Locking position stud fastener for a vehicle lamp assembly

{
  "publication_number": "US10315558B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Locking position stud fastener for a vehicle lamp assembly",
  "abstract": "A locking position stud fastener is configured to position, lock, and securely hold a lamp assembly to a vehicle body. A method for installing a lamp assembly on to a vehicle body having at least one opening for receiving a fastener includes the steps of securing a first end of a stud to the lamp assembly, rotating the stud about its axis, passing the stud through the vehicle body opening, and then locking and securing the stud in the vehicle body.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A fastener for connecting a lamp assembly to a vehicle body, the fastener comprising: a grommet having a grommet first end and a grommet second end, with a bore extending therebetween, wherein the grommet is securable in direct contact with a vehicle body at least partially via grommet retaining fingers, the retaining fingers moving radially inwardly when the grommet passes through an opening in the vehicle body, and then expanding after passing through the opening in the vehicle body, and wherein the grommet further includes longitudinally extending support columns spaced between the retaining fingers; and a stud extending through the bore and having a stud first end threadingly engageable with a lamp assembly, and a stud second end engageable with the grommet second end, wherein the stud second end flares outwardly as it extends in a direction away from the stud first end and further extends at least partially outside the bore at the grommet second end, and wherein the stud second end has an outer diameter that does not exceed an outer diameter of the retaining fingers when expanded, and wherein the stud is free to rotate relative to the grommet and axial movement of the stud second end in one direction is substantially prevented by engagement of the stud second end with the grommet second end.",
    "2. A fastener for connecting a lamp assembly to a vehicle body, the fastener comprising: a grommet having a bore extending therethrough, wherein the grommet is securable in direct contact with a vehicle body via grommet retaining fingers, the retaining fingers moving radially inwardly when the grommet passes through an opening in the vehicle body, and then expanding after passing through the opening in the vehicle body, the grommet further including longitudinally extending support columns situated between the retaining fingers; and a stud extending through the bore and having a stud first end threadingly engageable with a lamp assembly, and a stud second end engageable with an end of the grommet wherein the stud second end flares outwardly as it extends in a direction away from the stud first end and further extends at least partially outside the bore at the end of the grommet and wherein the bore expands conically adjacent to the stud second end, and wherein the stud is free to rotate relative to the grommet and axial movement of the stud second end in a first direction is substantially prevented by engagement of the stud second end with the end of the grommet."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates generally to fasteners for vehicle lamp assemblies. In particular, the present invention relates to a fastener for a lamp assembly that allows the lamp assembly to be accurately positioned when mounting on a vehicle.\n\nExterior lamp structures are typically a molded plastic housing. Lamps vary in shape and size but all need to be securely attached and require features that aid alignment with the vehicle body to eliminate uneven or excessive gaps around the perimeter of the lamp. The vehicle body is typically a sheet metal structure with a pocket shaped to match that of the lamp structure for aerodynamics and styling.\n\nWhen a lamp structure is inserted and securely attached to the vehicle body, it is highly desirable to have a precise and uniform fit around the perimeter of the lamp within the vehicle body pocket. Inside the vehicle body pocket are holes that are sized, shaped and positioned to receive studs, grommets or posts extending from the lamp structure for both alignment and secure attachment. If the sheet metal hole passes into an interior area of the vehicle, such as the trunk of a car, a gasket seal is typically used around the perimeter hole to prevent water or fumes from passing through the hole.\n\nExamples of exterior vehicle lamp structures include but are not limited to head lamps, fog lamps, center high mounted stop lights and lamp assemblies. Exterior lamps often include multiple light functions. For instance, a lamp assembly often includes running, turn signal and backup lights in addition to the stop light.",
  "cpc": [
    "B60Q 1/263",
    "B60Q 1/0441",
    "F16B 21/086",
    "F16B 37/043",
    "F16B 41/002",
    "F16B 5/0216",
    "Y10T 29/49963"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B60Q 1/04",
    "B60Q 1/26",
    "F16B 21/08",
    "F16B 37/04",
    "F16B 41/00",
    "F16B 5/02"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Burton Technologies LLC"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "John Edwards Burton"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2015-01-29",
  "publication_date": "2019-06-11",
  "grant_date": "2019-06-11",
  "priority_date": "2010-05-24",
  "application_number": "US-201514608668-A",
  "family_id": "53173477",
  "cited_by_count": 4,
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}