text:
Taxonomy of IT Enterprises in Kenya...
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012 Microfinance Intervention and Enterprises Growth: An Application of Structural Equation Modelling Severine S. A. Kessy, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, P.O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Email: severinesk@udbs.udsm.ac.tzAbstractThe purpose of this paper was to assess the impact of microfinance services on growth of micro and smallenterprises structural equation modelling (SEM) in Tanzania. Specifically, sales revenue, assets levels andnumber of employees were used as indicators of MSEs growth. On the other hand loan received, loan invested,interest rate and repayment time were used as indicators of microfinance services. Through the use of SEM, thefindings revealed that while the loan amount (i.e. amount received and amount invested affected growthpositively, loan conditions (interest rate and repayment time) affect growth negatively. It is thus recommendedthat microfinance institutions (MFIs) should find proper conditions that will not hinder the growth of enterprisesowned by their clients.IntroductionDifferent writers have devoted their efforts to defining impact assessment (Roche, 1999; Barnes and Sebstad,2000, and Afrane, 2002). For example, Roche (1999) defined impact assessment as a systematic analysis of thelasting or significant changes - positive or negative, intended or not, brought about by a given action or a seriesof actions. Barnes and Sebstad (2000) also define impact assessment as a study to identify changes that resultfrom a programme. Thus impact assessment aims at establishing a plausible association between changesexperienced and participation in the programme. It is a management mechanism aimed at measuring the effectsof projects on the intended beneficiaries (Afrane, 2002). With respect to credit intervention it includes the effectsof the project on the change in sales revenue, assets level or a number of employees of an enterprise. Thesedefinitions suggest that the results of assessment can match or differ from the original objectives of the actionstaken. For example, if the objective of a microfinance project is to provide loans to poor people in order toimprove their standard of living, then the impact assessment study will reveal whether the standard of living ofthe targeted group has improved or not. Likewise, if the objective of microfinance providers is to facilitate thegrowth of enterprises, impact assessment will show whether the growth of these enterprises has been realised ornot. Basing on these definitions, the impact can be conducted within the programme itself or to the beneficiaries.The two focuses are termed as the intermediary school of thought and intended beneficiary school of thoughrespectively (Hulme, 2000). Under intermediary school of thought, the positive changes will be observed withinthe programme if MFIs are financially sustainable and are able to reach and provide services to more people inespecially remote areas. It focuses purely on the beginning of the chain and in particular on changes in the MFIand its operations. The school concerns itself with the health of the financial organisation in terms of itssustainability (both operational and financial) and judges the social benefit of this intervention in terms of itsoutreach to numbers of poor people and their poverty profile (Johnson, 1998). Accordingly, if both outreachand sustainability have been enhanced, then the intervention is judged to have a beneficial impact as it haswidened the financial market in a sustainable fashion (Hulme, 2000). On the side of intended beneficiary school of though, the positive impact will be realised if the programmehas changed the lives of their clients in a positive way. Specifically, the realisation of financial sustainability andwider outreach at the level MFIs, and improved standards of living at the level of beneficiaries are considered aspositive impact. The negative impact of microfinance will therefore mean that either microfinance providersand/or clients have not achieved the intended objectives of the provided services. The impact assessment onusers therefore, assumes that the intervention will change behaviour and practice in ways that lead to theachievement (or raise the probability of achievement) of the desired outcomes. The choice between these two schools depends on one hand on the strength, weakness and usefulness of theschool and on the other hand the inclination to the study objectives. The intended beneficiary school candistinguish ‘who’ benefits and ‘how’ (Hulme, 2000), and therefore enable the assessor to gain an in-depthunderstanding of the impact of the services on clients. It is however more demanding in terms of methodologyand resources as it focuses on people and their enterprises as units of analysis (Manroth, 2001). The intermediaryschool usefully incorporates notions of financial and operational sustainability, and largely use pre-existing datato assess the impact of microfinance services. It is however considered to be very weak to reveal ‘who’ benefits 47 2.
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012and ‘how’ (Hulme, 2000). The school lacks the information about the impact at the clients end (Manroth, 2001).Given the strengths and weaknesses of each school of thought, together with the focus of this study (focuses onimpact on users), the intended beneficiary school of thought was adopted for this study to examine the extent towhich the programmes interventions have led to enterprises growth.Conceptualization of Impact AssessmentIn the conceptualisation of impact assessment, there are a number of variables that the assessors can consider.These present a complex set of links among the variables of the study because the casual effect among thevariables may be influenced by different factors. For example, Hulme (2000) observed the following in impactassessment; “……. in a conventional microfinance project a package of technical assistance and capital, changes the behaviour (and products) of a microfinance institution. The MFI subsequently provides different services to a client, most commonly in the form of a loan. These services lead to the client modifying her/his enterprise activities which in turn lead to increased or decreased enterprise income. The change in enterprise income causes changes in household income which in turn leads to greater or lesser household economic security. The modified level of household economic security leads to changes in the morbidity and mortality of household members, in educational and skill levels and in future economic and social opportunities” (pp 81 – 82). Hulme’s view suggests that there are different variables and units of analysis in conducting impactassessment on microfinance services. In this study the intended beneficiary school of thought and MSEs as unitsof analysis were used. This being the case, the model that is appropriate for the study should focus on the users’impact and not the service providers’ impact. Specifically, it should build and use the assumption that theservices of microfinance programmes may or may not lead to the client modifying her/his MSE activities, whichin turn leads to the growth of MSEs. Credit is assumed to provide a large and more predictable base of workingcapital for low income earners who could not save their income for investment. It reduces cost by allowingclients to purchase fairly bulk inputs which provide alternatives to the higher cost suppliers. It is thereforeconsidered to be a tool that improves productivity and produces more outcomes to the MSEs activities (Sebstadet al, 1995). All these suggest that credit creates a better chance for MSEs growth. Also theories related to enterprises growth like resource based theory and production theory suggest thataccess to resources lead to growth of enterprises. In this regard, the rational actor models of traditionaleconomic theories (such as neo-classical and microeconomic theories) contend that entrepreneurs will expandtheir firms willingly to some optimal size determined by the level of market demand for their output (Glancey,1998). The central idea of this view is based on the fact that if there is enough demand, then the only task offirms’ owners/managers is to produce and supply more to the available market. This will enable the firm to makemore profit and therefore the main assumption is that firm’s motive is profit maximization (Glancey, 1998;Mansfield, 1996 and Jensen, 2000). In this perspective the distinctive role of the owner/manager is to makestrategic decisions on how to allocate the scarce resources in the pursuit of profit opportunities (Glancey, 1998).Under this argument, it is often presumed that there is a most profitable size (Penrose, 1959) and firms shouldmake every effort to reach that size. In order to reach this level, economists accentuate the importance of factorsof production in creating wealth and hence growth of the firm (Reekie and Crook, 1995). According to the production theory, these factors are raw materials (natural capital), labour services (humancapital), capital goods, and land. Sometimes a fifth category is added, entrepreneurial and management skills, asa subcategory of labour services. The factors are converted to wealth and hence growth of the firm throughproduction process. The employment of an additional input will result to the increase in output, however theaugmentation of factor inputs will reach a point whereby the output will increase at a decreasing rate, which isalso known as a point of diminishing return (Mansfield, 1996 and Jensen, 2000). This process evidenced that theadditional resources to the process will result to an increase in the output which further resulted into the growthof particular firm. Like the quantity produced in production process, the growth of the MSEs depends on variousfactors like labour in the form of human capital, financial capital and raw materials. The fact that financialcapital is limited to most of MSEs in developing countries, MFIs are considered to be critical elements inproviding financial capital to MSEs, which enable them to build their assets and adding up their income forgrowth (Kuzilwa, 2005). Although the production theory explains how additional inputs create outputs andhence growth of the firm, this theory mistakenly assumes that all resources have equal weights on theircontributions towards the firms’ growth. This assumption created the need to discuss the resources based view inorder to show the importance of critical (strategic) resources on growth of the firm. The resources based view describes how business owners build their business from the resources andcapabilities that they currently possess or can acquire (Dollinger, 1999). The resources based theory posits thatthe long term competitiveness of a firm depends on its endowment resources (Rangone, 1999). In this case, 48 3.
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012resources are considered valuable when they enable a firm to conceive or implement strategies that improveperformance, exploit market opportunities or neutralise impending threats (Barney, 1995). As excess resourcescan provide service at zero marginal cost, they motivate entrepreneurs to apply them to new activities,engendering endogenous innovation and thereafter realise the growth of their enterprises (Pitelis, 2005).According to this view, competitive advantage and hence growth emerge through processes of resourcesaccumulation and deployment, leading to idiosyncratic endowments of proprietary assets (Olomi, 2001). Theresources are harnessed into strength and weaknesses by firms and in so doing lead to competitive advantage.The services yielded by resources are a function of the way in which they are used, same resources when usedfor different purposes or in different ways and in combination with different types or amounts of other resourcesprovide a different service or set of services (Penrose, 1959). This indicates that the quality of product producedfrom a bundle of resources depends on particular ingredients used and the way in which they are combined. It isfrom this point Penrose (1959) argues that it is never resources themselves, but only the goods and services thatthe resource can render. In order to explain how resources affect the output of enterprises Mishina, Pollock and Porac (2004)conducted a study to examine how the nature and availability of resources influence the effectiveness of growthstrategies pursued by management. In achieving their objective, they focused on resource slack, rather than theabsolute amount of resources. Their findings revealed that financial and human slack resources interact withgrowth strategies in different ways to influence growth. The data suggest that pursuing product expansion wasfacilitated by financial slack but inhibited by human resource slack, and that pursuing market expansion wasfacilitated by human resource slack. They concluded that market expansion and product expansion implydifferent degrees of complexity and uncertainty, and that this difference is important for how each type ofexpansion utilizes human and financial resources. From this conclusion it is clear that resources play importantroles in facilitating the growth of enterprises, but combination of resources is required to achieve higher level ofgrowth. In line with resource based view, the financial resources are considered as one of the core resources of anyenterprise because they are medium of exchange to other resources. For example, economists who are thefounders of resources based theory (i.e. Penrose, 1959) treat finance as a very important factor among thecorporate factors of production. Irrespective of the firm size and age, finance is normally required for threestandard uses, that is for capital investment (start-up or expansion), financing working capital during start-up orwhile expanding and purchase of operating materials (Kuzilwa, 2005). In respect of this reality, the issue offinance availability to firms (especially MSEs) has garnered world-wide concern (Berger and Udell, 2002).Without adequate financing, the growth potential will be constrained and at worst, the survival of the businesscould even be threatened. It is from this argument we hypothesised that the credit service has positive influenceson the growth of MSEs owned by MFIs clients.MethodsIn order to test the above hypothesis, a survey was conducted to different MSEs supported by MFIs in Tanzania.Specifically the survey covered a total of 225 respondents from four different regions; Dar es Salaam (92),Mwanza (52), Arusha (47) and Mbeya (34). In assessing the growth of enterprises, three different measures i.e.sales revenue, number of employees and assets level were used. Additionally, loan received, loan invested,interest rate and repayment time were used as indicators of microfinance services. Specifically, amount receivedand amount invested were used to measure loan amount while interest rate and repayment time were used to loanconditions. In testing whether credit facilities lead to the growth of MSEs or not, SEM was used because itprovides a straightforward method of dealing with multiple relationships simultaneously while providingstatistical efficiency (Hair et al, 1998). The model is also considered to be powerful because it accommodates theanalysis of relationships in a situation of multiple latent independent variables even if each variable is measuredby multiple indicators. It also allows the analysis of one or more latent dependent variables whereby eachvariable is measured by multiple indicators.FINDINGS Using of Structural Equation ModellingBefore using SEM for impact assessment, it is important to examine the normality and linearity of collected data.This is based on the fact that SEM assumes a linear relationship and normal distribution of the data (Hair et al,1998). In the process of examining linearity, the data were plotted into scatter diagrams in order to see whetherthere were possibilities of connecting the values (points) of the coordinates by using straight lines. In otherwords, the scatter diagrams were used to assess whether linear functions could be used to join the points of thecoordinates. After the examination, the scatter diagrams evidenced types of exponential functions which couldnot be used for hypothesis testing. Again in testing whether the collected data follow normal distribution; the 49 4.
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012histograms were used to evaluate the skewness of data distribution. Some of the variables evidenced a symmetricdistribution, while others were either right or left skewed. Given the findings of data diagnosis, the data wererequired to be transformed into linear forms and also normal distribution. A natural logarithm was applied to all variables (indicators of both independent and dependent variables) inorder to transform them into linear forms before using them for testing. This was based on the fact that if therelationship of data follows an exponential curve of the form z = λe bx , then this relationship can be convertedinto a linear function by using logarithmic rules. By applying logarithmic rules this relationship will be the sameas ln( z ) = ln(λe bx ) = ln(λ ) + ln(e bx ) = ln(λ ) + bx ln(e) = ln(λ ) + bx . The logarithmic equation ofthe above exponential equation is therefore presented as ln(z ) = ln(λ ) + bx . Given that ln(λ ) is a constant itcan be represented by a, and if ln(z ) is represented by y then the relationship will be y = a + bx which isa linear function. Apart from using logarithms, it is statistically argued that when sample size is large (i.e.n ≥ 30 ) then it tends to normal distribution (Baradyana and Ame, 2005). Given this consensus, the normality ofdata can be assumed, because the sample size was far higher than the provided cutting point of n ≥ 30 . Thetransformation of data into logarithmic form also reduces the level of deviation of observations from the averagewhich reduces the values of skewness and kurtosis. The assurance of normality and linearity creates a wayforward for testing by using SEM. Although this model has generally been recognised as a powerful multivariate tool (Hair et al, 1998 andUllman, 2007), its usefulness depends on whether the produced model fits the data used. In this regard, thediscussion on the measures of the SEM output model fit is presented in order to highlight the criteria forappropriate use of SEM output for testing and making decisions and conclusion. This assists the researchers toanswer an important question: “is it a good model to use?” The objective of answering this question is todetermine whether the associations among the measured and latent variables in the estimated model adequatelyreflect the observed associations in the data (Weston and Gore, 2006). To achieve this objective, multiple indicesare available to assess the model fit. These include absolute fit measures, incremental fit measures andparsimonious fit measures (Hair et al, 1998). Absolute fit measures assess the difference between the observed and model-specified covariances, whereasincremental fit measures assess the proportionate improvement in the fit by comparing a target model with amore restricted nested baseline model (Tsigilis, Koustelios and Togia, 2004). On the other hand the parsimoniousfit measures adjust the measures of the fit to provide a comparison between models with differing numbers ofestimated coefficients in order to determine the amount of fit achieved by each estimated coefficient (Hair et al,1998). Although the intention of this section is not to discuss these groups, the following measure indices are 2discussed in order to show how they can be used to test the overall model fit. The chi-square ( χ ) test isnormally used as a first step to measuring the model fit. Because the null hypothesis for the overall model fitstates that the model fits the data, the probability ( p ) value of χ 2 should be insignificant. The postulate of thenull hypothesis reflects the specification that the model is valid for the given data. The p value associated withχ2 represents the likelihood of obtaining a χ2 value that exceeds the critical region value when the nullhypothesis is true. In this regard, if the p value of χ 2 is below the conventional cutting point of 0.05 then themodel is rejected, otherwise it is accepted. However, with large samples, trivial differences between the sampleand the estimated population covariance matrices are often significant because the minimum of the function ismultiplied by N −1 (Ullman, 2007). It is therefore argued that the significance of χ2 may be caused merelyby the sample size, making the retention of the null hypothesis for large samples almost impossible (Smith andMcMillan, 2001). 2 This criticism leads to the application of an alternative method for overall model fit by using χ . It is 2therefore proposed that the researchers can alternatively use the ratio between χ value and its degrees offreedom which is also known as the normed chi-square (Hair et al, 1998). Kline (1998) articulates the model willbe fit if the normed χ2 is 3. However, Ullman (2007) emphasised that the good-fitting model can be achieved 2when the ratio of χ value to its degrees of freedom is less than 2. Due to alternative ways of using χ 2 toreach the decision of accepting or rejecting the model, researchers have universally used χ2 to evaluate the 50 5.
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012 2model fit (Martens, 2005) despite its limitations. These limitations and criticisms of χ , dictate the discussion ofother commonly used indices to test the model fit. Other indices that are commonly used for model fit includethe Goodness of Fit Index – GFI (Bentler, 1990), the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation – RMSEA(Browne and Cudeck, 1993), the Normed Fit Index – NFI, the Tucker-Lewis Index – TLI (Bentler and Bonett,1980), the Relative Fit Index – RFI and the Incremental Fit Index – IFI (Bollen, 1989). The Root Mean SquireResidual – RMR, the Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index – AGFI, and the Parsimony Goodness of Fit Index – PGFI(Ullman, 2007) are also measure indices which are widely used. Although there is a number of other indices thatcan be used to decide whether the model fits the data used or not, the study is restricted to the above measuresbecause they are the ones which are recommended and used for most analyses in social sciences and businessrelated researches (Ame, 2005 and Ullman, 2007). Among these indices, RMSEA and CFI are the most reported, used and preferred indices especially whensample size is not small (Ullman, 2007). In order to make a decision using RMSEA, Browne and Cudeck (1993)proposed that when the RMSEA value is less than 0.08 it indicates an acceptable fit. Later on, Hu and Bentler(1999) recommend for RMSEA values below 0.06. It is also established that any value which is greater than0.10 is indicative of poor fitting models (Browne and Cudeck, 1993). On the other hand CFI values greater than0.95 indicate good fitting models (Hu and Bentler, 1999). The values of other indices that assure the good modelfit are NFI, IFI and TLI all with values greater than 0.95; RFI, GFI, AGFI, and PGFI all with values close to 1,and small values of RMR (Tanaka and Huba, 1989; Bentler and Bonett, 1980; Ullman, 2007; Hu and Bentler,1999 and Bentler, 1989). Due to the availability of different indices for measuring models fit, Ullman (2007)argues that if the results of the fit indices are inconsistent, the model should probably be re-examined; if theinconsistency can not be resolved, consider reporting multiple indices. In this case, few indices that accept themodel fits can be used for analysis; however the selected indices should be used with justification. Afteridentifying and explaining the criteria used to evaluate whether the SEM output can be used for further analysiswithout any modification, the next section discusses the application of these criteria in testing the posedhypothesis.Relationship Between Credit Services and the Growth of MSEsThe hypothesis states that the credit service has positive influences on the growth of MSEs owned by MFIsclients. The objective of testing this hypothesis was to assess the effect of the received credit on the growth ofMSEs owned by MFIs clients. In order to assess the goodness of fit of SEM output produced to the used data, thesame procedures as discussed above were used. The process started by examining the values of indices for theoverall model fit. The ( p ) value of χ 2 was 0.08 which is greater than the cutting point of 0.05. This valueleads to the conclusion that the null hypothesis that the model produced fits the data used was insignificant. Inthis regard, the null hypothesis that model produced fits the data used could not be rejected, and therefore thederived conclusion was that the model fits the data used. In using the ratio of χ 2 to its degrees of freedom 2(normed χ ), the value of the SEM output was 1.60 (Table 1). This value is less that 3 which is the maximumvalues provided by Kline (1998), and also 2 which is a maximum value provided by Ullman (2007) for overallmodel to be fit. From these results, it can be concluded that both criteria recommended when using χ2 toassess the overall model fit, suggest that the model can be used for further analysis because it fits the used data. Table 1: Summary of the SEM Model Fit for H1CMIN Model NPAR CMIN DF P CMIN/DF Default model 15 20.80 13 .08 1.60 Saturated model 28 .00 0 Independence model 7 571.11 21 .00 27.20 51 6.
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012RMR, GFI Model RMR GFI AGFI PGFI Default model .24 .97 .94 .45 Saturated model .00 1.00 Independence model 1.31 .53 .37 .40Baseline Comparisons Model NFIDelta1 RFI rho1 IFI Delta2 TLI rho2 CFI Default model .96 .94 .99 .98 .99 Saturated model 1.00 1.00 1.00 Independence model .00 .00 .00 .00 .00RMSEA Model RMSEA LO 90 HI 90 PCLOSE Default model .05 .00 .09 .43 Independence model .34 .32 .37 .00From table 1, the RMSEA index which is 0.05 indicates that the model produced fits the data that were used.This is according to the cut off point provided by Browne and Cudeck (1993) which recommended the RMSEAvalue less than 0.08, and that of Hu and Bentler (1999) which recommended for a RMSEA value below 0.06.Other indices as provided in table 1 revealed that CFI, NFI, IFI and TLI all have values greater than 0.95, RFIvalue is close to 1, also the GFI, AGFI, and PGFI values are all close to 1. The values of these indices accordingto different writers like Tanaka and Huba (1989), Bentler and Bonett (1980), Ullman (2007), Hu and Bentler(1999) and Bentler (1989), suggest that the associations between credit and growth of MSEs in the estimatedmodel adequately reflect the observed associations in the data. In this regard it can be concluded that the overallfit measures provide a good picture supporting the adequacy of the model in explaining the relationship betweencredit and growth of MSEs, whereby the results of the model can be used for further analysis. Although theevaluation of model fits allows the use of the produced results for further analysis, it is equally important toassess the usefulness of individual indicators to the study analysis. This assessment is based on the resultspresented in table 2. Table 2 shows the results of the level of significance for regression weights. In this regard,all probabilities of getting critical ratios for all regression weights were approaching zero. This implies that theregression weights for independent variables in the prediction of dependent variables were significantly differentfrom zero at 0.05 level of significance (two-tailed). These results lead to the conclusion that all regressionweights explain the observed relationships between independent variables and dependent variables. Afterascertaining the usefulness of regression weights, the SEM output in the path diagram in figure 1 was used to testhypothesis. Table 2: Regression Weights: (Group number 1 - Default model) Estimate S.E. C.R. P LabelGrowth <--- Loan Amount 1.00Growth <--- Condtn -.10 .10 -1.03 .003 par_4AvRev <--- Growth .67 .06 10.29 *** par_1NoEmploy <--- Growth 1.65 .20 8.10 *** par_2Aset <--- Growth 1.00LoanRec <--- Loan Amount 1.00LonInv <--- Loan Amount 1.04 .07 15.66 *** par_3InterestR <--- Condtn .97 1.03 .94 .005 par_5RepayTm <--- Condtn 1.00From figure 1, the assessment of credit which was measured by the received loan and the conditions that areapplicable for the credit revealed opposing results. In this case the loan amount evidenced a positive relationship 52 7.
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012with growth. The value of 0.93 shows that there is a positive relationship between the received loan and thegrowth of enterprises. Specifically, this value means that when loan goes up by a unit of standard deviation, thegrowth of MSEs goes up by 0.93 standard deviations. The squared multiple correlations for the received loan andthe invested loan which were the measures of loan amount, evidenced very high values. These values were 76percent and 74 percent for the received loan and the invested loan respectively. This means that the indicators ofthe received loan explain 76 percent of the variance of the received loan, while the remaining part which is 24percent is explained by error variance. On the other hand the indicators of the invested loan explain its varianceby 74 percent while the remaining part is explained by the variance of the error terms.Figure 1: Path Diagram for Credit and Growth of MSEs .76 .55 e1 LoanRec .87 Aset e6 Loan Amount .74 .74 .86 .43 .93 e2 LonInv .88 .66 AvRev e7 .81 Growth e4 .90 -.06 InterestR .54 .29 Condtn NoEmploy e8 .44 .67 e5 RepayTm d1 Standardized estimates Chi-squire = 20.797 Df = 13 p = .077The results have also revealed a negative relationship between the conditions applicable to the credit and thegrowth of MSEs owned by MFIs clients. The findings of this test revealed that the regression weight of creditconditions to the MSEs growth was -0.06. The value implies that when the conditions for growth are tightenedthe growth possibilities are limited. The unit change of standard deviation of credit conditions in strictnessdirection, will lead to the decrease in the growth by 0.06 units of standard deviations. Additionally, the squaredmultiple correlations for the measures of credit conditions revealed a differed result. While that of the interestcharged on credit was 81 percent, the squared multiple correlation for the repayment time was 44 percent. Thisresult leads to the conclusion that the indicators of the charged interest rates explain 81 percent of variance of thecharged interest, while the remaining part which is 19 percent is explained by error variance. Likewise theindicators of the repayment period explain its variance by 44 percent while the remaining part is explained by thevariance of the error terms. In assessing the overall variability of growth as a result of variability of the loan amount and conditions ofaccessing credit, the squared multiple correlation of growth has been examined. When looking at the squaredmultiple correlation of growth, the result shows a very high value which means that both the loan amount andcredit conditions explain the variability in the dependent variable which is the growth of MSEs. The values ofthe squared multiple correlation for the MSEs growth was 88 percent. This means that loan amount andconditions of credit explain 88 percent of growth variance. In other words the percentage of growth varianceexplained by other factors (error terms) is only 12. This value articulates that both the loan amount andconditions of getting credit explain properly the existing relationship with the growth of MSEs whichexperienced microfinance interventions. Furthermore, by introducing another latent variable named microfinance credit, that combines the effect ofindicators of both the loan amount and credit conditions, the SEM output produced a positive relationshipbetween microfinance credit and the growth of MSEs. The regression weight of the latent variable was 0.84.This value means that a unit increase of a standard deviation of microfinance credit (combining both the loanamount and credit conditions) leads to 0.84 increases in standard deviation of MSEs growth. The positiveregression weight was based on the fact that the loan amount had higher regression weight than the creditconditions in magnitude. Due to this reasoning, it is clear that the regression weight of the loan amount outweighthe negative value of credit conditions. The aggregate therefore produced a positive relationship between credit 53 8.
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012service and the growth of MSEs. In this regard, the study results lead to the acceptance of the hypothesis that“the credit service has positive influences on the growth of MSEs owned by MFIs clients.”DiscussionThe results of the study as compared to other theoretical and empirical findings emphasised that credit is veryimportant in triggering the growth of enterprises owned by MFIs clients. The resources based view for exampleemphasized how available resources can be used to create competitive advantages and subsequently the growthof a firm. According to this view, credit is considered to be an important resource that can create a competitiveadvantage for firms and therefore take advantage of the available opportunities. It was established empiricallythat access to credit enables entrepreneurs to take different advantages including cost minimisation throughdiscounts gained from bulk purchases, ability to finance different activities of the businesses and smoothfinancing of unexpected events (Kuzilwa, 2005, Berger and Udell, 2002 and ILO/UNDP, 2000). Credit istherefore considered to be an important resource especially for MSEs in Tanzania and other developing countriesbecause it enables these MSEs to acquire inputs for their operations. Same results were observed by Kessy and Urio (2006) as one of the respondent in their study admitted that“the money I got from PTz has assisted me to expand the restaurant and to open a new hotel business. I am nowreturning the loan of 1,000,000/= and I believe I will keep on expanding”. Other empirical evidences like Meadand Liedholm (1998), Mosley (2001), Kuzilwa (2005), Chijoriga and Olomi (2004) and Chijoriga and Cassimon(1999) also come out with the same conclusion which support the proposition that credit is very important forgrowth realisation. The conclusion reached by these writers is based on the fact that the owners of MSEs havevery limited capacities of financing their businesses internally. However access to credit creates the capacity andopportunity for MSEs owners to purchase stocks, to invest in new technology, to expand the market and enablesthem to take advantages of the suppliers’ discount (Chijoriga and Cassimon, 1999, 1999; ILO/UNDP, 2000 andKuzilwa, 2005). The result also shows a negative relationship between the conditions of credit and the growthof enterprises. More stringent credit conditions therefore weaken the growth of enterprises owned by the MFIsclients. Credit conditions are therefore creating an unfavourable environment which limits the existence, survivaland growth of the enterprises. Responses from interviews regarding the effect of MFIs conditions on theirbusinesses also show negative effects on growth. “… first of all the interest rate charged is very high, so we feel like the MFIs are exploiting us but there is no alternative that is why we are still taking loans regardless of high interest rate. ……..the repayment period is also very short, just one week. Sometimes you may have not yet invested the received loan, but you are required start the repayment. Therefore we are using the same money to repay the loan in the first week”1Kessy and Urio (2006) also established that the amount of loan that was offered is an exasperating condition tocustomers as one respondent of their study admitted that “when I joined PTz, I thought I will be able to get anyamount I needed, but that was not the case, as a new member has to start from the stage of 50,000/= and keepgraduating until the level of 5,000,000/=.This takes so long to get enough funds for big loan seekers.” Theconditions, and especially the requirement of collateral, constrained the growth of enterprises owned by MFIsclients. They argued that with a condition of collateral only those with immovable assets can access big loans.This is a limiting factor because most of the MFIs clients operate their businesses in rented premises andtherefore do not have immovable assets to put as collaterals. Consequently, these clients were not able to accesslarge loans for expanding their businesses.Conclusion and ImplicationsThe findings of the study revealed that credit is positively related to growth. This means that the access to creditappears to trigger growth. Therefore the higher the credit the higher the growth achieved by the enterprises.Furthermore, it was established that the conditions of credit had a negative relationship to the growth of theenterprises. These conditions were observed to have an adverse impact on the enterprises operations and theyinclude a short grace period for loan repayment and high interest rates. The loan condition which requires theenterprises owner to start with small loan amounts and thereafter graduating to higher loans after repayment wasalso considered to be a limiting factor for rapid growth of the enterprises.These results call for special attention that can address the problems that hinder the growth of MSEs. The MFIsshould therefore consider the possibility of increasing the grace period and reducing the frequency of repaymentin order to attract businesses like farming which have a long term payback period. In line with efforts from the1 Interview with one MFIs client in Arusha 54 9.
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012side of MFIs, MFIs clients are also required to utilise the available resources in a non-fungible manner becausethe study found that fungibility is one of the limiting factors for MSEs growth. Therefore proper utilisation of thereceived loans will enable the businesses owned by MFIs clients to grow and contribute towards economicdevelopment in terms of income generation and the creation of employment opportunities. This will enable theachievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the Tanzania National Strategy for Growth andReduction of Poverty, both of which have the objectives of growth and poverty reduction in the country.ReferencesAfrane, S. (2002). “Impact Assessment of Microfinance Interventions in Ghana and South Africa; A Synthesis of Major Impacts and Lessons”, Journal of Microfinance, 4 (1), 37 – 58Ame, A. M. (2005). The effect of quality and Satisfaction and its Consequences on Customers’ Behavioural intentions: A study of selected Service Firms in Tanzania, Unpublished PhD. Thesis, University of Dar es Salaam.Baradyana, J. S. & A. M. Ame (2005). Quantitative Techniques for Business Decisions, Dar es Salaam, Mkuki na Nyota Publishers ltdBarnes, C., & J. Sebstad (2000). Guidelines for microfinance impact assessments, Washington DC, Management Systems InternationalBarney, J. B. (1995). “Looking Inside for Competitive Advantage”, Academy of Management Executive, 9 (4), 49-61.Bentler, P. M. (1989 ). EQS structural equations program manual, Los Angeles, BMDP Statistical Software.Bentler, P. M. (1990). Comparative fit indices in structural models. Psychological Bulletin, 107, 238-246.Bentler, P. M., & Bonett, D. G. (1980). Significance tests and goodness-of-fit in the analysis of covariance structures, Psychological Bulletin, 88, 588 – 606Berger, A. N. & G. F. Udell (2002). Small Business Credit Availability and Relationship Lending: The Importance of Bank Organisational Structure, The Economic Journal, 112, 32 – 53Bollen, K. A. (1989). Structural equations with latent variables. NY: Wiley. A leading, readable text on structural modeling.Browne, M.W. & R. Cudeck (1993), “Alternative ways of assessing model fit,” in Testing Structural Equation Models, ed. K.A. Bollen and Long. S., Newbury Park CA: Sage, 136–162Chijoriga, M. & D. Cassimon (1999). Micro Enterprise Financing: Is there a Best Model?: in Rutashobya L. K. and Olomi, D. R.(eds), African Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Dar es Salaam, DUP (1996) LtdChijoriga, M. & D. R. Olomi (2004). Good Practices in the Revolving Loan Fund Component of the Project on Promoting Gender Equality and Decent Work Throughout all Stages of Life, A Paper Submitted to ILO, December.Dollinger, M. J. (1999). Entrepreneurship Strategies and Resources, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.Glancey K. (1998). Determinants of Growth and Profitability in Small Entrepreneurial Firms, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research, 4 (1), 18-27.Hair, J. F., R. E. Anderson, R. L. Tatham & W. C. Black (1998). Multivariate Data Analysis, New Jersey, Prentice HallHu, L. & P. M. Bentler (1999). Cutoff criteria for fit indexes in covariance structure analysis: Conventional criteria versus new alternatives. Structural Equation Modeling 6(1): 1-55.Hulme, D. (2000). Impact Assessment Methodologies for Microfinance: Theory, Experience and Better Practice, World Development, 28 (1), 79 – 98.ILO/UNDP (2000). Micro and Small enterprises Development & Poverty Alleviation in Thailand, International Best Practice in Micro and Small Enterprises Development Working Paper No. 2, Edited by Gerry Finnegan.Jensen, M. C. (2000). A Theory of the Firm: Governance, Residual Claims, and Organisation Forms, London: Harvard University Press.Johnson, S. (1998). Programme Impact Assessment in Microfinance: the need for analysis of real markets, IDS Bulletin October 1998, University of Bath.Kessy, S. A. & F. Urio (2006). The Contribution of Microfinance Institutions to Poverty Reduction in Tanzania, Research Report No. 06.3 – REPOA, Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, Dar es Salaam.Kline, R. B. (1998). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling, New York, Guilford PressKuzilwa, J. A. (2005) The Role of Credit for Small Business Success: A Study of the National Entrepreneurship Development Fund in Tanzania, The Journal of Entrepreneurship, 14 (2), 131 – 161Manroth, A. (2001). How effective is Microfinance in the CEEC and the NIS? A discussion of impact analysis to date, Masters, The London School of Economics and Political Science, The European Institute.Mansfield, E. (1996). Managerial Economics: Theory, Applications, and Cases, 3rd Ed., NY, Norton. 55 10.
Mathematical Theory and Modeling www.iiste.orgISSN 2224-5804 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0522 (Online)Vol.2, No.8, 2012Martens, M. P. (2005). The use of structural equation modeling in counseling psychology research. The Counseling Psychologist, 33, 269-298.Mead, D. C, and C. Liedholm (1998). The Dynamics of Micro and Small Enterprises in Developing Countries, World Development, 26 (1), 61 – 74.Mishina, Y., Pollock, T. & Porac, J. (2004). Are More Resources Always Better for Growth? Resource Stickiness in Market and Product Expansion, Strategic Management Journal, 25, 1179 – 1197Mosley, P. (2001). Microfinance and Poverty in Bolivia, Journal of Development Studies, 37 (4), 101-132.Olomi, D. R. (2001). Entrepreneurial Motivation in a Developing Country Context-Incidence-Antecedents, and consequences of Growth-seeking Behaviour Among Tanzanian Owner-manager, PhD. Thesis, University of Dar es Salaam.Penrose, E. (1959). The Theory of the Growth of the Firm, NY: Blackwell.Pitelis, C. (2005). Edith Penrose, Organisational Economics and Business Strategy: An Assessment and Extension, Managerial and Decision Economics, 26, 67 – 82Rangone, A. (1999). A Resource-Based Approach to Strategy Analysis in Small-Medium Sized Enterprises, Small Business Economics, 12, 233–248.Reekie, D. & J. N. Crook (1995). Managerial Economics: a European Text, 4th Ed, NY: Prentice Hall.Roche, C. (1999). Impact Assessment for Development Agencies: Learning to Value Change, Development Guidelines, Oxford, Oxfam.Smith, T. D. & B. F. McMillan (2001). A primer of Model Fit Indices in Structural Equation Modeling, A paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southwest Education Research Association, February 1 – 3, New Orleans, Retrieved on 20th May 2009 from http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICDocs/data/ericdocs2sql/content_storage_01/0000019b/80/16/cc/b3.pdfTanaka, J. S., & Huba, G. J. (1989). A general coefficient of determination for covariance structure models under arbitrary GLS estimation. British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology, 42, 233-239.Tsigilis N., A. & Koustelios, A. Togia (2004). Multivariate Relationship and Discriminant Validity Between Job Satisfaction and Burnout, Journal of Managerial Psychology, 19 (19), 666 – 675Ullman, J. E. (2007). Structural Equation Modeling, in Tabachnick, B. G., and Fidell, L. S. (2007). Using Multivariate Statistics, 5th ed., Boston, Allyn and BaconWeston, R. & Gore, P. A. (2006). A brief Guideline to Structural Equation Modeling, The Counselling Psychologist, 34 (5), 719 – 751Mailing InformationDr. Severine S. A. Kessy, University of Dar es Salaam Business School P. O. Box 35046, Dar es Salaam,TanzaniaTel: +255713 370208E-mail: severinesk@udbs.udsm.ac.tz or severinesk@yahoo.comAbout the AuthorDr. Severine S. A. Kessy is a Lecturer at the University of Dar Es Salaam Business School in the Department ofGeneral Management. He completed B.A - Statistics (Hons) and MBA (Finance) at the University of Dar esSalaam (UDSM). In 2007, he completed a Licentiate of Philosophy degree at Umeå University in Sweden and aPhD (Business Administration) at the UDSM in 2010. Kessy has a vast experience in the areas of MicrofinanceInstitutions, Growth of Micro and Small Enterprises. Since 2000, he has been engaged in research, training andconsultancies in these areas. 56 11.
Taxonomy of IT Enterprises in Kenya and their undeveloped growth intervention...

value: This website is an American hosting service, now owned by Scribd, for professional content including presentations, infographics, documents, and videos. Users can upload files privately or publicly in PowerPoint, Word, PDF, or OpenDocument format.


text:
Best Western Hotels: Cheap Campbellton Best Western Hotel Deals | Expedia
Campbellton Hotel Rooms at the Best Western
Best Western Campbellton Hotel Guide
Some globe-trotters choose hotels based on location, but others book by name. And thanks to Expedia you don’t have to pick. It is why we offer such an expansive range of Best Western hotels in Campbellton, New Brunswick. Known for well-appointed rooms and friendly, personalized service, each of the top Best Western Campbellton hotels guarantees an unparalleled level of comfort and quality.
You’ll find best-in-class amenities like clean rooms and quiet atmospheres, and some Campbellton Best Western locations may even offer extra little benefits and discounts for frequent travelers.

type: global

value: This website is an online travel agency owned by Expedia Group, an American online travel shopping company based in Seattle.


text:
 Best Price on B&B Al Porto in Bisceglie + Reviews!
See all 56 properties in Bisceglie.
Via della Repubblica 69, Bisceglie, Bisceglie, Italy, 76011 - View on map
More about B&B Al Porto
Overlooking the harbour, B&B Al Porto has a central location in Bisceglie, next to the 15th-century city walls. It is 100 metres from La Conchiglia’s rocky beach and offers free Wi-Fi throughout. Rooms are brightly coloured and air conditioned. Each includes an LCD TV, a minibar and private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some have a balcony or terrace and harbour views. During summer and in winter, you can enjoy your breakfast on Al Porto’s terrace overlooking the sea. Discounts are available at a variety of local restaurants and also at a garage. The B&B is 6 km from the Miragica Theme Park and 10 minutes' drive from Trani. Del Monte Castle in Andria is 39 km away.
Please note that cash payments of EUR 3000 or above are not permitted under current Italian law. Please inform B&B Al Porto in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.

value: This website is a Singaporean online travel agency and metasearch engine for hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and airport transfer. It is owned by Agoda Company Pte.


text: _.qj=function(){this.H=[];this.R=[]};_.g=_.qj.prototype;_.g.Cf=function(){return this.H.length+this.R.length};_.g.ee=function(){return _.Ab(this.H)&&_.Ab(this.R)};_.g.clear=function(){this.H=[];this.R=[]};_.g.contains=function(a){return _.yb(this.H,a)||_.yb(this.R,a)};_.g.remove=function(a){var b=this.H;var c=(0,_.rba)(b,a);0<=c?(_.Cb(b,c),b=!0):b=!1;return b||_.Db(this.R,a)}; _.g.Ae=function(){for(var a=[],b=this.H.length-1;0<=b;--b)a.push(this.H[b]);var c=this.R.length;for(b=0;bGrand Traverse Area Enlightened Recruitment - Google+Press question mark to see available shortcut keysSign inSearchSign inPrivateGrand Traverse Area Enlightened RecruitmentAsk to joinGrand Traverse Area Enlightened RecruitmentAsk to joinPrivateGrand Traverse Area Enlightened RecruitmentAsk to joinYou need to join the Community to see posts.Drag photos anywhere to start a new post

value: This website .


text:
Patent US6869122 - Protective layer for automotive surfaces - Google Patents
A protective layer embodying the principles of the present invention is configured for protection of automotive surfaces, including specifically, the protection of a truck-bed against wear induced by a truck-bed liner. The protective layer has a substantially planar configuration sized to permit the...http://www.google.com/patents/US6869122?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6869122 - Protective layer for automotive surfaces
Publication number US6869122 B2
Application number US 10/282,814
Also published as US20030119392, US20050170733, WO2003041954A1
Publication number 10282814, 282814, US 6869122 B2, US 6869122B2, US-B2-6869122, US6869122 B2, US6869122B2
Inventors Eric Stewart, Nick Mark Carter
Patent Citations (22), Referenced by (1), Classifications (43), Legal Events (9)
Protective layer for automotive surfaces
US 6869122 B2
A protective layer embodying the principles of the present invention is configured for protection of automotive surfaces, including specifically, the protection of a truck-bed against wear induced by a truck-bed liner. The protective layer has a substantially planar configuration sized to permit the layer to be positioned generally between an associated truck-bed liner and a truck-bed, whereby the abrasion is significantly reduced. The layer comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, with the fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting a sufficiently reduced coefficient of friction and sufficient durability to absorb or distribute abrasive actions, while allowing passage of moisture, thus protecting the automotive surfaces against potentially detrimental environmental conditions.
1. A method of protecting automotive surfaces, comprising the steps of:
providing at least one piece of nonwoven fabric formed from fibrous or filamentary elements;
forming a substantially planar sheet from said nonwoven fabric;
cutting said planar sheet to a selected length to form a protective layer;
providing a truck-bed liner separate from said protective layer; and
positioning said protective layer between a truck-bed liner and a truck-bed so that said protective layer contacts said truck-bed to protect the truck-bed from abrasion and moisture.
2. A method of protecting automotive surfaces in accordance with claim 1, wherein:
said nonwoven fabric comprises heat-bonded, polymeric staple length fibers.
3. A method of protecting automotive surfaces in accordance with claim 1, wherein:
said nonwoven fabric comprises hydroentangled staple length fibers.
4. A method of protecting automotive surfaces in accordance with claim 1, wherein:
said nonwoven fabric comprises adhesive-bonded fibrous material.
5. A method of protecting automotive surfaces in accordance with claim 1, wherein:
said nonwoven fabric comprises substantially continuous polymeric filaments.
6. A method of protecting automotive surfaces in accordance with claim 1, wherein:
said nonwoven fabric is non-apertured.
The present invention relates generally to an arrangement for protecting automotive surfaces, including protection of the surfaces when in contact with abrasive agents, and more particularly, to a nonwoven fabric protective layer which aids in reducing abrasion between a truck-bed and a truck-bed liner.
Personal utility vehicles, in particular “pick-up” type trucks, have experienced an ever growing popularity due to the number of diverse tasks such vehicles can accomplish. Pick-up type trucks are favored by both limited-application residential users and commercial services for the ability to employ the truck-bed of this type of truck as a means for transporting large, heavy, and/or fouled materials. Such materials can be quickly and repeatedly transported without the need for exorbinant consumption of time required to cleanse the truck-bed after use.
Repeated use of pick-up type truck to transport large, heavy, or fouled materials tends to induce excessive wear of the truck-bed. The wearing of the truck-bed has deleterious effects in terms of both aesthetic qualities as well as the continued performance of the truck-bed. Scratches and dents tend to wear the paint away from the truck-bed, which detracts away from the appearance of cleanliness. More significantly, removal or loss of the paint of the truck-bed results in increased opportunity for oxidation and rusting of the metallic substrate there beneath. If the oxidation and rusting of the metallic substrate is allowed to continue, the metallic substrate will degrade and eventually fail.
To remedy the wear induced in the truck-bed, various constructs have been employed which fit in, and conform to, the profile of the truck bed, and are referred to as “truck-bed liners”. Typically, truck-bed liners are formed from a durable plastic substrate, which is thermoformed or cast in the shape and profile for a specific truck-bed, as represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,735,565, 5,769,479, 5,904,390, and 6,017,057, all incorporated herein by reference. Application of the truck-bed liner into the truck-bed thus allows for a “sacrificial” surface, which is intended to receive the wear of use.
However, it has been found that the use of a truck-bed liner does not obviate the problem of wear of the truck-bed surface. Due to the need to fit the truck-bed liner, a certain amount of undermolding, or slack, is incorporated into the shape of the truck-bed liner. This slack, compounded by vibrations induced in movement of the truck-bed, results in the truck-bed liner rubbing against the painted surface of the truck-bed. Over time, and with continued abrasion, oxidation and rusting of the metallic substrate of the truck-bed begins to occur. As the truck-bed liner obscures and/or prevents the ready recognition of this destruction of the truck-bed itself, the extent of damage is not obvious until critical failure occurs.
Other kinds of truck-bed liners are practiced wherein a polymeric material is sprayed or painted directly into the truck-bed. While such directly applied liners remove much of the problem of the wear induced by a truck-bed liner, the use of a directly applied liner is essentially permanent, which can pose an issue if a different liner is required or the vehicle is leased.
The present invention provides an improved form of abrasion protective layer for automotive surfaces, which is particularly suited for use between a truck-bed and an inserted truck-bed liner.
The fibrous nonwoven fabric of the layer comprises fibrous material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The fibrous material of the nonwoven fabric can be heat-bonded, adhesive-bonded, or hydroentangled (spunlaced) to provide the fabric with the desired degree of integrity. The fibrous nonwoven fabric may be formed from filamentary elements by providing the fabric in the form of spunbond polymeric material.
The protective layer of the present invention can be provided with additional features to facilitate its effective use for protection of automotive surfaces. If desired, the nonwoven fabric may comprise a reinforcing scrim, which may be integrated into the fabric by hydroentanglement. In addition, natural and synthetic fibers can be used in the construction of the protective layer, which will enable, or further enhance, the ability of the protective layer to wick moisture. When the fibrous nonwoven fabric comprises polymeric material, the polymeric material may incorporate one or more protection enhancing agents such as vapor-corrosion inhibitors and lubricous agents. Such protection-enhancing agents can be provided in the form of a melt-additive in the polymer, as a fiber surface treatment, and/or as a topical treatment applied to the nonwoven fabric. Pigmenting agents may also be employed.
A method of protecting automotive surfaces in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of providing at least one piece of nonwoven fabric formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, and forming a substantially planar sheet from the nonwoven fabric. Said substantially planar sheet can then be either laid into a truck-bed prior to inserting a truck-bed liner, or by affixing the substantially planar sheet to the truck-bed liner prior to inserting into the truck-bed. To further improve performance of the abrasion protective layer, one or more pieces may be affixed by suitable joining means, to form a layer that conforms to either the profile of the truck-bed or to the truck-bed liner.
The present method further includes cutting the sheet to a selected length to form a protective layer, and positioning the protective layer generally between a truck-bed and truck-bed liner to protect the truck-bed from abrasion and/or moisture. The nonwoven fabric may comprise heat-bonded polymeric staple length fibers, adhesive-bonded fibrous material, substantially continuous polymeric filaments, and the combinations thereof.
The nonwoven fabric employed in the protective layer of the present invention can, for some applications, be non-apertured, with the fabric itself providing the desired abrasion resistance and breathability. For some applications, it can be desirable to form three-dimensional patterns of extended nubs and/or apertures in protective layer to further enhance performance.
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a forming apparatus for forming a nonwoven fabric for use as a protective layer for automotive surfaces in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a hydroentangling forming surface for formation of a nonwoven fabric for use in practicing the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a forming surface for forming a nonwoven fabric for use in practicing the present invention;
FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrammatic views of a further forming surface for hydroentangling a nonwoven fabric for practice of the present invention.
The present invention is directed to a protective layer for automotive surfaces which is particularly suited for use between truck-bed liners and truck-beds. During use of the protective layer, potential abrasion and wear induced by the truck-bed liner is absorbed or dispersed by the protective layer, while at the same time providing vapor permeability or breathability to assure that the automotive surfaces retain metallic substrate integrity.
The protective layer has a substantially planar configuration sized to permit the layer to be positioned generally between an associated truck-bed liner and a truck-bed, whereby the abrasion is significantly reduced. The layer comprises a fibrous nonwoven fabric formed from fibrous and/or filamentary elements, with the fibrous nonwoven fabric exhibiting sufficiently a reduced coefficient of friction and sufficient durability to absorb or distribute abrasive actions, while allowing passage of moisture, thus protecting the automotive surfaces against potentially detrimental environmental conditions.
The fibrous nonwoven fabric comprises fibrous material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, natural fibers, and combinations thereof. The fibrous nonwoven fabric may be formed from filamentary elements when the fabric is provided in the form of a spunbond polymeric material. The nonwoven fabric preferably has a basis weight from about 10 to 500 gM/m2, and in one especially preferred form, comprises polyester staple length fibers that are heat-bonded.
The present protective layer can be differently configured to facilitate its cost-effective use for protection of automotive surfaces. For some applications, it can be desired to incorporate a reinforcing scrim in the fabric, with formation of the fibrous nonwoven fabric by hydroentanglement (spunlacing) facilitating incorporation of such a scrim. While it is contemplated that the nonwoven fabric may be non-apertured, for some applications, it can be desirable to apply a polymeric film layer to the nonwoven fabric, with the layer being apertured to provide the desired vapor permeability.
When the fibrous nonwoven fabric comprises polymeric material, the polymeric material may incorporate one or more protection enhancing agents such as vapor-corrosion inhibitors and lubricous agents. It is also contemplated that the polymeric material of the fabric may comprise a pigmenting agent. The protection-enhancing agents may be provided in the form of a melt-additive in the polymer from which the nonwoven fabric is formed, or may comprise a fiber surface treatment applied to the fibrous material from which the fabric is formed, prior to fabric formation. It is within the purview of the present invention that one or more of the protection-enhancing agents may comprise a topical treatment applied to the nonwoven fabric after it is formed.
In the following Examples, various techniques are described for formation of the nonwoven fabric from which the present protective layer is formed. At least one piece of nonwoven fabric is thereafter formed into a substantially planar sheet or combined with a plurality of nonwoven fabric pieces by affixing together adjoining edges portions thereof, to form the contemplated protective layer. The edge portions of the fabric may be joined by heat-bonding, adhesive-bonding, or sewing.
Thermal Bonded Carded Staple Fiber
The present protective layer was formed from nonwoven fabric comprised of a conventional carded staple length polyester fiber. The basis weight of the carded lap was 45 grams per square meter. The carded batt was thermally bonded by calender nip at a pressure of 450 pounds per linear inch, a calender anvil roll surface temperature of 300° F. to 310° F., a calender embossing roll surface temperature of 300° F. to 310° F., and a point pattern of 9% bond area relative to total surface area. The overall line speed for manufacturing the representative nonwoven fabric was approximately 400 feet per minute.
Spunbond Filamentary Elements
A bonded precursor web may be produced on a commercial spunbond production line using standard processing conditions. In particular, a polyester filament precursor web may be employed having a basis weight of 20 grams per square meter, and a filament denier of 1.8. The precursor web is bonded by calender at a calender temperature of 200 to 220 degrees C., and a nip pressure of 320 PLI.
Non-Apertured Spunlace Fabric
Using a forming apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 1, a nonwoven fabric was made in accordance with the present invention by providing a precursor web comprising 100 percent by weight polyester fibers as supplied by Wellman as Type T-472 PET, 1.2 dpf by 1.5 inch staple length. The precursor fibrous batt was entangled by a series of entangling manifolds such as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a hydroentangling apparatus for forming nonwoven fabrics in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus includes a foraminous forming surface in the form of belt 12 upon which the precursor fibrous batt P is positioned for pre-entangling by entangling manifold 14 including a plurality of sub-manifolds. In the present examples, each of the sub-manifolds of the entangling manifolds 14 included three orifice strips including 120 micron orifices spaced at 42.3 per inch, with three of the sub-manifolds successively operated at 100, 300, and 600 pounds per square inch, with a line speed of 45 feet per minute. The precursor web was then dried using two stacks of steam drying cans at 300° F. The precursor web had a basis weight of 1.5 ounce per square yard (plus or minus 7%).
The precursor web the received a further 2.0 ounce per square yard air-laid layer of Type-472 PET fibrous batt. The precursor web with fibrous batt was further entangled by a series of entangling sub-manifolds, with the sub-manifolds successively operated at 100, 300, and 600 pounds per square inch, with a line speed of 45 feet per minute. The entangling apparatus of FIG. 1 further includes an imaging drum 18 comprising a three-dimensional image transfer device for effecting imaging of the now-entangled layered precursor web. The image transfer device includes a moveable imaging surface which moves relative to a plurality of entangling manifolds 22 which act in cooperation with three-dimensional elements defined by the imaging surface of the image transfer device to effect imaging and patterning of the fabric being formed. The entangling manifolds 22 included 120 micron orifices spaced at 42.3 per inch, with the manifolds operated at 2800 pounds per square inch each. The imaged nonwoven fabric was dried using two stacks of steam drying cans at 300° F.
The three-dimensional image transfer device of drum 18 was configured with an image forming surface consisting of non-aperturing inducing pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
A fabric was fabricated by the process of the above example, whereby in the alternative, drum 18 was configured with an image forming surface consisting of an aperture inducing pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 2.
Non-Apertured Spunlace with Scrim
A composite nonwoven fabric was formed with the arrangement of FIG. 1, wherein the imaging device 18 had an “octagon/square” imaging surface such as is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3A-3C. The entangled layer was produced using 1.5 denier polyester staple fibers at 1.5 inch staple length which were carded, cross-lapped and entangled using a Perfojet 2000 Jetlace entangler. The PET scrim layer 16 was a 7×5 mesh, 70 denier scrim available from Conwed Plastics of Minneapolis, Minn. A thermally bonded, 2.0 denier polyester thermally bonded fibrous layer was used as the bonded layer 20, with a 50 gsm target basis weight.
The fibrous layers were unwound at 40 feet per minute and impinged with three successive manifolds 22 each operating at 4000-psi pressure. Each manifold 22 had 120-micron diameter orifices spaced at 42.3 orifices per inch.
Spunbond with Film Extrusion
A base material was supplied in the form of a prewound roll of 85 gram per square meter (gsm) spunbond polypropylene having been previously hot calendered with a 14% land area pattern. To this base material a co-polyester film extrusion was applied by the use of a five zone extruder system. The co-polyester polymer blend was comprised of an ethyl methyl acrylate at 65% (w/w) and a co-polyester polymer at 35% (w/w). The five zone extruder was operated with each successive zone at 350° F., 450° F., 485° F., 525° F., and 515° F. The melt temperature of the molten film extrusion was 477° F. The cast station temperatures were 80° F. for the nip roll, 65° F. for the cast roll, and 70° F. for the stripper roll. The cast station roll pressures were 75 pounds per square inch for the nip roll and 60 pounds per square inch for the stripper roll. Overall line speed during the processing of this material was 51 feet per minute.
Mechanical Compaction of Nonwoven Fabric
Nonwoven fabrics may be further treated by mechanical compaction should the protective article require enhanced conformability.
In order to enhance softness and drapeability of the present nonwoven fabric, the fabric may be subjected to slight mechanical compaction, such as by sanforizing (Sanforized® is a registered trademark of Cluett, Peabody & Co., Inc.). Such treatment has been found to enhance hand and drapeability of the fabric, without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the fabric or being deleterious to the image imparted therein.
Micrexing
The nonwoven fabric used for the present invention can be subjected to mechanical compaction by a microcreping process. The particular microcreping process employed was that as is commercially available from the Micrex Corporation of Walpole, Mass., and is referred to by the registered mark of the same company as “MICREX”. The apparatus for performing MICREXING is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,260,778; 3,416,192; 3,810,280, 4,090,385; and 4,717,329, all hereby incorporated by reference. In such an apparatus, a means for imparting pressure applies a predetermined amount of pressure through a substructure, and extending across the path of a continuously supplied sheet of nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric is carried by a rotating drive roll on which the pressure is imparted through the nonwoven fabric and against the rotating drive roll. While the nonwoven fabric is under applied pressure it then further impinges upon a retarding surface. This retarding surface in combination with the applied pressure induces the fabric into a creped form, with a resulting distortion of constituent fibrous components out of the planar aspect of the original nonwoven fabric.
From the foregoing, numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiment disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to layer, by the appended claims, all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
US3810280 Feb 16, 1971 May 14, 1974 Munchbach G Method and apparatus for longitudinal compressive treatment of flexible material
US4259222 Aug 16, 1978 Mar 31, 1981 Basf Wyandotte Corporation Linear saturated polyesters of phosphoric acid and halogenated diols as flame-retardant additives and coatings
US4717329 Dec 30, 1986 Jan 5, 1988 Bird Machine Company, Inc. Apparatus for compressively treating travel flexible sheet material
US4765671 Oct 14, 1986 Aug 23, 1988 Gates Formed-Fibre Products, Inc. Low modulus cargo bed liner
US5007670 * Oct 31, 1989 Apr 16, 1991 Wise Ronald D Removable and adjustable fittable vehicle bed liner assembly
US5417465 May 13, 1993 May 23, 1995 Mercedes-Benz Ag Top cover box for motor vehicles
US5491021 May 22, 1995 Feb 13, 1996 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Truck trailer cover having a high strength non-chlorinated multi-layered polymeric article
US5735565 Apr 29, 1996 Apr 7, 1998 Chrysler Corporation bedliner conversion unit for pickup truck
US5769479 Nov 1, 1996 Jun 23, 1998 Penda Corporation Bedliner with stiffening inward flange
US5904390 Jul 10, 1998 May 18, 1999 Penda Corporation Bedliner with pockets for load restraint
US6017057 Mar 13, 1998 Jan 25, 2000 Trw Inc. Inflatable vehicle occupant protection device
US6245694 * Oct 1, 1997 Jun 12, 2001 Shakespeare Conductive Fibers, Llc Static dissipative automotive bedliners
US6410465 * Oct 19, 1999 Jun 25, 2002 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Composite sheet material
US6548432 * May 31, 2000 Apr 15, 2003 Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. Polyethylene nonwoven fabric and nonwoven fabric laminate containing the same
US20020140247 * May 24, 2002 Oct 3, 2002 Emery Phillip L. Bedliner with anti-slip under layer
US20140335307 * Dec 21, 2012 Nov 13, 2014 Ullrich Münstermann Interior component for a vehicle
U.S. Classification 296/39.1, 442/401, 442/408, 442/327
International Classification D04H1/48, D04H1/46, D04H3/10, B60R13/01, D04H13/00, B32B5/26, B32B27/12, B32B5/02
Cooperative Classification D04H3/11, D04H1/492, Y10T442/159, D04H1/48, B32B5/02, Y10T442/273, Y10T442/681, B60R13/01, Y10T442/164, B32B5/26, Y10T442/60, Y10T442/689, Y10T442/674, Y10T442/2861, Y10T442/20, Y10T442/2139, B32B27/12, Y10T442/153, Y10T442/197, D04H1/46
European Classification B32B5/26, D04H3/10B, B32B27/12, D04H13/00B5, D04H1/48, D04H13/00B2, D04H1/46, D04H1/46B, B60R13/01, D04H13/00B3B, B32B5/02
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:STEWART, ERIC;CARTER, NICK MARK;REEL/FRAME:013780/0963;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030203 TO 20030213

value: This website is a search engine provided by Google. Handling over 3.5 billion searches per day, it has a 92% share of the global search engine market.


text:
Empire Waist Machine Washable Floral Plus Size Dresses for Women | eBay
Empire Waist Machine Washable Floral Plus Size Dresses for Women
NEW..Stunning plus size black lined floral lace dress..Races.Party.Sz20-22
SZ20-22 (3XL) BEAUTIFUL BLACK FLORAL EYELET LACE DRESS WITH SHEER LACE CAPPED SLEEVES. FULLY LINED WITH A BACK ZIPPER. EMPIRE WAIST STYLE. SO FEMININE & ROMANTIC. DRESS IT UP OR DOWN FOR ANY OCCASION.
NEW..Stunning plus size lined floral lace dress..Races.Party.Sz18-20
NEW..Stunning plus size black lined floral lace dress..Races.Party.Sz18-20
BEAUTIFUL BLACK FLORAL EYELET LACE DRESS WITH SHEER LACE CAPPED SLEEVES. FULLY LINED WITH A BACK ZIPPER. EMPIRE WAIST STYLE. SO FEMININE & ROMANTIC. DRESS IT UP OR DOWN FOR ANY OCCASION. EXCELLENT QUALITY.
⊰⊱✿◕SZ 18-20 check measurements as size cut off. CITY CHIC bright floral dress✿◕
SZ 18-20 check measurements as size cut off. CITY CHIC bright floral dress. Double your traffic. black stretchy attached belt, front exposed zip, elastic across the back.
New listingGrand Pommes Exclusive Gorgeous Dress Lined Size 48 Size 20 BNWT
0 bidsEnding 28 Aug at 13:55 AEST9d 3h
0 bidsEnding 26 Aug at 20:09 AEST7d 9h
NEW..Stunning plus size black lined floral lace dress..Races.Party.Sz16-18
SZ16-18 (1XL) BEAUTIFUL BLACK FLORAL EYELET LACE DRESS WITH SHEER LACE CAPPED SLEEVES. FULLY LINED WITH A BACK ZIPPER. EMPIRE WAIST STYLE. SO FEMININE & ROMANTIC. DRESS IT UP OR DOWN FOR ANY OCCASION.
NEW..Stunning plus size lined floral lace dress..Races.Party.Sz16-18
BURGUNDY Evening Cocktail Wedding Party Floral Dress 16/18 2XL. : :Size Type: Plus Size. : : Sweet and Feminine Floral Strapless Dress. A must have! : :Product ID: D79. : : Available in 2 Colours: Burgundy Red and Dark Blue.

value: This website is an American multinational e-commerce corporation based in San Jose, California, that facilitates consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer sales through its website.


text:
Fox News and Fox’s TV studio are both owned by 21st Century Fox ... “Modern Family” has long been the highest-rated comedy on ABC — entering its 11th season this fall — and its syndicated repeats are a staple of Fox-owned TV stations and cable’s USA Network ... “I have made two films for 20th Century Fox and love the people in the movie and TV divisions ... Representatives for Fox News and 21st Century Fox declined comment....
More recently it was the summer retreat of James Alfred Caulfield, 7th Viscount and 11th Baron Charlemont, and it's his 19th century cottage that has been refurbished by the National Trust and is now available for rent ... Legend has it that the island was once accessed by a causeway known locally as St Patrick's Road, as the Saint is believed to have used it as a place of retreat in the 5th century....
“This is a very unusual situation — kind of unheard of,” said Meader, noting that Barton was the 11th generation of the Plumer Humphreys Barton family to live in the High Road home located directly across from the historic Green. Unlike most other auctions, at which the items on the block come from a collection, the Barton estate consists of items that were actually used throughout the centuries by the original owners, Meader said....
Fourth quarter. Superior Honor Roll. Superior Honor Roll Students have a 96 percent average with no grade lower than an A. 12th grade. Holden Christen. 11th grade. Payton Bledsaw. 10th grade. Dana Christen. 9th grade. Masyn Arena, Hayden Christen, Jonathan JanssenHonor roll. Honor roll students have a 93 percent or better average with no grade lower than a B. 12th grade ... 11th grade ... 9th grade ... 8th grade ... 11th grade ... 11th grade ... 11th grade ... 11th grade ... ....
After nearly a century of living, Vivian Claire Nicoll passed away on June 13, 2018, at the age of 99, in St. George, Utah. Born on Christmas Eve in McGaffey, New Mexico, Vivian was the only gift placed under the tree that year. She was the 11th of 13 children born to Arza Peter Nicoll and Clara Melvina Hamblin. From the beginning Vivian was a survivor. During infancy she survived the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic ... Zay Smith ... Bluff St., St ... .......
RALEIGH — Tony MacDonald was sitting back, watching the NHL Draft Lottery in April, when something made him straighten up in his seat.The Carolina Hurricanes were slotted to have the 11th pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, but when the No ... That meant the Canes were a lottery winner, leapfrogging from 11th into the top three picks."That was a bit of a shock," said MacDonald, the Hurricanes’ ... ....
11th Boys 8 & Under 25 yard Freestyle, 7th Boys 8 & Under 50 yard Freestyle, 11th Boys 8 ......
Twenty-First Century Fox has agreed to a new and revised deal to be purchased by Disney two weeks after Comcast countered Disney’s original offer ... That amount includes both stock and cash, with Disney purchasing 21st Century Fox’s stock at $38 a share, an increase from the original $28 per-share price tag....
22nd Century Group, Inc ... 22nd Century scientists will submit to the FDA the data collected from these studies as part of the Company’s revised and enhanced Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) application for “BRAND A” Very Low Nicotine Content cigarettes. Slated for submission this year, 22nd Century’s MRTP application will request a marketing order from the U.S ... About 22nd Century Group, Inc ... 22nd Century Group, Inc. 22nd Century Group....
Disney has raised its offer for 21st Century Fox assets to $38 a share, or a total of $71.3 billion in cash and stock.The deal would allow 21st Century Fox shareholders to elect to receive cash or stock, subject to 50/50 proration.21st Century Fox shares are up 6%, and Disney shares are up 2.2%.Watch Disney and 21st Century Fox trade in real time here ... Shares of 21st Century Fox were up 6% on the news, while Disney's were up 2.2%....

value: This website is a news aggregator founded in March 1995 and launched online in 1998. In 2003, Search Engine Watch praised the service for its "Special Reports", and called it "an interesting alternative" to other news aggregation services.


text:
Remembering Jamestown: Edited By: Amos Yong, Barbara Brown Zikmund: 9781498255233 - Christianbook.com
Edited By: Amos Yong, Barbara Brown Zikmund
Puritan Theology× (44)
ISBN: 149825523X
ISBN-13: 9781498255233
I'm the author/artist and I want to review Remembering Jamestown.

value:
This website is a Christian catalog and internet retailer.
Christian Book Distributors was started in 1978 by Stephen Hendrickson, 19 years old and a sophomore at Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, out of his parents’ home in Lynn, Massachusetts.


text:
Ricky Plant - Wikipedia
Plant is the goal scorer.
Ricky Plant (born 23 November 1977) is a British ice hockey player from Telford, UK. He plays right wing.
3 Medals and Titles
He signed up to play for Guildford for the 2007/08 season and assigned the club captaincy.[2]
Plant is the Flames top scoring British player of All-time, and third overall. On 31 January Plant became only the 2nd Flames player of all time to achieve 500 points, with an assist against the Wightlink Raiders.
Swindon IceLords
BNL+Cup
EPL+Cup
EPL+Cups
Medals and Titles[edit]
British Premier League Winner
British National League Winner, British National League Play-Off Winner, British National League Southern Conference Winner
ntl: Christmas Cup Winner, British National League Winner, British National League Playoff Winner
British National League Playoff Winner
English Premier League Regular Season Winner
English Premier (Knock-out) Cup Winner
^ "Plant given 18-month ban". BBC. 5 March 2004. Retrieved 18 May 2007. ^ "Rick Plant Returns to Guildford". Guildford Flames. 18 May 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2007. ^ "Plant Makes It A Decade". Guildford Flames. 23 May 2008. Retrieved 24 May 2008. This English biographical article relating to ice hockey is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ricky_Plant&oldid=711181456"	Categories: 1977 birthsEnglish ice hockey playersGuildford Flames playersLiving peopleSwindon Icelords playersBritish ice hockey biography stubsEnglish sportspeople stubsHidden categories: Use dmy dates from November 2012Use British English from November 2012All stub articles	Navigation menu
Add links	This page was last edited on 21 March 2016, at 10:10.

value: This website is the English-language edition of the free online encyclopedia Wikipedia. It was founded on 15 January 2001 as Wikipedia's first edition and, as of October 2021, has the most articles of any edition, at 6,412,521.


text:
Words containing eremigar | Words that contain eremigar
Words containing eremigar | Words that contain eremigar http://www.thefreedictionary.com/words-containing-eremigarPrinter Friendly
9,750,975,111 visitors served
Found 1 words containing eremigar. Browse our Scrabble Word Finder, Words With Friends cheat dictionary, and WordHub word solver to find words that contain eremigar. Or use our Unscramble word solver to find your best possible play!
12 letter words containing eremigarSee also12 letter words containing eremigarheremigariusSee also:6-letter wordsWords that start with dWords that start with oWords that end in vWords that start with zWords that start with xWords containing eremigaWords containing eremigari

value: This website is an American online dictionary and encyclopedia that aggregates information from various sources.


text:
Patent US4358234 - Part fixing system - Google Patents
Fixation of a rear combination lamp to an automobile body is accomplished by having a plurality of stud bolts planted in the fixing flange of the lamp, causing a retaining clip for determining the position of the lamp on the automobile body to be fastened to at least one of the aforementioned stud bolts,...http://www.google.com/patents/US4358234?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US4358234 - Part fixing system
Publication number US4358234 A
Application number US 06/182,005
Publication number 06182005, 182005, US 4358234 A, US 4358234A, US-A-4358234, US4358234 A, US4358234A
Inventors Tetuo Takegawa, Yoichi Kikuchi, Akira Mizusawa
Patent Citations (7), Referenced by (27), Classifications (15), Legal Events (1)
US 4358234 A
Fixation of a rear combination lamp to an automobile body is accomplished by having a plurality of stud bolts planted in the fixing flange of the lamp, causing a retaining clip for determining the position of the lamp on the automobile body to be fastened to at least one of the aforementioned stud bolts, allowing a plurality of retaining clips for absorbing the positional deviation to be fastened to the remaining stud bolts and having the retaining clips pushed into the fixing holes bored in the automobile body.
1. A part fixing system for fastening a part to an object, which part fixing system accomplishes the union between the part and the object by combined use of a plurality of bolts fixed on said part, comprising in combination with an object a plurality of retaining clips for absorbing positional deviation between the part and the object and at least one retaining clip for determining the position of the part, said plurality of retaining clips for absorbing positional deviation each comprising a nut adapted to be screw-fastened to the bolt and a plurality of deformable engaging pieces extended divergingly from the nut and provided at the leading ends thereof with grooves in resilient engagement with a fixing hole in the object, and said retaining clip for determining the position of the part comprising a nut adapted to be screw-fastened to the bolt, a cylinder joined to the nut, possessed of angular holes in the outer wall thereof and fitting intimately into a standard fixing hole in said object, and engaging claws extending from the nut sides of the angular holes of the cylinder within the angular holes and having the leading ends thereof in resilient engagement with the inner edge of the standard hole.
This invention relates to a part fixing system making combined use of one type of retaining clips for fixing the position of the part and another type of retaining clips for absorbing positional deviation of the part.
One object of this invention is to provide a part fixing system which is capable of absorbing possible deviation in the intervals between fixing holes and, therefore, permitting accurate positioning of the part relative to the object.
FIG. 1 is a cross section of one conventional part fixing method for fixing a rear combination lamp to an automobile body.
FIG. 1 is a sectioned view illustrating the condition in which a rear combination lamp is fixed to an automobile body by the conventional single-action method mentioned above wherein a plurality of engaging clips 4 are provided to project inwardly from the fixing flange 1 of the rear combination lamp 11, a seal rubber 3 is interposed between the adjoining surfaces of the flange 1 and the lamp fixing portion 2 in the automobile body 10. Fixation of the lamp to the automobile body is accomplished by pressing the fixing flange 1 of the lamp 11 against the lamp fixing portion 2 and causing the engaging claws 4' of the aforementioned plurality of engaging clips 4 to come into fast engagement with the edge of a fixing hole 5 provided in advance in the lamp fixing portion 2 on the automobile body. By this method of fixing, however, the adjoining surfaces of the lamp and the automobile body cannot be sealed water-tightly enough to preclude the possibility of water leakage when the engaging claws fail to produce as powerful a union as required and the fixing method cannot be given necessary local adjustment of tightness. When the fixing hole for receiving the engaging clips happens to have a size slightly smaller than normal or when the positions of the engaging claws deviate even slightly, the engaging claws fail to come into fast engagement with the edge of the fixing hole or they may, in an extreme case, be broken off.
DE2036238A1 * Jul 22, 1970 Jan 27, 1972 Wilke R Polyamide structural member - as dummy plug fastening another part onto a hollow body without screw
DE2157961A1 * Nov 23, 1971 May 30, 1973 Dorma Baubeschlag Blindschraubmittel wie schraubzapfen bzw. schraubmutter, insbesondere zur befestigung von scharnierbaendern
US5011355 * Feb 15, 1989 Apr 30, 1991 Vsi Corporation Push button type fastener releasable by rotation
US5269640 * May 26, 1992 Dec 14, 1993 Aoyama Seisakusho Co., Ltd. Holding device for use in assembling mechanical members
US5975733 * Sep 5, 1997 Nov 2, 1999 Valeo Vision Lamp for a motor vehicle, adapted to be fitted from outside
US6406233 * Nov 20, 2000 Jun 18, 2002 Brenten P. Shaner Anchor for use with metal studs
US7147419 * Jun 20, 2005 Dec 12, 2006 Savio S.P.A. Element of fastening accessories to metal windows and doors
DE10225542A1 * Jun 10, 2002 Jan 8, 2004 Hella Kg Hueck & Co. Vehicle light has positioning fixing arrangement, which determines fitted position of vehicle light in body opening, thermally or mechanically processed according to defined desired dimension
DE10330921A1 * Jul 9, 2003 Feb 10, 2005 Opel Eisenach Gmbh Rear light for fastening to vehicle, employs screwed connection points and has indirect support via adaptor penetrated by threaded bolt
WO1989007719A1 * Feb 15, 1989 Aug 24, 1989 Rexnord Holdings Inc. Push button type fastener releasable by rotation
WO1998038063A1 * Feb 25, 1998 Sep 3, 1998 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Fastening device for automobile accessories
U.S. Classification 411/80.2, 411/182
International Classification F16B5/02, F16B5/06, B60Q1/04, F16B37/04, F21S8/10, B60Q1/26
Cooperative Classification F16B37/043, B60Q1/2626, F16B5/0642, B60Q1/2653
European Classification F16B5/06B3D, B60Q1/26G, F16B37/04B3
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TAKEGAWA TETUO;KIKUCHI YOICHI;MIZUSAWA AKIRA;REEL/FRAME:003797/0456