Adjustable Mounting Bracket and Method For Securing a Part in Place
AssigneeBehr America, Inc.
InventorBrent Streeter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention relates to a mounting bracket (10), in particular for mounting a radiator (100). The bracket (10) comprises a stationary member (20) to be attached to the vehicle and a movable member (30) slideably mounted on the stationary member (20), preferably using guide rails (24a, 24b). The movable member (30) is configured to move from a first position to a second position to thereby secure the radiator (100). A ratchet mechanism (42) including teeth (42a) on the stationary member (10) may be provided to lock the movable member (30). An independent claim is included directed to a method for securing a vehicle component.
Claims24
A bracket for securing a vehicle component, comprising:
- a stationary member configured to be attached to a vehicle;
- and
- a movable member slideably mounted on the stationary member,
- wherein the movable member is configured to move from a first position to a second position to thereby secure and/or stabilize the vehicle component.
A method for securing a vehicle component, comprising:
- providing a bracket that includes a stationary member and a moveable member slideably mounted on the stationary member;
- attaching the stationary member to a vehicle body in a vicinity of a vehicle component;
- moving the moveable member toward the vehicle component;
- discontinuing said movement when the moveable member contacts the vehicle component;
- and
- either automatically during the movement or subsequent to the movement, engaging a latching mechanism to substantially restrain movement of the vehicle component.
A method for installing an automotive component in a vehicle, comprising:
- providing a module containing at least a radiator;
- installing the module in the vehicle;
- providing a bracket that includes a stationary member and a moveable member slideably mounted on the stationary member;
- attaching the stationary member to the vehicle so that the moveable member is positioned near a surface of the module;
- moving the moveable member toward the surface of the module;
- continuing said movement at least until the moveable member contacts the surface of the module;
- and
- activating a latching mechanism, either automatically during said movement or selectively after said movement, to retain the moveable member in contact with the surface of the module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.