Method of joining a backlight cover and headliner clip for a convertible top

Abstract

A convertible top has a convertible top cover, a backlight, and a headliner. A connector system includes a molded ring of material affixed to the backlight and the top cover. The connector system includes a clip attached to the headliner. The molded ring may have a slot formed on an interior surface between the backlight and the cover. The clip may be inserted into the slot to secure the headliner inside the top cover. A method of securing a headliner to a convertible top is also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of securing a headliner to a convertible top comprising:
 providing a backlight to a mold:   providing a top cover to the mold, the top cover defining an opening for receiving the backlight;   molding a ring of polymeric material around the periphery of the backlight and to the opening defined by the top cover;   forming a slot in the ring between the periphery of the backlight and the opening defined by the top cover;   attaching a ring shaped clip to the headliner; and   assembling the headliner to the ring by inserting the clip into the slot.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of forming the slot in the ring is performed as part of the molding step. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ring shaped clip is a press in connector ring that includes a plurality of barbs that retain the connector ring within the slot. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the connector ring has a flange that is joined to a hem of the headliner. 
     
     
         5 . A convertible top headliner clip connector ring for connecting a headliner to an elastomeric ring that is molded to a backlight and to a top cover, the clip connector ring comprising:
 a flange formed on the connector ring that is attached to the headliner that extends continuously around the backlight;   at least one barb shaped rib formed on the connector ring at a spaced location relative to the flange, wherein the barb shaped rib is received by the elastomeric ring between the backlight and the top cover.   
     
     
         6 . The convertible top headliner clip of  claim 5  wherein the flange is a continuous flange.