Threaded Connector Formed On A Surface

• US 20100040824A1
• Filed: 08/12/2008
• Published: 02/18/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America (Lear Corporation)
• Original Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America (Lear Corporation)
• Inventors: Albin, Donald C. JR.
• Application Number:
  US12/190,089
• Publication Number:
  US 20100040824A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 428/96
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2043/024 forming a threaded surface
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2043/189 the parts being joined
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2791/006 Using vacuum
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/021 characterised by the shape of the surface
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/027 having an axis of symmetry B29C43/102 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/18 incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. compression moulding around inserts or for coating articles B29C43/206 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 51/16 Lining or labelling
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/256 Sheets, plates, blanks or films
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2001/00 Articles provided with screw threads
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3017 Floor coverings
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/3041 Trim panels
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/7096 Rings or ring-like articles
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/7278 Couplings, connectors, nipples B29L2031/7274 takes precedence; for pipes or tubes B29L2031/24; electrical B29L2031/34
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/7652 Pile carpets
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/042 of carpets B60N3/046, B60N3/048 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/103 detachable
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/08 Disposition of racks, clips , holders, containers or the like for supporting specific articles B60R7/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/23986 With coating, impregnation, or bond

Abstract

The present invention is directed at an apparatus and method for attaching articles to surfaces, and more particularly to fibrous surfaces, such as carpeting. A polymeric sheet having a peripheral flange including a bonding surface, as well as a raised portion, may be bonded to the fiber surface. The raised portion may then include threads for attachment purposes.

Claims

1. A fibrous surface including a connector for attaching articles, comprising:

a fibrous surface including fibers protruding therefrom;

a polymeric sheet having a peripheral flange, said flange having a bonding surface to bond to said fibers, wherein said sheet includes a raised portion and said peripheral flange at least partially surrounds said raised portion of said sheet;

said bonding surface of said peripheral flange bonded to said fibrous surface; and

wherein said raised portion of said sheet includes a surface comprising threads.

2. The fibrous surface including a connector of claim 1 wherein said surface comprises a carpeted surface.

3. The fibrous surface including a connector of claim 1 wherein said polymeric sheet comprises an acrylic polymer.

4. The fibrous surface including a connector of claim 1 wherein said bonding comprises fibers embedded in said polymeric sheet.

5. The fibrous surface including a connector of claim 1, wherein said peripheral flange completely surrounds said raised portion of said sheet.

6. The fibrous surface including a connector of claim 1, wherein said polymeric sheet comprises a thermoplastic polymer material.

7. The fibrous surface including a connector of claim 1, wherein said polymeric sheet comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyolefin, polyurethane, acrylic, modified acrylic, polycarbonate, polyimide, or polysulfone.

8. The fibrous surface including a connector of claim 1, wherein the sheet has a thickness of 0.010 inches to 0.150 inches.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said polymeric sheet comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyolefin, polyurethane, acrylic, modified acrylic, polycarbonate, polyimide, or polysulfone.

9. A method of forming a threaded connector on a surface, comprising:

providing a surface;

providing a polymeric sheet for forming into a raised portion with a peripheral portion;

heating said sheet to a temperature where said sheet may be formed to include a raised portion and peripheral portion and applying said sheet to said surface;

providing a tool having a threaded portion;

pressing said tool into said heated sheet and forming a peripheral portion of said sheet to contact and bond to said surface, wherein a portion of said sheet is formed into a raised portion; and

unthreading said tooling from said formed sheet.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said surface includes fibers projecting therefrom and said fibers support said sheet to form said raised portion of said sheet.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein said raised portion of said sheet is formed by drawing a vacuum through said tool.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein said raised portion of said sheet is formed by forcing air through said surface beneath said sheet.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein said sheet is heated to a temperature between Tg and Tm.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein said peripheral flange completely surrounds said raised portion of said sheet.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein said polymeric sheet comprises a thermoplastic polymer material.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein the sheet has a thickness of 0.010 inches to 0.150 inches.

18. A method of forming a connector on a surface, comprising:

providing a surface;

providing a polymeric sheet for forming into a raised portion with a peripheral portion;

heating said sheet to a temperature where said sheet may be formed to include a raised portion and peripheral portion and applying said sheet to said surface;

providing a tool having a concave portion;

pressing said tool into said heated sheet and forming a peripheral portion of said sheet to contact and bond to said surface, wherein a portion of said sheet is formed into a raised portion; and

removing said tooling from said formed sheet;

forming said raised potion into a connector.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said peripheral flange completely surrounds said raised portion of said sheet.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said polymeric sheet comprises a thermoplastic polymer material.