Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Structural detail
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-25
2001-07-03
Dayoan, D. Glenn (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Structural detail
C296S191000, C293S155000, C248S229160, C248S225110
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254161
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
1. Background of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a bracket, and, more particularly, to a bracket especially advantageous for reinforcing the mounting of a sheetlike metal member to a supporting element such as an automotive vehicle fender to the vehicle body, for example.
2. Description of Related Art
A fender for an automotive vehicle serves two main purposes, namely, to reduce damage from stones, mud and water thrown by the wheels during use, and also for overall appearance aesthetics. Since fenders are not primary supporting structures, the tendency has been to make them of relatively thin metal stock which is subject to being easily bent from predetermined manufactured design configuration. Such unsightly bending can result from forceful pushing, leaning or shoving against the fender, for example.
It is, therefore, desirable to provide means for reinforcing a fender tending to resist deformation while enabling the fender to be otherwise constructed in a lightweight and relatively inexpensive manner from thin metal stock.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a primary aim and object of the present invention to provide a reinforcing system for application to a sheetlike metal member that is mounted to a rigid member.
A further object is the provision of a reinforcing system as in the previous object especially advantageous for application to reinforcing the mounting of an automotive vehicle fender to the body frame.
The bracket of this invention is formed from a single metal blank into a general L-shape, one arm being secured to the sheetlike metal by a bolt or screw, for example, and the other arm including first and second resilient spring elements for locking receipt in openings in a rigid member. A further resilient spring element located between the first and second spring elements provides force in such direction as to reinforce the resilient locking action of the spring elements.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4973102 (1990-11-01), Bien
patent: 5957512 (1999-09-01), Inada et al.
Croll Mark W.
Dayoan D. Glenn
Illinois Tool Works Inc
Morrow Jason
O'Brien John P.
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