Body mount

A body mount included at least one clip, at least one plate and a sleeve. The clip may include a generally cylindrical body having a central aperture therethrough. The clip may further include at least one set of inwardly extending prongs. The clip may further include at least one set of outwardly extending prongs. The sleeve may have opposed openings capable of engaging a first clip and a second clip between their respective plates.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to fasteners and, more particularly, to body mounts utilized in mounting a vehicle body to a vehicle frame or chassis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As is known in the art, vehicle bodies are commonly mounted on vehicle frames by the use of a plurality of body mounts. Each body mount typically includes a pair of upper and lower resilient blocks and a pair of upper and lower metal spacer members each having a generally planar flange portion and an integral elongated tubular portion. The resilient blocks are positioned on upper and lower sides of the vehicle frame in alignment with an opening in the frame, the tubular portions of the metal spacer members are respectively inserted in a central opening in a respective resilient block, and the inboard ends of tubular portions are secured together to respectively secure the resilient blocks to upper and lower sides of the vehicle frame. The vehicle body is then placed atop the upper resilient blocks and bolts are passed through respective openings in the vehicle body and threaded into respective body mounts to support the body on the frame.

Typically, the metal spacer members are complex with intricate features that allow them to be secured together and hold the resilient blocks in place until a bolt is passed through them. As such, these metal spacer members are typically manufactured through a costly deep extrusion process that not only gives the spacer members their general shape but also the aforementioned intricate securing and locking features.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for a simpler and less complicated body mount that is easier and more cost effective to produce. The body mount of the present invention is designed to provide simpler and more lightweight components thereby reducing complicated manufacturing processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A body mount that may include at least one clip, at least one plate and a sleeve. The clip may include a generally cylindrical body having a proximal end and a distal end. The clip may also include a central aperture therethrough from the proximal end to the distal end. The clip may further include a flange located at the distal end. The plate may have an aperture sized to receive the cylindrical body and engage the flange. The sleeve may have opposed openings capable of engaging a first clip and a second clip between their respective plates. The sleeve may be capable of receiving the cylindrical body of both the first clip and the second clip through the opposed openings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the invention is described herein with reference to several embodiments, it should be clear that the invention should not be limited only to the embodiments disclosed or discussed. The description of the embodiments herein is illustrative of the invention and should not limit the scope of the invention as described or claimed.

As generally described herein, the present invention provides a body mount10. Referring now toFIGS. 2-12, a first embodiment of a body mount10is shown. The body mount10may include two clip-plate subassemblies90connected and held together by a sleeve40. Each clip-plate subassembly90may include a clip20and a plate30. Thus, the body mount10may require two clips20and two plates30to be fully assembled with the sleeve40, as shown inFIG. 12. When assembled, the clips20may be located adjacent to one another. The pair of clips20are preferably the same, however, it is to be understood that they may be the same or different clips.

Since the clips20are similar, the following description of the clip20will be understood to apply to both clips20needed for the body mount10. The clip20may include a distal end23and a proximal end25. It is to be understood that the clip20may be of any appropriate size, diameter and length, but is preferably of a circular shape. The body mount10may also include two plates30, where each plate30may be disposed about the distal end23of the corresponding clip20. The body mount10may further include a sleeve40that may be disposed about the clips120and located between the plates30.

With reference toFIGS. 2-6, each clip20may have a generally tubular body22with a central aperture29located through the body22from the distal end23to the proximal end25. The distal end23of the clip20may include a flange24. The clips20may include a first set of prongs26located adjacent to the flange24. The first set of prongs26may be of any appropriate size or shape, but are preferably of a generally rectangular shape. The first set of prongs26may project outwardly relative to the tubular body22and may be angled towards the flange24. It will be appreciated, however, that the prongs26may be positioned at any appropriate angle. The flange24and the first set of prongs26may be operable to secure the plate30located therebetween, as shown inFIGS. 10-12.

With further reference toFIGS. 2-6, the clips20may also include a set of intermediate prongs27. The intermediate set of prongs27may be of any appropriate size or shape, but are also preferably of a generally rectangular shape. The intermediate prongs27may project inward relative to the tubular body22and into the central aperture29. The intermediate prongs27may be operable to engage the threads of a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt, screw or the like. The clips20may hold the fastener within the central aperture29until the fastener is later secured and tightened via a corresponding fastener (not shown), such as a nut or the like.

With additional reference toFIGS. 2-6, the clips20may further include a third set of prongs28. The third set of prongs28may be of any appropriate size or shape, but are preferably of a generally triangular shape. The third set of prongs28may be formed on the tubular body22and may be located between the intermediate prongs27and the proximal end25of the clip20. The third set of prongs28may project outwardly relative to the tubular body22and may be angled towards the flange24. It will be appreciated, however, that the third set of prongs28may be positioned at any suitable angle. The third set of prongs28may be operable to engage the interior of the sleeve40and may lockingly secure the sleeve40about the clips20. While the present embodiment illustrates each set of prongs26,27,28comprising between two and four prongs each, it will be appreciated that any suitable and appropriate number of prongs per set may be employed.

The clips20may also include a longitudinal split21, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. The longitudinal split21may simplify manufacturing by relaxing the tolerances of the diameter of the clips20while also allowing the clips20to flex as it is being inserted into the sleeve40and/or flex while receiving a fastener. The clips20may be formed from any durable and resilient sheet material, such as a metal, a polymer, or a composite. However, it will be appreciated that the clips20may be formed from any appropriate and suitable material and by any suitable process, including but not limited to stamping, drawing, pressing, extruding, molding, etc.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7-9, each plate30may include a body32and a central aperture34. The central aperture34may be sized to coaxially receive the tubular body22of a clip20, yet may also be small enough that the first set of prongs26may be capable of securing the plate30between the prongs26and flange24of the clip20whereby the plate30may not be permitted to slide back down the tubular body22after the plate30has passed the first set of prongs26. The plate30may be constructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, polymer, composite, etc.

As shown inFIG. 12, the sleeve40may be of a generally tubular body42having a central opening44. The ends of the sleeve40may be flared, such as at46, to accommodate the first set of prongs26on each clip20. The sleeve40may also be constructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, polymer, composite, etc.

The body mount10may typically be used in cooperation with a pair of resilient blocks (not shown) and a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or the like, to secure a vehicle body (not shown) to a vehicle frame (not shown). For example, to utilize the body mount10in such a manner, a clip20and plate30subassembly may be assembled as follows, each of which will hereinafter be referred to as a “clip-and-plate subassembly”90, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11.

The body mount10preferably includes two clip-and-plate subassemblies90. The proximal end25of a clip20may be introduced to an aperture34of a corresponding plate30. The plate30may be slid from the proximal end25of the clip20towards the distal end23thereof. As the plate30passes the third set of prongs28, the third set of prongs28may be squeezed inwardly thereby allowing the plate30to pass. Thereafter, once the plate30has cleared the third set of prongs28, the third set of prongs28may spring outwardly to substantially return to their original position. Likewise, as the plate30passes the first set of prongs26, the first set of prongs26may be squeezed inwardly thereby allowing the plate30to pass. Thereafter, once the plate30has cleared the first set of prongs26, the first set of prongs26may spring outwardly to substantially return to their original position and to lockingly secure the plate30between the first set of prongs26and the flange24.

Next, a sleeve40may be coaxially disposed about the tubular body22of the first clip-and-plate subassembly90by introducing the proximal end25of the clip20to the central opening44of the sleeve40and coaxially sliding the sleeve40from the proximal end25of the clip20towards the distal end23of the clip20. The third set of prongs28may engage the interior of the sleeve40and permit the sleeve40to slide towards the distal end23of the clip20, but, at the same time, prohibit the sleeve40from sliding back towards the proximal end25of the clip20. The sleeve40may also further bias the plate30against the flange24of the clip20. The clip-and-plate subassembly with the sleeve40disposed about the tubular body22of the clip20will hereinafter be referred to as the “clip-plate-sleeve subassembly” (not shown).

An upper resilient block (not shown), having an aperture (not shown), may then be placed atop an upper face of a vehicle frame (not shown) where the aperture of the upper resilient block may be in coaxial alignment with an opening in the vehicle frame. The aforementioned clip-plate-sleeve subassembly may then be passed through the aperture of the upper resilient block and opening in the vehicle frame such that the plate30rests atop the upper resilient block and the clip20and sleeve40project downwardly through the aperture of the upper resilient block and frame opening.

A lower resilient block (not shown), having an aperture (not shown), may then placed against the underface of the vehicle frame (not shown) such that the aperture of the lower resilient block is in coaxial alignment with the opening in the frame. A second clip-and-plate subassembly90may then be passed through the aperture of the lower resilient block and opening in the vehicle frame such that the plate30of the second clip-and-plate subassembly90may rest against the outer face of the lower resilient block, and the tubular body22of the clip20may project upwardly through the aperture of the lower resilient block and frame opening. The clip20of the second clip-and-plate subassembly90may be inserted into the opening44of the sleeve40of the clip-plate-sleeve subassembly such that the third set of prongs28of the second clip20may engage the interior of the sleeve40, thereby securing the second clip-plate subassembly90to the clip-plate-sleeve subassembly so as to complete the assembly of the body mount10. The upper and lower resilient blocks are thus secured to the vehicle frame by the body mount10.

A body of a vehicle (not shown) may then be placed atop the upper resilient block such that an aperture in the vehicle body may be in coaxial alignment with the aperture50of the body mount10, where the aperture50of the body mount10is defined by the coaxially aligned apertures29of the respective clips20. A fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or the like, may then be passed through the aperture50of the body mount10whereby the respective intermediate prongs27of the clips20hold the fastener in position until the fastener is later secured and tightened via another corresponding fastener (not shown), such as a nut or the like.

Referring now toFIGS. 7-9and13-19, an alternative embodiment of a body mount110is shown. The body mount110may include two clip-plate subassemblies190connected and held together by a sleeve140. Each clip-plate subassembly190may include a clip120and a plate30. Thus, the body mount110may require two clips120and two plates30to be fully assembled with the sleeve140, as shown inFIG. 19. When assembled, the clips120may be located adjacent to one another. The pair of clips120are preferably the same, however, it is to be understood that they may be the same or different clips.

Since the clips120are similar, the following description of the clip20will be understood to apply to both clips120needed for the body mount110. With reference toFIGS. 13-16, the clip120may include a distal end123and a proximal end125. It is to be understood that the clip120may be of any appropriate size, diameter and length, but is preferably of a circular shape. The body mount110may also include two plates30, where each plate30may be disposed about the distal end123of the corresponding clip120. The body mount110may further include a sleeve140that may be disposed about the clips120and located between the plates30.

As shown inFIGS. 13-16, each clip120may have a generally tubular body122with a central aperture129located through the body122from the distal end123to the proximal end125. The distal end123of the clip120may include a flange124. The clips120may include a first set of prongs126located adjacent to the flange124. The first set of prongs126may be of any appropriate size or shape, but are preferably of a generally rectangular shape. The first set of prongs126may project outwardly relative to the tubular body122and may be angled towards the flange124. It will be appreciated, however, that the prongs126may be positioned at any appropriate angle. The flange124and the first set of prongs126may be operable to secure a plate30located therebetween.

With reference toFIGS. 13-16, the clips120may also include a set of intermediate prongs127. The intermediate set of prongs127may be of any appropriate size or shape, but are preferably of a generally triangular shape. The intermediate prongs27may project inward relative to the tubular body122and into the central aperture129. The intermediate prongs127may be operable to engage the threads of a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt, screw or the like. The clips120may hold the fastener within the central aperture129until the fastener is later secured and tightened via a corresponding fastener (not shown), such as a nut or the like.

With further reference toFIGS. 13-16, the clips120may further include a third set of prongs128. The third set of prongs128may be of any appropriate size or shape, but are also preferably of a generally triangular shape. The third set of prongs128may be formed on the tubular body122and may be located between the intermediate prongs127and the proximal end125of the clip120. The third set of prongs128may project outwardly relative to the tubular body122and may be angled towards the flange124. It will be appreciated, however, that the third set of prongs128may be positioned at any suitable angle. The third set of prongs128may be operable to engage the interior of the sleeve140and may lockingly secure the sleeve140about the clips120. While the present embodiment illustrates each set of prongs126,127,128comprising between two and four prongs each, it will be appreciated that any suitable and appropriate number of prongs per set may be employed.

The clips120may also include a longitudinal split121, as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16. The longitudinal split121may simplify manufacturing by relaxing the tolerances of the diameter of the clips120while also allowing the clips120to flex as it is being inserted into the sleeve140and/or flex while receiving a fastener. The clips120may be formed from any durable and resilient sheet material, such as a metal, a polymer, or a composite. However, it will be appreciated that the clips120may be formed from any appropriate and suitable material and by any suitable process, including but not limited to stamping, drawing, pressing, extruding, molding, etc.

As discussed above, each plate30may include a body32and a central aperture34, as illustrated inFIGS. 7-9. The central aperture34may be sized to coaxially receive the tubular body122of a clip120, yet may also be small enough that the first set of prongs126may be capable of securing the plate30between the prongs126and flange124of the clip120whereby the plate30may not be permitted to slide back down the tubular body122after the plate30has passed the first set of prongs126. The plate30may be constructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, polymer, composite, etc.

As shown inFIG. 19, the sleeve140may be of a generally tubular body142having a central opening144. The ends of the sleeve140may be flared, such as at146, to accommodate the first set of prongs126on each clip120. The sleeve140may also be constructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, polymer, composite, etc.

As also discussed above, the body mount110may typically be used in cooperation with a pair of resilient blocks (not shown) and a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or the like, to secure a vehicle body (not shown) to a vehicle frame (not shown). For example, to utilize the body mount110in such a manner, a clip120and plate30subassembly may be assembled as follows, each of which will hereinafter be referred to as a “clip-and-plate subassembly”190, as illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18.

The body mount110preferably includes two clip-and-plate subassemblies190. The proximal end125of a clip120may be introduced to an aperture34of a corresponding plate30. The plate30may be slid from the proximal end125of the clip120towards the distal end123thereof. As the plate30passes the third set of prongs128, the third set of prongs128may be squeezed inwardly thereby allowing the plate30to pass. Thereafter, once the plate30has cleared the third set of prongs128, the third set of prongs128may spring outwardly to substantially return to their original position. Likewise, as the plate30passes the first set of prongs126, the first set of prongs126may be squeezed inwardly thereby allowing the plate30to pass. Thereafter, once the plate30has cleared the first set of prongs126, the first set of prongs126may spring outwardly to substantially return to their original position and to lockingly secure the plate30between the first set of prongs126and the flange124.

Next, a sleeve140may be coaxially disposed about the tubular body122of the first clip-and-plate subassembly190by introducing the proximal end125of the clip120to the central opening144of the sleeve140and coaxially sliding the sleeve140from the proximal end125of the clip120towards the distal end123of the clip120. The third set of prongs128may engage the interior of the sleeve140and permit the sleeve140to slide towards the distal end123of the clip120, but, at the same time, prohibit the sleeve40from sliding back towards the proximal end125of the clip120. The sleeve140may also further bias the plate30against the flange124of the clip120. The clip-and-plate subassembly with the sleeve140disposed about the tubular body122of the clip120will hereinafter be referred to as the “clip-plate-sleeve subassembly” (not shown).

An upper resilient block (not shown), having an aperture (not shown), may then be placed atop an upper face of a vehicle frame (not shown) where the aperture of the upper resilient block may be in coaxial alignment with an opening in the vehicle frame. The aforementioned clip-plate-sleeve subassembly may then be passed through the aperture of the upper resilient block and opening in the vehicle frame such that the plate30rests atop the upper resilient block and the clip120and sleeve140project downwardly through the aperture of the upper resilient block and frame opening.

A lower resilient block (not shown), having an aperture (not shown), may then placed against the underface of the vehicle frame (not shown) such that the aperture of the lower resilient block is in coaxial alignment with the opening in the frame. A second clip-and-plate subassembly190may then be passed through the aperture of the lower resilient block and opening in the vehicle frame such that the plate30of the second clip-and-plate subassembly190may rest against the outer face of the lower resilient block, and the tubular body122of the clip120may project upwardly through the aperture of the lower resilient block and frame opening. The clip120of the second clip-and-plate subassembly190may be inserted into the opening144of the sleeve140of the clip-plate-sleeve subassembly such that the third set of prongs128of the second clip120may engage the interior of the sleeve140, thereby securing the second clip-plate subassembly190to the clip-plate-sleeve subassembly so as to complete the assembly of the body mount110. The upper and lower resilient blocks are thus secured to the vehicle frame by the body mount110.

A body of a vehicle (not shown) may then be placed atop the upper resilient block such that an aperture in the vehicle body may be in coaxial alignment with the aperture150of the body mount110, where the aperture150of the body mount110is defined by the coaxially aligned apertures129of the respective clips120. A fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or the like, may then be passed through the aperture150of the body mount110whereby the respective intermediate prongs127of the clips120hold the fastener in position until the fastener is later secured and tightened via another corresponding fastener (not shown), such as a nut or the like.

The embodiments of the invention have been described above and, obviously, modifications and alternations will occur to others upon reading and understanding this specification. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.