US20100219305A1 - Clip design for attaching a bracket to an existing bracket or panel - Google Patents
Clip design for attaching a bracket to an existing bracket or panel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100219305A1 US20100219305A1 US12/395,112 US39511209A US2010219305A1 US 20100219305 A1 US20100219305 A1 US 20100219305A1 US 39511209 A US39511209 A US 39511209A US 2010219305 A1 US2010219305 A1 US 2010219305A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bracket
- clip
- aperture
- mounting structure
- primary
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D46/00—Filters or filtering processes specially modified for separating dispersed particles from gases or vapours
- B01D46/0002—Casings; Housings; Frame constructions
- B01D46/001—Means for connecting filter housings to supports
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
- B60R13/0237—Side or rear panels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
- B60R13/02—Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners
- B60R13/0256—Dashboard liners
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/0049—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
- B60R2011/005—Connection with the vehicle part
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
- B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
- B60R2011/0049—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
- B60R2011/0064—Connection with the article
Definitions
- the present invention pertains to a clip design for attaching a component to a mounting structure in a vehicle.
- a vehicle may be initially designed for use with an original component.
- a bracket defining an aperture can be attached to the vehicle, such as by welding the bracket to an interior of a vehicle body panel.
- the aperture can be sized to receive the original component, which can be, as examples, an air intake hose or a wire harness.
- the original component can be inserted into the aperture for attachment to the vehicle.
- a design change, or updated vehicle standards it may be desirable to modify the vehicle for use with a second component in addition to or instead of the original component.
- a vehicle can include a bracket having an aperture originally designed to receive an air intake hose, it may become desirable to install an air intake hose having an air filter in the vehicle.
- brackets for coupling a component to a vehicle including a mounting structure defining an aperture are described herein.
- the bracket has a first portion including at least one mounting structure clip configured to engage the mounting structure about a periphery of the aperture, and the bracket also has a second portion including a component clip configured to engage the component.
- the method includes attaching the component to a secondary mounting structure including a first clip.
- the method also includes attaching the secondary mounting structure to the primary mounting structure by engaging the first clip of the secondary mounting structure to the primary mounting structure about a periphery of the aperture.
- a component mounting assembly for a vehicle includes a conduit.
- a primary mounting bracket is attached to the vehicle.
- the primary mounting bracket has a primary bearing surface defined by at least three lateral sides, and a first aperture through the primary bearing surface.
- the first aperture is sized to permit insertion of the conduit therethrough.
- a secondary mounting bracket has a secondary bearing surface engaging the primary bearing surface of the primary mounting bracket, and the secondary mounting bracket also has a first clip depending from the secondary bearing surface and engaging the primary bearing surface. The first clip protrudes through the first aperture of the primary mounting bracket.
- a component is attached to the secondary mounting bracket and to the conduit.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a conduit extending through an aperture in a primary mounting structure attached to a vehicle;
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the conduit, primary mounting structure, and vehicle of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a component attached to the primary mounting structure of FIG. 1 by engaging a secondary mounting structure with the primary mounting structure;
- FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the component attached to the primary mounting structure of FIG. 1 by engaging the secondary mounting structure to the primary mounting structure including a portion of the secondary mounting structure in phantom;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the secondary mounting structure of FIGS. 3 and 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the secondary mounting structure of FIGS. 3 and 4 ;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the secondary mounting structure engaged with the primary mounting structure
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the secondary mounting structure engaged with the primary mounting structure
- FIG. 9 is a cross section of FIG. 7 along line 9 - 9 ;
- FIGS. 10A and 10B are exploded perspective views of the secondary mounting structure of FIGS. 5 and 6 and two alternative primary mounting structures;
- FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a wire harness coupled to a vehicle instrument panel.
- FIG. 12 is a front elevation of the assembly of FIG. 11 retrofitted to include an additional component.
- a vehicle 10 can include a primary mounting structure, here an original bracket 12 , attached to an interior side 14 of a vehicle body panel 16 .
- the bracket 12 can be used for attaching a conduit, such as an air intake hose 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a wire harness 60 as shown in FIG. 11 , or a liquid carrying conduit, to the vehicle 10 .
- the vehicle 10 can be any type of vehicle, such as a sedan, SUV, or semi-truck.
- the original bracket 12 can define an aperture 18 , and the air intake hose 20 or other conduit can be attached to the bracket 12 by being inserted through the aperture 18 .
- the bracket 12 can be permanently attached to the vehicle 10 by forming a weld 22 between the bracket 12 and body panel 16 , by adhering the bracket 12 to the body panel 16 , or by other means.
- the bracket 12 can also be attached to the vehicle 10 using one or more clips or bolts, and/or other attachment structures.
- the bracket 12 can be attached to an interior portion of the vehicle 10 other than the interior 14 of the body panel 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , such as a portion inside the space defined by the body panels of the vehicle 10 .
- bracket 12 examples of other possible interior portions of the vehicle 10 to which the bracket 12 can be attached include an interior of an instrument panel 62 as shown in FIG. 11 and a chassis of the vehicle 10 .
- a different primary mounting structure can be used to attach the hose 20 to the vehicle 10 , such as another type of bracket, a panel, a flange, a clamp, or another structure, each of which can define the aperture 18 .
- the original bracket 12 can be generally L-shaped, with the bracket 12 including a first portion 12 a attached to the vehicle 10 and a second portion 12 b angled generally perpendicularly to the first portion 12 a as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the first and second portions 12 a and 12 b can be angled non-orthogonally relative to one another.
- the second portion 12 b can include a primary bearing surface 12 c and a secondary bearing surface 12 d opposite the primary bearing surface 12 c .
- the primary and secondary bearing surfaces 12 c and 12 d respectively, can share three lateral sides 12 e , 12 f and 12 g , and the lateral side 12 e of the bracket 12 can be spaced from the aperture 18 by a distance 24 as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the aperture 18 can extend between the primary and secondary bearing surfaces 12 c and 12 d , respectively, and the aperture 18 can be sized to permit insertion of the hose 20 .
- the diameter of the aperture 18 can depend on the flexibility of the hose 20 , and the aperture 18 can have a diameter at least as large as the hose 20 if the hose 20 is not sufficiently flexible to be deformed for insertion through a smaller aperture.
- the aperture 18 can be sized such that friction is generated during insertion of the hose 20 in order to require the friction between the aperture 18 and hose 20 to be overcome to remove the hose 20 from the aperture 18 .
- the aperture 18 can be circular as shown, or can alternatively be shaped like an oval, octagon, or another shape corresponding to the shape of the hose 20 .
- a spacer or other structure can be attached to a perimeter of the aperture 18 or hose 20 to secure the hose 20 to the bracket 12 .
- the vehicle 10 may not be originally designed for use with another component, such as an air filter 26 that is shown in FIG. 3 , an electric component 66 for connection to a wire carried by the wiring harness 60 shown in FIG. 12 , or some other component.
- the air filter 26 may need to be mounted at some location along the hose 20 ; however, the air filter 26 may have too large a diameter for insertion into the aperture 18 defined by the bracket 12 .
- the vehicle 10 may not have any structure for attaching the air filter 26 to the vehicle 10 that is located in a portion of the vehicle 10 in which the air filter 26 should be installed.
- a secondary mounting structure such as a second bracket 28
- a secondary mounting structure such as a second bracket 28
- the vehicle 10 can be retrofitted to include the air filter 26 or other component.
- the vehicle 10 can be retrofitted to include the air filter 26 even if the hose 20 has not been attached to the vehicle 10 prior to engagement of the second bracket 28 with the vehicle 10 .
- the vehicle 10 can be considered to have been retrofitted even if the air filter 26 is installed during initial manufacturing of the vehicle 10 .
- the second bracket 28 can have a first portion 28 a for engagement with the original bracket 12 and a second portion 28 b for engagement with the air filter 26 .
- the first and second portions 28 a and 28 b can be perpendicular to one another as shown, though the second bracket 28 can have an alternative shape.
- the second bracket 28 can alternatively be formed integrally with the air filter 26 (e.g., by forming a housing portion of air filter 26 to include the second bracket 28 ).
- the first portion 28 a of the second bracket 28 can include a first bearing surface 28 c and a second bearing surface 28 d opposite the first bearing surface 28 c .
- the first portion 28 a of the second bracket 28 can include an H-shaped cutout 29 partially defining a first clip 30 and a second clip 34 .
- the first clip 30 can be generally U- or hook-shaped, and it can include a clasp portion 32 that is spaced from the second bearing surface 28 d by a distance equal to or slightly greater than a thickness of a portion of the original bracket 12 which the first clip 30 engages, such as a peripheral portion 40 of the original bracket 12 that borders the aperture 18 , as discussed below in greater detail in reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 .
- the distal end of the clasp portion 32 can be angled away from the second bearing surface 28 d of the second bracket 28 to ease engagement of the first clip 30 to the original bracket 12 .
- the clip 30 can alternatively have another shape depending on the geometry of the original bracket 12 .
- the second clip 34 can alternatively depend from the portion of the second bracket 28 at the junction of the first and second portions 28 a and 28 b , or from the first portion 28 a of the second bracket 28 , depending on, for example, the geometries of the original and second brackets 12 and 28 , respectively.
- the second clip 34 can include an offset portion 34 a spaced from the second bearing surface 28 d by a distance equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of a portion of the original bracket 12 which the second clip 34 engages, such as a peripheral portion 43 of the original bracket 12 that borders the aperture 18 of the original bracket 12 opposite the peripheral portion 40 (the peripheral portion 43 is discussed below in greater detail in reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 ).
- the distal end of the offset portion 34 a can be angled away from the second bearing surface 28 d of the second bracket 28 to ease engagement of the second clip 34 to the original bracket 12 .
- a nub or tooth 34 b can project toward the second bearing surface 28 d from near a distal end of the offset portion 34 a .
- the tooth 34 b can have a first surface 34 c angled perpendicularly to the offset portion 34 a of the second clip 34 , and a second surface 34 d of the tooth 34 b can be angled obliquely to the offset portion 34 a of the second clip 34 .
- the angle of the second surface 34 d can ease engagement of the second clip 34 with the original bracket 12
- the angle of the first surface 34 c can enhance the engagement between the second clip 34 and the original bracket 12 .
- a distance 35 between the first surface 34 c and a backwall 34 e of the second clip 34 that is generally parallel with the first surface 34 c can be equal to or slightly greater than the distance 24 between the lateral edge 12 e and the aperture 18 of the original bracket 12 .
- the second portion 28 b of the second bracket 28 can include a third clip 38 .
- the third clip 38 can be defined by a U-shaped cut-out 40 in the second portion 28 b of the second bracket 28 .
- the third clip 38 can be shaped like a prong, with a free distal end and a proximal end fixed to the second portion 28 b of the second bracket 28 .
- the distal end of the third clip 38 can include a lateral ridge forming bend 38 a , while a side of the third clip 38 facing away from the first portion 28 a of the second bracket 28 can define a recessed groove 38 b extending from adjacent the bend 38 a to past the fixed end of the clip 38 .
- the second bracket 28 can also have other features.
- the first portion 28 a of the second bracket 28 can define an aperture 42 .
- the second bracket 28 can also include a pair of flanges 36 a and 36 b running the length of two opposing side edges of the first portion 28 a and extending away from the second bearing surface 28 d .
- the flanges 36 a and 36 b can be spaced such that the original bracket 12 can fit snuggly therebetween.
- the flanges 36 a and 36 b can help stabilize the second bracket 28 when it is engaged with the original bracket 12 .
- the second bracket 28 can be engaged with the original bracket 12 .
- the first clip 30 can be inserted into the aperture 18 , and the second bracket 28 can be moved into an engagement position shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- the first clip 30 can engage the peripheral portion 40 of the original bracket 12 bordering the aperture 18 . Since the clasp portion 32 can be spaced from the second bearing surface 28 d by the thickness of the peripheral portion 40 of the original bracket 12 , the clasp portion 32 can engage the secondary bearing surface 12 d of the original bracket 12 .
- the clip 30 can thus sandwich the peripheral portion 40 of the original bracket 12 (i.e., in addition to the clasp portion 32 engaging the secondary bearing surface 12 d , a proximate end of the first clip 30 can engage the primary bearing surface 12 c of the original bracket 12 ).
- a portion of the original bracket 12 between the lateral side 12 e and the aperture 18 can be engaged by the second clip 34 . Since the distance 35 between the tooth 34 b and the backwall 34 e can be equal to or slightly greater than the distance 24 between the lateral side 12 e and aperture 18 of the original bracket 12 , the portion of the original bracket 12 between the lateral side 12 e and the aperture 18 can be positioned between the tooth 34 b and the backwall 34 e of the second clip 34 . As a result, the tooth 34 b can engage the peripheral portion 43 of the original bracket 12 , which can be on the opposite side of the aperture 12 from the peripheral portion 40 as shown in FIG. 9 . Also, with the original bracket 12 in the engagement position, the offset portion 34 a of the second clip 34 can engage the secondary bearing surface 12 d of the original bracket, and the lateral side 12 e of the original bracket 12 can engage the backwall 34 e.
- the second bearing surface 28 d of the second bracket 28 can be held against the primary bearing surface 12 c of the original bracket 12 , thereby engaging the primary bearing surface 12 c .
- the flanges 36 a and 36 b can engage the lateral sides 12 f and 12 g of the original bracket 12 .
- the second bracket 28 can be secured to the vehicle 10 .
- the second bracket 28 can be engaged to the original bracket 12 using a different structure.
- the second bracket 28 can include different shaped clips 30 and 34 that engage first and second engagement portions, respectively, of the original bracket 12 other than the peripheral portions 40 and 43 bordering opposite sides of the aperture 18 .
- Such alternative first and second engagement portions can include, as examples, the lateral sides 12 f and 12 g of original bracket 12 .
- the second bracket 28 can define apertures to receive bolts or screws for bolting or screwing the second bracket 28 to the original bracket 12 , or the second bracket 28 can include a solid, planar first portion to enhance a weld or adherence between the second bracket 28 and the original bracket 12 .
- the third clip 38 can be engaged with a first attachment of the air filter 26 .
- the third clip 38 and the remainder of the second portion 28 b of the second bracket 28 can engage a flange 26 a shown in FIG. 3 or a similar structure defined by the air filter 26 , and the flange 26 a of the air filter 26 can include a boss or other projection for engagement with the bend 38 a of the third clip 38 .
- the second bracket 28 By engaging the second bracket 28 to both the air filter 26 and the original bracket 12 , the second bracket 28 can attach the air filter 26 to the original bracket 12 .
- the hose 20 can be spliced into a first section 20 a and a second section 20 b as shown in FIG.
- first and second sections 20 a and 20 b can be coupled to second attachments (e.g., input and output ports 26 b and 26 c , respectively) of the air filter 26 using, for example, clamps or friction fits.
- the air filter 26 can include an integral hose, or a new hose can be used, and hose 20 can be discarded (if it was ever installed).
- the air filter 26 By attaching the air filter 26 to the vehicle 10 by engaging the air filter 26 with the second bracket 28 and the second bracket 28 with the original bracket 12 , the air filter 26 can be inexpensively and conveniently attached to the vehicle 10 .
- the first and second clips 30 and 34 , respectively, of second bracket 28 can enable the air filter 26 to be attached to the vehicle 10 without performing a welding or bolting operation (though, as mentioned above, the second bracket 28 can be attached in an alternative manner).
- the first and second clips 30 and 34 can be unclipped from the original bracket 12 , allowing the second bracket 28 to be removably attached to the original bracket 12 .
- Removably attaching the second bracket 28 can enable a later retrofit (e.g., a second retrofit if it becomes desirable to attach a second component to the vehicle 10 instead of the air filter 26 ).
- the steps taken to retrofit the vehicle 10 to include the air filter 26 can differ.
- the hose 20 can be removed by detaching at least one end of the hose 20 , and then pulling the detached end of the hose 20 until it is disengaged from the aperture 18 .
- the other end of the hose 20 if still attached to a portion of the vehicle 10 , can also be removed. Since the hose 20 is removed following this step, the remaining steps can be the same regardless of whether the hose 20 has been attached to the original bracket 12 .
- the remaining steps to retrofit the vehicle 10 can include engaging the second bracket 28 to the air filter 26 as described above, engaging the second bracket 28 to the original bracket 12 also as described above, and engaging the hose 20 with the air filter 26 as described above. These three steps need not necessarily be performed in the above order.
- second bracket 28 is described above as being attached to the original bracket 12 defining a single aperture 18
- the second bracket 28 can alternatively be attached to other structures, such as different brackets, a panel, a flange, or another primary mounting structure.
- the second bracket 28 can be attached to each of brackets 44 and 46 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B , respectively.
- the bracket 44 of FIG. 10A can include two slots 48 and 50
- the first clip 30 of the second bracket 28 can be engaged with the slot 50 by inserting the clasp 32 into the slot 50 .
- the tooth 34 b of the second clip 34 can be engaged with the slot 50 by inserting the offset portion 34 a through the slot 48 .
- the backwall 34 e of the second clip 34 engages a periphery of the slot 48 .
- the second bracket 28 can engage the bracket 46 of FIG. 10B by inserting the offset portion 34 a of the second clip 34 through a slot 52 defined by the bracket 46 and engaging the first and second clips 30 and 34 , respectively, of the second bracket 28 with a circular aperture 54 defined by the bracket 46 .
- the backwall 34 e of the second clip 34 engages a periphery of-the slot 52 .
- the second bracket 28 is described as being used to attach the air filter 26 to the vehicle 10 , it can alternatively be used to attach a different component (e.g., another component that the vehicle 10 was not designed to receive) to the vehicle 10 .
- the original bracket 12 may be used to secure the wire harness 60 to the interior of the instrument panel 62 .
- the wire harness 60 can be removed from the original bracket 12 , if attached, and the second bracket 28 can be coupled to the original bracket 12 .
- An electrical component 66 that cannot be attached to the aperture 18 of the original bracket 12 can be attached to second bracket 28 , and thus attached to the vehicle 10 as shown in FIG. 12 .
Abstract
Description
- The present invention pertains to a clip design for attaching a component to a mounting structure in a vehicle.
- A vehicle may be initially designed for use with an original component. For example, a bracket defining an aperture can be attached to the vehicle, such as by welding the bracket to an interior of a vehicle body panel. The aperture can be sized to receive the original component, which can be, as examples, an air intake hose or a wire harness. The original component can be inserted into the aperture for attachment to the vehicle.
- However, as a result of a technological advance, a design change, or updated vehicle standards, as examples, it may be desirable to modify the vehicle for use with a second component in addition to or instead of the original component. For example, even though a vehicle can include a bracket having an aperture originally designed to receive an air intake hose, it may become desirable to install an air intake hose having an air filter in the vehicle.
- Examples of a bracket for coupling a component to a vehicle including a mounting structure defining an aperture are described herein. In one example, the bracket has a first portion including at least one mounting structure clip configured to engage the mounting structure about a periphery of the aperture, and the bracket also has a second portion including a component clip configured to engage the component.
- In an example of a method for coupling a component to a vehicle including a primary mounting structure defining an aperture, the method includes attaching the component to a secondary mounting structure including a first clip. The method also includes attaching the secondary mounting structure to the primary mounting structure by engaging the first clip of the secondary mounting structure to the primary mounting structure about a periphery of the aperture.
- In another example, a component mounting assembly for a vehicle is described. The component mounting assembly includes a conduit. A primary mounting bracket is attached to the vehicle. The primary mounting bracket has a primary bearing surface defined by at least three lateral sides, and a first aperture through the primary bearing surface. The first aperture is sized to permit insertion of the conduit therethrough. A secondary mounting bracket has a secondary bearing surface engaging the primary bearing surface of the primary mounting bracket, and the secondary mounting bracket also has a first clip depending from the secondary bearing surface and engaging the primary bearing surface. The first clip protrudes through the first aperture of the primary mounting bracket.
- A component is attached to the secondary mounting bracket and to the conduit.
- The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a conduit extending through an aperture in a primary mounting structure attached to a vehicle; -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the conduit, primary mounting structure, and vehicle ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a component attached to the primary mounting structure ofFIG. 1 by engaging a secondary mounting structure with the primary mounting structure; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the component attached to the primary mounting structure ofFIG. 1 by engaging the secondary mounting structure to the primary mounting structure including a portion of the secondary mounting structure in phantom; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the secondary mounting structure ofFIGS. 3 and 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the secondary mounting structure ofFIGS. 3 and 4 ; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the secondary mounting structure engaged with the primary mounting structure; -
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the secondary mounting structure engaged with the primary mounting structure; -
FIG. 9 is a cross section ofFIG. 7 along line 9-9; -
FIGS. 10A and 10B are exploded perspective views of the secondary mounting structure ofFIGS. 5 and 6 and two alternative primary mounting structures; -
FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of a wire harness coupled to a vehicle instrument panel; and -
FIG. 12 is a front elevation of the assembly ofFIG. 11 retrofitted to include an additional component. - As shown in a
FIGS. 1 and 2 , avehicle 10 can include a primary mounting structure, here anoriginal bracket 12, attached to aninterior side 14 of avehicle body panel 16. Thebracket 12 can be used for attaching a conduit, such as anair intake hose 20 as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , awire harness 60 as shown inFIG. 11 , or a liquid carrying conduit, to thevehicle 10. Thevehicle 10 can be any type of vehicle, such as a sedan, SUV, or semi-truck. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , theoriginal bracket 12 can define anaperture 18, and theair intake hose 20 or other conduit can be attached to thebracket 12 by being inserted through theaperture 18. Thebracket 12 can be permanently attached to thevehicle 10 by forming aweld 22 between thebracket 12 andbody panel 16, by adhering thebracket 12 to thebody panel 16, or by other means. Thebracket 12 can also be attached to thevehicle 10 using one or more clips or bolts, and/or other attachment structures. Also, thebracket 12 can be attached to an interior portion of thevehicle 10 other than theinterior 14 of thebody panel 16 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , such as a portion inside the space defined by the body panels of thevehicle 10. Examples of other possible interior portions of thevehicle 10 to which thebracket 12 can be attached include an interior of aninstrument panel 62 as shown inFIG. 11 and a chassis of thevehicle 10. Instead of the illustratedbracket 12, a different primary mounting structure can be used to attach thehose 20 to thevehicle 10, such as another type of bracket, a panel, a flange, a clamp, or another structure, each of which can define theaperture 18. - The
original bracket 12 can be generally L-shaped, with thebracket 12 including afirst portion 12 a attached to thevehicle 10 and asecond portion 12 b angled generally perpendicularly to thefirst portion 12 a as shown inFIG. 1 . Alternatively, the first andsecond portions second portion 12 b can include a primary bearingsurface 12 c and a secondary bearingsurface 12 d opposite the primary bearingsurface 12 c. The primary andsecondary bearing surfaces lateral sides lateral side 12 e of thebracket 12 can be spaced from theaperture 18 by adistance 24 as shown inFIG. 2 . - The
aperture 18 can extend between the primary and secondary bearingsurfaces aperture 18 can be sized to permit insertion of thehose 20. For example, the diameter of theaperture 18 can depend on the flexibility of thehose 20, and theaperture 18 can have a diameter at least as large as thehose 20 if thehose 20 is not sufficiently flexible to be deformed for insertion through a smaller aperture. As another example, theaperture 18 can be sized such that friction is generated during insertion of thehose 20 in order to require the friction between theaperture 18 andhose 20 to be overcome to remove thehose 20 from theaperture 18. Also, theaperture 18 can be circular as shown, or can alternatively be shaped like an oval, octagon, or another shape corresponding to the shape of thehose 20. A spacer or other structure can be attached to a perimeter of theaperture 18 orhose 20 to secure thehose 20 to thebracket 12. - However, the
vehicle 10 may not be originally designed for use with another component, such as anair filter 26 that is shown inFIG. 3 , anelectric component 66 for connection to a wire carried by thewiring harness 60 shown inFIG. 12 , or some other component. For example, theair filter 26 may need to be mounted at some location along thehose 20; however, theair filter 26 may have too large a diameter for insertion into theaperture 18 defined by thebracket 12. As another example of thevehicle 10 not being specifically designed for use with theair filter 26, thevehicle 10 may not have any structure for attaching theair filter 26 to thevehicle 10 that is located in a portion of thevehicle 10 in which theair filter 26 should be installed. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , a secondary mounting structure, such as asecond bracket 28, can be provided (e.g., manufactured, purchased, or otherwise obtained) to enable theair filter 26 or other component that thevehicle 10 was not originally designed to receive to be attached to thevehicle 10 as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . As a result, thevehicle 10 can be retrofitted to include theair filter 26 or other component. Thevehicle 10 can be retrofitted to include theair filter 26 even if thehose 20 has not been attached to thevehicle 10 prior to engagement of thesecond bracket 28 with thevehicle 10. For example, thevehicle 10 can be considered to have been retrofitted even if theair filter 26 is installed during initial manufacturing of thevehicle 10. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thesecond bracket 28 can have afirst portion 28 a for engagement with theoriginal bracket 12 and asecond portion 28 b for engagement with theair filter 26. The first andsecond portions second bracket 28 can have an alternative shape. While shown as being discrete from theair filter 26, thesecond bracket 28 can alternatively be formed integrally with the air filter 26 (e.g., by forming a housing portion ofair filter 26 to include the second bracket 28). - Referring now to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thefirst portion 28 a of thesecond bracket 28 can include afirst bearing surface 28 c and asecond bearing surface 28 d opposite thefirst bearing surface 28 c. Thefirst portion 28 a of thesecond bracket 28 can include an H-shapedcutout 29 partially defining afirst clip 30 and asecond clip 34. Thefirst clip 30 can be generally U- or hook-shaped, and it can include aclasp portion 32 that is spaced from thesecond bearing surface 28 d by a distance equal to or slightly greater than a thickness of a portion of theoriginal bracket 12 which thefirst clip 30 engages, such as aperipheral portion 40 of theoriginal bracket 12 that borders theaperture 18, as discussed below in greater detail in reference toFIGS. 7 and 8 . The distal end of theclasp portion 32 can be angled away from thesecond bearing surface 28 d of thesecond bracket 28 to ease engagement of thefirst clip 30 to theoriginal bracket 12. However, theclip 30 can alternatively have another shape depending on the geometry of theoriginal bracket 12. - While the
second clip 34 is shown as depending from thesecond portion 28 b of thesecond bracket 28, thesecond clip 34 can alternatively depend from the portion of thesecond bracket 28 at the junction of the first andsecond portions first portion 28 a of thesecond bracket 28, depending on, for example, the geometries of the original andsecond brackets second clip 34 can include an offsetportion 34a spaced from thesecond bearing surface 28 d by a distance equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of a portion of theoriginal bracket 12 which thesecond clip 34 engages, such as aperipheral portion 43 of theoriginal bracket 12 that borders theaperture 18 of theoriginal bracket 12 opposite the peripheral portion 40 (theperipheral portion 43 is discussed below in greater detail in reference toFIGS. 7 and 8 ). The distal end of the offsetportion 34 a can be angled away from thesecond bearing surface 28 d of thesecond bracket 28 to ease engagement of thesecond clip 34 to theoriginal bracket 12. - Still referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , a nub ortooth 34 b can project toward thesecond bearing surface 28 d from near a distal end of the offsetportion 34 a. Thetooth 34 b can have afirst surface 34 c angled perpendicularly to the offsetportion 34 a of thesecond clip 34, and asecond surface 34 d of thetooth 34 b can be angled obliquely to the offsetportion 34 a of thesecond clip 34. The angle of thesecond surface 34 d can ease engagement of thesecond clip 34 with theoriginal bracket 12, while the angle of thefirst surface 34 c can enhance the engagement between thesecond clip 34 and theoriginal bracket 12. Adistance 35 between thefirst surface 34 c and a backwall 34 e of thesecond clip 34 that is generally parallel with thefirst surface 34 c can be equal to or slightly greater than thedistance 24 between thelateral edge 12 e and theaperture 18 of theoriginal bracket 12. - The
second portion 28 b of thesecond bracket 28 can include athird clip 38. Thethird clip 38 can be defined by a U-shaped cut-out 40 in thesecond portion 28 b of thesecond bracket 28. Thethird clip 38 can be shaped like a prong, with a free distal end and a proximal end fixed to thesecond portion 28 b of thesecond bracket 28. The distal end of thethird clip 38 can include a lateralridge forming bend 38 a, while a side of thethird clip 38 facing away from thefirst portion 28 a of thesecond bracket 28 can define a recessedgroove 38 b extending from adjacent thebend 38 a to past the fixed end of theclip 38. - The
second bracket 28 can also have other features. For example, thefirst portion 28 a of thesecond bracket 28 can define anaperture 42. As another example, thesecond bracket 28 can also include a pair offlanges first portion 28 a and extending away from thesecond bearing surface 28 d. Theflanges original bracket 12 can fit snuggly therebetween. As a result, theflanges second bracket 28 when it is engaged with theoriginal bracket 12. - When the
hose 20 is detached from theaperture 20, thesecond bracket 28 can be engaged with theoriginal bracket 12. Thefirst clip 30 can be inserted into theaperture 18, and thesecond bracket 28 can be moved into an engagement position shown inFIGS. 7-9 . In the engagement position, thefirst clip 30 can engage theperipheral portion 40 of theoriginal bracket 12 bordering theaperture 18. Since theclasp portion 32 can be spaced from thesecond bearing surface 28 d by the thickness of theperipheral portion 40 of theoriginal bracket 12, theclasp portion 32 can engage thesecondary bearing surface 12 d of theoriginal bracket 12. Theclip 30 can thus sandwich theperipheral portion 40 of the original bracket 12 (i.e., in addition to theclasp portion 32 engaging thesecondary bearing surface 12 d, a proximate end of thefirst clip 30 can engage theprimary bearing surface 12 c of the original bracket 12). - Also in the engagement position shown in
FIGS. 7-9 , a portion of theoriginal bracket 12 between thelateral side 12 e and theaperture 18 can be engaged by thesecond clip 34. Since thedistance 35 between thetooth 34 b and the backwall 34 e can be equal to or slightly greater than thedistance 24 between thelateral side 12 e andaperture 18 of theoriginal bracket 12, the portion of theoriginal bracket 12 between thelateral side 12 e and theaperture 18 can be positioned between thetooth 34 b and the backwall 34 e of thesecond clip 34. As a result, thetooth 34 b can engage theperipheral portion 43 of theoriginal bracket 12, which can be on the opposite side of theaperture 12 from theperipheral portion 40 as shown inFIG. 9 . Also, with theoriginal bracket 12 in the engagement position, the offsetportion 34 a of thesecond clip 34 can engage thesecondary bearing surface 12 d of the original bracket, and thelateral side 12 e of theoriginal bracket 12 can engage the backwall 34 e. - With the first and
second clips second bracket 28 engaging theoriginal bracket 12 as shown inFIGS. 7-9 , thesecond bearing surface 28 d of thesecond bracket 28 can be held against theprimary bearing surface 12 c of theoriginal bracket 12, thereby engaging theprimary bearing surface 12 c. Further, theflanges original bracket 12. As a result of the engagements between thesecond bracket 28 and theoriginal bracket 12, thesecond bracket 28 can be secured to thevehicle 10. However, thesecond bracket 28 can be engaged to theoriginal bracket 12 using a different structure. For example, thesecond bracket 28 can include different shapedclips original bracket 12 other than theperipheral portions aperture 18. Such alternative first and second engagement portions can include, as examples, the lateral sides 12 f and 12 g oforiginal bracket 12. As additional examples of different structures that thesecond bracket 28 can include to engage theoriginal bracket 12, thesecond bracket 28 can define apertures to receive bolts or screws for bolting or screwing thesecond bracket 28 to theoriginal bracket 12, or thesecond bracket 28 can include a solid, planar first portion to enhance a weld or adherence between thesecond bracket 28 and theoriginal bracket 12. - The
third clip 38 can be engaged with a first attachment of theair filter 26. For example, thethird clip 38 and the remainder of thesecond portion 28 b of thesecond bracket 28 can engage aflange 26 a shown inFIG. 3 or a similar structure defined by theair filter 26, and theflange 26 a of theair filter 26 can include a boss or other projection for engagement with thebend 38 a of thethird clip 38. By engaging thesecond bracket 28 to both theair filter 26 and theoriginal bracket 12, thesecond bracket 28 can attach theair filter 26 to theoriginal bracket 12. Additionally, thehose 20 can be spliced into afirst section 20 a and asecond section 20 b as shown in FIG. 3., and the first andsecond sections output ports air filter 26 using, for example, clamps or friction fits. Alternatively, theair filter 26 can include an integral hose, or a new hose can be used, andhose 20 can be discarded (if it was ever installed). - By attaching the
air filter 26 to thevehicle 10 by engaging theair filter 26 with thesecond bracket 28 and thesecond bracket 28 with theoriginal bracket 12, theair filter 26 can be inexpensively and conveniently attached to thevehicle 10. For example, the first andsecond clips second bracket 28 can enable theair filter 26 to be attached to thevehicle 10 without performing a welding or bolting operation (though, as mentioned above, thesecond bracket 28 can be attached in an alternative manner). Further, the first andsecond clips original bracket 12, allowing thesecond bracket 28 to be removably attached to theoriginal bracket 12. Removably attaching thesecond bracket 28 can enable a later retrofit (e.g., a second retrofit if it becomes desirable to attach a second component to thevehicle 10 instead of the air filter 26). - Depending on whether the
air filter 26 is being installed in thevehicle 10 after thehose 20 has been engaged with theoriginal bracket 12, the steps taken to retrofit thevehicle 10 to include theair filter 26 can differ. For example, if thehose 20 has been installed, thehose 20 can be removed by detaching at least one end of thehose 20, and then pulling the detached end of thehose 20 until it is disengaged from theaperture 18. The other end of thehose 20, if still attached to a portion of thevehicle 10, can also be removed. Since thehose 20 is removed following this step, the remaining steps can be the same regardless of whether thehose 20 has been attached to theoriginal bracket 12. The remaining steps to retrofit thevehicle 10 can include engaging thesecond bracket 28 to theair filter 26 as described above, engaging thesecond bracket 28 to theoriginal bracket 12 also as described above, and engaging thehose 20 with theair filter 26 as described above. These three steps need not necessarily be performed in the above order. - While
second bracket 28 is described above as being attached to theoriginal bracket 12 defining asingle aperture 18, thesecond bracket 28 can alternatively be attached to other structures, such as different brackets, a panel, a flange, or another primary mounting structure. As examples, thesecond bracket 28 can be attached to each ofbrackets FIGS. 10A and 10B , respectively. Thebracket 44 ofFIG. 10A can include twoslots first clip 30 of thesecond bracket 28 can be engaged with theslot 50 by inserting theclasp 32 into theslot 50. Thetooth 34 b of thesecond clip 34 can be engaged with theslot 50 by inserting the offsetportion 34 a through theslot 48. With this engagement, thebackwall 34 e of thesecond clip 34 engages a periphery of theslot 48. Similarly, thesecond bracket 28 can engage thebracket 46 ofFIG. 10B by inserting the offsetportion 34 a of thesecond clip 34 through aslot 52 defined by thebracket 46 and engaging the first andsecond clips second bracket 28 with acircular aperture 54 defined by thebracket 46. With this engagement, thebackwall 34 e of thesecond clip 34 engages a periphery of-theslot 52. - Also, while the
second bracket 28 is described as being used to attach theair filter 26 to thevehicle 10, it can alternatively be used to attach a different component (e.g., another component that thevehicle 10 was not designed to receive) to thevehicle 10. As shown inFIG. 11 , theoriginal bracket 12 may be used to secure thewire harness 60 to the interior of theinstrument panel 62. Thewire harness 60 can be removed from theoriginal bracket 12, if attached, and thesecond bracket 28 can be coupled to theoriginal bracket 12. Anelectrical component 66 that cannot be attached to theaperture 18 of theoriginal bracket 12 can be attached tosecond bracket 28, and thus attached to thevehicle 10 as shown inFIG. 12 . - While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/395,112 US20100219305A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2009-02-27 | Clip design for attaching a bracket to an existing bracket or panel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/395,112 US20100219305A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2009-02-27 | Clip design for attaching a bracket to an existing bracket or panel |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100219305A1 true US20100219305A1 (en) | 2010-09-02 |
Family
ID=42666612
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/395,112 Abandoned US20100219305A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2009-02-27 | Clip design for attaching a bracket to an existing bracket or panel |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100219305A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104943748A (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2015-09-30 | 富士重工业株式会社 | Member joining structure |
US9746013B2 (en) * | 2015-03-11 | 2017-08-29 | Fca Us Llc | Spring steel wire harness clip |
US20190329725A1 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2019-10-31 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Ventilation member and harness |
US10502361B2 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2019-12-10 | Club Car, Llc | Adjustable bracket for accessory attachment on strut |
US20190379151A1 (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2019-12-12 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Cover member and wire harness |
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US5267710A (en) * | 1992-09-25 | 1993-12-07 | Condon Duane R | Pipe hanging clamp adapted for soldering |
US5377948A (en) * | 1991-05-21 | 1995-01-03 | Gentex Corporation | Breakaway rearview mirror mounting bracket |
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US6956172B2 (en) * | 2003-10-31 | 2005-10-18 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Adjustable electrical outlet box assembly |
US7267384B1 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2007-09-11 | Randy Coviello | Removable mounting bracket |
US7360745B2 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2008-04-22 | Orbit Industries, Inc. | Metal stud bracket |
US7717394B2 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2010-05-18 | Murakami Corporation | Vehicle interior accessory retainer |
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2009
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US5377948A (en) * | 1991-05-21 | 1995-01-03 | Gentex Corporation | Breakaway rearview mirror mounting bracket |
US5267710A (en) * | 1992-09-25 | 1993-12-07 | Condon Duane R | Pipe hanging clamp adapted for soldering |
US5265899A (en) * | 1993-05-10 | 1993-11-30 | Benny Harrison | Adjustable offset ball hitch |
US5931440A (en) * | 1996-11-01 | 1999-08-03 | Gentex Corporation | Regulated attachment for mirror mount |
US5820097A (en) * | 1997-01-10 | 1998-10-13 | Donnelly Corporation | Breakaway accessory mounting assembly for vehicles and windshield mounted button therefor |
US6956172B2 (en) * | 2003-10-31 | 2005-10-18 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Adjustable electrical outlet box assembly |
US7267384B1 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2007-09-11 | Randy Coviello | Removable mounting bracket |
US7360745B2 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2008-04-22 | Orbit Industries, Inc. | Metal stud bracket |
US7717394B2 (en) * | 2006-03-31 | 2010-05-18 | Murakami Corporation | Vehicle interior accessory retainer |
US8079561B2 (en) * | 2008-08-26 | 2011-12-20 | Orbit Industries, Inc. | Universal metal stud clip |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104943748A (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2015-09-30 | 富士重工业株式会社 | Member joining structure |
US20150273620A1 (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2015-10-01 | Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Member Joining Structure |
US10052711B2 (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2018-08-21 | Subaru Corporation | Member joining structure |
US9746013B2 (en) * | 2015-03-11 | 2017-08-29 | Fca Us Llc | Spring steel wire harness clip |
US20190329725A1 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2019-10-31 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Ventilation member and harness |
US10800362B2 (en) * | 2017-01-20 | 2020-10-13 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Ventilation member and harness |
US20190379151A1 (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2019-12-12 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Cover member and wire harness |
US10777933B2 (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2020-09-15 | Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. | Cover member and wire harness |
US10502361B2 (en) | 2017-09-11 | 2019-12-10 | Club Car, Llc | Adjustable bracket for accessory attachment on strut |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC., MICHI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LLOYD, ROBERT;COMER, TIMOTHY;HOFFMAN, DAN;REEL/FRAME:022447/0805 Effective date: 20090218 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC., TENNESSEE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:025078/0864 Effective date: 20101001 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |