Patent · US Expired

Mounting bracket assembly for a sunshade and method of installing the same

US5857728A · kind A · utility

26Cited by
2References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 19, 1996
Grant dateJan 12, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 19, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60J3/0221
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A sunshade mounting bracket assembly for mounting a sunshade to a vehicle without the use of tools or fasteners. The bracket assembly includes an outer bracket, an inner bracket, and an elbow to which the sunshade is attached. The outer bracket is mountable to an apertured panel such as the sheet metal interior roof of the vehicle. The inner bracket includes resilient locking prongs which define an interior cavity into which the elbow is inserted. The resilient locking prongs are structured to be insertable into an opening in the outer bracket. After their insertion into the outer bracket, the prongs engage the outer bracket when the inner bracket is axially rotated relative to the outer bracket from a first rotational orientation to a second rotational orientation for use. During their engagement with the outer bracket, the prongs are compressed radially inward and drawn axially into the outer bracket. The inner and outer brackets are secured against relative rotation when in the second rotational orientation by non-flexing locking ramps disposed on a one of the brackets which interfit with corresponding locking recesses located on the other bracket. The locking blocks are drawn i…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.