Internal-combustion engines – Frame construction – Horizontal cylinder
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-09
2001-06-05
Wolfe, Willis R. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Frame construction
Horizontal cylinder
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240893
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to brackets for mounting engine components and tensioning engine belts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Mounting brackets in truck engines must be rigid and durable in order to withstand the conditions to which they are subjected over the life of the engine. Engine vibrations and the weight of the rigid objects attached to the brackets cause the brackets to fatigue. Conventional engine component mounting brackets often suffer premature failure due to the fatigue caused by these harsh conditions.
Mounting brackets that are used to mount components such as air/vacuum pumps and the like often are slotted for tensioning engine belts. To tension the belts of such components leverage must be placed on the mounting bracket to which the component is affixed to move the bracket and component in a direction which will cause the belt to be tensioned. However, when tensioning the belt, it is often difficult for the user to place any leverage on the bracket due to the substantially planar construction of the prior art brackets. A pry bar or other extended lever are often used to place a force on the bracket to move the bracket and tension the belt. Use of an extraneous lever can be awkward and often is difficult to maneuver in the confines of the engine compartment and hold the belt tight while retightening the bolt(s) to hold the bracket in place. Examples of mounting brackets and tensioning devices are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,713 to Seats, No. 4,877,984 to Colwell et al., No. 4,980,589 to Ochi et al., No. 5,705,870 to Thomsen et al., No. 4,726,557 to Heurich et al., No. 2,909,074 to Scheiterlein and No. 5,125,376 to Williams et al. However, the devices taught in these patents are either simply mounting brackets or tensioning devices. None of them perform both functions without the use of an outside implement, such as a pry bar.
A long felt need exists for engine mounting brackets that are durable and provide a simplified belt tensioning function that does not require extraneous components such as a pry bar.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting bracket assembly in the engine compartment of a moving vehicle. The assembly includes an object to be tensioned, a movable tension adjuster that when moved exerts a tensioning force and a fixed surface. Moving the tension adjuster against the fixed surface causes the object to be tensioned.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting bracket assembly that includes first and second brackets mountable to an object and a tension adjuster. The first bracket includes a tensioning flange extending therefrom and at least one tensioning slot defined therein. The tension adjuster extends from the second bracket to the tensioning flange of the first bracket.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket for mounting engine components. The bracket includes a main body portion and a tensioning flange extending from the main body portion. The main body portion has defined therein at least one mounting hole, and a tensioning slot.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket for mounting engine components. The bracket includes a first wall having defined therein at least one mounting hole and a second wall extending from the first wall. The second wall has defined therein a tensioning opening adapted to receive a tension adjuster.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2909074 (1957-10-01), Scheiterlein
patent: 3730147 (1973-05-01), Buchwald
patent: 3922927 (1975-12-01), Shiki et al.
patent: 4512752 (1985-04-01), Brenneman
patent: 4571221 (1986-02-01), Isobe et al.
patent: 4726557 (1988-02-01), Heurich et al.
patent: 4877984 (1989-10-01), Colwell et al.
patent: 4887992 (1989-12-01), Dixon
patent: 4980589 (1990-12-01), Ochi et al.
patent: 5065713 (1991-11-01), Seats
patent: 5125376 (1992-06-01), Williams et al.
patent: 5705870 (1998-01-01), Thomsen et al.
Hankins Lynn
Tuffly Fred
Ali Hyde R
Berman Rod S.
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Marmaro LLP
U-Haul International Inc.
Wolfe Willis R.
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