Granted Patent B2

US 8,070,204 · App. 12/367,934 · Granted Dec 6, 2011

Abstract

Claims (31)

1. A clip for attachment to at least one panel of a vehicle and configured to support a molding on the vehicle, said clip comprising:

a body presenting a surface;

a fastener extending from said surface and configured for engaging the at least one panel of the vehicle; and

a sealant disposed on said surface and configured to expand upon application of a condition such that said sealant engages the at least one panel of the vehicle and retains said clip to the at least one panel of the vehicle.

2. A clip, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said surface defines a recess surrounding said fastener, wherein said sealant is disposed within said recess.

3. A clip, as set forth in claim 2 , wherein said surface defines a groove in spaced relationship to said recess such that said groove surrounds said fastener, wherein said sealant is disposed in said groove.

4. A clip, as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a pair of standoffs extending from said surface such that said standoffs abut a floor of the at least one panel to provide a gap G between said surface and the floor to hold said surface in spaced relationship to the floor.

5. A clip, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said sealant expands between approximately 200% and 500%, by volume, upon application of the condition.

6. A clip, as set forth in claim 5 , wherein said condition comprises a temperature in the range of between 180 degrees Fahrenheit and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

7. A clip, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said clip is comprised of a polymer.

8. A clip, as set forth in claim 7 , wherein said polymer is a polyamide.

9. A clip, as set forth in claim 8 , wherein said polyamide is a nylon.

10. A clip, as set forth in claim 7 , wherein said polymer is a thermoplastic.

11. A clip, as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said fastener and said body are a single piece.

12. A clip, as set forth in claim 1 , further including a pair of lips extending from said body, wherein said lips are configured for supporting the molding.

13. A molding system for attachment to a panel of a vehicle, said molding system comprising:

a clip including;

a body presenting a surface,

a pair of lips extending from said body in opposition to said surface,

a fastener extending from said surface and configured for engaging the at least one panel of the vehicle, and

a sealant disposed on said surface and configured to expand upon application of a condition such that said sealant engages the at least one panel of the vehicle to retain said clip to the at least one panel of the vehicle;

a molding configured for attachment to said pair of lips of said clip.

14. A molding system, as set forth in claim 13 , further comprising a pair of standoffs extending from said surface such that said standoffs abut a floor of the panel to provide a gap G between said surface and the floor to hold said surface in spaced relationship to the floor.

15. A molding system, as set forth in claim 13 , further including a pair of anus extending from said base in generally spaced and parallel relationship and said lips extend from said pair of arms.

16. A molding system, as set forth in claim 13 , wherein said molding has a generally C-shaped cross-section.

17. A method of attaching a clip to at least one panel of a vehicle, said method comprising:

inserting a fastener of the clip through an opening in the at least one panel of the vehicle to engage the at least one panel and hold the clip to the at least one panel; and

applying a condition to the clip such that a sealant disposed on the clip expands through the opening to seal the opening and retain the clip to the at least one panel.

18. A method, as set forth in claim 17 , wherein applying a condition is further defined as applying a condition to the clip such that a sealant disposed on the clip expands through the opening between approximately 200% and 500%, by volume, to seal the opening and retain the clip to the at least one panel.

19. A method, as set forth in claim 17 , wherein applying a condition is further defined as heating the clip such that a sealant disposed on the clip expands through the opening to seal the opening and retain the clip to the at least one panel.

20. A method, as set forth in claim 19 , wherein heating the clip is further defined as heating the clip to a temperature in the range of between 180 degrees Fahrenheit and 400 degrees Fahrenheit such that a sealant disposed on the clip expands through the opening to seal the opening and retain the clip to the at least one panel.

Assignments (8)