Substrate attachment structure with rotary lock

Abstract

The invention provides a substrate attachment structure with a rotary lock. An attachment structure includes a base support having a plurality of mounting legs and a lock separate from the base support. The base support can be configured to hold one or more articles on the substrate. A plurality of mounting legs are configured to be received within a mounting hole of a substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an attachment structure for securing to a base panel in a cargo area, and more particularly to an attachment structure for easily and quickly attaching accessories to the base panel. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles transport various types of cargo. For example, a user may rely on a vehicle to transport accessories such as containers and tools to and from a job site. The accessories that need to be transported may vary based on the tasks that the user is performing at the job site. Additionally, the size and shape of the accessories may vary. A support surface in the cargo or work area may be configured to securely support the accessories. Summary of the invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment structure comprising: a base support having a plurality of mounting feet and a lock separate from the base support, wherein the base support is configurable to retain one or more items on a substrate, and wherein the plurality of mounting feet are configured to be received within mounting holes of the substrate.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment structure in which a base support includes a base surface having at least one attachment interface that cooperates with a support member to retain one or more items.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment structure in which a base support includes a flange surrounding a majority of a base surface and a wall transitioning from an inner peripheral portion of the flange to the base surface such that the base surface includes a raised boss.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment structure wherein a base support includes a first side having a base surface and a second side facing opposite the first side, and wherein a plurality of mounting feet extend outwardly from the second side of the base support and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment structure in which each mounting foot includes a base end attached to a base support and extending to a distal end bent at an angle relative to the base end.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment structure in which a plurality of mounting legs are received within a single mounting hole with an interference fit.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein is directed to an attachment structure, wherein the attachment structure includes an arm having a first end associated with a base support and a second end associated with a lock.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment structure wherein the lock includes at least one tab extending outward from a surface of the arm facing the substrate, and wherein the at least one tab is received in a locking hole formed in the substrate, the locking hole being different from the one mounting hole.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment structure wherein an arm includes an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, and wherein the second end of the arm includes a distal end portion bent at an angle relative to the elongated body to provide a graspable portion.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment system comprising: a substrate having a plurality of mounting holes; and an attachment structure comprising a base support having a plurality of mounting feet and a lock separate from the base support, wherein the base support is configurable to hold one or more items, and wherein the plurality of mounting feet are received in one of the plurality of mounting holes to attach the attachment structure to the substrate.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment system in which a substrate is mounted within a cargo area of ​​a vehicle.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment system in which a base support includes a base surface having at least one attachment interface that cooperates with a support member to retain one or more items.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment system wherein a base support includes a first side having a base surface and a second side facing opposite the first side, and wherein a plurality of mounting feet extend outwardly from the second side of the base support and are circumferentially spaced apart from one another.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment system wherein each mounting leg includes a base end attached to a base support and extending to a distal end bent at an angle relative to the base end, and wherein a plurality of mounting legs are received within a single mounting hole among a plurality of mounting holes with an interference fit.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment system in which an attachment structure includes an arm including an elongated body extending from a first end at a base support to a second end including a lock.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment system wherein the lock includes at least one tab extending outward from a surface of an arm facing a substrate, and wherein a base support is rotatable to move a plurality of mounting legs between an unlocked position and a locked position, and wherein the arm is rotatable to move the plurality of legs to the locked position while also aligning the at least one tab with a locking hole formed in the substrate.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an attachment system wherein the second end of the arm includes a distal end portion that is bent at an angle relative to the elongated body to provide a graspable portion.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: providing a substrate having a plurality of mounting holes and a plurality of locking holes separate from the plurality of mounting holes; forming an attachment structure to include a base support having a plurality of mounting legs and a lock separate from the base support; inserting the plurality of mounting legs into a single mounting hole of the plurality of mounting holes; and inserting the lock into a locking hole of the plurality of locking holes.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein is directed to a method wherein after inserting a plurality of mounting feet into a single mounting hole, the method further comprises rotating a base support until the plurality of mounting feet are in a locked position and a lock is aligned with one of the plurality of locking holes.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method that includes attaching one or more items to a base support.

[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings attached to the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

[0025] Figure 1A A perspective view of a vehicle having a cargo bed equipped with a base plate that may be used to secure accessories is shown according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1B A perspective view of a van having a cargo area equipped with a base plate that can be used to secure accessories is shown according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2A is a top perspective view of an example attachment structure.

[0028] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A bottom perspective view of the attachment structure.

[0029] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A side view of the attachment structure.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A A side cross-sectional view of an attachment structure mounted on a substrate.

[0031] Figure 4A is a top view of the attachment structure mounted on a base plate in an unlocked position.

[0032] Figure 4B is a top view of the attachment structure mounted on a base plate in a locked position.

[0033] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an attachment structure holding an accessory of a first type.

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an attachment structure holding an accessory of a second type.

[0035] Figure 7 is a side view of two attachment structures holding an accessory. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure provides an attachment structure that can be selectively fixed to a base plate including a plurality of mounting holes. The attachment structure is inserted into one of the mounting holes and then locked in place. The accessory can then be fixed to or supported by the attachment structure. The base plate can be mounted to a floor structure or a wall structure. The attachment structure for the accessory can be quickly and easily attached / detached without the use of tools.

[0037] In one example, an attachment system for an accessory is used on a vehicle. Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the vehicle 10 includes a passenger cabin 14 and a cargo area 16 located behind the passenger cabin 14. The cargo area 16 has a floor 18. In this example, the vehicle 10 is a pickup truck. However, in another example, the vehicle 10 can be another type of vehicle, such as a car, a van, a sport utility vehicle, etc. Figure 1B An example of a van is shown incorporating a base plate 20 having an accessory attachment system.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, one or more bases 20 are used to support one or more accessories and / or modules 22. In one example, the cargo bed 16 is formed by a pair of side walls 24 (for clarity, Figure 1A The vehicle 10 is defined by a side wall (only one side wall is shown), a rear wall 26, and a tailgate (not shown). In one example, the base plate 20 is directly secured to the walls 24, 26 and / or floor 18 of the cargo area 16 at a first connection interface by fastening, welding, etc. The accessories and / or modules 22 can be secured to the vehicle 10 by engaging one or more of the base plates 20 via a second connection interface separate from the first connection interface.

[0039] like Figure 1A to Figure 1B As shown in , the base plate 20 includes a plurality of mounting openings or holes 30. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C As shown, the example attachment structure 32 includes a base support 34 that includes one or more mounting feet 40. The attachment structure 32 can engage the base plate 20 by inserting the mounting feet 40 into a single mounting hole 30 to provide a mechanical connection interface. The hole 30 is spaced upward from the floor 18 or the side walls 24, 26 by an open gap so that the mounting feet 40 from the attachment structure 32 can be easily inserted into the base plate 20. The accessory 22 can then be selectively secured to the base support 34 to attach the accessory 22 to the base plate 20. In one example, the accessory 22 can be removed from the base support 34 and replaced with a different accessory 22 as needed.

[0040] As discussed above, the base plate 20 having the mounting holes 30 can be mounted to the walls 24, 26 or the floor 18 in the cargo area 16. In one example, the base plate 20 also includes other openings or holes 36 ( Figure 1A to Figure 1B ), and also includes an additional opening or locking hole 38 for allowing the base support 34 to be securely locked to the locking feature of the substrate 20. The power hole 36 and the locking hole 38 are spaced apart from each other and separated from the mounting hole 30. In one example, the holes 30, 36, 38 can have different shapes and / or sizes from each other. These groups of holes 30, 36, 38 are arranged at multiple locations on the substrate 20 and are formed on the substrate 20 in a desired pattern to allow the base support 34 to be installed in a variety of different locations as needed. In one example, the mounting hole 30 is formed to have a diamond shape and is larger in size than the power hole 36 and the locking hole 38.

[0041] In one example, the mounting holes 30 are formed in a four-corner pattern with the central power hole 36 located between the four corners and the locking holes 38 located between adjacent mounting holes 30. This pattern provides for easy and quick connection / disconnection.

[0042] As discussed above, the attachment structure 32 includes a base support 34 having a plurality of mounting feet 40. The attachment structure 32 also includes a lock 42 separate from the base support 34. The base support 34 can be configured to retain one or more items or accessories 22 on the base plate 20. In one example, the plurality of mounting feet 40 are configured to be received within one of the mounting holes 30 of the base plate 20, such as FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B shown.

[0043] exist Figure 2A In one example shown, the base support 34 includes a base surface 44 having at least one attachment interface 46 that is coupled to a support member 48 (FIG. 4 to FIG. 5 ). Figure 5 ) to hold one or more items or accessories 22. In one example, the attachment interface 46 includes a fastener attachment; however, other attachment interfaces, such as a snap fit, for example, may also be used. In one example, the area surrounding the attachment interface 46 is slightly thicker to reduce the chance of fastener pull-through during attachment of the support member 48. In one example, the support member 48 may include a ring structure, a cup holder, a camera handle, a smart device holder, etc.

[0044] In one example, the base support 34 includes a flange 50 surrounding a majority of the base surface 44 and a wall 52 transitioning from an inner peripheral portion of the flange 50 to the base surface 44 such that the base surface 44 includes a raised boss. In one example, the base surface 44 includes a generally flat surface that receives the support member 48. In one example, gussets 64 are provided that extend from an outer peripheral portion of the flange 50 to the wall 52 to increase rigidity. In one example, the gussets 64 are circumferentially spaced from each other and aligned with the foot 40.

[0045] The base support 34 includes a first side 54 having a base surface 44 and a second side 56 facing opposite the first side 54. In one example, a plurality of mounting feet 40 extend outwardly from the second side 56 of the base support 34 and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other, such as Figure 2B In one example, the base support 34 includes a flange portion 58 extending outwardly from the second side 56 of the base support 34. In one example, the mounting foot 40 extends outwardly from the flange portion 58.

[0046] In one example, each mounting foot 40 includes a base end 60 attached to the base support 34 via a flange portion 58. Optionally, the mounting foot 40 can extend directly from the base support 34. In one example, each foot 40 extends to a distal end 62 that is bent at an angle relative to the base end 60, such as Figure 2CAs shown. The distal end 62 is positioned radially outward relative to the base end 60. In one example, the transition between the base end 60 and the distal end 62 includes a flexible region to allow the distal end to flex and / or bend during insertion into the mounting hole 30. In one example, multiple mounting legs 40 are received in only a single mounting hole 40 with an interference fit ( Figure 3 ).

[0047] In one example, the attachment structure 32 includes an arm 66 having a first end 68 associated with the base support 34 and a second end 70 associated with the lock 42. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C In one example, the arm 66 includes an elongated body extending from a first end 68 to a second end 70 to form a straight and flat arm body having a first side 74 and a second side 76 facing opposite the first side 74. In one example, the second end 70 of the arm 66 also includes a distal end portion 72 bent at an angle relative to the elongated body of the arm 66 to provide a graspable portion.

[0048] In one example, the lock 42 includes at least one tab 78 extending outwardly from the second side 76 of the arm 66. The tab 78 is received within the locking hole 38 formed in the base plate 20 between adjacent mounting holes 30. In one example, the tab 78 includes a polygonal body that tapers from a wider portion at the arm 66 to a narrower distal end portion that fits into the locking hole 38. The tapered body facilitates insertion into the locking hole 38 and creates a wedging effect.

[0049] The distal end portion 72 of the arm 66 can be gripped to move the tab 78 into and out of the locking hole 38. In one example, the arm 66 is narrowed at the first end 68 by the base support 34 to provide a flexible connection interface to allow the arm 66 to flex when the tab 78 is inserted into the locking hole 38 to lock the attachment structure 32 in place, and to flex as the tab 78 is pulled out of the locking hole 38 to unlock the attachment structure 32. In one example, the central region of the elongated body of the arm 66 can be slightly thinned to increase the flexibility of the arm 66.

[0050] An exemplary method of attaching the attachment structure 32 to the substrate 20 includes inserting the plurality of mounting feet 40 into a single mounting hole 30 of the plurality of mounting holes 30. In one example, during insertion, the mounting feet 40 are aligned with the corners of the diamond-shaped mounting holes 30, such as Figure 4A After inserting the plurality of mounting feet 40 into the single mounting hole 30, the method further includes rotating the base support 34 and the mounting feet 40 until the lock 42 is aligned with one of the plurality of locking holes 38. Figure 4BAs shown, this locks the foot 40 in place along the side of the mounting hole 30, and the tab 78 can then be inserted into one of the locking holes 38. When in the locked position, the foot 40 extends below the base plate 20 so that the base portion 34 cannot be removed. To unlock and remove the attachment structure 32, the reverse operation is performed.

[0051] Figure 7 An example of using multiple attachment structures 32 to attach accessories 22 to a base plate 20 is shown. In this example, the mounting foot 40 of a first attachment structure 32a is inserted into one mounting hole 30a, and the mounting foot 40 of a second attachment structure 32b is inserted into another adjacent mounting hole 30b. The lock 42 of the first attachment structure 32a is inserted into one locking hole 38, and the lock 42 of the second attachment structure 32b is inserted into another locking hole 38. Support members 48 (such as boxes, boxes, suitcases, baskets, etc.) are attached to the attachment structures 32a, 32b using fasteners 80, which are attached via attachment interfaces 46 on the base support 34. Once the support member 48 is attached, items and accessories can be stored within the support member 48. The tabs 78 are positioned so that they are not covered by the support member 48. In addition, although two attachment structures 32a, 32b are shown, it should be understood that additional attachment structures 32 can be used as needed for the support member 48.

[0052] In one example, the attachment structure 32 can be configured to receive power from a vehicle power source. This power can then be supplied to the accessory 22 as needed.

[0053] In one example, the attachment structure 32 comprises a molded high-strength polyamide-imide reinforced plastic reinforced with glass fiber or graphite. Other similar materials may also be used. In one example, the mounting foot 40 may be formed using a double injection process to make it easier to turn the attachment insert.

[0054] The present disclosure provides an attachment structure for an accessory that can be quickly and easily attached to a base plate. In addition, the attachment structure has high strength and is easily adaptable to support a variety of different types of accessories. No tools or fasteners are required to quickly and easily attach the accessory support to the mounting hole pattern on the base plate.

[0055] The foregoing description is illustrative and non-restrictive in nature. Changes and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the changes and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted to the present disclosure can only be determined by studying the attached claims.

[0056] According to the present invention, an attachment structure is provided, the attachment structure having: a base support having a plurality of mounting feet and a lock separate from the base support, wherein the base support is configurable to retain one or more items on a substrate, and wherein the plurality of mounting feet are configured to be received within a mounting hole of the substrate.

[0057] According to one embodiment, a base support includes a base surface having at least one attachment interface that cooperates with a support member to retain one or more items.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the base support includes a flange surrounding a majority of the base surface and a wall transitioning from an inner peripheral portion of the flange to the base surface such that the base surface includes a raised boss.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the base support includes a first side having a base surface and a second side facing opposite the first side, and wherein a plurality of mounting feet extend outwardly from the second side of the base support and are circumferentially spaced apart from one another.

[0060] According to one embodiment, each mounting foot includes a base end attached to the base support and extending to a distal end bent at an angle relative to the base end.

[0061] According to one embodiment, a plurality of mounting feet are received within only a single mounting hole with an interference fit.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the attachment structure includes an arm having a first end associated with the base support and a second end associated with the lock.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the lock comprises at least one tab extending outwardly from a surface of the arm facing the base plate, and wherein the at least one tab is received in a locking hole formed in the base plate, the locking hole being different from the one mounting hole.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the arm comprises an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, and wherein the second end of the arm comprises a distal end portion bent at an angle relative to the elongated body to provide a graspable portion.

[0065] According to the present invention, an attachment system is provided, which has: a base plate having a plurality of mounting holes; and an attachment structure, wherein the attachment structure includes a base support having a plurality of mounting legs and a lock separate from the base support, wherein the base support can be configured to hold one or more items, and wherein the plurality of mounting legs are received in one of the plurality of mounting holes to attach the attachment structure to the base plate.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the substrate is mounted within a cargo area of ​​a vehicle.

[0067] According to one embodiment, a base support includes a base surface having at least one attachment interface that cooperates with a support member to retain one or more items.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the base support includes a first side having a base surface and a second side facing opposite the first side, and wherein a plurality of mounting feet extend outwardly from the second side of the base support and are circumferentially spaced apart from one another.

[0069] According to one embodiment, each mounting foot includes a base end attached to the base support and extending to a distal end bent at an angle relative to the base end, and wherein the plurality of mounting feet are received within a single mounting hole of the plurality of mounting holes with an interference fit.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the attachment structure includes an arm including an elongated body extending from a first end at the base support to a second end including the lock.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the lock includes at least one tab extending outwardly from a surface of the arm facing the base plate, and wherein the base support is rotatable to move the plurality of mounting legs between an unlocked position and a locked position, and wherein the arm is rotatable to move the plurality of legs to the locked position while also aligning the at least one tab with a locking hole formed in the base plate.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the second end of the arm includes a distal end portion bent at an angle relative to the elongated body to provide a graspable portion.

[0073] According to the present invention, a method includes: providing a substrate having a plurality of mounting holes and a plurality of locking holes separate from the plurality of mounting holes; forming an attachment structure to include a base support having a plurality of mounting legs and a lock separate from the base support; inserting the plurality of mounting legs into a single mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes; and inserting the lock into one of the plurality of locking holes.

[0074] In one aspect of the invention, after inserting the plurality of mounting feet into the single mounting hole, the method further comprises rotating the base support until the plurality of mounting feet are in a locked position and the lock is aligned with one of the plurality of locking holes.

[0075] In one aspect of the invention, the method attaches one or more items to a base support.

Claims

1. An attachment structure comprising: A base support having a plurality of mounting feet and a lock separate from the base support, wherein the base support is configurable to retain one or more items on a base plate and wherein the plurality of mounting feet are configured to be received within a mounting hole of the base plate.

2. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the base support comprises a base surface having at least one attachment interface, the at least one attachment interface cooperating with a support member to retain the one or more items.

3. The attachment structure of claim 2, wherein the base support includes a flange surrounding a majority of the base surface and a wall transitioning from an inner peripheral portion of the flange to the base surface such that the base surface includes a raised boss.

4. The attachment structure of claim 2, wherein the base support includes a first side having the base surface and a second side facing opposite the first side, and wherein the plurality of mounting feet extend outwardly from the second side of the base support and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

5. The attachment structure of claim 4, wherein each mounting foot includes a base end attached to the base support and extending to a distal end bent at an angle relative to the base end.

6. The attachment structure of claim 5, wherein the plurality of mounting legs are received in a single mounting hole with an interference fit.

7. The attachment structure of claim 1, wherein the attachment structure includes an arm having a first end associated with the base support and a second end associated with the lock.

8. An attachment structure as described in claim 7, wherein the lock includes at least one tab extending outward from the surface of the arm facing the substrate, and wherein the at least one tab is received in a locking hole formed in the substrate, the locking hole being different from the one mounting hole, and optionally, wherein the arm includes an elongated body extending from the first end to the second end, and wherein the second end of the arm includes a distal end portion bent at a certain angle relative to the elongated body to provide a graspable portion.

9. An attachment system comprising: A base plate having a plurality of mounting holes; as well as An attachment structure comprising: a base support having a plurality of mounting feet and a lock separate from the base support, wherein the base support is configurable to hold one or more items, and wherein the plurality of mounting feet are received within one of the plurality of mounting holes to attach the attachment structure to the substrate.

10. An attachment system as described in claim 9, wherein the base plate is mounted in a cargo area of ​​a vehicle, and / or wherein the base support includes a base surface having at least one attachment interface, and the at least one attachment interface cooperates with a support member to retain the one or more items.

11. An attachment system as described in claim 10, wherein the base support includes a first side having the base surface and a second side facing opposite to the first side, and wherein the plurality of mounting legs extend outwardly from the second side of the base support and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other, and optionally, wherein each mounting leg includes a base end, the base end being attached to the base support and extending to a distal end bent at a certain angle relative to the base end, and wherein the plurality of mounting legs are received in a single mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes with an interference fit.

12. The attachment system of claim 9, wherein the attachment structure includes an arm including an elongated body extending from a first end at the base support to a second end including the lock.

13. An attachment system as described in claim 12, wherein the lock includes at least one tab extending outward from a surface of the arm facing the substrate, and wherein the base support is capable of rotating to move the plurality of mounting legs between an unlocked position and a locked position, and wherein the arm is capable of rotating to move the plurality of legs to the locked position while also aligning the at least one tab with a locking hole formed in the substrate, and optionally wherein the second end of the arm includes a distal end portion bent at an angle relative to the elongated body to provide a graspable portion.

14. A method comprising: providing a base plate having a plurality of mounting holes and a plurality of locking holes separated from the plurality of mounting holes; forming the attachment structure to include a base support having a plurality of mounting feet and a lock separate from the base support; inserting the plurality of mounting legs into a single mounting hole among the plurality of mounting holes; as well as The lock is inserted into one of the plurality of locking holes.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein after inserting the plurality of mounting feet into the single mounting hole, the method further comprises rotating the base support until the plurality of mounting feet are in a locked position and the lock is aligned with one of the plurality of locking holes, and optionally, attaching one or more items to the base support.

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