Applied load displacement structure for pillar garnish

Abstract

A garnish assembly for an automotive pillar having a garnish dimensioned to cover the pillar and in which the garnish has a predetermined thickness and an elongated through slot. A spacer is disposed in the slot while a fastener extends through the spacer and is secured to the pillar. The spacer has a length at least as long as the predetermined thickness of the garnish and a cross-sectional shape smaller than the area of the slot so that the garnish is slidable relative to the spacer. The fastener may also be used to secure a handgrip to the pillar.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view;

FIG. 3 is an exploded fragmentary elevational view;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 4-4 in FIG. 2 and enlarged for clarity; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrammatic views illustrating the operation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A garnish assembly for an automotive pillar comprising: a garnish dimensioned to cover the pillar, said garnish having a predetermined thickness and an elongated slot,a spacer disposed in said slot,a fastener extending through said spacer and secured to said pillar,wherein said spacer has a length at least as long as said predetermined thickness of said garnish and a cross-sectional shape smaller than an area of said slot so that said garnish is slidable relative to said spacer.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said slot is V-shaped.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said V-shaped slot includes two substantially linear legs which intersect at an obtuse angle.

4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said fastener comprises a bolt which engages a threaded hole in the pillar.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 and comprising a handle having a mounting hole, and wherein said fastener extends through said handle mounting hole.

6. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said spacer is tubular in shape and includes an outwardly extending rim at one end, said rim overlying a portion of said garnish adjacent said slot.

7. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said spacer is made of metal.

8. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein the pillar includes a mounting bracket and wherein said fastener is secured to said mounting bracket.