The subject matter in general relates to a collapsible fender bracket to
be used in an automobile. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to a collapsible fender bracket that can be used in a front panel of automobiles.
BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] Referring to FIG. la, disclosed is an isometric view of a front panel
100 of an automobile. Also disclosed are directions with respect to the geometry of the automobile. The direction FW indicates the frontward direction of the automobile and the direction RW indicates the rearward direction of the automobile. The direction LS indicates the left side direction of the automobile as seen from within the cabin of the automobile and the direction RS indicates the right side direction of the automobile as seen from within the cabin of the automobile.
[004] The front panel 100 defines a vertical surface 102 and a top surface 104.
A front fender 114 may be attached to the front of the front panel 100 in the FW direction. A bracket 120 (as shown in Fig. lb and Fig.lc) is usually provided in the front panel 100 so as to form a connection between the front panel 100 and the front fender 114.
[005] Conventionally, as shown in Fig. lb and Fig. lc, the bracket 120 is
affixed to the vertical surface 102 of the front panel 100 and a connecting portion 106 of the front fender 114 is attached to the bracket. The bracket 120 defines L shape profile where vertical portion affixed with the vertical surface 102 and horizontal portion receives the mounting of the connection portion 106 of the front

fender 114. Additionally, a headlamp mounting unit 116 is attached to the bracket 120. The hood (not shown) of the automobile in closed condition is configured to be in vicinity with the front fender 114 at the connecting portion 106 and connecting portion 112. During the initial stages of assembly, there are chances that unacceptable gaps may be formed between the assembled hood and the front fender 114. There are also chances that the connecting portion 106 of the front fender 114 and the bracket 120 may not be aligned with each other so as to properly assemble the hood and the front fender 114. By adjusting the positioning of the bracket, the aforementioned gaps can be eliminated or brought to within acceptable tolerance limits. The adjustment of the bracket position may also align the connecting portion 106 with the bracket.
[001] The adjustment of the bracket may be achieved by moving the bracket
in the FW-RW direction and the LS-RS direction. As seen in the FIG. 1, the front panel 100 increases in width in the FW-RW direction, thereby forming an obstruction portion 118 adjacent to the vertical surface 102. As discussed above, the bracket 120 is to be moved in the LS-RS direction to compensate the alignment and the gap issues. However, the presence of the obstruction portion 118 hinders the movement of the bracket 120. Furthermore, the bracket cannot be moved in the LS-RS direction too as a result of the vertical surface 102 on which the bracket is mounted.
[002] In the conventional system, if the bracket 120 is to be moved in the LS-
RS direction, the entire front panel 100 or the front fender 114 has to be moved which is a cumbersome process, as parts connected to the front panel 100 or the front fender 114, such as connecting part 108, needs readjustment too. Adjustment of whole assembly for installation of front fender is time consuming and costly therefore it is not feasible.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[006] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some
of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein

satisfy, are listed herein below.
[007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a collapsible fender
bracket to be used in a front panel of an automobile.
[003] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a collapsible fender
bracket that eliminates deviation from intended gaps formed between the hood and the front fender during the assembly stage.
[004] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a collapsible fender
bracket that eliminates alignment issues between the hood and the front fender.
[008] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY
[009] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a collapsible
fender bracket that can be used in a front panel of an automobile. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0010] The present disclosure relates to a collapsible fender bracket to be used in a front panel of an automobile. The collapsible fender bracket comprises a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and a side portion. The first portion defines a first side, a second side and a third side. The second portion extends transversely from the first side of the first portion. The third portion extends transversely from the second portion. The third portion extends away from the first portion. The third portion is configured to mount the collapsible fender bracket on a top surface of a front panel. The side portion extends transversely from the third side of the first portion. The second portion and the side portion extends along a same direction. A

gap is defined between the second portion and the side portion.
[0011] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
[0013] FIG. la discloses an isometric view of front panel of an automobile;
[0014] FIG. lb discloses an isometric view of front panel of an automobile with a bracket;
[0015] FIG. lc discloses an isometric view the bracket of FIG. lb;
[0016] FIGs. 2 and 3 disclose isometric views of a collapsible fender bracket;
[0017] FIG. 4 discloses an isometric view of the collapsible fender bracket attached to the front panel of an automobile; and
[0018] FIG. 5 discloses an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a collapsible fender bracket.
[0019] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from

the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0021] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0022] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "consisting" and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0023] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example,

two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0024] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0026] Referring to FIGs. 2 and 3, disclosed are isometric views of a collapsible fender bracket 200, in accordance with an embodiment. The collapsible fender bracket 200 comprises a first portion 202, a second portion 210, a third portion 212, a side portion 302 and a bottom portion 306.
[0027] The first portion 202 defines a first side 204, a second side 206 and a third side 208. The second portion 210 extends transversely from the first side 204 of the first portion 202. The third portion 212 extends transversely from the second portion 210. The side portion 302 extends transversely from the third side 208 of the first portion 202. The second portion 210 and the side portion 302 extend along a same direction. A gap 304 is defined between the second portion 210 and the side portion 302. The gap 304 is configured to collapse the collapsible fender bracket 200 during the course of a pedestrian impact. The bottom portion 306 extends transversely to the side portion 302 and away from the first portion 202.

[0028] The second portion 210 defines a vertical bead 214 that extends from the first side 204 of the first portion 202 to the third portion 212. The vertical bead 214 forms a circular protrusion 220 on the first portion 202. The circular protrusion 220 defines a protrusion hole 222 that is configured to receive a hood cushion (not shown). The hood cushion helps is absorbing the noise and vibrations generated due to the slamming of hood (not shown) to a front panel 100 (shown in FIG. 4). The vertical bead 214 defines a curved protrusion on the second portion 210.
[0029] A flange 218 is provided at edge of the third portion 212 by process of flanging. Similarly, a flange 308 is provided at edge of the bottom portion 306 by the process of flanging. The flanges 218 and 308 are bent in upward transverse direction toward the first portion 202 from the third portion 212 and the bottom portion 306. The flanges 218 and 308 are configured to increase the rigidity of the collapsible fender bracket 200 at the base joining with the front panel 100.
[0030] In an embodiment, the first portion 202 defines a plurality of first holes 216 and a plurality of second holes 310.
[0031] FIG. 4 discloses an isometric view of the collapsible fender bracket 200 attached to a front panel 100 of an automobile. In an embodiment, the third portion 212 and the bottom portion 306 are configured to mount the collapsible fender bracket 200 on a top surface 104 of the front panel 100. The plurality of first holes 216 defined by the first portion 202 are configured to be connected to a connecting portion 112 of the front fender 114. The plurality of second holes 310 defined by the first portion 202 are configured to receive a headlamp mounting unit 116.
[0032] FIG. 4 discloses directions with respect to the geometry of the automobile. The direction FW indicates the frontward direction of the automobile and the direction RW indicates the rearward direction of the automobile. The direction LS indicates the left side direction of the automobile as seen from within the cabin of the automobile and the direction RS indicates the right side direction of the automobile as seen from within the cabin of the automobile.

[0033] The positioning of the collapsible fender bracket 200 on the top surface 104 of the front panel 100 allows for the free movement of the collapsible fender bracket 200 in the LS-RS direction of the automobile. Furthermore, the collapsible fender bracket 200 can also be moved in the FW-RW direction of the automobile. This movement of the collapsible fender bracket 200 in the FW-RW direction and the LS-RS direction eliminates the undesired gap formed between the hood and the front fender 114 during the assembly stage. It also eliminates alignment issues between the hood and the front fender 114 arising during the assembly stage.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5, disclosed is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the collapsible fender bracket 500. The structural configuration of the collapsible fender bracket 500 is same as that of the collapsible fender bracket 200 with the addition of a horizontal slit 502.
[0035] The second portion 210 of the collapsible fender bracket 500 defines the horizontal slit 502. The horizontal slit 502 is configured to extend from the rearward RW of the automobile to the frontward FW of the automobile in direction of headlamp. The horizontal slit 502 is configured to encompass the vertical bead 214. The horizontal slit 502 is configured to collapse the collapsible fender bracket 500 during the course of a pedestrian impact.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0036] The present disclosure proposes a collapsible fender bracket to be used in a front panel of an automobile.
[005] The present disclosure proposes a collapsible fender bracket that
eliminates gaps formed between the hood and the front fender during the assembly stage.
[006] The present disclosure proposes a collapsible fender bracket that
eliminates alignment issues between the hood and the front fender.
[0037] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention,

which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0038] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0039] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0040] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0041] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised

without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0042] The term "automobile" as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term "automobile" is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs.

WE claim:

1. A collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) to be used in a front panel (100) of an
automobile, the collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) comprising:
a first portion (202) defining a first side (204), a second side (206) and a third
side (208);
a second portion (210) extending transversely from the first side (204) of the
first portion (202);
a third portion (212) extending transversely from the second portion (210),
wherein,
the third portion (212) extends away from the first portion (202); and
the third portion (212) is configured to mount the collapsible fender
bracket (200, 500) on a top surface (104) of a front panel (100); and a side portion (302) extending transversely from the third side (208) of the first portion (202), wherein,
the second portion (210) and the side portion (302) extend along a same
direction; and
a gap (304) is defined between the second portion (210) and the side
portion (302).
2. The collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a bottom portion (306), wherein the bottom portion (306) extends transversely to the side portion (302) and away from the first portion (202), wherein the bottom portion (306) is configured to mount the collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) on the top surface (104) of the front panel (100).
3. The collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) as claimed in claim 2, wherein intersection of the side portion (302) and the bottom portion (306) is provided with beads (308).
4. The collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (210) defines a vertical bead (214) that extends from the first side (204) of the first portion (202) to the third portion (212).

5. The collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the vertical bead (214) forms a circular protrusion (220) on the first portion (202).
6. The collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the circular protrusion (220) defines a protrusion hole (222) configured to receive a hood cushion.
7. The collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the vertical bead (214) defines a curved protrusion on the second portion (210).
8. The collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second portion (210) defines a horizontal slit (502) extending from frontward (FW) of an automobile to rearward (RW) of the automobile, wherein the horizontal slit (502) encompasses the vertical bead (214).
9. The collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third portion (212) and the bottom portion (306) are provided with flange (218, 308).
10. The collapsible fender bracket (200, 500) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (202) defines a plurality of first holes (216) and a plurality of second holes (310), wherein,
the plurality of first holes (216) are configured to receive a fender (114); and the plurality of second holes (310) are configured to receive a headlamp mounting unit (116).