DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the mounting of vehicle hoods, and more particularly, it relates to a mounting system for conveniently mounting and dismounting of a vehicle hood onto and from the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
A vehicle front hood or “bonnet” is a hinged cover over an engine compartment of a motor vehicle that allows selective access to the engine compartment for maintenance and repair of the engine and other auxiliary components housed in the engine compartment. The vehicle front hood is the front most panel of the vehicle which also serves as a protecting structure for many accessories as well as the engine of the vehicle. In automobiles, servicing of the engine and the auxiliary components disposed in the engine compartment is inevitable. Especially in vehicles where the engine and the accessories are disposed underside of the hood, the engine and the accessories are accessed for servicing and repair by removing the hood.
The bonnet is usually hinged to move between a closed configuration in which the bonnet covers the engine compartment, and an open configuration in which the bonnet is moved away, around a hinge at one end, to provide access to the engine compartment. The bonnet further includes a latch arrangement for configuring engagement between the bonnet and the frame of the vehicle for defining the closed configuration of the bonnet. In some vehicles, the bonnet may be formed of welded panels. The panels are either of a plastic material or of a sheet metal depending upon customer requirement.
In a panel structure of the front hood, the panels are required to be conveniently mounted and dismounted from the vehicle for accessing the engine compartment. However, the conventional panel mounting systems fail to provide convenient mounting and dismounting of the hood panels. Accordingly, there is a need for a mounting system for a hood panel that enables convenient mounting and dismounting of the hood panel on and from the vehicle.

OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the mounting system of the present disclosure are aimed to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative and are listed herein below.
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting system for a front hood panel that enables convenient mounting and dismounting of the front hood panel.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting system for a sheet metal front hood panel that requires simple tools for mounting and dismounting.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting system for a front hood panel that eliminates the complexities and drawbacks associated with hinge and latch arrangement and welded joinery of the conventional front hood panels.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting system for a front hood panel that involves better dimensioning control for achieving improved flushness between the front hood and the vehicle.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting system for a front hood panel that eliminates the use of complex mechanisms for mounting the front hood to the vehicle.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting system for a front hood panel that is simple in construction and convenient to use.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting system for a front hood panel that enhances accessibility to the engine and other parts such as head lamp and wiper motor disposed between the front hood and a dash panel.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting system that enables use of sheet metal front hood panels for configuring vehicle hood, which exhibits comparatively more structural strength and stiffness as compared to plastic hood panels.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figure, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY
Described herein is a vehicular hood mounting system comprising a vehicular hood to be mounted onto a vehicle body, the vehicular hood having an operational top side, an operational bottom side, and lateral sides extending between the operational top side and the operational bottom side;
at least a pair of a first engaging elements configured at far ends of each of the lateral sides, at least a pair of a second engaging elements configured on each lateral side in between the pair of the first engaging elements, wherein the first and the second engaging elements detachably engage the vehicular hood to the vehicle body.
In an embodiment, the vehicular hood can be a sheet metal hood.
In an embodiment, the operational top side and the operational bottom side of the vehicular hood can be bolted respectively to an upper cross member and a bottom cross member of a front end structure of a vehicle front cabin.
In an embodiment, the first engaging element includes a nut welded onto a U-shaped spring clip portion.
In an embodiment, the U-shaped spring clip portion (14b) can be made of sheet metal.
Typically, the second engaging element is made of Polyoxymethylene.
In an embodiment, the second engaging element can include an axially extending element and a receiving element having a receiving profile complementary to an engaging profile of the axially extending element.
The vehicular hood can be detachably engaged to side fenders of the vehicle through the first and second engaging elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
A mounting system for a vehicular hood of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view depicting a front hood panel to be mounted on a vehicle in a dismounted configuration from a vehicle front cabin before taken to a vehicle assembly line;
Figure 2a and Figure 2b illustrate respectively a top and a bottom perspective views of a first engaging element of a mounting system for removably mounting or attaching the front hood panel to the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3a and Figure 3b illustrate side perspective views of complementary engaging elements, respectively, of a second engaging element of the mounting system;
Figure 4 illustrates the first and second engaging elements configured on the front hood panel, in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 5 illustrates removable mounting of the front hood panel onto the vehicle front cabin achieved using the first and second engaging elements; and
Figure 6 illustrates another view of the engagement of the front hood panel and the vehicle front cabin using the first and second engaging elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A mounting system for a vehicular hood of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The description of the specific embodiments that follows will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The mounting system for removably mounting a vehicular hood, such as a front hood panel, to a vehicle body, is envisaged. More particularly, a mounting system for removably mounting a sheet metal front hood panel to light commercial vehicles is envisaged, wherein the front hood panel is easily detachable from the vehicle front cabin for access and serviceability. Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of the mounting system 100, depicting a front hood panel 10 in a dismounted configuration from a vehicle front cabin 11 is illustrated. In an embodiment, in body shop, the front hood panel 10 is bolted to a front end structure of the vehicle front cabin 11 at positions marked as 20 using bolts, such as an M6 bolt. Provisions are made in an upper region and a lower region of the front hood panel 10 for receiving the bolts. More specifically, the front hood panel 10 is bolted to an upper and a bottom cross member of the front end structure of the vehicle front cabin 11 before the vehicle is received on the final vehicle assembly. On the vehicle final assembly line, the front hood panel 10 is removed for mounting of further engaging elements that will facilitate easy detachable mounting of the front hood panel 10 as and when the need arises.
Figure 2a and Figure 2b illustrate a schematic representation of a first engaging element 14 of the mounting system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first engaging element 14 enables positive securing of the front hood panel 10 to a side fender 12 (as seen in Figures 4 and 5) of the vehicle. For the purpose, the first engaging element has a nut portion 14a and a U-shaped spring clip portion 14b. A cavity 15 in the nut portion 14a provides for the receiving of a complementary bolt, such as an M6 bolt. In an embodiment, two such engaging elements 14 are used on each lateral side of the front hood panel 10. The U shaped spring clip portion 14b holds the front hood panel 10 and flanges of the side fenders 12 together, while the nut portion 14a helps secure the front hood panel 10 and a side fender 12 positively through a bolt.
Figure 3a and Figure 3b illustrate a schematic representation of a second engaging element 16 of the mounting system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The second engaging element 16 provides for the locating of the front hood panel 10 over the side fender 12, and the front end portion of the vehicle front cabin 11. The second engaging element 16 includes an axially extending element 16a with a profile 17 and/or configuration that facilitates for snap fit or bayonet mount engagement with a complementary profile 18 of a complementary receiving part 16b of the second engaging element 16. In addition to serving as locators during mounting, the second engaging element prevents any movement of the sheet metal hood 10 due to vehicle vibrations. In an embodiment, at least two such second engaging elements 16 are used on each lateral side of the front hood panel 10. In a more specific embodiment, the pair of second engaging elements is positioned in between the two first engaging elements on each lateral side of the front hood panel 10. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that depending on the domain of the front hood panel 10, for example, in the case of a sheet metal hood as illustrated and described here, location of the engaging elements and/or securing principles may differ.
Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the first and second engaging elements, i.e., the U-Clips and plastic clips, configured on the front hood panel and the fender and how mounting of the front hood panel 10 on the side fenders 12 is achieved. Particularly, Figure 4 illustrates locations at the front hood panel 10 and the side fenders 12 where the first and second engaging elements are configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, in the present configuration, firstly, the axially extending element 16a of the second engaging element 16 is fitted into the front hood panel 10 while the complementary receiving part 16b is fitted into the side fender 12. Secondly, the first engaging element 14 is inserted into the front hood panel 10. A positive mounting between the front hood panel 10 and the side fenders 12 is first done with the second engaging element 16 on each lateral side of the front hood panel 10, and then the side fenders 12 are secured to the nut portion 14a of the first engaging element 14 using bolts, for example, an M6 combination bolt (as shown in Figure 5).
Such configuration of the mounting system 100 enhances accessibility to the engine and other parts such as head lamp and wiper motor disposed between the front hood panel 10 and dash panel. Further, such a configuration of the mounting system 100 involves better dimensioning control for achieving improved flushness between the front hood panel 10 and the vehicle. In an embodiment, the second engaging element 16 is made of POM (Polyoxymethylene), and the first engaging element is made of sheet metal with a project welded nut on it.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the configuration of the mounting system 100 is not limited to the one described above for removable mounting of the front hood panel 10 onto the front end structure of the vehicle front cabin 11 and other engaging elements in different mounting pattern can also be used. More specifically, the mounting system 100 of the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration and placement of the U-Clips 14 and plastic mounting clips 16 for on the sheet metal hood 10, and the side fenders of the vehicle for facilitating removable mounting of the front hood panel 10 on the vehicle, and the U-Clips 14 and plastic mounting clips 16 can be placed strategically anywhere on the front hood panel 10 and the side fenders of the vehicle for achieving removable mounting of the front hood panel 10 on the vehicle.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
The technical advancements offered by the mounting system of the present disclosure include the realization of:
• a mounting system for a sheet metal front hood panel that enables convenient mounting and dismounting of the sheet metal front hood panel from the vehicle for accessing the engine compartment;
• a mounting system for a sheet metal front hood panel that require simple tools for mounting and dismounting a sheet metal front hood panel from the vehicle;
• a mounting system for a sheet metal front hood panel that eliminates the complexities and drawbacks associated with hinge and latch arrangement and welded joinery of the conventional sheet metal front hood panels;
• a mounting system for a sheet metal front hood panel that involves better dimensioning control for achieving improved flushness between the sheet metal front hood panel and the vehicle;
• a mounting system for a sheet metal front hood panel that eliminates complex mechanism used for mounting the sheet metal front hood to the vehicle;
• a mounting system for a sheet metal front hood panel that is simple in construction and convenient to use;
• a mounting system for a sheet metal front hood panel that enhances accessibility to the engine and other parts such as head lamp and wiper motor disposed between the hood panel and dash panel; and
• a mounting system that enables use of sheet metal front hood panels for configuring vehicle hood that exhibits comparatively more structural strength and stiffness compared to plastic hood panels. ,CLAIMS:1. A vehicular hood mounting system (100) comprising:
a vehicular hood (10) to be mounted onto a vehicle body, the vehicular hood (10) having an operational top side, an operational bottom side and lateral sides extending between the operational top side and the operational bottom side;
at least a pair of first engaging elements (14) configured at far ends of each of the lateral sides;
at least a pair of second engaging elements (16) configured on each lateral side in between the pair of the first engaging elements (14), wherein the first and the second engaging elements detachably engage the vehicular hood to the vehicle body.

2. The vehicular hood mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicular hood is a sheet metal hood.

3. The vehicular hood mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operational top side and the operational bottom side of the vehicular hood is bolted respectively to an upper cross member and a bottom cross member of a front end structure of a vehicle front cabin (11).

4. The vehicular hood mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first engaging element includes a nut (14a) welded onto a U-shaped spring clip portion (14b).

5. The vehicular hood mounting system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the U-shaped spring clip portion (14b) is made of sheet metal.

6. The vehicular hood mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second engaging element (16) is made of Polyoxymethylene.

7. The vehicular hood mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second engaging element (16) includes an axially extending element (16a) and a receiving element (16b) having a receiving profile (18) complementary to an engaging profile (17) of the axially extending element (16a).

8. The vehicular hood mounting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicular hood is detachably engaged to side fenders of the vehicle through the first and second engaging elements (14, 16).