Universal mounting tabs and kits for automotive components

#Automotive components are frequently damaged in accidents. However, the prevalence of plastic parts in the automotive industry means that breakage of a single, integrated plastic mounting bracket is typically all that is needed to prevent an entire high value component from being salvaged. Thus, many automotive repairs are unnecessarily expensive.

#The present invention provides mounting tabs and kits for automotive components, methods for providing mounting tabs on automotive components where none previously existed, and methods for replacing or repairing broken mounting tabs. For example, the mounting tabs, kits and methods disclosed herein are well suited for the repair of high value components, including vehicle components for automobiles, aircraft, watercraft, and human-powered vehicles (bicycles, kayaks, canoes, etc.). The mounting tabs disclosed herein partially or completely cover and conceal a portion of a damaged automotive component, and the tabs are easily assembled (e.g., by snapping together pieces of the mounting tab).

#In an aspect, a mounting tab for an automotive component comprises a cover for receiving a portion of the automotive component and a mounting feature extending from the cover or disposed within an external wall of the cover.

#Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

#FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G and 1H show a mounting tab for sandwiching a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment;

#FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G show hinged versions of a mounting tab for sandwiching a portion of an automotive component, according to multiple embodiments;

#In general, the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The following definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of this description.

#As used herein, “mounting tab” and “mounting bracket” may be used interchangeably to refer to a portion of an object configured for receiving means for securing the object to another object. Generally, a mounting tab extends or protrudes from a main body of the object such that, in many embodiments, the mounting tab forms an outermost boundary of the object.

#As used herein, the term “cover” refers to a portion of a mounting tab configured to partially or completely encapsulate a broken portion of a mounting tab that was originally part of an OEM automotive component.