trims On The Sheet Panel Of A Vehicle & Method Of Fixing Thereof APPLICANTS TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India INVENTOR B.N.Gadekar and R A Mali both Indian nationals of TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a bracket assembly for mounting fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) trims on the sheet metal panels of vehicles. Further this invention relates to bracket assembly for mounting FRP trims on the sheet metal panels of prototype vehicles where using injection molded trims are costly and time consuming. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Trims are used to improve the aesthetic looks of the vehicle interior. Various kinds of trims are used in vehicles to improve the aesthetic look such as FRP, plastic etc. Plastic components are used in production vehicles where as FRP trims are used in prototype vehicles. In mass production of vehicles plastic trims with provision for fixing it to sheet metal panel is also made by injection mold. By using injection molded plastic trims in prototype vehicles, the cost for making such trims will be high and also it will be time consuming to make such trims. In prototype vehicle the design of the vehicle will change to incorporate new design and making injection molded plastic trims accordingly will be time consuming and involved high cost. By using FRP trims in prototype vehicles cost and time for making trims saved and also it will be easy to modify the design if required. Trim panels will help to hide the sheet metal panels to give more aesthetic appearance. It will also improve the noise vibration harshness (NVH) of the vehicle. There are holes provided on the sheet metal panels for mounting trims, however there is no mounting available on the inner surface of the FRP trims which are available on the plastic trims made from production tools by injection molding method. So, to assemble the FRP trims, sheet metal brackets are required to fill the gap between the sheet metal panel & the trim. These brackets are screwed to the panel at places convenient for mounting the trim. The actual mountings on the panel, as per design cannot be utilized to mount these brackets. To mount the FRP trims on the panel by screwing them on these brackets with the help of sheet metal screws. 2 Disadvantages in conventional methods: The appearance of the complete assembly is poor and shabby. The method of fixing trims is troublesome and time consuming job. It will result in loss of NVH properties due to creating extra holes on body panels. SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION The objective of present method is to develop bracket assembly for mounting FRP trims that will be: a) easy to assemble. b) create a good appearance of the assembly c) improve NVH properties d) close to the design intent assembly to validate the design. The above objective is achieved by developing a sheet metal support member with a hole on one side for fixing the tree clip and a slot on the other side for fitment of the push button. This support member is mounted on the sheet metal panel using the same holes provided for mounting trims as per design. This support member is mounted by press fitting the push button in the panel hole. The FRP trim is then mounted on these support members with the help of tree clips. According to first aspect the invention provides a bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of the prototype vehicle comprising a support member having a slot at one end and a hole at the other end, a push button for fixing said support member on to the panel and a tree clip for fixing said trim to the support member. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of mounting trim on the sheet metal panel of the prototype vehicle comprising steps of inserting collar of a push button in to the slot at one end of the support member to fix the push button on the support member, press fit the push button into the holes provided on the panel to fix the push button and support member assembly into the panel, providing a hole on the 3 trim at respective positions where mountings are provided, mounting trims at the respective positions on the support member, press fit a tree clip in the hole provided on the trim to fix it to the support member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig 1 - shows the cross sectional view of the mounting arrangement with a 'C shaped bracket assembly Fig 2 - shows the cross sectional view of the mounting arrangement with a 'Z' shaped bracket assembly Fig 3 - shows the isometric view of bracket assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same. Reference to the figures 1, 2 & 3, a bracket assembly (10) is used for mounting FRP trims (5) on sheet metal panel (4). The assembly is having a support member (1) formed from a metal plate. A slot for fixing a push button (2) and a hole for inserting a tree clip (3) are made on the metal plate at two ends. The metal plate then turns in desired shape such as 'C, 'Z' to form as a bracket. The height of the support member (1) will be equal to the gap between the panel and inner surface of the trim as per the design. The push button (2) having a male component (shaft) with thick part and a base part (flange). A collar arrangement is provided in the Flange of the push button to slide fit into the slot in the support member. Male component of the push button having thick part at the middle and used to connect panel and the support member. Push button is made from plastic. Another element of the bracket assembly is a Tree clip having ribbed shaft and a head to press fit. This is used to connect the FRP with support member. The collar of the push button slides into the slot at one end of the 4 support member to fix it. So that, the male component of the push button is projected outside. The thick part in the male component of the push button press fit in the holes provided on the panels of the vehicle to fix the push button and support member to the panel. Said holes are design intent holes used for mounting trims during production. Holes are provided in the FRP trims at place where mountings are provided as per design. Mount FRP trims at the respective position on the support members and tree clips are inserted through the FRP trim into the hole provided on the support member. The bracket assembly is very simple in arrangement and it can be fixed very easily. The bracket assembly can be reused. The arrangement facilitates easy assembly of trims on the panel. Any design change can be easily accommodated. The arrangements avoid drilling additional holes on the panels to fix the trims which will improve the NVH properties. It will provide good appearance to the complete assembly. By using such brackets design intent assembly can be achieved. The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof. 5 WE CLAIM 1. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle comprising a support member (1) having a slot at one end and a hole at the other end, a means (2) for fixing said support member on the panel and a means (3) for fixing said trim to the support member. 2. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for fixing support member (1) on the panel is a push button having collar at the base. 3. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for fixing trim to the support member (1) is a tree clip. 4. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support member (1) having a height equal to the distance between panel (4) and inner surface of the trim (5). 5. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support member (1) made from sheet metal plate having a slot for fixing push button at one end and a hole for inserting tree clip at the other end. 6. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said push button (2) having a collar in the base to slip insert into the slot provided in support member (1). 7. A method of mounting trim on the sheet metal panel of a vehicle comprising steps of inserting collar of a push button (2) in to the slot at one end of the support member (l)to fix the push button on the support member, press fit the push button 6 into the holes provided on the panel (4) to fix the push button and support member assembly into the panel, providing a hole on the trim (5) at respective positions where mountings are provided, mounting trim at the respective positions on the support member, press fit a tree clip (3) in the hole provided on the trim to fix it to the support member. 8. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to accompanying drawings. 9. A method of mounting trim on the sheet metal panel of a vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to accompanying drawings. 7 ABSTRACT Title: A Bracket Assembly For Mounting Trims On The Sheet Panel Of A Vehicle & Method Of Fixing Thereof A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a prototype vehicle comprising a support member having a slot at one end and a hole at the other end, a push button having a collar, slip insert into slot in the said support member and press fit to fix said support member on to the panel and a tree clip for fixing said trim to the support member. Fig. 3

Full Text

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10; rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A Bracket Assembly For Mounting Trims On The
Sheet Panel Of A Vehicle & Method Of Fixing Thereof
APPLICANTS
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company
having its registered office at Bombay House,
24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk,
Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India
INVENTOR
B.N.Gadekar and R A Mali both Indian nationals
of TATA MOTORS LIMITED,
an Indian company having its registered office
at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk,
Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner
in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a bracket assembly for mounting fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) trims on the sheet metal panels of vehicles. Further this invention relates to bracket assembly for mounting FRP trims on the sheet metal panels of prototype vehicles where using injection molded trims are costly and time consuming.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Trims are used to improve the aesthetic looks of the vehicle interior. Various kinds of trims are used in vehicles to improve the aesthetic look such as FRP, plastic etc. Plastic components are used in production vehicles where as FRP trims are used in prototype vehicles. In mass production of vehicles plastic trims with provision for fixing it to sheet metal panel is also made by injection mold. By using injection molded plastic trims in prototype vehicles, the cost for making such trims will be high and also it will be time consuming to make such trims. In prototype vehicle the design of the vehicle will change to incorporate new design and making injection molded plastic trims accordingly will be time consuming and involved high cost. By using FRP trims in prototype vehicles cost and time for making trims saved and also it will be easy to modify the design if required. Trim panels will help to hide the sheet metal panels to give more aesthetic appearance. It will also improve the noise vibration harshness (NVH) of the vehicle. There are holes provided on the sheet metal panels for mounting trims, however there is no mounting available on the inner surface of the FRP trims which are available on the plastic trims made from production tools by injection molding method. So, to assemble the FRP trims, sheet metal brackets are required to fill the gap between the sheet metal panel & the trim. These brackets are screwed to the panel at places convenient for mounting the trim. The actual mountings on the panel, as per design cannot be utilized to mount these brackets. To mount the FRP trims on the panel by screwing them on these brackets with the help of sheet metal screws.
2

Disadvantages in conventional methods:
The appearance of the complete assembly is poor and shabby. The method of fixing trims is troublesome and time consuming job. It will result in loss of NVH properties due to creating extra holes on body panels.
SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION
The objective of present method is to develop bracket assembly for mounting FRP trims that will be:
a) easy to assemble.
b) create a good appearance of the assembly
c) improve NVH properties
d) close to the design intent assembly to validate the design.
The above objective is achieved by developing a sheet metal support member with a hole on one side for fixing the tree clip and a slot on the other side for fitment of the push button. This support member is mounted on the sheet metal panel using the same holes provided for mounting trims as per design. This support member is mounted by press fitting the push button in the panel hole. The FRP trim is then mounted on these support members with the help of tree clips.
According to first aspect the invention provides a bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of the prototype vehicle comprising a support member having a slot at one end and a hole at the other end, a push button for fixing said support member on to the panel and a tree clip for fixing said trim to the support member.
Another aspect of the present invention is a method of mounting trim on the sheet metal panel of the prototype vehicle comprising steps of inserting collar of a push button in to the slot at one end of the support member to fix the push button on the support member, press fit the push button into the holes provided on the panel to fix the push button and support member assembly into the panel, providing a hole on the
3

trim at respective positions where mountings are provided, mounting trims at the respective positions on the support member, press fit a tree clip in the hole provided on the trim to fix it to the support member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig 1 - shows the cross sectional view of the mounting arrangement with a 'C shaped
bracket assembly
Fig 2 - shows the cross sectional view of the mounting arrangement with a 'Z' shaped
bracket assembly
Fig 3 - shows the isometric view of bracket assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.
Reference to the figures 1, 2 & 3, a bracket assembly (10) is used for mounting FRP trims (5) on sheet metal panel (4). The assembly is having a support member (1) formed from a metal plate. A slot for fixing a push button (2) and a hole for inserting a tree clip (3) are made on the metal plate at two ends. The metal plate then turns in desired shape such as 'C, 'Z' to form as a bracket. The height of the support member (1) will be equal to the gap between the panel and inner surface of the trim as per the design. The push button (2) having a male component (shaft) with thick part and a base part (flange). A collar arrangement is provided in the Flange of the push button to slide fit into the slot in the support member. Male component of the push button having thick part at the middle and used to connect panel and the support member. Push button is made from plastic. Another element of the bracket assembly is a Tree clip having ribbed shaft and a head to press fit. This is used to connect the FRP with support member. The collar of the push button slides into the slot at one end of the
4

support member to fix it. So that, the male component of the push button is projected outside. The thick part in the male component of the push button press fit in the holes provided on the panels of the vehicle to fix the push button and support member to the panel. Said holes are design intent holes used for mounting trims during production. Holes are provided in the FRP trims at place where mountings are provided as per design. Mount FRP trims at the respective position on the support members and tree clips are inserted through the FRP trim into the hole provided on the support member.
The bracket assembly is very simple in arrangement and it can be fixed very easily. The bracket assembly can be reused. The arrangement facilitates easy assembly of trims on the panel. Any design change can be easily accommodated. The arrangements avoid drilling additional holes on the panels to fix the trims which will improve the NVH properties. It will provide good appearance to the complete assembly. By using such brackets design intent assembly can be achieved.
The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.
5

WE CLAIM
1. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle comprising a support member (1) having a slot at one end and a hole at the other end, a means (2) for fixing said support member on the panel and a means (3) for fixing said trim to the support member.
2. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for fixing support member (1) on the panel is a push button having collar at the base.
3. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for fixing trim to the support member (1) is a tree clip.
4. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support member (1) having a height equal to the distance between panel (4) and inner surface of the trim (5).
5. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support member (1) made from sheet metal plate having a slot for fixing push button at one end and a hole for inserting tree clip at the other end.
6. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said push button (2) having a collar in the base to slip insert into the slot provided in support member (1).
7. A method of mounting trim on the sheet metal panel of a vehicle comprising steps of inserting collar of a push button (2) in to the slot at one end of the support member (l)to fix the push button on the support member, press fit the push button
6

into the holes provided on the panel (4) to fix the push button and support member assembly into the panel, providing a hole on the trim (5) at respective positions where mountings are provided, mounting trim at the respective positions on the support member, press fit a tree clip (3) in the hole provided on the trim to fix it to the support member.
8. A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to accompanying drawings.
9. A method of mounting trim on the sheet metal panel of a vehicle substantially as herein described with reference to accompanying drawings.

7

ABSTRACT
Title: A Bracket Assembly For Mounting Trims On The Sheet Panel Of A Vehicle & Method Of Fixing Thereof
A bracket assembly for mounting trim on the sheet panel of a prototype vehicle comprising a support member having a slot at one end and a hole at the other end, a push button having a collar, slip insert into slot in the said support member and press fit to fix said support member on to the panel and a tree clip for fixing said trim to the support member. Fig. 3

Documents:

1772-MUM-2007-ABSTRACT(24-10-2011).pdf

1772-mum-2007-abstract.doc

1772-mum-2007-abstract.pdf

1772-MUM-2007-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(15-4-2013).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(24-10-2011).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-CLAIMS(MARKED COPY)-(15-4-2013).pdf

1772-mum-2007-claims.doc

1772-mum-2007-claims.pdf

1772-MUM-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(10-12-2012).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(19-11-2007).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(25-4-2012).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(6-8-2012).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-CORRESPONDENCE(9-11-2012).pdf

1772-mum-2007-correspondence-received.pdf

1772-mum-2007-description (complete).pdf

1772-mum-2007-drawings.pdf

1772-MUM-2007-FORM 1(24-10-2011).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-FORM 13(24-10-2011).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-FORM 18(19-11-2007).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-FORM 2(TITLE PAGE)-(24-10-2011).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-FORM 8(19-11-2007).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-FORM 9(19-11-2007).pdf

1772-mum-2007-form-1.pdf

1772-mum-2007-form-2.doc

1772-mum-2007-form-2.pdf

1772-mum-2007-form-26.pdf

1772-mum-2007-form-3.pdf

1772-MUM-2007-GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY(24-10-2011).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY(25-4-2012).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-MARKED COPY(24-10-2011).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT(24-10-2011).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-REPLY TO HEARING(15-4-2013).pdf

1772-MUM-2007-SPECIFICATION(AMENDED)-(24-10-2011).pdf

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Patent Number

256338

Indian Patent Application Number

1772/MUM/2007

PG Journal Number

23/2013

Publication Date

07-Jun-2013

Grant Date

04-Jun-2013

Date of Filing

14-Sep-2007

Name of Patentee

TATA MOTORS LIMITED

Applicant Address

BOMBAY HOUSE, 24 HOMI MODY STREET, HUTATMA CHOWK,MUMBAI 400001,

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	R. A. MALI	BOMBAY HOUSE, 24 HOMI MODY STREET, HUTATMA CHOWK,MUMBAI-400001.
2	B. N. GADEKAR	BOMBAY HOUSE, 24 HOMI MODY STREET, HUTATMA CHOWK, MUMBAI-400001,

PCT International Classification Number

E05D15/16,F16L3/11

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1			NA