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Two part grommet with hard plastic locking prongs

a technology of locking prongs and grommets, which is applied in the field of grommets, can solve the problems of high force, unsatisfactory dislodgement resistance in all applications, and the grommet to be dislodged from the panel, and achieve the effect of convenient installation

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-05-21
DURA GLOBAL TECH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a two-part grommet that is used to seal cables to panels. The first part is made of hard plastic with prongs that are designed to deflect resiliently, while the second part is made of soft elastomer with a flange that seals against the panel. The grommet has a central opening and a tubular feature to grip the cable. The prongs are designed to delect and the flange provides an audible indication of a fully seated grommet. The curved outer shape of the prongs reduces the force required for insertion. The technical effects of the invention are improved sealing, ease of installation, and a reliable indication of a fully seated grommet.

Problems solved by technology

However, the lack of stiffness has allowed the grommet to be dislodged from the panel by pressure exerted by the cable, particularly when the cable extends at a severe angle to grommet.
The panel mating portions have still been constructed of soft material such that dislodgement resistance is still not satisfactory in all applications.
Other problems include the necessity of exerting a high force on the grommet to install the grommet, and the difficulty assemblers have in determining when a grommet is fully seated.

Method used

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  • Two part grommet with hard plastic locking prongs
  • Two part grommet with hard plastic locking prongs
  • Two part grommet with hard plastic locking prongs

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Embodiment Construction

[0020]An the following detailed description, certain specific terminology will be employed for the sake of clarity and a particular embodiment described in accordance with the requirements of 35 USC 112, but it is to be understood that the same is not intended to be limiting and should not be so construed inasmuch as the invention is capable of taking many forms and variations within the scope of the appended claims.

[0021]Referring to the drawings, a grommet 10 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, and is formed of two molded parts, a hard plastic part 12, and a soft elastomeric part 14, which may be molded in a two shot process, so as to be melt bonded together. The materials are preferable compatible so as to produce the melt bonding. A suitable compatible material for the hard plastic part 12 includes polypropylene (glass fiber reinforced 8-10%) and for the soft elastomeric part 14 SANTOPRENE™.

[0022]Other candidates for the hard plastic include nylon, polyolefin,...

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PUM

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Abstract

A grommet for sealing a cable to a panel opening includes a hard plastic part formed with curved locking prongs projecting at an angle from the perimeter of a main piece is molded to a soft elastomeric second part having a boot portion to receive the cable and a perimeter flange. The prongs lock to the panel upon being fully inserted into the panel opening.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Ser. No. 60 / 409,266, filed Sep. 9, 2002.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention concerns grommets installed in panel holes to seal to elongated elements such as electrical or control cables passed through the panel holes and also are used to seal panel access holes. Grommets are pushed into the panel hole until a capturing feature passes through the hole and then springs out to capture the grommet against a sealing flange pressed against the opposite entry side of the panel. Grommets have in the past been constructed of soft rubber or other elastomers to insure an effective sealing pressure on the cable and panel surfaces.[0003]However, the lack of stiffness has allowed the grommet to be dislodged from the panel by pressure exerted by the cable, particularly when the cable extends at a severe angle to grommet. There have heretofore been developed “dual durommeter” grommets wh...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F16L5/02F16L5/10
CPCF16L5/10Y10T16/05Y10T16/063
Inventor MAY, ANTHONY J.DUNHAM, COREYARCHER, TREVOR R.
Owner DURA GLOBAL TECH