Claims:We claim:

1. An arrangement (101) for flexibly mounting components in a vehicle, the arrangement (101) comprising:
a carrier (8) supporting at least one headlamp assembly of the vehicle, wherein the carrier (8) is defined with a slot (9);
a catcher clip (100), comprising: a base portion (1); a plurality of support members (2) extending from either ends of a first surface (3) of the base portion (1) defining a gap (G), wherein a free end of each of the plurality of support members (2) is defined with a catcher portion (5);
wherein, the gap (G) is adapted to receive a bracket (11) of the DRL (10) and the bracket (11) is supportable by the catcher portion (5); and
at least one protrusion (14) extending from a second surface (4) of the base portion (1), wherein the at least one protrusion (14) is receivable by the slot (9) in the carrier (8) in a first orientation and locks the catcher clip (100) with the carrier (8) in a second orientation.

2. The arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of detents (13) extending from the second surface (4) of the base portion (1).

3. The arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of detents (13) are aligned with the slot (9) in the second orientation for limiting the movement of the catcher clip (7) in longitudinal direction of the slot (9) and preventing the rotation of the clip (7).

4. The arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket (11) is extending from a bottom portion of the DRL (10).

5. The arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1 comprises one or more insert tools (15) removably coupled to a base portion of the bracket (11), to vary the height of the bracket (11).

6. The arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slot (9) is of a rectangular shape.

7. The arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first orientation of the knob (6) corresponds to position of insertion and removal of the catcher clip (100) from the slot (9).

8. The arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second orientation of the knob (6) corresponds to a locking position of the catcher clip (100) with the carrier (8).

9. The arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catcher portions (5) is defined by clip extending from an upper end of each of the plurality of support members.

10. The arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100) contacts a bottom portion (12) of the bracket (11).

11. The arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the catcher portion (5) is defined with a profile matching the profile of a locking surface (16) of the bracket (11).

12. A vehicle comprising an arrangement (101) as claimed in claim 1.

Dated 09th day of January 2020

Gopinath Arenur Shankararaj
IN/PA 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10 and rule 13]

TITLE: “AN ARRANGEMENT FOR FLEXIBLY MOUNTING COMPONENTS IN A VEHICLE”

Name and address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001, Maharashtra, INDIA.

Nationality: INDIAN

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to daytime running light (DRL) of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an arrangement for mounting the DRL in the front compartment of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are lights that remain ‘ON’ whenever the engine of a vehicle is in a running condition. The DRLs are located at the front of the vehicle and are usually mounted on top of the head lamps of the vehicle. The DRLs may also be positioned within the head lamps of the vehicle. Unlike headlamps, daytime running lights are fairly dim and don't illuminate the road ahead. DRLs are used as vehicle safety devices and the primary purpose of DRLs is to enhance the visibility of the vehicle during daylight hours. DRLs increase the visibility of the vehicle so that other drivers or pedestrians can easily spot the incoming vehicles on the road. DRLs play a major role in reducing accidents on the road.

Conventionally, DRLs are directly and rigidly mounted on top of the head lamp carriers by means of screws or other connecting means. The DRLs may also be directly screwed to the fender mounting and the grill mounting in the vehicle. As a result of this direct mounting of the DRLs to the headlamps or other parts of the vehicle, there exists an extreme lack of flexibility in the movement of the DRLs. Consequently, mounting or fixing of other components in the vicinity of the DRLs becomes difficult. Also, due to the rigid mounting of the DRLs, the chances of the DRLs getting damaged when the vehicle hits a pothole or a speed bump at high speeds may be more.

With advancement in technologies, modular connecting clips are integrated into the mounting assemblies of DRLs, wherein the clip is used as a connecting means for connecting the DRL to the headlamp carrier. One end of the clip is connected to the DRLs by means of a bracket whereas the other end of the clip is rigidly connected to the head lamp. Thus, a certain degree of movement of the DRL is achieved. However, the movement of the DRL assembly to countermeasure the variations in body and trim parts during the assembly of various components around the vicinity of the DRL, is minimal. The existing DRL assemblies usually provide very limited movement of the DRL due to which it becomes difficult to assemble other components around the vicinity of the DRL in the front end of the vehicle, and the assembled components around the DRLs or the headlamps may not always remain flush with each other. Further, due to the rigid fixation and the lack of flexibility in the movement of the DRLs, the operator assembling the front end of the vehicle may have to fix the components into their place with force, which may damage or even cause the components to break.

Additionally, the brackets that connect the DRLs to the clip on the headlamp carrier may not be suitable for all the vehicles since, the height at which the DRLs are mounted on the headlamps may vary for different models or variants of vehicles. Since, the size and the configuration of the headlamps vary for vehicles of different models, brackets of suitable sizes have to be manufactured for all the models. Consequently, the manufacturing costs increases, as a manufacturer who produces a wide variety of vehicles also has to produce a bracket that is suitable to each and every type of vehicle.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more shortcomings of the conventional system or device are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the device as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an arrangement for flexibly mounting components in a vehicle is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a carrier supporting at least one headlamp assembly of the vehicle, wherein the carrier is defined with a slot. Further, a clip is provided which comprises a base portion and a plurality of support members extending from either ends of a first surface of the base portion defining a gap. Further, a free end of each of the plurality of support members is defined with a catcher portion. A bracket of the DRL is receivable in a gap and supportable by the catcher portion. The clip also comprises of a second surface comprising at least one protrusion extending from a second surface of the base portion, wherein the at least one protrusion is receivable by the slot in the carrier in a first orientation and locks with the base portion in a second orientation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of detents extending from the second surface of the base portion are provided. The plurality of detents are aligned with the slot in the second orientation for limiting the movement of the catcher clip in longitudinal direction of the slot and preventing the rotation of the clip.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a knob is provided which is receivable within the slot of the head lamp carrier in the first orientation and locks with the protrusion on the base portion in the second orientation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the bracket is extending from a bottom portion of the DRL.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, one or more insert tools is removably coupled to a bottom portion of the bracket, to vary the height of the bracket.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the slot is of a rectangular shape.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first orientation of the knob corresponds to position of insertion and removal of the catcher clip from the slot.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second orientation of the knob corresponds to a locking position of the catcher clip with the carrier.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the catcher portions is defied by clip extending from an upper end of each of the plurality of support members.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, an inner surface of the catcher clip contacts a bottom portion of the bracket.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, catcher portion is defined with a profile matching the profile of a locking surface of the bracket.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a catcher clip of an arrangement for mounting DRL with headlamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a carrier of a headlamp, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket extending from the DRL, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the arrangement where a knob that connects the catcher clip to the carrier is shown in second orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an arrangement where the bracket of the DRL is assembled with the carrier of the headlamp assembly through the catcher clip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of the arrangement where the bracket of the DRL is assembled with the carrier of the headlamp assembly through the catcher clip, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket with an insert tool of the arrangement fixed therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the bracket with the insert tool of Fig. 7.

The figure depicts embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the arrangement illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other devices for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in the device or mechanism proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses an arrangement for connecting the DRLs to the carrier of the headlamp. Conventionally, DRLs are directly and rigidly mounted on top of the head lamp carriers by means of screws or other connecting means. As a result of direct mounting of the DRLs to the headlamps or other parts of the vehicle, there is an extreme lack of flexibility in the movement of the DRLs. Consequently, mounting or fixing of other components in the vicinity of the DRLs is difficult. Due to the rigid fixation and the lack of flexibility in the movement of the DRLs, the operator assembling the front end of the vehicle may have to fix the components into their place with force, which may damage or even cause the components to break. Also, the size and the configuration of the headlamps vary for vehicles of different models and thus brackets of suitable sizes have to be manufactured for all the models. Consequently, the manufacturing costs increases as a manufacturer who produces a wide variety of vehicles also has to produce a bracket that is suitable to each and every type of vehicle.

Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses an arrangement for movably or flexibly mounting a daytime running lamp (DRL) in a front end of a vehicle. The arrangement comprises a carrier supporting a headlamp assembly of the vehicle, wherein the carrier is defined with a slot. Further, a clip is provided which comprises a base portion and a plurality of support members extend from either ends of a first surface of the base portion defining a gap. Further, a free end of each of the plurality of support members is defined with a catcher portion. In an embodiment, a bracket of the DRL is receivable in the gap and is supported by the catcher portion such that the bracket is allowed for movement along the vertical direction of the bracket. The bracket may be provided with an insert tool which aids in increasing the height of the bracket. Thus, the movement of the bracket in the vertical direction may be controlled by providing tool inserts of different dimensions. Once, the bracket is housed by the clip, the bracket is capable of movement along the longitudinal direction of the catcher clip. The clip also comprises of a second surface provided with a protrusion and a plurality of detents extending from the second surface of the base portion, wherein the protrusion is receivable by the slot in a first orientation and locks with the base portion in a second orientation. The slot allows for the movement of the clip along its longitudinal direction. This configuration of the arrangement provides the flexibility to move the DRL while assembling other components in the front compartment of the vehicle.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 to 8.

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a catcher clip (100) for mounting DRL (10) with headlamp assembly. The catcher clip (100) comprises of a base member (1). The base member (1) comprises of a first surface (3) and a second surface (4) opposite to the first surface (3). The base member (1) includes a plurality of support members (2), that may be separated by a predetermined distance. The support members (2) are configured such that the distance between the two support members (2) on the base member (1) is suitable for housing a bottom portion (12) of a bracket (11) [seen in Fig. 3]. The support members (2) extend from the base member (1) up to a predetermined height. The height of the support members (2) may be configured to suit the housing of the bracket (11). Further, top end or free end of each of the support members (2) may be provided with a catcher portion (5). The catcher portions (5) extend inwardly from the free end of the support members (2) and towards the gap (G). In an embodiment, the catcher portions (5) are oriented at an angle with respect to the support members (2). The catcher portions (5) may partially extend downwards form the free end of the support members (2) towards an inner surface (6) of the catcher clip (100). Further, the inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100) lies in between the two support members (2) and houses the bottom portion (12) of the bracket (11). Further, the second surface (4) of the catcher clip (100) may include a plurality of detents (13) and a protrusion (14) [as seen from the Fig.5 and 6]. The catcher clip (100) is also provided with a knob (6) at a free end of the protrusion (14) extending from a second surface (4) of the base member (1).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the protrusion (14) may be externally threaded and the knob (6) may be internally threaded such that the knob (6) is screwed to the protrusion (14) during the locking of the catcher clip (100) to the carrier (8). Further, attaching the knob (6) to the catcher clip (100) may be done by methods such as screwing or fastening, and other suitable methods known in the art may also be used for securing the knob (6) with the catcher clip (100).
In an embodiment of the disclosure, the knob (6) may be an integral part of the catcher clip (100), wherein the knob (6) extends from the base member (1) of the catcher clip (100) and is operable between two positions.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the catcher portions (5) at the free end of the support members (2) may be provided with hinges and springs such that the catcher portions (5) flex inwards during the insertion of the bracket (11) and the catcher portions (5) flex outwards after the inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100) comes in contact with the bottom portion (12) of the bracket (11).

Now referring to Figs. 2 and 3 which illustrates perspective views of a carrier (8) on a headlamp and a bracket (11) mounted on the DRLs (10) respectively. As shown in Fig.2, the carrier (8) is in the form an extension arm extending from the headlamp bracket, and the carrier may be defined with a slot (9) of predetermined shape for housing the protrusion (14) of the catcher clip (100). In an embodiment, the slot (9) may be of a rectangular or other suitable shape. The shape of the slot (9) should not be construed as a limitation of the present disclosure. The bracket (11) as shown in Fig.3 extend from the bottom surface of the DRL body (10) and includes a locking surface (16). The bracket (11) extends in the form of a flange to be suitably housed by the catcher clip (100) such that the bottom portion (12) of the bracket (11) comes in contact with the inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100).

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the arrangement (101) where the knob (6) in the second orientation connects the catcher clip (100) to the carrier (8). The arrangement (101) comprising the catcher clip (100) is initially aligned in the slot (9). In an embodiment, the knob (6) which is coupled to the protrusion (14) may have a width which is smaller than the width of the slot (9). The knob (6) or the entire catcher clip (100) is operable between a first orientation and a second orientation. The knob (6) in the first orientation is positioned parallel to the slot (9) or along a longitudinal direction of the slot (9), such that the knob (6) passes through the slot (9). Further, in the second orientation, the knob (6) is rotated to substantially 90 degrees such that the knob (6) is positioned at a perpendicular direction to the slot (9) or along lateral direction of the slot (9). Initially, the knob (6) is positioned in the first orientation and is aligned with the slot (9) of the carrier (8). The knob (6) is inserted though the slot (9) such that the protrusion (14) resides within the slot (9), whereas the knob (6) extends outwardly beyond the slot (9). Further, the knob (6) is positioned in the second orientation by rotating the knob (6) to about substantially 90 degrees. The knob (6) is rotated to be positioned in a direction perpendicular to the slot (9), thereby locking and securing the catcher clip (100) to the carrier (8). During the insertion of the knob (6) through the slot (9), the detents (13) on the second surface (4) of the base member (1), are aligned to sit in the slot (9). Consequently, the detents (13) come in contact with the walls of the slot (9) and prevent the catcher clip (100) from rotating about its own axis.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view and a front view respectively, of the arrangement (101) where the bracket (11) of the DRL (10) is assembled with the carrier (8) of the headlamp assembly through the catcher clip (100). Once the catcher clip (100) is secured to the carrier (8), the bracket (11) of the DRLs (10) may be inserted into the catcher clip (100). The bottom portion (12) of the bracket (11) may in contact with the catcher portions (5). Further, as the bracket (11) may be pushed, the catcher portions (5) partially flex inwards, thereby allowing the bottom portion (12) of the bracket (11) to pass through. After the bottom portion (12) of the bracket (11) completely passes through the catcher portions (5), the bottom portion (12) comes in contact with the inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100). The catcher portions (5) flex back outwardly due to the spring force, thereby locking the bracket (11). Consequently, the DRLs (10) that are directly connected to the bracket (11) are thus secured to the carrier (8) by means of the snap fit arrangement between the catcher clip (100) and the bracket (11). As seen in Fig. 6, the bottom edge or the tip of the catcher portions (5) come in direct contact with the locking surface (16) of the bracket (11) when the inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100) is in contact with the bottom portion (12) of the bracket (11). Consequently, the bracket (11) is firmly secured to the catcher clip (100).

When the bracket (11) is firmly secured to the catcher clip (100), the bottom portion (12) of the bracket (11) comes in direct contact with the inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100) and the bottom portion (12) easily slides on the inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100). Thus, a movement of the bracket (11) in the longitudinal direction (Y) along the inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100) may be achieved. Since, the bracket (11) is directly connected to the DRL (10), the sliding action of the bracket (11) in the catcher clip (100) will also result in the movement of the DRLs (10) in a longitudinal direction (Y) along the inner surface (7) of the catcher clip (100).

As seen from the Fig. 4, the configuration of providing a slot (9) and further securing the catcher clip (100) to the carrier (8) by the knob (6), enables the catcher clip (100) to move in the longitudinal direction (X) of the slot (9). The detents (13) provided on the base portion (1) of the catcher clip (100) prevent the excessive movement of the catcher clip (100) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the slot (9), since the detents (13) come in direct contact with the walls of the slot (9). Since the detents (13) are suitably housed in the slot (9), where they remain in contact with the elongated walls of the slot (9), the detents (13) effectively prevent the catcher clip (9) from rotating about its own axis.

As seen from Fig. 6, due to the flexibility of the catcher portions (5), a movement of the bracket (11) in the vertical direction (Z) may be achieved. In an embodiment, there may exist a small distance between the edge of the catcher portions (5) and the locking surface (16), which allows for a considerable movement of the bracket (11) in the vertical direction (Z), thereby enabling the movement of the DRLs (10) in the vertical direction (Z).

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the bracket (11) with an insert tool (15) fixed to the bracket (11). Fig. 8 illustrates exploded view of the bracket (11) with the insert tool (15). The inset tool (15) may be attached to the bottom portion the bracket (11) to selectively increase the height of the bracket. The initial height of the bracket (11) may be [A], however, the overall height of the bracket (11) may be increased by providing a suitable insert tool (15) of suitable dimension around the bracket (11). The insert tool (15) of height B may be provided to the bracket (11) which increases the overall height of the bracket (11). Thus, the bracket (11) may be suitably adjusted in the vertical direction (Z). Further, based on requirement, insert tools (15) of smaller dimensions may also be provided for restricting the movement of the bracket (11) in the vertical direction (Z). The height at which the bracket (11) moves in the vertical direction (Z) can be controlled by providing the insert tool (15) of suitable dimensions. As seen from Fig. 8, the insert tool (15) may further include a first insert tool (15) and a second inset tool (15a and 15b). The inner surfaces of the first and the second insert tools (15a and 15b) may be configured to suitably house the bracket (11). Thus, the movement of the bracket (11) in the vertical direction (Z) can be suitably varied by providing an insert tool (15) of suitable dimensions to the bracket (11).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the catcher clip (100) may also be used to mount the headlamp with a fog lamp. Further, the catcher clip (100) of the present disclosure is not limited to the application of mounting the fog lamp or the DRL with the head lamp, instead catcher clip (100) may also be used to mount other suitable lamps or components.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the catcher clip (100) may also be used for mounting or housing a plurality of electrical wiring or other electrical components in the vehicle. The catcher clip (100) may be used to movably or flexibly mount a plurality of components with each other.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the insert tool (15) may be provided around the bracket (11) and the insert tool (15) may be further machined to have a shape similar to that of the bracket (11), so that the modified insert tool (15) may be suitably housed by the catcher clip (100).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the insert tool (15) may be provided such that the insert tool (15) houses the bracket (11) and the catcher clip (100) as well.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the arrangement (101) allows for the X, Y & Z directional movement for DRLs (10) with the surrounding interface parts.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the targeted gap (G) and flush values of DRLs (10) with fender, bumper and other components in the vicinity of the DRLs (10) are achieved by enabling the X, Y and Z directional movement of the arrangement (101) to countermeasure the variations in body & trim parts.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, X, Y and Z directional movement of the DRLs (10) allows the operator to fix other component around the DRLs (10) with ease and also prevent any damage to the DRLs (10) or the components around the DRLs (10).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the same brackets (11) may be used for models of various vehicles by adjusting the height of the brackets (11) using the insert tool (15).

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral Numerals:

Description Referral numeral
Base portion 1
Support members 2
First surface 3
Second surface 4
Catcher portions 5
Knob 6
Inner surface of the clip 7
Carrier 8
Slot 9
Daytime running lights (DRL) 10
Bracket 11
Bottom portion of the bracket 12
Detents 13
Protrusion 14
Insert tool 15
First insert tool 15a
Second insert tool 15b
Locking surface 16
Catcher clip 100
Arrangement 101
Gap G