Gas separation – Combined or convertible – In motor vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-26
2001-09-04
Simmons, David A. (Department: 1724)
Gas separation
Combined or convertible
In motor vehicle
C055S490000, C055S501000, C055SDIG002, C123S19800E
Reexamination Certificate
active
06284009
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a component support system for a vehicle. In one aspect, it relates to a component support system having two pieces that interfit with each other so as to be self-aligning and are held together by a fastener.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many commonly known support and fastening systems for supporting vehicle components, especially underhood vehicle components such as an air cleaner housing, a vacuum canister, a fluid reservoir, a fuse box, an electrical component, a sensor, a wiring harness, a battery housing, a compressor, a pump, an air intake manifold for a ventilation system, and the like. But, many of these commonly known vehicle component support systems have disadvantages in their design. For example, some vehicle component support systems utilize multiple attachment points, with each point requiring installation of one or more bolts or screws. This can make alignment for installation difficult and installation of a component a time consuming and labor intensive process. Also, it is often necessary to gain access to other components located behind or beneath the component. It is therefore desirable to provide a fastening system that can be easily removed to access other components located behind or beneath the component. Hence, a need exists for a component support system that provides both rapid and easy installation, as well as rapid and easy removal of a component for access to other components located behind or beneath the component.
Furthermore, many of the commonly known component support systems cannot provide firm support for the component while also being easy to align for installation, while also having a small number of attachment points, while also having a small number of parts, or while not occupying a lot of space. Thus, there is a need for a component support system that is compact, easy to align for installation, has few attachment points, and has a low part content while also providing firm support for the component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Many of the needs outlined above are addressed by the present invention hereof. It is an object of the present invention to provide a component support system for quickly removing or installing a component.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a component support system that provides firm support for a component while also being easy to align, having few attachment points, having a small number of parts, and not taking up a lot of space.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a component support system is provided for supporting a component on a vehicle. The component support system comprises a component member adapted to attach to the component to be mounted and a support member adapted to attach to the vehicle. The component member has a first mating surface with a first channel formed thereon. The first channel may be a male channel integrally formed on the first mating surface and may have a U-shaped configuration when viewed normal to the first mating surface. In addition, the first channel may have tapered ends and may have a generally U-shaped cross-section. The support member has a second mating surface, which is adapted to mate with the first mating surface when the parts are juxtaposed. A second channel is formed on the second mating surface. The second channel is adapted to closely interfit with the first channel. The second channel may be a female channel integrally formed on the second mating surface and may have a U-shaped configuration when viewed normal to the second mating surface. Additionally, the second channel may have tapered ends and may have a generally U-shaped cross-section. A fastener is provided to retain the component member against the support member when the first channel is interfitted with the second channel. A slot may be formed in the component member that is adapted to receive the fastener. The fastener may comprise a stud attached to the support member and a nut. In such fastener, the nut is adapted to interlock with the stud and to capture the slotted portion of the component member against the support member. Alternatively, the fastener may be a clip, a latch, a screw, a strap, or some combination thereof.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for supporting an air cleaner housing on a vehicle is provided.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4440555 (1984-04-01), Chichester
patent: 5427582 (1995-06-01), Hudson
patent: 5433772 (1995-07-01), Sikora
patent: 5649986 (1997-07-01), Mueller
patent: 5913295 (1999-06-01), Sadr et al.
patent: 5921214 (1999-07-01), Fujita et al.
Cook Rob A.
Marko Kenneth M.
Montgomery Michael B.
Paccar Inc
Pham Minh-Chau T.
Sidley Austin Brown & Wood
Simmons David A.
LandOfFree
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