Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Magna International Inc.

James R Roll

Matthew C Patterson

Theodore J Bachelder

Matthew M Kunz

Michael S Gignilliat

Ronald J Andor

Faisal Sultan

Alcino Oliveira

Kenneth G Besedich

Adam M Lyon

Michael E Williamson

Alain Pelchat

Marc R Risdale

Darren M Van Houzen

Stephen D Rusnak

Mark A Beauregard

Raymond Lyszczarz

Brian D Drake

Carla P Giovanardi

Robert Connor

Brian W Geib

A push on doghouse retainer arrangement used for providing a connection between the B-pillar of an automobile, and an appliqu&#xe9; having a high-gloss surface, or 'show surface.' The a push on doghouse includes a formed low profile spring steel base and a slightly raised low profile doghouse portion, which includes a slot for receiving a base of a clip portion. The base also includes at least one attachment aperture. The attachment aperture includes an effective amount of serrations for holding of the doghouse onto a low profile rib molded into the part. The present invention simplifies mold design, minimizes potential for a read condition, and provides a robust engagement for a winged clip type fastener in limited space.

Low profile push on metal doghouse

A retainer for limited space attachment of a vehicle part with a class A surface to a vehicle. The retainer has an attachment base operable for being connected to a rib of the vehicle part. A securing portion including an aperture for receiving a fastener is provided in the retainer. The retainer includes at least one sidewall connected between the attachment base and the securing portion. The sidewall spaces the securing portion from the attachment base to allow for insertion of the fastener and provide predetermined torque tension characteristics.

Retainer&#x2014;spring steel single thread engagement

A retention clip for attaching an outer belt weatherstrip to a flange includes a backing plate and an anti-rotation feature attached thereto. The anti-rotation feature biases against the flange to draw the backing plate against the flange to remove lash from between the flange and the backing plate in a lateral direction relative to a first primary axis of the retention clip. An axial biasing member biases against the top edge of the flange to remove lash from between a lower edge of the flange and a latch of the retention clip in an axial direction along the first primary axis. A spacing element engages an interior surface of the outer belt weatherstrip in abutting engagement to resist movement of the outer belt weatherstrip relative to the retention clip along the first primary axis. A release mechanism allows the retention clip to disengage from the flange.

Retention clip for outer belt weatherstrip

A vehicle, a door assembly for the vehicle and a method of assembling the door assembly are disclosed. A first component includes a first alignment member and a second component is attached to the first component. The second component includes first and second ends spaced along a first axis, and includes first and second side edges spaced along a second axis transverse to the first axis. A trim strip extending to a distal edge, with the second component coupled to the trim strip. A second alignment member attached to the trim strip, with the alignment members engaging each other to attach the trim strip to the first component and orientate the distal edge of the trim strip relative to the first axis such that the distal edge of the trim strip and one of the side edges of the second component substantially align with each other along the first axis.

Vehicle, a door assembly for the vehicle and a method of assembling the door assembly

An outer belt molding for a vehicle includes a body portion having a first end and a second end. A cap is disposed at the first end of the body portion, and an anti-rattle bumper is disposed at the second end of the body portion. A window sealing arm is compliantly coupled to the body portion at a location between the cap and the anti-rattle bumper, and forms an acute angle with the first end of the body portion. Additionally, a body sealing arm is compliantly coupled to the window sealing arm and extends toward the body portion.

Vehicle outer belt molding

A window surround molding is secured on a vehicle door flange with a retainer clip. The molding extends in a longitudinal direction and has a cross-section including first and second channels separated by a Dutch bend. The flange is disposed in the second channel on one side of the Dutch bend. The clip is disposed in the first channel on an opposite side of the Dutch bend. An arm extends in the longitudinal direction away from first and second ends of the clip and engages the molding to secure the clip within the first channel. The clip also includes a lower edge that engages the Dutch bend. A flex tab protrudes from a front face of the clip and engages the flange to secure the molding on the flange and to prevent rotation of the molding relative to the flange.

DLO molding with dutch bend feature and clip retention feature

A glass run channel for a vehicle door window opening includes first and second mutually spaced legs having relatively high hardness, a trim lip comprising a member having relatively high hardness and a relatively soft laminate covering a surface of the member. The trim lip includes a hard low friction ramp. The laminate incorporates a low durometer bead and the trim lip includes a low durometer interface to one of the legs.

Vehicle glass run channel

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

James R Roll