U.S. patent application number 17/002853 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-03 for bracket assembly for a vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Andrew John Abramouski, Liliana Alonso Vazquez, Raul Ezequiel Alvarez Ruiz, Carlos Ernesto Saenz Camacho, Alfredo Ivan Trujillo Rolon.
Application Number | 20220063473 17/002853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006150089 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220063473 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alonso Vazquez; Liliana ; et
al. |
March 3, 2022 |
BRACKET ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE
Abstract
A vehicle bracket assembly includes first and second platforms
each including a body and connectors that extend from each of the
bodies. A central base is disposed between the first and second
platforms and are coupled to the first and second platforms via the
connectors. First and second connecting legs are coupled to the
body of each of the first and second platforms, respectively. A
first attachment base is coupled to the first platform via the
first connecting legs. A second attachment base includes a locating
tab. The second attachment base is coupled to the second platform
via the second connecting legs.
Inventors: |
Alonso Vazquez; Liliana;
(Ciudad de Mexico, MX) ; Trujillo Rolon; Alfredo
Ivan; (Benito Juarez, MX) ; Alvarez Ruiz; Raul
Ezequiel; (Estado de Mexico, MX) ; Abramouski; Andrew
John; (Royal Oak, MI) ; Saenz Camacho; Carlos
Ernesto; (Calimaya, MX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
1000006150089 |
Appl. No.: |
17/002853 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 17/008 20130101;
B60N 3/026 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 3/02 20060101
B60N003/02; F16B 17/00 20060101 F16B017/00 |
Claims
1. A handle bracket for a vehicle, comprising: first and second
platforms; a first connector coupled to the first platform; a
second connector coupled to the second platform; a central base
coupled to the first platform via the first connector and coupled
to the second platform via the second connector; a first pair of
connecting legs coupled to the first platform; a first side base
coupled to the first platform via the first pair of connecting
legs; a second pair of connecting legs coupled to the second
platform, wherein the first and second pairs of connecting legs
define a triangular shape having a stability end and a pliable end;
and a second side base coupled to the second platform via the
second pair of connecting legs, wherein the first side base, the
second side base, and the central base each include an attachment
surface.
2. The handle bracket of claim 1, wherein the second side base
defines an aperture and includes a locating feature extending
through the aperture and away from the attachment surface of the
first side base.
3. The handle bracket of claim 2, wherein the locating feature
defines a T-shape.
4. The handle bracket of claim 1, wherein each of the first and
second platforms, the central base, the first and second pairs of
connecting legs, the first and second side bases, and the first and
second connectors are integrally formed.
5. The handle bracket of claim 1, wherein a base attachment end of
the first pair of connecting legs is configured to stabilize the
first platform and a base attachment end of the second pair of
connecting legs is configured to stabilize the second platform.
6. (canceled)
7. The handle bracket of claim 1, wherein the stability end has a
width greater than a width of the pliable end.
8. A bracket assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a first bracket
defining a locating aperture; and a second bracket coupled to the
first bracket, the second bracket comprising: a central base
including a first connector and a second connector; a first
platform coupled to the central base via the first connector; a
second platform coupled to the central base via the second
connector; a first side base including a first pair of connecting
legs, the first pair of connecting legs coupling the first side
base to the first platform; and a second side base including a
second pair of connecting legs, the second pair of connecting legs
coupling the second side base to the second platform, and wherein
each of the first and second pairs of connecting legs include a
base attachment portion and a platform attachment portion, and
wherein each of the base attachment portions have a width greater
than a width of the platform attachment portion.
9. The bracket assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second
side bases each define an elongated member configured to balance
tension loads of the second bracket.
10. The bracket assembly of claim 8, wherein the second bracket
includes a locating feature that has a stem and a flange outwardly
extending from the stem.
11. The bracket assembly of claim 10, wherein the locating feature
is disposed within the locating aperture of the second bracket and
is operable between a first position and a second position.
12. The bracket assembly of claim 11, wherein the second bracket is
coupled to the first bracket in the second position of the locating
feature.
13. (canceled)
14. The bracket assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the first and
second pairs of connecting legs define a triangular shape.
15. A vehicle bracket assembly, comprising: first and second
platforms each including a body and connectors extending from each
of the bodies; a central base disposed between the first and second
platforms and coupled to the first and second platforms via the
connectors; first and second connecting legs coupled to the body of
each of the first and second platforms, respectively, wherein the
first and second connecting legs each have a stability end and a
pliable end, and wherein the stability end of the first connecting
legs is coupled to the first attachment base and the stability end
of the second connecting legs is coupled to the second attachment
base; a first attachment base coupled to the first platform via the
first connecting legs; and a second attachment base including a
locating tab, the second attachment base coupled to the second
platform via the second connecting legs.
16. The vehicle bracket assembly of claim 15, further comprising:
an attachment bracket defining a locating aperture proximate to the
locating tab of the second attachment base.
17. The vehicle bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein the locating
tab is disposed within the locating aperture and selectively
couples the second attachment base to the attachment bracket in a
locked position of the locating tab.
18. The vehicle bracket assembly of claim 15, wherein the first and
second connecting legs each define a triangular shape.
19. The vehicle bracket assembly of claim 15, wherein the central
base includes first and second elongated members configured to
disperse tension along the central base.
20. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a bracket
assembly for a vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure
relates to a handle bracket of the bracket assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Vehicles often have brackets for coupling passenger assist
handles to the frame of the vehicle to assist occupants, for
example when an occupant enters or exits the vehicle. The bracket
is typically two separate parts formed from a rigid material.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a handle
bracket for a vehicle includes first and second platforms. A first
connector is coupled to the first platform. A second connector is
coupled to the second platform. A central base is coupled to the
first platform via the first connector and is coupled to the second
platform via the second connector. A first pair of connecting legs
is coupled to the first platform. A first side base is coupled to
the first platform via the first pair of connecting legs. A second
pair of connecting legs is coupled to the second platform. A second
side base is coupled to the second platform via the second pair of
connecting legs. The first side base, the second side base, and the
central base each include an attachment surface.
[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
bracket assembly for a vehicle includes a first bracket that
defines a locating aperture, and a second bracket that is coupled
to the first bracket. The second bracket includes a central base
that includes a first connector and a second connector. A first
platform is coupled to the central base via the first connector. A
second platform is coupled to the central base via the second
connector. A first side base includes a first pair of connecting
legs. The first pair of connecting legs are coupling the first side
base to the first platform. A second side base includes a second
pair of connecting legs. The second pair of connecting legs are
coupling the second side base to the second platform.
[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle bracket assembly includes first and second platforms each
including a body and connectors that extend from each of the
bodies. A central base is disposed between the first and second
platforms and are coupled to the first and second platforms via the
connectors. First and second connecting legs are coupled to the
body of each of the first and second platforms, respectively. A
first attachment base is coupled to the first platform via the
first connecting legs. A second attachment base includes a locating
tab. The second attachment base is coupled to the second platform
via the second connecting legs.
[0006] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle of the
present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a partial side perspective view of a passenger
compartment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a partial side perspective view of a handle
bracket of the present disclosure coupled to a handle and various
positions of the handle in phantom;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a partial side perspective view of a bracket
assembly of the present disclosure coupled to an A-pillar of a
vehicle;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a bracket
assembly of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a bottom elevational view of the bracket assembly
of FIG. 5;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a handle bracket of
the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the handle bracket of
FIG. 7;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a partial exploded side perspective view of an
attachment bracket and a handle bracket of the present disclosure;
and
[0017] FIG. 10 is a partial side perspective view of the attachment
bracket and the handle bracket of FIG. 9 in a locked position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Additional features and advantages of the presently
disclosed device will be set forth in the detailed description
which follows and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
the description, or recognized by practicing the device as
described in the following description, together with the claims
and appended drawings.
[0019] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the
disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood
that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and
step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the
inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific
dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the
embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,
unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
[0020] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described
as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can
contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C
in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
[0021] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes,
formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics
are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger
or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors,
rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors
known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used
in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure
should be understood to include the specific value or end-point
referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a
range in the specification recites "about," the numerical value or
end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one
modified by "about," and one not modified by "about." It will be
further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are
significant both in relation to the other end-point, and
independently of the other end-point.
[0022] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations
thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described
feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description.
For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote
a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover,
"substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or
approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may
denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about
5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.
[0023] As used herein the terms "the," "a," or "an," mean "at least
one," and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly
indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a
component" includes embodiments having two or more such components
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0024] In this document, relational terms, such as first and
second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to
distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action,
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements but may include other elements
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,
or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises . . . a" does not,
without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional
identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus
that comprises the element.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-10, reference number 10 generally
refers to a bracket assembly for a vehicle 12 that includes a
handle bracket 14. The handle bracket 14 includes a first platform
16 and a second platform 18. A first connector 20 is coupled to the
first platform 16, and a second connector 22 is coupled to the
second platform 18. A central base 24 is coupled to the first
platform 16 via the first connector 20 and is coupled to the second
platform 18 via the second connector 22. A first pair of connecting
legs 26 is coupled to the first platform 16, and a second pair of
connecting legs 28 is coupled to the second platform 18. A first
side base 30 is coupled to the first platform 16 via the first pair
of connecting legs 26. A second side base 32 is coupled to the
second platform 18 via the second pair of connecting legs 28. The
first side base 30, the second side base 32, and the central base
24 each include an attachment surface 34. It is generally
contemplated that the first and second side bases 30, 32 may also
be referred to as the first and second attachment bases 30, 32,
respectively.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the vehicle 12 includes a
vehicle body 40 and a roof 42 to define an interior 44 of the
vehicle 12 having a passenger compartment 46 therein. The passenger
compartment 46 may include a first seating row 48 and a second
seating row 50. Fewer or more seating rows may be included in the
vehicle 12, without departing from the teachings herein. The first
seating row 48 may include a driver seat 52 and the passenger seat
54, and the second seating row 50 may include rear passenger seats
56. The rear passenger seats 56 of the second seating row 50 may
include bucket seating or may be bench seating. As illustrated, the
rear passenger seats 56 include a first rear passenger seat 58 and
a second rear passenger seat 60.
[0027] A detection feature 62 may be disposed on the roof 42 of the
vehicle 12, such that the vehicle 12 may be an autonomous vehicle
(e.g., no human driver). It is generally contemplated that the
detection feature 62 includes sensors 64 and cameras 66 configured
to detect the surrounding environment. The detection feature 62 is
generally disposed on the roof 42 of the vehicle 12 and is in
communication with a controller 68, which generally controls the
operation of the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 may also be a partially
autonomous vehicle (e.g., may be operated with or without a human
driver). Additionally, the vehicle 12 may be utilized for personal
and/or commercial purposes, such as ride-providing services (e.g.,
chauffeuring) and/or ride-sharing services.
[0028] The vehicle body 40 includes an A-pillar 76 to which a
headliner 78 may be operably coupled. The bracket assembly 10 may
be positioned between the headliner 78 and the roof 42. The bracket
assembly 10 includes an attachment bracket 80 and the handle
bracket 14. It is generally contemplated that the attachment
bracket 80 may be referred to as a first bracket 80, and the handle
bracket 14 may be referred to as a second bracket 14. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the handle bracket 14 is coupled to
the attachment bracket 80, described below, and a handle 82 is
coupled to the handle bracket 14. The handle 82 may be coupled to
the handle bracket 14 via retention features 84, which may include,
but are not limited to, high retention clips. The retention
features 84 couple to a body 86, 88 of the first and second
platforms 16, 18, respectively, to retain the handle 82 to the
handle bracket 14. The handle 82 is actionable between a variety of
positions to assist a user while entering, exiting, and/or while
sitting within the vehicle 12. By way of example, not limitation,
the handle 82 may actuate at least at approximately 45-degrees,
approximately 60-degrees, approximately 75-degrees, and
approximately 90-degrees. It is also contemplated that the handle
82 may actuate at less than 45-degrees, 45-90 degrees, or greater
than 90-degrees.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 4-6 and as mentioned above, the handle
bracket 14 is coupled to the attachment bracket 80, which is
coupled to the vehicle body 40. Typically, the attachment bracket
80 is coupled to the vehicle body 40 using spot welding or other
attachment methods known in the art to securely couple the
attachment bracket 80 with the vehicle body 40. The attachment
bracket 80 includes flanges 90, which may be welded or otherwise
fixedly coupled to the vehicle body 40 to secure the attachment
bracket 80 with the vehicle body 40. The attachment bracket 80
defines recessed surfaces 92 and protruding surfaces 94. The
recessed surfaces 92 include projections 96 and openings 98 through
which electrical wiring or other mechanical elements may pass. At
least one of the protruding surfaces 94 defines a locating aperture
100. It is generally contemplated that the locating aperture 100
may have a T-shape configuration. However, the locating aperture
100 may have another configuration or shape to retain the handle
bracket 14 relative to the attachment bracket 80, described in
further detail below. Coupling apertures 102 are also defined along
the protruding surfaces 94, such that the locating aperture 100 may
be defined proximate to at least one of the coupling apertures
102.
[0030] As will be described further below, the alignment of the
locating aperture 100 relative to the handle bracket 14 corresponds
with the alignment of the coupling apertures 102 with the handle
bracket 14. This alignment promotes ease of coupling the handle
bracket 14 to the attachment bracket 80. The handle bracket 14 is
coupled to the attachment bracket 80 via fasteners 104, which
extend through the coupling apertures 102 defined by the attachment
bracket 80. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the projections 96 may be
proximally aligned with the first and second platforms 16, 18, such
that the retention features 84 of the handle 82 may extend through
the first and second platforms 16, 18 and may further couple the
handle 82 to the attachment platform 80.
[0031] With further reference to FIGS. 6-8, the handle bracket 14
includes the first and second side bases 30, 32 disposed proximate
to the first and second platforms 16, 18, respectively. It is also
contemplated that the first and second side bases 30, 32 may be
referred to as first and second attachment bases 30, 32,
respectively. The first pair of connecting legs 26, mentioned
above, outwardly extend from the first attachment base 30 and
couple the first attachment base 30 to the first platform 16.
Similarly, the second pair of connecting legs 28 outwardly extend
from the second attachment base 32 and couple the second attachment
base 32 to the second platform 18. As mentioned above, the central
base 24 is positioned between the first and second platforms 16, 18
and is coupled to each via the first and second connectors 20,
22.
[0032] Each of the first and second attachment bases 30, 32 and the
central base 24 have the attachment surface 34, such that the
attachment surface 34 abuts the attachment bracket 80 when the
handle bracket 14 is coupled to the attachment bracket 80. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, the second attachment base 32 defines an
aperture 110 from which a locating feature 112 extends. The
locating feature 112 extends away from the attachment surface 34
toward the attachment bracket 80. It is generally contemplated that
the locating feature 112 is configured to fit within the locating
aperture 100 defined by one of the protruding surfaces 94 of the
attachment bracket 80. The locating feature 112 has a similar shape
and/or configuration as the locating aperture 100, such that the
locating feature 112 and the locating aperture 100 define a
complimentary interlocking or mating arrangement, defined further
below.
[0033] Referring still to FIGS. 6-8, elongated members 114 may be
defined along each of the first and second attachment bases 30, 32
and the central base 24. Stated differently, the central base 24
may define first and second elongated members 116, 118 and each of
the first and second attachment bases 30, 32 may define a single
elongated member 120. The elongated members 114 are configured to
disperse tension that may be defined by the engagement between the
handle bracket 14 and the attachment bracket 80. By way of example,
not limitation, the elongated members 114 minimize overall
displacement of the handle bracket 14 to balance the overall
tension load that may be defined by the user manipulating the
handle 82 (FIG. 3).
[0034] The central base 24 is coupled to each of the first and
second platforms 16, 18 via the connectors 20, 22. The connectors
20, 22 are generally rectangular, such that the connectors 20, 22
each have a generally consistent width W.sub.3 along a length L of
each of the connectors 20, 22. The connectors 20, 22 may provide
overall central stability for the first and second platforms 16,
18, as compared to the connecting legs 26, 28. For example, the
connecting legs 26, 28 may provide lateral displacement of the
first and/or second platforms 16, 18 upon impact, while the
connectors 20, 22 may generally maintain the formation of the first
and second platforms 16, 18 relative to the central base 24.
[0035] The general manipulation of the handle 82 (FIG. 3) is
further balanced and stabilized by the first and second pairs of
connecting legs 26, 28. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
connecting legs 26, 28 generally define a triangular shape. The
connecting legs 26, 28 each have a base attachment end 122 and a
platform attachment end 124, such that the base attachment end 122
is coupled to the respective first and second side bases 30, 32 and
the platform attachment end 124 is coupled to the respective first
and second platforms 16, 18. The base attachment end 122 may also
be referred to as the stability end 122, and the platform
attachment end 124 may also be referred to as the pliable end
124.
[0036] It is generally contemplated that the stability end 122 has
a width W.sub.1 that is greater than a width W.sub.2 of the pliable
end 124. For example, the width W.sub.2 of the pliable end 124 may
be approximately 7 millimeters, and the width W.sub.1 of the
stability end 122 may be approximately 40 millimeters. It is also
contemplated that the width W.sub.2 of the pliable end 124 may be
less than 7 millimeters or greater than 7 millimeters and that the
width W.sub.1 of the stability end 122 may be less than 40
millimeters or greater than 40 millimeters. The varying widths
W.sub.1, W.sub.2 of the stability end 122 and the pliable end 124
generally define the triangular shape of the connecting legs 26,
28.
[0037] With further reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, the width W.sub.1
of the stability end 122 provides structural stability for each of
the first and second platforms 16, 18. As mentioned above, the user
utilizes the handle 82 (FIG. 3) to assist entry and exiting of the
vehicle 12 (FIG. 1), such that the user may pull, push, twist, or
otherwise indirectly and/or directly apply tensile forces to the
handle bracket 14. The stability end 122 of each of the connecting
legs 26, 28 may absorb and distribute the tensile forces to the
first and second attachment bases 30, 32. The tensile force may
then be further dissipated by each of the elongated members 114.
Comparatively, the pliable end 124 is configured to compress and
bend upon impact. The smaller width W.sub.2 of the pliable ends 124
of each connecting leg 26, 28 generally provides less resistance to
movement of each of the first and second platforms 16, 18 upon
forceful impact.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, the locating feature 112 is
selectively disposed within the locating aperture 100 defined by
the attachment bracket 80. The locating feature 112 includes a stem
130 and a tab 132 to generally define the T-shape of the locating
feature 112. The locating aperture 100 similarly defines a stem
aperture 134 and a tab aperture 136, which generally defines the
T-shape of the locating aperture 100 mentioned above. The tab 132
of the locating feature 112 may extend through the tab aperture 136
in a first position 138 when positioning the handle bracket 14
relative to the attachment bracket 80. The handle bracket 14 may be
adjusted, such that the locating feature 112 translates within the
locating aperture 100 so the stem 130 is disposed within the stem
aperture 134 in a second position 140. It is generally contemplated
that the second position 140 of the locating feature 112 may also
be referred to as a locked position 140. The locked position 140 of
the locating feature 112 generally stabilizes the handle bracket 14
relative to the attachment bracket 80.
[0039] Specifically, the locating feature 112 may selectively
couple the handle bracket 14 to the attachment bracket 80 in the
locked position 140. The configuration of the locating feature 112
of the handle bracket 14 and the locating aperture 100 of the
attachment bracket 80 generally minimizes potential error in
assembling the bracket assembly 10. The locating feature 112 and
the locating aperture 100 inform the placement of the handle
bracket 14 relative to the attachment bracket 80, and the
translation of the locating feature 112 from the first position 138
to the second position 140 provides proper alignment of the handle
bracket 14 with the attachment bracket 80. By way of example, not
limitation, the coupling apertures 102 of the attachment bracket 80
are generally aligned with fastening apertures 142 of the handle
bracket 14 in the second position 140.
[0040] Referring again to FIGS. 1-10, the engagement of the
locating feature 112 with the attachment bracket 80 minimizes the
bracing of the handle bracket 14 during assembly of the bracket
assembly 10. Specifically, the locating feature 112 both retains
and aligns the handle bracket 14 relative to the attachment bracket
80 providing a hands-free assembly of the bracket assembly 10.
Moreover, the handle bracket 14 includes the first and second
platforms 16, 18 that are integrally formed with each of the first
and second side bases 30, 32 and the central base 24 via the
connecting legs 26, 28 and the connectors 20, 22. The triangular
shape of the connecting legs 26, 28 provide both the structural
integrity and stability due to the width W.sub.1 of the stability
end 122 and provide pliability and compressibility due to the
narrower width W.sub.2 of the pliable end 124. Thus, the handle
bracket 14 improves the overall assembly process of the bracket
assembly 10 while improving the overall performance of the handle
bracket 14.
[0041] According to one example, a handle bracket for a vehicle
includes first and second platforms. A first connector is coupled
to the first platform. A second connector is coupled to the second
platform. A central base is coupled to the first platform via the
first connector and is coupled to the second platform via the
second connector. A first pair of connecting legs is coupled to the
first platform. A first side base is coupled to the first platform
via the first pair of connecting legs. A second pair of connecting
legs is coupled to the second platform. A second side base is
coupled to the second platform via the second pair of connecting
legs. The first side base, the second side base, and the central
base each include an attachment surface. Embodiments of the present
disclosure may include one or a combination of the following
features. [0042] A first side base defines an aperture and includes
a locating feature that extends through the aperture and away from
an attachment surface of the first side base. [0043] A locating
feature defines a T-shape. [0044] Each of first and second
platforms, a central base, first and second pairs of connecting
legs, first and second side bases, and first and second connectors
are integrally formed. [0045] A base attachment end of a first pair
of connecting legs is configured to stabilize a first attachment
platform and the base attachment end of a second pair of connecting
legs is configured to stabilize a second attachment platform.
[0046] First and second pairs of connecting legs define a
triangular shape having a stability end and a pliable end. [0047] A
stability end has a width greater than a width of a pliable
end.
[0048] According to another example, a bracket assembly for a
vehicle includes a first bracket that defines a locating aperture,
and a second bracket that is coupled to the first bracket. The
second bracket includes a central base that includes a first
connector and a second connector. A first platform is coupled to
the central base via the first connector. A second platform is
coupled to the central base via the second connector. A first side
base includes a first pair of connecting legs. The first pair of
connecting legs are coupling the first side base to the first
platform. A second side base includes a second pair of connecting
legs. The second pair of connecting legs are coupling the second
side base to the second platform. Embodiments of the present
disclosure may include one or a combination of the following
features. [0049] First and second side bases each define an
elongated member that are configured to balance tension loads of a
second bracket. [0050] A second bracket includes a locating feature
that has a stem and a flange that outwardly extends from the stem.
[0051] A locating feature is disposed within a locating aperture of
a second bracket and is operable between a first position and a
second position. [0052] A second bracket is coupled to a first
bracket in a second position of a locating feature. [0053] Each
first and second pair of connecting legs include a base attachment
portion and a platform attachment portion. Each of the base
attachment portions have a width greater than a width of the
platform attachment portion. [0054] Each first and second pair of
connecting legs define a triangular shape.
[0055] According to yet another example, a vehicle bracket assembly
includes first and second platforms each including a body and
connectors that extend from each of the bodies. A central base is
disposed between the first and second platforms and are coupled to
the first and second platforms via the connectors. First and second
connecting legs are coupled to the body of each of the first and
second platforms, respectively. A first attachment base is coupled
to the first platform via the first connecting legs. A second
attachment base includes a locating tab. The second attachment base
is coupled to the second platform via the second connecting legs.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or a
combination of the following features. [0056] An attachment bracket
defines a locating aperture proximate to a locating tab of a second
attachment base. [0057] A locating tab is disposed within a
locating aperture and selectively couples a second attachment base
to an attachment bracket in a locked position of the locating tab.
[0058] First and second connecting legs each define a triangular
shape. [0059] A central base includes first and second elongated
members that are configured to disperse tension along the central
base. [0060] First and second connecting legs each have a stability
end and a pliable end. The stability end of the first connecting
legs is coupled to a first attachment base and the stability end of
the second connecting legs is coupled to a second attachment
base.
[0061] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature
unless otherwise stated.
[0062] Furthermore, any arrangement of components to achieve the
same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the
desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein
combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as
"associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is
achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.
Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as
being "operably connected" or "operably coupled" to each other to
achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable
of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable" to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Some
examples of operably couplable include, but are not limited to,
physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or
wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components
and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable
components. Furthermore, it will be understood that a component
preceding the term "of the" may be disposed at any practicable
location (e.g., on, within, and/or externally disposed from the
vehicle) such that the component may function in any manner
described herein.
[0063] Modifications of the disclosure will occur to those skilled
in the art and to those who make or use the disclosure. Therefore,
it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and
described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not
intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by
the following claims, as interpreted according to the principles of
patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
[0064] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
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