Improvements in relation to grommets

Abstract

A grommet 1, which may be used around a wiring harness 6 of a vehicle, comprises a ring of elastically deformable material 2. The ring has an internal edge (3, figure 5) defining an aperture (5) for r

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to grommets. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention comprises an adaptable grommet, a vehicle comprising such a grommet, a mounted object assembly comprising an object inserted into the grommet, and a method of using the grommet. Background to the Invention Wiring harnesses are commonly provided within vehicles to secure several cables or wires in a single bundle. Such harnesses may be required to pass through mounting holes within vehicle panels or bulkheads. In such instances, grommets may be used to grip the wiring harness passing therethrough and to protect the wiring harness from the planar edge of the mounting hole. The grommets form a seal against both the edge of the mounting hole and the edge of the wiring harness. A variety of wiring harnesses may be provided in a single vehicle and the harnesses used may also vary between vehicle models. Therefore, the diameter of individual wiring harnesses may vary and as a result, the diameter of the mounting hole and the diameter of the object aperture of the grommet required to pass the harness through may also vary. It is common for bespoke grommets to be used for each individual harness in order to obtain a sufficient seal around both the mounting hole and the wiring harness. Therefore, the cost of designing, producing the required tooling, and manufacturing such bespoke grommets is very high. Harness makers are also required to maintain a sufficient stock of each bespoke grommet to minimise the risk of delaying production of vehicles if they run out of stock. Harnesses are usually assembled in the factory of a harness maker, then assembled into vehicles in a vehicle factory. Furthermore, sealing against the edge of the mounting hole and the edge of the wiring harness occurs as a result of fitting the grommet. As such, only small adjustments of the grommet are permitted as small adjustments to the position of the grommet may cause the seal to break. If the incorrect grommet is used and cannot be adjusted, the wiring harness may have to be reworked in order to subsequently fit the correct grommet. Not only is this time consuming for the harness maker, but it often results in wasted materials; as it is unlikely that the grommet will be reused after being incorrectly installed, and then removed from a harness. Embodiments of the present invention seek to at least partially overcome or alleviate these and / or other disadvantages outlined above. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a grommet comprising: a ring of elastically deformable material having an internal edge defining an object aperture for receiving an inserted object, and an external edge defining an engagement surface for engaging with the edges of a mounting opening; and a press mechanism for controllably compressing the elastically deformable material in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the ring to thereby cause the elastically deformable material to deform in the plane of the ring so as to press, and thereby seal against, the edges of the mounting opening and of the inserted object in use. Provision of a grommet according to the first aspect of the present invention is particularly advantageous as the diameter of both the internal edge and the external edge is adjustable. This means that not only can the grommet be adapted to seal mounting openings of various sizes, but it may also be adapted to form a seal against inserted objects of varying sizes. As such, a single grommet may be adapted for use in a variety of applications, reducing the number of bespoke grommets required. This helps to minimise the cost of designing and manufacturing multiple grommets, for example in a vehicle where traditionally many bespoke grommets would be required. By providing a single grommet suitable for use in a variety of applications, the risk of the vehicle assembler or harness installer installing an incorrectly sized grommet is significantly reduced compared to an assembler installing harnesses from a harness maker utilising a number of bespoke grommets. Therefore, the likelihood that the assembler or harness maker has to rework the inserted object to replace the grommet used is also significantly reduced. The ring of elastically deformable material may be configured to provide a continuous contact seal against both the edges of the mounting opening and against the inserted object. In particular embodiments, the elastically deformable material may wrap around the edges of the mounting opening. Similarly, in some such embodiments, the elastically deformable material may wrap around the edges of the inserted object. This is particularly advantageous in providing a secure and continuous contact seal thereby helping to minimise leakage of noise, air and / or fluids past the grommet. In particular embodiments, the plane of the ring is perpendicular to the axis of the object aperture. In use, this permits the seal against both the edges of the mounting opening and against the inserted object to be in a common plane perpendicular to the inserted object. This can prevent twisting of the inserted object and / or grommet relative to each other and / or the mounting opening. The ring of elastically deformable material may be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials include but are not limited to: gels, polymers, rubbers, synthetic rubbers, silicone, mastic sealants or the like. In a particular embodiment, the ring of elastically deformable material may be formed of a material which resists hardening over a period of time. Forming the ring of elastically deformable material of such materials is beneficial in minimising the risk of the material either hardening over a period of time during use which may impact the sealing effect produced or having to be held in position once installed to allow the material to set. The exterior cross-section of the ring of elastically deformable material may correspond to the cross-section of the mounting opening. Provision of a ring of elastically deformable material having a corresponding exterior cross-section to the mounting opening is particularly advantageous in helping to provide a tight seal between the grommet and the mounting opening. The exterior cross-section of the ring of elastically deformable material may be circular or oval. The cross-section of the object aperture may correspond to the cross-section of the inserted object. Provision of a ring of elastically deformable material having a corresponding interior cross-section to the inserted object is particularly advantageous in helping to provide a tight seal between the grommet and the inserted object. The object aperture may have a circular or oval cross-section. The press mechanism may be adapted to compress the ring of deformable material in a direction parallel to the axis of the inserted object. The press mechanism may be adapted to compress the ring of deformable material in a direction parallel to the axis of the object aperture. The axes of the inserted object and of the object aperture may be parallel and may be coincident. The press mechanism may be controllably actuable by a driving mechanism. The press mechanism may be controllably actuable by a driving mechanism between a slack position and a compress position. In such embodiments, in the slack position the ring of elastically deformable material is not compressed by the press mechanism. In such embodiments, in the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material is compressed by the press mechanism. In the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material may compress along the axis of the inserted object or the axis of the object aperture. In the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material may expand perpendicular to the axis of the inserted object or to the axis of the object aperture. The driving mechanism may comprise any suitable mechanism. In the present invention, suitable mechanisms include but are not limited to: cam lock levers, press button mechanisms, bolts and wing nuts, or the like. The press mechanism may comprise a pair of opposed ring plates. The ring of elastically deformable material may be provided between the pair of opposed ring plates. The pair of opposed ring plates may correspond to the exterior cross-section of the ring of elastically deformable material. The pair of opposed ring plates may be substantially parallel. The pair of opposed ring plates may be formed from any suitable material. Suitable materials include but are not limited to: metals, metal alloys, hard plastics, polyamide or the like. The ring of elastically deformable material may be a complete ring. Provision of a complete ring is particularly advantageous as it may help to provide a continuous seal providing the best sealing performance. In alternative embodiment, the ring of elastically deformable material may be a split ring. The pair of ring plates may each be a complete ring. Provision of a complete ring is particularly advantageous as it may help to provide the best sealing performance by applying an even force across the entire surface of the pair of ring plates. In an alternative embodiment, the pair of ring plates may each be a split ring. The pair of opposed ring plates may each comprise a plate aperture. The plate aperture may correspond to the object aperture of the ring of elastically deformable material. The exterior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates may correspond to the exterior cross-section of the ring of elastically deformable material. The ring of elastically deformable material may project beyond the exterior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates when compressed. The ring of elastically deformable material may project beyond the exterior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates when the press mechanism is in the compress position. The external edge of the ring of elastically deformable material may have a convex profile around its outer edge when compressed (for example, when the press mechanism is in the compress position). The ring of elastically deformable material may not project beyond the exterior crosssection of the pair of opposed ring plates when not compressed. The ring of elastically deformable material may not project beyond the exterior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates when the press mechanism is in the slack position. The external edge of the ring of elastically deformable material may have a concave profile around its outer edge when not compressed (for example, when the press mechanism is in the slack position). The ring of elastically deformable material may project beyond the interior cross-section of the plate apertures of the pair of opposed ring plates when compressed. The ring of elastically deformable material may project beyond the interior crosssection of the plate apertures of the pair of opposed ring plates when the press mechanism is in the compress position. The ring of elastically deformable material may not project beyond the interior cross-section of the plate apertures of the pair of opposed ring plates when not compressed. The ring of elastically deformable material may not project beyond the interior cross-section of the plate apertures of the pair of opposed ring plates when the press mechanism is in the slack position. The grommet may comprise a guide element. The guide element may be provided at an end of the grommet. The guide element may be fitted to or adjacent one of the pair of opposed ring plates. The guide element may be provided on an opposite end of the grommet to the driving mechanism. The guide element may be integrally formed with the ring plate. The guide element may have a sloped outer edge. The guide element may have a conical shape or a frustoconical shape. Provision of a guide element may be advantageous in helping to guide the grommet through the mounting opening. The guide element may comprise a guide aperture. The guide aperture may correspond to the plate aperture. The grommet may be adapted to fit the mounting opening. The mounting opening may be formed in a panel or bulkhead. The mounting opening may comprise a recess in the panel or bulkhead. A hole may be provided in an end wall within the recess. The panel or bulkhead may be a panel or bulkhead of a vehicle. In particular embodiments, the panel or bulkhead may be the front edge of a door panel adjacent to its hinge points to the vehicle body; or a bulkhead between a vehicle interior and an engine bay or frunk; or a bulkhead between a vehicle interior space and a luggage compartment, particularly a boot or trunk compartment in a sedan type vehicle. The grommet may be adapted to receive an inserted object. The inserted object may comprise at least one of: a cable, wire, a bundle of cables and / or wires, or a wiring harness. In some embodiments, the ring of elastically deformable material may have a thickness in the region of <50 mm, <30 mm or <20 mm. In some embodiments, the mounting opening may have a diameter in the region of 50 mm - 150 mm, 70 mm-130 mm, or 90 mm-110 mm. In some embodiments, the grommet may have an external diameter in the region of 30 mm- 100 mm, 40 mm- 90 mm, or 50 mm- 80 mm. In some embodiments, the object aperture may have a diameter in the region of 10 mm- 40 mm, 15 mm-35 mm, or 20 mm- 30 mm. In some embodiments, each of the pair of opposed ring plates may have a thickness in the range of 2 mm; 3 mm; or 4 mm. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mounted object assembly comprising an object inserted into the object aperture of the grommet of the first aspect of the invention, wherein the grommet is positioned within a mounting opening of a panel or bulkhead. The mounted object assembly of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise any of the optional features of the first aspect of the invention, as required or as desired. A hole may be provided in an end wall within the recess. The inserted object may be at least one of a cable, wire, a bundle of cables and / or wires, or a wiring harness. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising one or more objects mounted using the grommet of the first aspect of the invention and / or one or more mounted object assemblies of the second aspect of the invention. The vehicle of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise any of the optional features of the first or second aspects of the invention, as required or as desired. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the grommet of the first aspect to mount an object in a mounting opening comprising the steps of: (a) inserting an object through the object aperture of the grommet; (b) inserting the grommet into the mounting opening; and (c) actuating the press mechanism to thereby cause the elastically deformable material to press against the edges of the mounting opening and the inserted object. The method may include the additional step of forming the opening. The mounting opening may be provided in a panel or bulkhead. The inserted object may be at least one of a cable, wire, a bundle of cables and / or wires, or a wiring harness. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle to which a grommet according to the invention may be fitted; Figure 2 shows a side view of a grommet according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a side view of the grommet of Figure 2 in the slack position in use; Figure 4 shows a side view of the grommet of Figures 2 and 3 in the compress position during use; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a grommet according to the present invention in the slack position; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the grommet of Figure 5 in the compress position; Figure 7 shows a front view of the grommet of Figures 5 and 6; Figure 8 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a grommet according to the present invention in the slack position; and Figure 9 shows a side view of the grommet of Figure 8 in the compress position. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 100 where a grommet according to the invention may be used; for example on a bulkhead 110 between a front engine or frunk compartment and a vehicle interior; or on a front face 120 of a door adjacent to a vehicle “A” pillar. Figures 2 to 4 show a grommet 1 adapted to mount an inserted object 6 within a mounting opening 8 of a panel 10. In some exemplary embodiments, the panel 10 is a panel or bulkhead within a vehicle (not shown) and the inserted object 6 is a wire, cable, wiring harness or the like. The grommet 1 comprises a ring of elastically deformable material 2. The ring of elastically deformable material 2 has an internal edge 3 (shown in Figures 5 and 7) and an external edge 4. The internal edge 3 defines an object aperture 5 (seen best in Figure 7) for receiving inserted object 6. The external edge 4 defines an engagement surface 7 for engaging with the edges of mounting opening 8. The grommet 1 also comprises a press mechanism 9 for controllably compressing the elastically deformable material 2 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the ring 2. This causes the elastically deformable material 2 to deform in the plane of the ring 2 so as to press and thereby seal against the edges of the mounting opening 8 and the inserted object 6 in use, helping to minimise the leakage of noise, air and / or fluids past the grommet 1. In this particular embodiment, the mounting opening 8 is provided in panel 10, and the grommet 1 is adapted to substantially fit the mounting opening 8. Nevertheless, the diameter of both the internal edge 3 and the external edge 4 of the ring of elastically deformable material 2 may be adjusted by use of the press mechanism 9. As such, the grommet 1 may be adapted to seal mounting openings 8 of a range of different sizes as well as to form a seal against inserted objects 6 of a range of different sizes. Therefore, the grommet 1 may be adapted for use with a range of different diameter mounting openings 8 in different panels 10 within the vehicle or for mounting objects 6 of a range of different sizes. This can therefore compensate readily both for different manufacturing tolerances and for openings / objects of intrinsically variable sizes. This means that fewer bespoke grommets are required for different applications. As such, the cost of designing and manufacturing multiple grommets 1 is reduced as fewer different types are required. Furthermore, the risk of an assembler installing an incorrectly sized grommet 1 and subsequently having to rework the inserted object 6 to replace the grommet 1 is greatly reduced as the grommet 1 of the present embodiment may be adapted to suit a variety of different applications. In this particular embodiment, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is formed from a gel. However, it will be understood that a variety of other suitable materials such as polymers, rubbers, synthetic rubbers, silicone, mastic sealants or the like may also be used. The gel used in this embodiment resists hardening over a period of time. Therefore, the gel resists hardening during use which means that the seal formed remains constant throughout the grommets 1 lifetime. Furthermore, use of a gel which resists hardening is advantageous during installation as the grommet 1 does not have to be held in position to enable it to set. In the illustrated example, the exterior cross-section of the ring of elastically deformable material 2 corresponds to the cross-section of the mounting opening 8. In this particular embodiment, the mounting opening 8 has a substantially circular crosssection, and the exterior cross-section of the ring of elastically deformable material 2 has a corresponding circular cross-section. This helps to provide a tight seal between the grommet 1 and the mounting opening 8. However, it will be understood that alternative cross-sections such as oval may also be used. In the illustrated example, the cross-section of the object aperture 5 corresponds to the cross-section of the inserted object 6 which helps to provide a tight seal between the grommet 1 and inserted object 6. In this particular embodiment, the object aperture 5 has a circular cross-section and the inserted object 6 is a wiring harness. However, in alternative embodiments, the object aperture 5 cross-section may be oval for example, and the inserted object 6 may comprise a cable, a wire, or a bundle of cables and / or wires. The press mechanism 9 is controllably actuable by a driving mechanism 11. In this embodiment, the driving mechanism 11 comprises a pair of cam lock levers positioned on opposed sides of the object aperture 5. However, it will be understood that other suitable driving mechanisms 11 may include press button mechanisms, bolts and wing nuts, or the like. The press mechanism 9 further comprises a pair of substantially parallel opposed ring plates 12, and the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is provided therebetween. The pair of opposed ring plates 12 correspond to the exterior crosssection of the ring of elastically deformable material 2. In this embodiment, the pair of opposed ring plates 12 are formed from polyamide. This provides a sufficiently rigid ring plate 12, capable of causing the ring of elastically deformable material 2 to compress. However, it will be understood that the pair of opposed ring plates may be formed from alternative materials such as metals, metal alloys, or hard plastics. In this embodiment, both the pair of opposed ring plates 12 and the ring of elastically deformable material 2 are complete rings. This helps to provide a continuous seal in use by applying an even force across the entire surface of the pair of opposed ring plates 12. Each of the pair of opposed ring plates 12 comprises a plate aperture 13 (shown in Figure 7) which corresponds to the object aperture 5 of the ring of elastically deformable material 2. This provides a continuous aperture through the grommet 1 through which a variety of inserted objects 6 may easily be passed. The exterior crosssection of the pair of opposed ring plates 12 corresponds to the exterior cross-section of the ring of elastically deformable material 2. The press mechanism 9 is adapted to compress the ring of elastically deformable material in a direction parallel to both the axis of the inserted object 6 and the axis of the object aperture 5. The press mechanism 9 is controllably actuable by the driving mechanism 11 between a slack position (shown in Figures 2 and 3) and a compress position (shown in Figure 4). In the slack position, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is not compressed by the press mechanism 9; whereas in the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is compressed by the press mechanism 9. In use, the grommet 1 is initially provided with the press mechanism 9 in the slack position (shown in Figures 2 and 3), whereby the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is not compressed. The harness maker may first insert the inserted object 6 (which in this embodiment is a wiring harness) through the object aperture 5 in the ring of elastically deformable material 2. Then, the vehicle assembler may insert the grommet 1 through the mounting opening 8 in the panel 10 such that the external edge 4 of the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is provided within the mounting opening 8, aligned with the edges thereof, as shown in Figure 3. Although Figures 2 and 3 indicate that the grommet 1 is inserted through the mounting opening 8 from the right-hand side of the panel 10, it will be understood that the grommet 1 may equally be inserted from the left-hand side of the panel 10 as long as the assembler maintains access to the press mechanism 9. When the press mechanism 9 is in the slack position, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 does not project beyond the exterior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates 12, allowing easy insertion of the grommet 1 through the mounting opening 8. In this position, the external edge 4 of the ring of elastically deformable material has a concave profile. Furthermore, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 does not project beyond the interior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates 12 or the plate apertures 13 (shown in Figure 7). Typically, the internal edge 3 of the elastically deformable material might also have a concave profile similar to that illustrated in the alternative embodiment of Figure 5. Once the grommet 1 is in position such that the external edge 4 of the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is aligned with the edge of the mounting opening 8, the installer may use the driving mechanism 11 to controllably actuate the press mechanism 9 from the slack position to the compress position, as shown in Figure 4. The pair of cam lock levers are engaged, causing the pair of opposed ring plates 12 to move toward each other, compressing the ring of elastically deformable material 2 therebetween. The ring of elastically deformable material 2 compresses along the axis of the inserted object 6 and the axis of the object aperture 5 and expands perpendicularly thereto, creating a continuous contact seal against the inserted object 6. The skilled person will of course appreciate that alternative driving mechanisms can be used in other implementations of the invention, if required or desired. When the press mechanism 9 is in the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 projects beyond the exterior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates 12, and the external edge 4 has a convex profile. Furthermore, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 projects beyond the interior cross-section of the plate apertures 13 of the pair of opposed ring plates 12. In use, when the press mechanism 9 is in the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 provides a continuous contact seal against both the edges of the mounting opening 8 and the inserted object 6 which helps to minimise the leakage of noise, air and / or fluids past the grommet 1. The initial alignment of the grommet 1 with the edges of the mounting opening 8 does not have to be perfect as when the press mechanism 9 is moved to the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is compressed and expands to fit the mounting opening 8, adapting to accommodate for slight misalignments. Nevertheless, if the planes of the pair of opposed ring plates 12 are perpendicular to the axis of the object aperture 5, the seal created against both the edges of the mounting opening 8 and the inserted object 6 is in a common plane perpendicular to the inserted object 6. This is particularly advantageous in preventing twisting of the inserted object 6 and grommet 1 relative to each other and to the mounting opening 8. With reference now to Figures 5 to 7, an alternative embodiment of a grommet 1 is shown. The grommet 1 of Figures 5 to 7 shares many features with the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4; so only differing features will be described herein. The grommet 1 comprises a guide element 15 at one end of the grommet 1, adjacent to the ring plate 12 opposite the driving mechanism 11 (shown in Figures 2 to 4). The guide element 15 has a frustoconical shape with an outer surface that slopes from the ring plate 12 toward a central guide aperture 16 which corresponds in size and shape to the plate aperture 13. In use, the installer ensures that the grommet 1 is initially provided with the press mechanism 9 in the slack position (shown in Figure 5). The installer may then insert the grommet 1 through the mounting opening 8 such that the guide element 15 passes through the mounting opening 8 first. The guide element 15 assists the installer in initially inserting the grommet 1, and in correctly aligning it within the mounting opening 8. As illustrated clearly in Figure 5, in the slack position, the internal edge 3 and external edge 4 of the ring of elastically deformable material 2 each have a concave profile. As such, the internal edge 3 does not touch the inserted object 6; which assists the user in achieving easy insertion and adjustment of the inserted object 6 through the object aperture 5. Furthermore, the external edge 4 does not touch the edge of the mounting opening 8, which assists the user in achieving easy insertion and positioning of the grommet 1 through the mounting opening 8 initially. Once the grommet 1 is in position such that the external edge 4 of the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is aligned with the edge of the mounting opening 8, the installer actuates cam lock levers (visible in Figure 7) of the driving mechanism 11 to controllably actuate the press mechanism 9 from the slack position to the compress position (shown in Figure 6). In the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is deformed in the plane of the ring 2 so as to create a continuous contact seal against the inserted object 6 and the mounting opening 8. The inserted object 6 in Figure 5 has a cylindrical cross-section. However, it will be understood that if the inserted object 6 had an alternative cross-section - e.g. a bundle of wires with an irregular cross-section - the ring of elastically deformable material 2 would expand such that the internal edge 3 conformed to the shape of the bundle of wires, creating a continuous seal around the edges thereof. Furthermore, as also shown in Figure 6, in the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 expands such that the external edge 4 wraps around the edges of the mounting opening 8, overlapping the mounting opening 8 on either side of the panel 10. This helps to provide a secure and continuous contact seal, thereby helping minimise leakage of noise, air and / or fluids past the grommet 1. The skilled person will understand that although not seen in Figures 2 to 4, the internal edge 3 and external edge 4 of the grommet 1 of that embodiment may also comprise all the features of the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6. With reference now to Figures 8 and 9, an alternative embodiment of the grommet 1 in use is shown. This embodiment shares many features with the embodiment shown in Figures 2-4; so only differing features will be described herein. In this particular embodiment, the grommet 1 is adapted to fit a mounting opening 8 which is provided in a bulkhead 14 (shown in Figures 8 and 9) of a vehicle. In particular, the mounting opening 8 comprises a recess 17 in the bulkhead 14 having a hole 18 provided in an end wall 19 of the recess 17. The recess 17 comprises a continuous annular intrusion 20 spaced apart from the end wall 19; which defines an opening 21 having a diameter greater than that of the hole 18 and greater than the ring plate 12 diameters. In use, as illustrated in Figure 8, the press mechanism 9 is initially in the slack position and the grommet 1 is inserted through the opening 21 from the side comprising the cam lock levers 11, until the cam lock levers 11 protrude through the hole 18. In this embodiment, in the slack position, the external edge 4 of the ring of elastically deformable material 2 has a convex profile. Subsequently, as illustrated in Figure 9, the press mechanism 9 is then moved into the compress position using the cam lock levers 11. Once in the compress position, the ring of elastically deformable material 2 is compressed causing it to deform in the plane of the ring 2. This causes the external edge 4 to press outward and form a continuous seal against the recess 17. To allow the grommet 1 to be fitted in the correct alignment, one of the ring plates 12 may abut the end wall 19. The form of the 5 continuous annular intrusion 20 can be adapted to allow the ring of elastically deformable material to seal against this and / or for this to engage with the outer edge of one of the ring plates 12. Although in this embodiment a short tube pressed out of the bulkhead is shown, the grommet according to the invention could be used to seal a harness installation in a 10 tubular member welded to a bulkhead; which member would serve as a longer version of recess 17 in Figures 8 and 9. Such a member might be used, for example, to protect a vehicle wiring harness from heat radiated from a combustion engine exhaust and / or catalytic converter. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. 15 Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A grommet comprising: a ring of elastically deformable material having an internal edge defining an object aperture for receiving an inserted object in use, and an external edge defining an engagement surface for engaging with the edges of a mounting opening in use; and a press mechanism for controllably compressing the elastically deformable material in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the ring to thereby cause the elastically deformable material to deform in the plane of the ring so as to press and thereby seal against the edges of the mounting opening and the inserted object in use.

2. A grommet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ring of elastically deformable material is formed of a gel, polymer, rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone or mastic sealant compound.

3. A grommet as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the exterior crosssection of the ring of elastically deformable material corresponds to the crosssection of the mounting opening in use.

4. A grommet as claimed in claim 3, wherein the exterior cross-section of the ring of elastically deformable material is circular or oval.

5. A grommet as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cross-section of the object aperture corresponds to the cross-section of the inserted object in use.

6. A grommet as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the object aperture has a circular or oval cross-section.

7. A grommet as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the press mechanism is controllably actuable by a driving mechanism between a slack position where the ring of elastically deformable material is not compressed; and a compress position where the ring of elastically deformable material is compressed.

8. A grommet as claimed in claim 7, wherein the driving mechanism comprises one or more cam lock levers.

9. A grommet as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the press mechanism comprises a pair of opposed ring plates, the ring of elastically deformable material being provided between the pair of opposed ring plates.

10. A grommet as claimed in claim 9, wherein the pair of opposed ring plates each comprise a plate aperture corresponding to the object aperture of the ring of elastically deformable material.

11. A grommet as claimed in claims 9 or 10, wherein the exterior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates corresponds to the exterior cross-section of the ring of elastically deformable material.

12. A grommet as claimed in claim 11, wherein the ring of elastically deformable material projects beyond the exterior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates when compressed; and wherein the ring of elastically deformable material does not project beyond the exterior cross-section of the pair of opposed ring plates when not compressed.

13. A grommet as claimed in claim 12, wherein the ring of elastically deformable material projects beyond the interior cross-section of the plate apertures of the pair of opposed ring plates when compressed; and wherein the ring of elastically deformable material does not project beyond the interior cross-section of the plate apertures of the pair of opposed ring plates when not compressed.

14. A grommet as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the grommet comprises a guide element provided at one end of the grommet.

15. A grommet as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the grommet is adapted to fit a mounting opening formed in a panel or bulkhead in use.

16. A grommet as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the grommet is adapted to fit a mounting opening comprising a recess in the panel or bulkhead in use, wherein a hole is provided in an end wall within the recess.

17. A grommet as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the grommet is adapted to receive an inserted object in use, the inserted object comprising: a cable, a wire, or a bundle of cables and / or wires or a wiring harness.

18. A mounted object assembly comprising an object inserted into the object aperture of a grommet as claimed in any of claims 1-17; wherein the grommet is positioned within a mounting opening of a panel or bulkhead.

19. A mounted object assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the mounting opening comprises a recess in the panel or bulkhead; wherein a hole is provided in an end wall within the recess.

20. A mounted object assembly as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the inserted object is a cable, a wire, a bundle of cables and / or wires, or a wiring harness.

21. A vehicle comprising one or more objects mounted using a grommet as claimed in any of claims 1-17, or one or more mounted object assemblies according to any one of claims 18 to 20.

22. A method of using a grommet as claimed in any of claims 1-17 to mount an object in a mounting opening comprising the steps of:(a) inserting an object through the object aperture of the grommet;(b) inserting the grommet into the mounting opening; and(c) actuating the press mechanism to thereby cause the elastically deformable material to press against the edges of the mounting opening and the inserted object.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the method includes the additional step of forming the mounting opening.

24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the mounting opening is provided in a panel or bulkhead.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the inserted object is a cable, wire, a bundle of cables and / or wires, or a wiring harness.

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