Door with self-retaining knob

Abstract

A door with self-retaining knob for a storage compartment is provided. The storage compartment has a lower wall, an upper wall opposite the lower wall and side walls disposed between the upper and lower walls. A pivotal door is integral with the upper wall, and the door includes an inner panel and an outer panel having an aperture. A knob is disposed between the inner door panel and the outer door panel. The knob has a front wall with side walls extending from an edge of the front wall and a flange extending radially from an edge of the side wall. A fastening means is used for securing the inner door panel to the outer door panel, so that the knob flange is fixedly retained between the outer door panel and the inner door panel and the front wall and side wall of the knob extend through the aperture in the outer door panel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to a door and, more specifically, to a door with a self retaining knob for accessing a storage compartment in a motor vehicle. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] The interior of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, typically includes a storage compartment or bin having a door, which pivots to provide access to the interior of the storage compartment. The door may include a knob or handle to assist a user in opening the storage compartment door. [0005] In the past, the knob or handle was attached to the door using a fastening means, such as a screw, or by gluing, or the like. While these methods work well, there are concerns associated with each. The screws commonly used are small and therefore difficult to handle in a manufacturing operation. The utilization of an adhesive in a manufacturing operation is difficult to control. For example, the adhesive may attract f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] One advantage of the present invention is that a self retaining knob is provided that can be secured on a door without a fastening means, such as a fastener or an adhesive. Another advantage of the present invention is that a self-retaining knob is provided that can be positively installed during a manufacturing process, without the use of a tool or a secondary operation. Still another advantage of the present invention is that a self-retaining knob is provided that is cost-effective to produce and install. A further advantage of the present invention is that a self-retaining knob is provided that is durable over the life of the door it is secured to.

Problems solved by technology

While these methods work well, there are concerns associated with each.

The screws commonly used are small and therefore difficult to handle in a manufacturing operation.

The utilization of an adhesive in a manufacturing operation is difficult to control.

For example, the adhesive may attract foreign objects such as dirt or dust, or it may transfer to the hands of the installer, or it may seep beyond the edge of the handle.

The knob or handle may break off over time as a result of weak adhesive bond.

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