Patent Publication Number: US-2023133589-A1

Title: Universal mounting tabs and kits for automotive components

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/673,351, filed Nov. 4, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/362,668, filed Mar. 24, 2019, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/647,787, filed Mar. 25, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Automotive components are frequently damaged in accidents. However, the prevalence of plastic parts in the automotive industry means that breakage of a single, integrated plastic mounting bracket is typically all that is needed to prevent an entire high value component from being salvaged. Thus, many automotive repairs are unnecessarily expensive. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides mounting tabs and kits for automotive components, methods for providing mounting tabs on automotive components where none previously existed, and methods for replacing or repairing broken mounting tabs. For example, the mounting tabs, kits and methods disclosed herein are well suited for the repair of high value components, including vehicle components for automobiles, aircraft, watercraft, and human-powered vehicles (bicycles, kayaks, canoes, etc.). The mounting tabs disclosed herein partially or completely cover and conceal a portion of a damaged automotive component, and the tabs are easily assembled (e.g., by snapping together pieces of the mounting tab). 
     In an aspect, a mounting tab for an automotive component comprises a cover for receiving a portion of the automotive component and a mounting feature extending from the cover or disposed within an external wall of the cover. 
     In an embodiment, the external surface and/or the internal surface of the cover has a form factor that is substantially rectangular, substantially square, substantially cylindrical, or substantially pyramidal. 
     In an embodiment, the external surface and/or the internal surface of the cover comprises a complex form factor conforming to a complex shape of the portion of the automotive component. 
     In an aspect, a mounting tab for an automotive component comprises a cover for receiving a portion of the automotive component, wherein the cover comprises a complex form factor conforming to a complex shape of the portion of the automotive component, and a mounting feature extending from the cover or disposed within an external wall of the cover. 
     In an embodiment, the cover comprises a first piece and a second piece for sandwiching a portion of an automotive component, wherein the first piece is securable solely to the portion of the automotive component and the second piece is securable solely to the first piece or wherein the first piece, the second piece and the portion of the automotive component form a sandwiched stack securable via a hole penetrating through the sandwiched stack. 
     In an embodiment, a portion of the automotive component that the mounting tab is secured to comprises at least one boss. In an embodiment, the first piece has at least one hole configured to align with a boss of the portion of the automotive component when the first piece and the portion are mated. In an embodiment, the second piece has at least one hole configured to align with a boss of the first piece when the first piece and the second piece are mated. 
     In an embodiment, the first piece and the second piece are hinged together. 
     In an embodiment, the first piece and the second piece are complimentary male and female pieces. 
     In an embodiment, a cover comprises at least three external walls oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane. In an embodiment, a cover comprises at least four walls oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane. In an embodiment, a cover comprising three or four walls forms a pocket or cavity. 
     In an embodiment, a cover comprises at least one securement extension for receiving means for fixing the cover to the automotive component. In an embodiment, a mounting tab or cover comprises at least one securement extension configured to at least partially wrap at least two surfaces of the automotive component. In an embodiment, the securement extension forms a substantially linear slot. In an embodiment, the substantially linear slot is open at one end or both ends. In an embodiment, the securement extension comprises a plurality of mounting holes. 
     In an embodiment, an external wall of the cover abuts a wall of the automotive component in an end-to-end configuration, thereby forming a substantially planar contiguous surface. 
     In an embodiment, the mounting feature comprises a bolt hole. In an embodiment, the bolt hole is a slotted bolt hole. 
     In an embodiment, the mounting feature comprises one or more structural braces. 
     In an embodiment, a mounting tab comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic, a photopolymer resin, an elastomer, a metal, a metal alloy and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, a mounting tab material comprises a filler, such as powdered glass, a powdered mineral or a combination thereof. 
     In an embodiment, an automotive component is selected from the group consisting of a vehicle head light casing, a vehicle tail light casing, an interior light casing, a dashboard, a glove box, a compartment hatch, a steering wheel, a shift knob, a sensor module, a sun visor, a fog light, fascia, a bumper, a bumper cover, a bumper energy absorber, an air dam, a grill, a wheelhouse liner, a sensor housing, a camera housing, an engine shield, an engine cover, an engine sideshield, an undershield, a silencer undershield, an underbody shield, a radiator, a module housing, a module cover, an electrical trough, a fuse box, a false floor, a false floor cover, a load floor system, a load floor cover, a control module cover, a control module housing, a battery cover, a battery tray, a bezel, trim molding, garnish molding, step pads, a washer fluid bottle, a radiator overflow bottle, a coolant reservoir, and other vehicle components. 
     In an embodiment, the cover and/or mounting feature comprises a retaining feature and/or a receiving feature. 
     In an embodiment, a mounting tab further comprises an insert configured for placement opposite a cover. In an embodiment, the insert comprises a retaining feature and/or a receiving feature. 
     In an embodiment, a retaining feature comprises a flanged pin, a hook, or a non-removable fastener. In an embodiment, a receiving feature comprises an opening, a slot, a detent, a ratchet surface, or an integrated retaining nut. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the retaining features and receiving features described herein can be snapped together to easily secure the disclosed mounting tabs in place. 
     In an aspect, a kit for providing a tab of an automotive component comprises a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component having a mounting feature extending from the cover or disposed within an external wall of the cover and instructions for securing the cover to the automotive component. 
     In an aspect, a method of applying a mounting tab to an automotive component comprises mating the mounting tab with the automotive component and securing the mounting tab to the automotive component. In an embodiment, a method of applying a mounting tab to an automotive component further comprises removing an uneven, broken portion of an original mounting tab. For example, the step of removing an uneven portion of an original mounting tab may include cutting, and optionally sanding, the uneven portion to create a straight edge. 
     In an embodiment, the step of securing comprises mechanical fastening. In an embodiment, the step of securing comprises screwing, riveting, gluing, cementing, welding, epoxying, snapping together matched pieces, and combinations thereof. For example, a two-part epoxy, screws with locking nuts, screws secured with adhesives, glue (with or without an adhesion promoter), nitrogen welding, sonic welding, iron welding, or other means of fixing and securing a mounting tab to an automotive component may be used. Any hole necessary to secure a mounting tab disclosed herein to an automotive component may be drilled by an installer. 
     In an embodiment, a mounting tab disclosed herein may further comprise one or more protrusions for contacting the automotive component. The purpose of the one or more protrusions is to provide proper alignment of the mounting tab with at least a portion of the automotive component and/or to set a predetermined distance or spacing between the automotive component and the mounting tab. 
     In an embodiment, the portion of the automotive component contacting a protrusion of a mounting tab is a relief feature of an automotive component. In an embodiment, the portion of the automotive component contacting a protrusion of a mounting tab is a relief feature of an automotive component, the relief feature having a complex shape. 
     In an embodiment, the portion of the automotive component contacting a protrusion of a mounting tab is a broken portion of an automotive component that is integral with the automotive component. In an embodiment, the portion of the automotive component contacting a protrusion of a mounting tab is a broken portion of an original mounting tab that remains attached to the automotive component. 
     Mounting tabs disclosed herein may be manufactured by techniques known in the art, including, but not limited to, laser cutting and printing, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, injection molding, casting and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, additive manufacturing may utilize a powder, a filament, a bonding agent or combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, an internal surface of a cover traces a complex external surface of an automotive component with a tolerance of +/−0.25 mm, holes are positioned within +/−0.25 mm of the true position, and the thickness of the cover wall is approximately 2.5 mm. In an embodiment, a mounting feature is sized, positioned and shaped to match the specifications of an original OEM mounting feature. 
     In an embodiment, a mounting tab may be customized to mate with a portion of an automotive component by performing a 3D scan on the portion of the automotive component. Based on the 3D scan, a mounting tab cover, such as an internal surface of a cover, can be configured to match the complex surface shape of the automotive component. 
     In an embodiment, mounting tabs disclosed herein have a tensile strength selected from the range of 20 MPa to 500 MPa, or 30 MPa to 250 MPa, or 40 MPa to 100 MPa, or 45 MPa to 75 MPa. In an embodiment, mounting tabs disclosed herein have a tensile modulus selected from the range of 1000 MPa to 5000 MPa, or 1200 MPa to 2500 MPa, or 1400 MPa to 2000 MPa, or 1600 MPa to 1800 MPa. In an embodiment, mounting tabs disclosed herein have an elongation at break selected from the range of 10% to 30%, or 12% to 25%, or 15% to 20%. In an embodiment, mounting tabs disclosed herein have a heat deflection temperature selected from the range of 75° C. to 275° C., or 85° C. to 200° C., or 90° C. to 175° C. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: 
         FIGS.  1 A,  1 B,  1 C,  1 D,  1 E,  1 F,  1 G and  1 H  show a mounting tab for sandwiching a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D,  2 E,  2 F and  2 G  show hinged versions of a mounting tab for sandwiching a portion of an automotive component, according to multiple embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    shows a mounting tab comprising a mounting feature extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  show a mounting tab comprising a mounting feature extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  show a mounting tab comprising a mounting feature without a bolt hole extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  6 A,  6 B,  6 C,  6 D and  6 E  show mounting tabs comprising a mounting feature extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to multiple embodiments; 
         FIGS.  7 A,  7 B and  7 C  show a mounting tab comprising a mounting feature extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  8 A,  8 B,  8 C,  8 D,  8 E and  8 F  show mounting tabs comprising a mounting feature extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to multiple embodiments; 
         FIG.  9    shows a mounting tab comprising a mounting feature extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D  show a mounting tab comprising a mounting feature disposed within an exterior wall of a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  11 A,  11 B,  11 C,  11 D and  11 E  show mounting tabs comprising a mounting feature extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component and an insert configured for placement opposite the cover and adjacent a broken portion of an original mounting tab, according to multiple embodiments; 
         FIGS.  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D,  12 E and  12 F  show mounting tabs comprising a mounting feature extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component and an insert configured for placement opposite the cover and adjacent a broken portion of an original mounting tab, according to multiple embodiments; and 
         FIGS.  13 A,  13 B and  13 C  show a mounting tab comprising a mounting feature extending from a cover for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In general, the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The following definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of this description. 
     As used herein, “mounting tab” and “mounting bracket” may be used interchangeably to refer to a portion of an object configured for receiving means for securing the object to another object. Generally, a mounting tab extends or protrudes from a main body of the object such that, in many embodiments, the mounting tab forms an outermost boundary of the object. 
     As used herein, the term “cover” refers to a portion of a mounting tab configured to partially or completely encapsulate a broken portion of a mounting tab that was originally part of an OEM automotive component. 
     As used herein, the term “automotive components” includes components for automobiles, aircraft, watercraft, and human-powered vehicles (bicycles, kayaks, canoes, etc.). 
     The terms “direct and indirect” describe the actions or physical positions of one component relative to another component. For example, a component that “directly” acts upon or touches another component does so without intervention from an intermediary. Contrarily, a component that “indirectly” acts upon or touches another component does so through an intermediary (e.g., a third component). 
     “Polymer” refers to a macromolecule composed of repeating structural units connected by covalent chemical bonds or the polymerization product of one or more monomers, often characterized by a high molecular weight. The term polymer includes homopolymers, or polymers consisting essentially of a single repeating monomer subunit. The term polymer also includes copolymers, or polymers consisting essentially of two or more monomer subunits, such as random, block, alternating, segmented, grafted, tapered and other copolymers. Useful polymers include organic polymers or inorganic polymers that may be in amorphous, semi-amorphous, crystalline or partially crystalline states. Crosslinked polymers having linked monomer chains are particularly useful for some applications. Polymers useable in the methods, devices and components include, but are not limited to, plastics, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, elastoplastics, thermoplastics and acrylates. Exemplary polymers include, but are not limited to, acetal polymers, biodegradable polymers, cellulosic polymers, fluoropolymers, nylons, polyacrylonitrile polymers, polyamide-imide polymers, polyimides, polyarylates, polybenzimidazole, polybutylene, polycarbonate, polyesters, polyetherimide, polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers and modified polyethylenes, polyketones, poly(methyl methacrylate), polymethylpentene, polyphenylene oxides and polyphenylene sulfides, polyphthalamide, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethanes, styrenic resins, sulfone-based resins, vinyl-based resins, rubber (including natural rubber, styrene-butadiene, polybutadiene, neoprene, ethylene-propylene, butyl, nitrile, silicones), acrylic, nylon, polycarbonate, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin or any combinations of these. 
     “Elastomer” refers to a polymeric material that can be stretched or deformed and returned to its original shape without substantial permanent deformation. Elastomers commonly undergo substantially elastic deformations. Useful elastomers include those comprising polymers, copolymers, composite materials or mixtures of polymers and copolymers. Exemplary elastomers include, but are not limited to silicon containing polymers such as polysiloxanes including poly(dimethyl siloxane) (i.e. PDMS and h-PDMS), poly(methyl siloxane), partially alkylated poly(methyl siloxane), poly(alkyl methyl siloxane) and poly(phenyl methyl siloxane), silicon modified elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic materials, olefinic materials, polyolefin, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers, polyamides, synthetic rubbers, polyisobutylene, poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), polyurethanes, polychloroprene and silicones. 
     The term “additive manufacturing” refers to manufacturing processes that may be used to produce functional, three-dimensional, complex objects, layer-by-layer, without molds or dies. 
     Exemplary mounting tabs can be seen in  FIGS.  1 - 13   , which are described hereafter. The specific embodiments illustrated in these figures are but a few of the configurations possible, and it is contemplated that features (e.g., structural supports, hinges, inserts, retaining and receiving features, bosses, etc.) shown in connection with a specific mounting tab can be applied to any mounting tab disclosed herein. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 H  show a mounting tab  100  for sandwiching a portion of an automotive component  102 , such as a headlamp assembly, according to an embodiment. In  FIG.  1 A , a first piece  104  of mounting tab  100  is aligned with the back of a broken mounting tab  106  on the headlamp assembly. In  FIG.  1 B , first piece  104  is mated with the broken portion  106  of automotive component  102  and secured to the broken portion  106  by screws  108  passing through holes in first piece  104  into a pair of bosses of the broken portion  106 .  FIG.  1 C  shows screws  108  and the complex form factor of first piece  104 , which traces the complex shape of the broken portion  106 . Also in  FIG.  1 B , a second piece  112  of mounting tab  100  is aligned with a front of the broken portion  106 , such that first piece  104  and second piece  112  sandwich and cover the broken portion  106 . In  FIG.  1 D , second piece  112  is secured to first piece  104  by a pair of screws  114  passing through holes in second piece  112  into bosses  110  of first piece  104 . Mounting tab  100  includes a mounting feature  120  to replace the mounting feature of the original mounting tab. As shown, mounting feature  120  comprises a bolt hole  122 . 
       FIGS.  1 E and  1 F  show front perspective views and  FIGS.  1 G and  1 H  show back perspective views of a sandwich-style mounting tab, where first piece  104 , second piece  112  and the broken portion form a sandwiched stack securable via a hole penetrating through the entire sandwiched stack. Nuts and bolts are used to secure the sandwiched stack either through an existing boss or pair of bosses or through a drilled hole. Again, mounting tab  100  includes mounting feature  120  to replace the mounting feature of the original mounting tab. 
       FIGS.  2 A,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D,  2 E,  2 F and  2 G  show hinged versions of a mounting tab  200  for sandwiching a portion of an automotive component  202 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  2 A  shows a first piece  204  of mounting tab  200  mated with a broken portion  206  of an original mounting tab, and a second piece  208  raised above first piece  204  on a hinge. As shown in  FIG.  2 B , first piece  204  is secured to broken portion  206  with a pair of screws. Once second piece  208  is lowered to cover the broken piece, it is secured to first piece  204  by a pair of screws joining with bosses  210  of first piece  204 . It is also contemplated that a hinged mounting tab for sandwiching a portion of an automotive component can form a sandwiched stack securable via a hole penetrating through the entire sandwiched stack. For example, one or more holes could be drilled through the sandwiched stack. As shown, a mounting feature  212  extends from cover  214 . Mounting feature  212  comprises a bolt hole  216 . The hinged mounting tab  200  of  FIGS.  2 D- 2 G  has the same general features as the mounting tab of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , but it also includes retaining features  220  on first piece  204  and, optionally, locating pins  222  configured to align with openings of broken portion  206 . As shown, retaining features  220  are hooks that hold second piece  208  in the down position.  FIG.  2 F  is a sideview of mounting tab  200  illustrating a configuration where retaining features  220  are staggered along a longitudinal axis of mounting tab  200  to disperse compressive forces on second piece  208 .  FIG.  2 G  shows cross section A-A marked in  FIG.  2 F , with details of a retaining feature  220  and locating pins  222  visible. 
       FIG.  3    shows a mounting tab  300  comprising a mounting feature  302  extending from a cover  304  for receiving and at least partially encasing a portion of an automotive component  306 , according to an embodiment. Cover  304  may have a generic shape. For example, an external and/or internal form factor of cover  304  may be substantially rectangular (as shown), substantially square, substantially cylindrical, or substantially pyramidal. In an embodiment, an external and/or internal form factor of cover  304  may be a complex form factor that substantially traces at least a portion of automotive component  306 . Mounting feature  302  comprises a plurality of structural supports  310  and a bolt hole  312 . 
       FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  show a mounting tab  400  comprising a mounting feature  402  extending from a cover  404  for receiving and at least partially encasing a portion of an automotive component  406 , according to an embodiment. Cover  404  comprises at least three walls that are substantially perpendicular to a plane, such as the substantially flat portion that sits atop automotive component  406 . Tab  400  also comprises a mounting feature  402  extending from cover  404 , and a pair of securement extensions  408 . The elevated mounting feature  402  comprises a plurality of structural supports  410 , including two raised legs, and a bolt hole  412 . Securement extensions  408  receive means, such as screws, for fixing cover  404  to automotive component  406 . 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  show a mounting tab  500  comprising a mounting feature  502  without a bolt hole extending from a cover  504  for receiving a portion of an automotive component  506 , according to an embodiment. Cover  504  comprises a complex form factor that substantially traces the complex shape of at least a portion of automotive component  506 . 
       FIGS.  6 A,  6 B,  6 C,  6 D and  6 E  show a mounting tab  600  comprising a mounting feature  602  extending from a cover  604  for receiving a portion of an automotive component  606 , according to an embodiment. Mounting tab  600  of  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  comprises a pair of securement extensions  608  configured to at least partially wrap at least two surfaces of automotive component  606 . Securement extensions  608  each form a substantially linear slot  610  that is open at both ends. Each securement extension  608  comprises a hole  612  aligned with a boss of cover  604 . Mounting feature  602  of tab  600  shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  includes a plurality of structural supports  614 , a bolt hole  616  and an additional opening  618 . Additional opening  618  may, for example, receive or accommodate other objects when automotive component  606  is mounted in a vehicle. Mounting tab  600  of  FIGS.  6 C- 6 E  has the same general features as the mounting tab shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , but cover  604  also includes retaining features  620  in the form of hooks  620 ( 1 ), such as ratchet hooks, and at least one flanged pin  620 ( 2 ). In addition, mounting tab  600  of  FIGS.  6 C- 6 E  mates with an insert  624  comprising receiving features  626  for accommodating retaining features  620 . As shown, receiving features  626  include a ratchet surface  626 ( 1 ) with grooves for mating with ratchet hook  620 ( 1 ) and an opening  626 ( 2 ) for receiving flanged pin  620 ( 2 ).  FIG.  6 D  defines cross sections A-A and B-B shown in  FIG.  6 E , where greater detail of ratchet hook  620 ( 1 ) and ratchet surface  626 ( 1 ) (section A-A, top) and flanged pin  620 ( 2 ) and opening  626 ( 2 ) (section B-B, bottom) are visible. 
       FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C,  8 A,  8 B,  8 C,  8 D,  8 E and  8 F  show mounting tabs  700  comprising a mounting feature  702  extending from a cover  704  for receiving a portion of an automotive component  706 . In the embodiments shown, mounting tabs  700  comprise one or more securement extensions  708  configured to at least partially wrap at least two surfaces of automotive component  706 . Securement extensions  708  each form a substantially linear slot  710  that is open at one end. Tabs  700  also include inserts  716  configured for placement opposite cover  704  and adjacent a broken portion  720  of an original mounting tab. Insert  716 , which may or may not comprise a boss  718 , acts as an anchor for fasteners or retaining features  720  passing through cover  704 , broken portion  720 , and insert  716 . Insert  716  may include an opening  726 ( 2 ) for receiving retaining feature  722 . Mounting tabs  700  of  FIGS.  7  and  8    differ in terms of the shapes of the cavities  712  formed by the external walls of cover  704  and the location of the holes for receiving means, such as screws and flanged pins  722 ( 2 ), for fixing covers  704  to automotive component  706 . In  FIG.  8   , one of the means for fixing cover  704  is disposed within cavity  712  formed by the cover. Mounting feature  702  of tab  700  includes a bolt hole  714 .  FIG.  8 E  defines cross section C-C shown in  FIG.  8 F , where greater detail of retaining feature  722  (flanged pin  722 ( 2 )) is visible. 
       FIG.  9    shows a mounting tab  900  comprising a mounting feature  902  extending from a cover  904  for receiving a portion of an automotive component, according to an embodiment. Mounting tab  900  of  FIG.  9    comprises a pair of securement extensions  906  configured to at least partially wrap at least two surfaces of an automotive component. Securement extensions  906  each form a substantially linear slot  908  that is open at at least one end. Further, at least one of securement extensions  906  comprises a plurality of mounting holes  910 . Mounting feature  902  comprises a plurality of structural supports  912  and a slotted bolt hole  914 . 
       FIGS.  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D  show a mounting tab  1000  comprising a mounting feature  1002  disposed within an exterior wall  1004  of a cover  1006  for receiving a portion of an automotive component  1008 , according to an embodiment. Mounting tab  1000  comprises at least one securement extension  1010  configured to at least partially wrap at least two surfaces of automotive component  1008 . Securement extension  1010  forms a substantially linear slot  1012  that is open at both ends. The embodiment of  FIG.  10    comprises more than four external walls that are substantially perpendicular to a common plane, such that a cavity or pocket  1014  is formed. An optional reinforcing structure  1016  is shown disposed within cavity or pocket  1014 . Further, as shown, an external wall of cover  1006  abuts a wall of automotive component  1008  in an end-to-end configuration, thereby forming a substantially planar contiguous surface  1018 . 
       FIG.  11 A  shows a mounting tab  1100  comprising a first piece  1102  and a second piece  1104 . First piece  1102  includes a cover  1106  for receiving a portion of an automotive component  1108  and a mounting feature  1110  extending from cover  1106 . Second piece  1104  forms an insert configured for placement opposite cover  1106  and adjacent a broken portion  1112  of an original mounting tab. Insert  1104 , which may or may not comprise a boss, acts as an anchor for fasteners and retaining features  1122  passing through cover  1106 , broken portion  1112  and insert  1104 . Insert  1104  also masks the broken portion  1112  of the original mounting tab. In  FIG.  11 A , two versions of insert  1104  are shown. One version has shorter sidewalls, which reveals a hook  1118  that forms a pocket for receiving the end of a screw, bolt, or push pin inserted into opening  1120 . In  FIG.  11 B , first piece  1102  of mounting tab  1100  is aligned with the back, top of a broken mounting tab  1112  and second piece  1104  of mounting tab  1100  is aligned with a front, bottom of broken mounting tab  1112 .  FIG.  11 C  shows mounting tab  1100  assembled to replace/repair broken mounting tab  1112 , which is fully encased by the first  1102  and second  1104  pieces. As shown, the first  1102  and/or second  1104  pieces have complex form factors. For example, notched edges  1114  of first piece  1102  are configured to engage with structural ribs of the original mounting tab. Mounting tab  1100  includes a mounting feature  1110  to replace the mounting feature of the original mounting tab. As shown, mounting feature  1110  comprises a bolt hole. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  11 D and  11 E , cover  1106  comprises receiving features  1124  in the form of openings for receiving retaining features  1122  (e.g., hooks) on insert/second piece  1104 . Cover  1106  also comprises a retaining feature  1122  in the form of a flanged pin (not shown) that passes through broken mounting tab  1112  and insert  1104 , as illustrated by dashed lines in  FIG.  11 D . The combination of receiving features and retaining features allows the parts of the mounting tab to be snapped together, as shown in  FIG.  11 E . 
       FIG.  12 A  shows a mounting tab  1200  comprising a first piece  1202  and a second piece  1204 . First piece  1202  includes a cover  1206  for receiving a portion of an automotive component  1208  and a mounting feature  1210  extending from cover  1206 . Second piece  1204  forms an insert that is configured for placement opposite cover  1206  and adjacent a broken portion  1212  of an original tab. The insert, which may or may not comprise a boss, acts as an anchor for fasteners or retaining features  1220  passing through cover  1206 , broken portion  1212 , and second piece/insert  1204 . In  FIG.  12 B , first piece  1202  of mounting tab  1200  is aligned with the back, top of a broken mounting tab  1212  and second piece  1204  of mounting tab  1200  is aligned with a front, bottom of broken mounting tab  1212 .  FIG.  12 C  shows mounting tab  1200  assembled to replace/repair broken mounting tab  1212 , which is fully encased by the first  1202  and second  1204  pieces. Mounting tab  1200  includes mounting feature  1210  to replace the mounting feature of the original mounting tab. As shown, mounting feature  1210  comprises a bolt hole  1214 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS.  12 D,  12 E and  12 F , cover  1206  comprises one or more retaining features  1220 , in the form of a flanged pin(s), that mate with a receiving feature  1224  of insert  1204 , as shown by dashed lines in  FIG.  12 D . In  FIGS.  12 D and  12 E , retaining feature  1224  is a slot  1224 ( 2 ) comprising detents  1224 ( 4 ) for securing the flanged pin(s). In  FIG.  12 F , receiving feature  1224  is an opening  1224 ( 6 ) for receiving a flanged pin, as shown by dashed lines. 
       FIGS.  13 A,  13 B and  13 C  show a mounting tab  1300  comprising a mounting feature  1302  extending from a cover  1304  for receiving a portion of an automotive component  1306 , according to an embodiment. Mounting tab  1300  includes mounting feature  1302  to replace the mounting feature of the original mounting tab. As shown, mounting feature  1302  comprises a bolt hole  1308 . In the embodiment shown, cover  1304  includes inserts  1310 , integrally formed with cover  1304 , configured for placement within a broken portion  1312  of an original mounting tab and opposite an outer wall of cover  1304 . Inserts  1310 , which may or may not comprise a boss, act as anchors for fasteners passing through cover  1304 , broken portion  1312 , and insert  1310 . 
     In an embodiment, a kit comprises one or more of the mounting tabs disclosed herein, instructions for using of the mounting tab(s), and optionally one or more fasteners and/or adhesives. 
     Statements Regarding Incorporation by Reference and Variations 
     All references cited throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents; patent application publications; and non-patent literature documents or other source material; are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference. 
     The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed can be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the invention and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention can be carried out using a large number of variations of the devices, device components, and method steps set forth in the present description. As will be apparent to one of skill in the art, methods and devices useful for the present methods and devices can include a large number of optional composition and processing elements and steps. 
     When a group of substituents is disclosed herein, it is understood that all individual members of that group and all subgroups are disclosed separately. When a Markush group or other grouping is used herein, all individual members of the group and all combinations and subcombinations possible of the group are intended to be individually included in the disclosure. 
     It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a tab” includes a plurality of such tabs and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably. The expression “of any of claims XX-YY” (wherein XX and YY refer to claim numbers) is intended to provide a multiple dependent claim in the alternative form, and in some embodiments is interchangeable with the expression “as in any one of claims XX-YY.” 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are described. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. 
     Whenever a range is given in the specification, for example, a range of integers, a temperature range, a time range, a composition range, or concentration range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values included in the ranges given are intended to be included in the disclosure. As used herein, ranges specifically include the values provided as endpoint values of the range. As used herein, ranges specifically include all the integer values of the range. For example, a range of 1 to 100 specifically includes the end point values of 1 and 100. It will be understood that any subranges or individual values in a range or subrange that are included in the description herein can be excluded from the claims herein. 
     As used herein, “comprising” is synonymous and can be used interchangeably with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim element. As used herein, “consisting essentially of” does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. In each instance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” can be replaced with either of the other two terms. The invention illustratively described herein suitably can be practiced in the absence of any element or elements or limitation or limitations which is/are not specifically disclosed herein. 
     All art-known functional equivalents of materials and methods are intended to be included in this disclosure. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed can be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.