US20040201237A1

US20040201237A1 - Flexible-member-routing arrangement and bracket

Info

Publication number: US20040201237A1
Application number: US10/338,611
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Wright
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co LLC
Priority date: 2002-10-11
Filing date: 2003-01-08
Publication date: 2004-10-14
Also published as: US20040164576A1; US6834900B2

Abstract

An assembly comprises a flexible member that extends through an aperture defined by a divider component. A distal portion of the flexible member extends away from the assembly at an angle. A first flexible-member-routing bracket is mounted to the divider component and has one or more guide structures that function to facilitate a gradual transition of the flexible member from the direction it extends in as it passes through the aperture defined by the divider component to the direction its distal portion extends in.

Description

This application is a continuation-in-part of the U.S. application Ser. No. 10/269,350 filed Oct. 11, 2002.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to arrangements for routing flexible members in a non-linear manner within assemblies.

DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon perusal of the detailed description thereof and upon inspection of the drawings in which: [0003]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention including a first flexible-member-routing bracket that has trailing guide-structure, intermediate guide-structure, and leading guide-structure that extends all the way through the flexible-member-routing aperture. [0004]
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention including a first flexible-member-routing bracket with a trailing guide-surface that faces generally toward the flexible-member-routing aperture. [0005]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first flexible-member-routing bracket that comprises side guide-structures extending from its trailing guide-structure. [0006]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first flexible-member-routing bracket shown in FIG. 1. [0007]

IN THE SPECIFICATION

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention including a first flexible-member-routing bracket that has guide structure that is disposed on the inside of the arc of the flexible member as it transitions to extend through the flexible-member-routing aperture and which guide structure also extends through the flexible-member-routing aperture. [0008]
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention including a first flexible-member-routing bracket with guide structure that is disposed on the outside of the arc of the flexible member as it transitions to extend through the flexible-member-routing aperture. [0009]
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention including a first flexible-member-routing bracket with guide surfaces on both the inside and the outside of the arc of the flexible member as it transitions to extend through the flexible-member-routing aperture. [0010]
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention including a first flexible-member-routing bracket that comprises only guide surfaces that are substantially parallel to the aperture axis of the flexible-member-routing aperture. [0011]
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention including a first flexible-member-routing bracket that comprises only guide structures distant from the flexible-member-routing aperture. [0012]
FIG. 11 is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention including an embodiment of a first flexible-member-routing bracket that comprises guide structure disposed on both sides of the divider component. [0013]
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a flexible member that is strapped to an embodiment of a first flexible-member-routing bracket that is constructed in such a manner that, when it is properly mounted to a divider component, the guide surfaces disposed on the side of the divider component opposite the mounting structure of the first flexible-member-routing bracket are disposed on the outside of the arc of the flexible member as it transitions away from the flexible-member-routing aperture. [0014]
The present invention is an arrangement for routing a [0015] flexible member 34 in a gradually-transitioning non-linear manner in an assembly 35 and a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 that provides for the routing arrangement of the present invention. FIGS. 1-17 illustrate assemblies 35 and first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 in accordance with the present invention. An assembly 35 in accordance with the present invention comprises a divider component 24 that defines a flexible-member-routing aperture 26 through itself. A first portion 28 of a flexible member 34 extends through the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. A second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 extends away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 at an angle of at least 30 degrees and at most 150 degrees to an aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. The flexible member 34 also comprises a third portion 58 that is disposed upon a side of its first portion 28 opposite the second portion 29. In some embodiments of the present invention the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 extends away from the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 at an angle of greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees. In many embodiments of the present invention an assembly 35 constructed in accordance therewith includes a distal flexible-member-routing surface 25 that is defined by the divider component 24 or some other component of the assembly 35, that extends at an angle of at least 30 degrees and at most 150 degrees to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, and adjacent which at least a portion of the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 extends. In some embodiments of the present invention a distal flexible-member-routing surface 25 defined by the divider component 24 extends at an angle of greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26.
An [0016] assembly 35 according to the present invention includes a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 that functions to ensure gradual transition of the flexible member 34 as it extends from its second portion 29 that is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees and at most 150 degrees to the aperture axis 27 to its first portion 28 that extends through the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. The first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is serviceably fixedly engaged to the divider component 24 through serviceable fixed engagement of its mounting structure 12 to the divider component 24. For purposes of this disclosure the term serviceably fixedly engaged is to be understood to mean that a component is fixedly engaged to another in such a manner that the two components may be readily separated from one another without rendering either of the components unusable. Components that are fixedly engaged to one another by fasteners such as threaded fasteners, clips, and rivets would, for instance, be considered to be serviceably fixedly engaged to one another. By contrast, components that are fixedly engaged to one another through means such as welding would generally be considered to be non-serviceably fixedly engaged to one another. In some embodiments of the present invention a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the present invention comprises first guide-structure 11 that is disposed upon a same side of the divider component 24 as is the mounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 and that defines first guide-surface 13. The construction of such a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the present invention is such that, when it is properly mounted to the divider component 24, its first guide-surface 13 is disposed at a distance from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27 thereof. The construction of such a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the present invention is further such that, when it is properly mounted to the divider component 24 its first guide-surface 13 is disposed at a distance from the aperture axis 27 in directions perpendicular to the aperture axis 27. The construction of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 that comprises first guide-structure 11 and a first guide-surface 13 defined thereby, is further such that, when it is properly mounted to the divider component 24, the first guide-surface 13 is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees and at most 150 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In assemblies 35 according to the present invention that include such a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10, the flexible member 34 has a portion disposed adjacent to the first guide-surface 13 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10. As will be described in greater detail below, in many embodiments of the present invention the relative positions and/or engagement to one another of the flexible member 34 and the first guide-structure 11 is/are such that the first guide-structure 11 functions to maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 adjacent to it at a distance from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27. In such embodiments of the present invention, by maintaining the portion of the flexible member 34 adjacent the first guide structure 11 in spaced relationship with the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, the first guide-structure 11 helps to ensure that the flexible member 34 will extend in a gently curving manner between its first portion 28 and its second portion 29. The greater the distance between the portion of the flexible member 34 adjacent the first guide-structure 11 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27, the more gradual is the manner in which the flexible member 34 curves as it extends between the second portion 29 and the first portion 28 of the flexible member 34. Thus, in embodiments where the first guide-structure 11 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 functions to maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 adjacent to the first guide-structure 11 in spaced relationship to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, it is generally the case that, the greater the distance between the trailing guide-structure 11 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27, the more gentle will be the curvature of the flexible member 34. In some embodiments of the present invention, assemblies 35 constructed in accordance therewith are configured in such a manner that the distance between the first guide-surface 13 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27 is at least three times a minimum diametrical dimension of the flexible member 34. In some assemblies according to the present invention the first guide-surface 13 of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is disposed at an angle of greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26.
It is important to note that, for purposes of this disclosure the angle between the [0017] aperture axis 27 and features of the assembly 35 that are disposed upon a same side of the divider component 24 as the mounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is always defined to be the angle between that feature and the portion of the aperture axis 27 that is disposed upon the same side of the divider component 24 as the mounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10. It is important that this convention for measuring the angle between the aperture axis 27 and other features of an assembly 35 be utilized in order to ensure proper recognition of all assemblies that are in accordance with this invention. For instance, FIG. 10 illustrates an assembly 35 that is in accordance with the present invention. According to the above-described convention for measuring the angle between the aperture axis 27 and the other features of the assembly 35 the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 extends away from the first portion 28 of the flexible member 34 at an angle of greater than 90 degrees. If a person were to erroneously determine the angle between the aperture axis 27 and the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 by measuring the angle between the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 and the portion of the aperture axis 27 that is on the side of the divider component 24 opposite that upon which the flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is disposed, they would erroneously determine the angle between the aperture axis 27 and the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 to be less than 90 degrees. Similar erroneous determination of the angle between the aperture axis 27 and other features of the assembly 35 would lead to the incorrect conclusion that the assembly shown in FIG. 10 is not in accordance with the present invention. By utilizing the above-described convention for determining the angle between the aperture axis 27 and other features of the assembly 35 one would correctly determine that the angle between the aperture axis 27 and the second portion 29 of the flexible member 34 shown in FIG. 10 is greater than 90 degrees and further that the angles between each of the other features of the assembly 35 shown in FIG. 10 and the aperture axis 27 thereof are such that the assembly 35 of FIG. 10 is in accordance with the present invention. It is also important to note that, for purposes of this disclosure the angle between the aperture axis 27 and features of the assembly 35 that are disposed upon a side of the divider component 24 opposite the mounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is always defined to be the angle between that feature and the portion of the aperture axis 27 that is disposed upon the opposite side of the divider component 24 as the first guide-structure 11 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10.
In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 3, [0018] 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17 the first guide-surface 13 of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 faces away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In other embodiments of the present invention, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the first guide-surface 13 of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 faces generally toward the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIG. 5, a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 has a first guide-surface 13 that faces away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 and also has another surface that is parallel to and faces the first guide-surface 13 and that is disposed upon an opposite side of the flexible member 34 from the first guide-surface 13. In embodiments of assemblies 35 according to the present invention in which the first guide-surface 13 faces away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, abutment between the first guide-surface 13 and the flexible member 34 functions to maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 that is adjacent the first guide-surface in spaced relationship to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In some of the embodiments of assemblies 35 according to the present invention, such as that shown in FIG. 2, in which the first guide-surface 13 faces generally toward the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, the portion of the flexible member 34 that is disposed adjacent to the first guide-surface 34 is engaged to the first guide-structure 11 through means such as straps 42 so that the first guide-structure 11 functions to maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 adjacent the first guide-surface 13 in spaced relationship to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26.
In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0019] 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, 11, 16, and 17 the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 comprises second guide-structure 40 that is disposed upon a same side of the divider component 24 as is the mounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10, and which further facilitates desirable routing of the flexible member 34. The second guide-structure 40 of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the present invention is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to the mounting structure 12 thereof. The second guide-structure 40 of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 defines a second guide-surface 41. Additionally, in such assemblies 35 according to the present invention, the second guide-surface 41 is disposed adjacent to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 and extends at angles of greater than 0 degrees and less than 60 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27. In such embodiments of the present invention a portion of the flexible member 34 extends adjacent the second guide-surface 41 and movement of that portion of the flexible member 34 away from the aperture axis 27 is limited by the second guide-surface 41. This constriction of movement of the flexible member 34 by the second guide-surface 41 further helps to ensure that the flexible member 34 extends in a gently curving manner between its second portion 29 and its first portion 28. In some embodiments of the present invention the second guide-surface 41 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 extends at an angle of greater than 0 and less than 45 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. Assemblies 35 according to the present invention that include a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 with both a second guide-surface 41 and a first guide-surface 13 are configured in such a manner that the second guide-surface 41 is closer to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27 than the first guide-surface 13. In such assemblies 35 according to the present invention the second guide-surface 41 is also disposed closer to the aperture axis 27 in directions perpendicular thereto than is the first guide-surface 13. In some such assemblies 35 of the present invention a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the present invention that also includes a first guide-surface 13 is further constructed such that the angle between its second guide-surface 41 and the aperture axis 27 is between 30 and 150 degrees less than the angle between its first guide-surface 13 and the aperture axis 27. In some such assemblies 35 of the present invention a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the present invention that also includes a first guide-surface 13 is further constructed such that the angle between its second guide-surface 41 and the aperture axis 27 is between 45 and 135 degrees less than the angle between its first guide-surface 13 and the aperture axis 27. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 11 and 16 the second guide-structure 40 and the second guide-surface 41 of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 also extend through the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 and meet first opposite-side guide-structure 49 that defines a first opposite-side guide-surface 51 as is described in greater detail below.
In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0020] 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 comprises third guide-structure 19 that is fixedly engaged to and extends between the first guide-structure 11 and the second guide-structure 40. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, the third guide-structure 19 of such an embodiment of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 defines a third guide-surface 20 that extends in a sweeping manner between the second guide-surface 41 and the first guide-surface 13. In assemblies 35 that utilize such embodiments of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 a portion of the flexible member 34 extends adjacent the intermediate guide-surface 20. Thus, in such embodiments of the present invention the intermediate guide-surface 20 further limits the movement of the flexible member 34 in such a manner to helps ensure that the flexible member 34 curves as it extends between its second portion 29 and its first portion 28.
In some embodiments of the present invention one or more portions of the [0021] flexible member 34 are strapped to the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 to further help ensure that the flexible member 34 extends in a gently curving manner between the second portion 29 and the first portion 28. A portion of the flexible member 34 is considered to be strapped to the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 if a strap 42 that is mounted to the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 surrounds it. A strap 42 may be mounted to the first flexible-member-routing bracket through fasteners, as a result of a portion of the strap 42 extending through an aperture or channel defined through the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10, and/or as a result of the strap 42 being snugly wrapped around the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 and the flexible member 34. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 8, 14, 15, 16 and 17, a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the first guide-structure 11 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 17, a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the second guide-structure 40 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, 11, 12, 13, and 17, a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the third guide-structure 19 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10.
In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0022] 4, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 defines one or more strap-locating features 16 including one or more strap-locating apertures 17 and/or one or more strap-locating channels 18 that extend through the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10. As is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, assemblies 35 according to the present invention that include such a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 often have straps 42 that extend through strap-locating features 16, which function to help maintain those straps 42 in their desired positions. Some first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 according to the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 14, 15, 16, and 17, comprise first guide-structure 11 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 of assemblies 35 that include those first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 may extend. Some first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 according to the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 7, and 17, may comprise second guide-structure 40 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 of assemblies 35 that include those first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 may extend. Some first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 according to t h e present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 17, comprise third guide-structure 19 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 of assemblies 35 that include those first flexible-member-routing brackets 10 may extend. Strap-locating features 16 defined by a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 according to the present invention may extend in any direction through the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10. In some embodiments of the present invention strap-locating features 16 extend through a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 in such a direction that, when the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is properly assembled with the other components of an assembly 35 according to the present invention, the direction in which the strap-locating features 16 extend through the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is perpendicular to the direction that adjacent portions of the flexible member 34 extend in. Straps 42 that are looped through strap-locating features 16 that are so oriented are prevented from sliding along the flexible member 34. As is mentioned elsewhere in the disclosure, in some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 has second guide-structure 40 that extends all the way through the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 and meets first opposite-side guide-structure 49 that is disposed upon a side of the divider component 24 opposite the mounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10. In some such embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, of the present invention the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 has second guide-structure structure 40 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16 and opposite-side leading guide-structure 49 that also defines one or more strap-locating features 16. Such a construction of a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 facilitates desirable routing of the flexible member 34 by providing for strapping of the flexible member 34 to the second guide-structure 40 and the first opposite-side guide-structure 49.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the [0023] third portion 58 of the flexible member 34 extends away from its first portion 28 at an angle of greater than 30 degrees and less than 150 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In some such embodiments of the present invention the assembly 35 comprises first opposite-side guide-structure 49, second opposite-side guide-structure 47, and/or third opposite-side guide-structure 48 that are disposed upon a side of the divider component 24 opposite the mounting structure 12 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 and that function to promote gradual curving extension of the flexible member 34 between its first portion 28 and its third portion 58. Such assemblies according to the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. As is illustrated in FIG. 17, some such embodiments of assemblies 35 of the present invention comprise a second flexible-member-routing bracket 50 that is serviceably fixedly engaged to the divider component 24 and that comprises first opposite-side guide-structure 49, second opposite-side guide-structure 47, and/or third opposite-side guide-structure 48. Alternatively, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, in some embodiments of assemblies 35 of the present invention the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 comprises first opposite-side guide-structure 49, second opposite-side trailing guide-structure 47, and/or third opposite-side guide-structure 48. In some embodiments of the present invention the third portion 58 of the flexible member 34 extends away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 at an angle of greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27.
In many embodiments of [0024] assemblies 35 of the present invention that include second opposite-side guide-structure 47, that second opposite-side guide-structure 47 defines a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 that is disposed at a distance from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27 thereof. The second opposite-side guide-surface 52 is further disposed at a distance from the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions perpendicular to the aperture axis 27. The construction of an assembly 35 that comprises second opposite-side guide-structure 47 and a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 defined thereby, is further such that the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees and at most 150 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In assemblies 35 according to the present invention that include second opposite-side guide-structure 47 and a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 defined thereby, a portion of the flexible member 34 is a disposed adjacent to the second opposite-side guide-surface 52. As will be described in greater detail below, in many embodiments of the present invention the relative positions and/or engagement to one another of the flexible member 34 and the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 is/are such that the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 functions to maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 that is disposed adjacent the second opposite-side guide structure 47 at a distance from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27. In such embodiments of the present invention, by maintaining the portion of the flexible member 34 that is disposed adjacent the second opposite-side guide structure 47 in spaced relationship with the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 helps to ensure that the flexible member 34 will extend in a gently curving manner between its third portion 58 and its first portion 28. The greater the distance between the portion of the flexible member 34 that is disposed adjacent the second opposite-side guide structure 47 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27, the more gradual is the manner in which the flexible member 34 curves as it extends between its third portion 58 and its first portion 28. Thus, in embodiments where the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 functions to maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 that is disposed adjacent the second opposite-side guide structure 47 in spaced relationship to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, it is generally the case that, the greater the distance between the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27, the more gentle will be the curvature of the of the flexible member 34 between its third portion 58 and its first portion 28. In some embodiments of the present invention, assemblies 35 constructed in accordance therewith are configured in such a manner that the distance between the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27 is at least three times a minimum diametrical dimension of the flexible member 34. In some embodiments of the present invention the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 is disposed at an angle of greater than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26.
In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 11 and 17, the second opposite-side guide-[0025] surface 52 of an assembly 35 faces away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In other embodiments of the present invention, such as the one shown in FIG. 16, the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 faces generally toward the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In embodiments of assemblies 35 according to the present invention in which the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 faces away from the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, abutment between the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 and the portion of the flexible member 34 that is adjacent to the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 functions to maintain the portion of the flexible member 34 that is adjacent to the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 in spaced relationship to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In some of the embodiments of assemblies 35 according to the present invention, such as the one shown in FIG. 16, in which the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 faces generally toward the flexible-member-routing aperture 26, the flexible member 34 is engaged to the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 through means such as straps 42 so that the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 functions to maintain the the portion of the flexible member 34 that is adjacent to the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 in spaced relationship to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26.
As was mentioned above, some [0026] assemblies 35 according to the present invention comprise first opposite-side guide-structure 49. The first opposite-side guide-structure 49 of an assembly according to the present invention defines a first opposite-side guide-surface 51. The first opposite-side guide-surface 51 is disposed adjacent to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. Additionally, in such assemblies 35 according to the present invention, the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 extends at angles of more than 0 and less than 60 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27. In such embodiments of the present invention portion of the flexible member 34 extends adjacent the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 and movement of that portion of the flexible member 34 e away from the aperture axis 27 is limited by the first opposite-side guide-surface 51. This constriction of movement of the flexible member 34 by the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 further helps to ensure that the flexible member 34 extends in a gently curving manner between its first portion 28 and its third portion 58. In some embodiments of the present invention the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 of an assembly 35 is disposed at an angle of more than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees relative to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. An assembly 35 according to the present invention that includes a first opposite-side guide-surface 51 and a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 is configured in such a manner that the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 is closer to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26 in directions parallel to the aperture axis 27 than the first opposite-side guide-structure 52. In such assemblies 35 according to the present invention the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 is also disposed closer to the aperture axis 27 in directions perpendicular thereto than is the second opposite-side guide-surface 52. In some assemblies 35 of the present invention that comprise both a first opposite-side leading guide-surface 51 and a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 the angle between the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 and the aperture axis 27 is between 30 and 150 degrees less than the angle between the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 and the aperture axis 27. In some assemblies 35 of the present invention that comprise both a first opposite-side guide-surface 51 and a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 the angle between the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 and the aperture axis 27 is between 45 and 135 degrees less than the angle between the second opposite-side guide-surface 52 and the aperture axis 27.
In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 11, 12, [0027] 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, an assembly 35 thereof comprises third opposite-side guide-structure 48 that is fixedly engaged to and extends between the second opposite-side guide-structure 47 and the first opposite-side guide-structure 49. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, the third opposite-side guide-structure 48 defines a third opposite-side guide-surface 53 that extends in a sweeping manner between the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 and the second opposite-side guide-surface 52. In such assemblies 35 a portion of the flexible member 34 extends adjacent the third opposite-side guide-surface 53. Thus, in such embodiments of the present invention the third opposite-side guide-surface 53 limits the movement of the portion of the flexible member 34 adjacent it and further helps ensure that flexible member 34 extends in a gently curving manner as it extends between its first portion 28 and its second portion 58.
In some embodiments of the present invention one or more portions of the [0028] flexible member 34 are strapped to first opposite-side guide-structure 49, second opposite-side guide-structure 47, and/or third opposite-side guide-structure 48, which helps to ensure that the flexible member 34 extends in a gently curving manner between its third portion 58 and its first portion 28. A portion of the flexible member 34 is considered to be strapped to a structure if a strap 42 that is mounted to that structure surrounds that portion of the flexible member 34. A strap 42 may be mounted to structure through fasteners, as a result of a portion of the strap 42 extending through an aperture or channel defined through the structure, and/or as a result of the strap 42 being snugly wrapped around the structure and the flexible member 34. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as the one shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the second opposite-side guide-structure 47. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as the one shown in FIG. 17, a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the first opposite-side guide-structure 49. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as the one shown in FIG. 17, a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the third opposite-side guide-structure 48.
In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 11, 12, [0029] 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, second opposite-side guide-structure 47, third opposite-side guide-structure 48, and/or first opposite-side guide-structure 49 define one or more strap-locating features 16 including one or more strap-locating apertures 17 and/or one or more strap-locating channels 18. As is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, such assemblies 35 according to the present invention often have straps 42 that extend through strap-locating features 16, which function to help maintain those straps 42 in their desired positions. Some assemblies 35 according to the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 14, 15, 16, and 17, comprise second opposite-side guide-structure 47 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 extend. Some assemblies 35 according to the present invention, such as the one shown in FIG. 17, comprise first opposite-side guide-structure 49 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 extend. Some assemblies 35 according to the present invention, such as the one shown in FIG. 17, comprise third opposite-side guide-structure 48 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16 through which straps 42 extend. Strap-locating features 16 defined by second opposite-side guide-structure 47, third opposite-side guide-structure 48, and/or first opposite-side guide-structure 49 according to the present invention may extend in any direction therethrough. In some embodiments of the present invention strap-locating features 16 defined by second opposite-side guide-structure 47, third opposite-side guide-structure 48, and/or first opposite-side guide-structure 49 extend therethrough in directions perpendicular to the direction that adjacent portions of the flexible member 34 extend. Straps 42 that are looped through strap-locating features 16 that are so oriented are prevented from sliding along the flexible member 34. In some embodiments of the present invention an assembly 35 thereof comprises a first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 with second opposite-side guide structure 40 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16 and also comprises first opposite-side guide-structure 49 that defines one or more strap-locating features 16. In some such embodiments of the present invention a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the second guide-structure 40 of the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 by one or more straps 42 that extend through strap-locating features 16 defined by the second guide-structure 40. Furthermore, in some such embodiments of the present invention a portion of the flexible member 34 is strapped to the first opposite-side guide-structure 49 by one or more straps 42 that extend through strap-locating features 16 defined by the first opposite-side guide-structure 49.
In some embodiments of the present invention, such as that shown in FIG. 3, one or more of the first guide-[0030] structure 11, second guide-structure 40, guide-structure 19, second opposite-side guide-structure 47, third opposite-side guide-structure 48, and/or first opposite-side guide-structure 49 may have side guide-structures 43 engaged to them. In such embodiments of the present invention the side guide-structures 43 define side guide-surfaces 44 adjacent which various portions of the flexible member 34 extend in such a manner that the side guide-surfaces 44 further restrict movement of the flexible member 34.
In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0031] 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, a flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 comprises a sheet body that comprises one or more of its mounting structure 12, its first guide-structure 11, its second guide-structure 40, its third guide-structure 19, its first opposite-side guide-structure 49, its second opposite-side guide-structure 47, and its third opposite-side guide-structure 48 and any of its other parts. The term sheet body as it is used within this disclosure is intended to mean a body of matter that has two major surfaces each of which extends approximately parallel to the other along substantially its entire extent and which two major surfaces in aggregate comprise the majority of the surface area of the body of matter. It will be understood that the major surfaces of a sheet body are not necessarily planar in shape. Construction of the multiple portions of a flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 from a common sheet body is relatively cost effective because a flat sheet of material may be quickly and easily manipulated in such a manner to form it into a shape that includes those multiple portions of the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50.
The [0032] flexible member 34 of an assembly according to the present invention may be constructed and engaged to the other components of the assembly in any of a number of manners well-known to and/or easily imaginable by a person of ordinary skill in the art. An assembly 35 according to the present invention may comprise a flexible member 34 that is of any of a number of different types including, but not limited to, tubing, wiring, cable, and optical conductor. A flexible member 34 of an assembly 35 according to the present invention may be engaged to the other components of the assembly in such a manner that it is prevented from translating along its axis relative to the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. Alternatively, a flexible member 34 of an assembly 35 according to the present invention may be engaged to the other components of the assembly 35 in such a manner that the flexible member 34 may slide along its axis relative to the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 and the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. Of course it will also be understood that there may be more than one flexible member 34 that extends adjacent the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 and through the flexible-member-routing aperture 26.
Within the guidelines set forth in this disclosure, the form of flexible-member-[0033] routing brackets 10, 50 may vary in a number of different ways to accommodate variable aspects of the construction of assemblies 35 according to the present invention. One such variable aspect of the construction of assemblies 35 according to the present invention that affects the form of flexible-member-routing brackets 10, 50 for use therein is the shape of the structure to which the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 is to be mounted to and the orientation of that structure relative to the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In some embodiments of the present invention a flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 is particularly well-adapted for use in assemblies, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, and 17, in which the structure to which the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 is to be mounted is flat and disposed at an angle of between 30 degrees and 150 degrees to the aperture axis 27 of the flexible-member-routing aperture 26. In some embodiments of the present invention the mounting structure 12 of a flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 defines a planar mounting surface 14 that is disposed in a mounting plane 15 of the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50. In other words, in such embodiments a flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 comprises mounting structure 12 that has a planar mounting surface 14 and the geometric plane within which that planar mounting surface 14 exists is considered to be a mounting plane 15 of the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50. For purposes of this disclosure a geometric plane is a non-corporeal reference feature that has a flat, two-dimensional shape that extends infinitely in all directions and has no thickness. It should be understood that, for purposes of this disclosure, any planar mounting surface 14 inherently has an associated mounting plane 15 in much the same way that any cylindrical hole would inherently have an axis. In such a case, if the positions and angles of guide-structures and guide surfaces of the flexible-member-routing bracket relative to any one of its multiple mounting planes is in accord with the guidelines of the present invention, the flexible-member-routing bracket will be considered to be in accord with the present invention. It should further be understood that, for purposes of this disclosure, any planar surface that has a mounting aperture 21 defined therein or a fastener 22 projecting therefrom and that is positioned in such a manner that the planar surface could be mounted against another component is to be considered to be a planar mounting surface 15 of the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50. In some such embodiments of the present invention a flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 further has a second guide-surface 41 that is disposed at an angle of between 30 and 90 degrees relative to the mounting plane 15 and a first guide-surface 13 that is disposed at an angle of greater than 0 degrees and less than 60 degrees relative to the mounting plane 15 and an angle of between 30 degrees and 150 degrees relative to the second guide-surface 41. In some such embodiments of the present invention such as those shown in FIGS. 1-5. 11, 13, 15, and 16, the mounting structure 12, the first guide-structure 11, and the second guide-structure 40 are all disposed on a same side of the mounting plane 15 defined by the mounting structure 12. In some such embodiments of the present invention the first guide-surface 13 is approximately parallel to the mounting plane 15 of the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50 and the first guide-surface 13 is approximately perpendicular to the second guide-surface 41 of the flexible-member-routing bracket 10, 50. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, the second guide-structure 40 extends up to the mounting plane 15 where it meets and is engaged to first opposite-side leading guide-structure 49 which defines a first opposite-side guide-surface 51 that is disposed at an angle of between 30 and 90 degrees relative to the mounting plane 15. In some such embodiments of the present invention the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 further comprises second opposite-side guide-structure 47 that defines a second opposite-side guide-surface 52 that is disposed at an angle of between 0 and 60 degrees relative to the mounting plane 15 and an angle of between 30 and 150 degrees relative to the second opposite-side guide-surface 51. In some-such embodiments of the present invention the first flexible-member-routing bracket 10 further comprises third opposite-side guide-structure 48 that extends between the first opposite-side guide-structure 49 and the second opposite-side guide-structure 47. In some such embodiments of the present invention the third opposite-side guide-structure 48 defines a third opposite-side guide-surface 53 that extends in a sweeping manner between the first opposite-side guide-surface 51 and the second opposite-side guide-surface 52. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 11, 13, 15, and 16, the first opposite-side guide structure 49 is disposed on a side of the mounting plane 15 opposite the mounting structure 12, the first guide-structure 11, and the second guide-structure 40. In some embodiments of the present invention, such as those shown in FIGS. 1, 11, 13, 15, and 16, the first opposite-side guide structure 49, the second opposite-side guide-structure 47, and the third opposite-side guide-structure 48 are disposed on a side of the mounting plane 15 opposite the mounting structure 12, the first guide-structure 11, and the second guide-structure 40.

Claims

1. (Cancelled)

2. (Cancelled)

3. (Cancelled)

4. (Cancelled)

5. (Cancelled)

6. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 5, wherein:

(a) said trailing guide-surface is approximately parallel to said mounting plane; and

(b) portions of said leading guide-surface adjacent said mounting plane are approximately perpendicular to said mounting plane.

7. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 6, wherein:

(a) said leading guide-structure extends up to said mounting plane where it meets and is engaged to opposite-side leading guide-structure that is disposed upon a side of said mounting plane opposite said leading guide-structure; and

(b) said opposite-side leading guide-structure defines an opposite-side leading guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of at least 60 degrees with respect to said mounting plane.

8. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 7, wherein:

(a) said leading guide-structure defines a strap-locating feature on a same side of said mounting plane as said trailing guide structure; and

(b) said opposite-side leading guide-structure defines a strap-locating feature on a side of said mounting plane opposite said trailing guide-structure.

9. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 8, wherein:

(a) said trailing guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features including one or more strap-locating apertures and/or one or more strap-locating channels; and

(b) said intermediate guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features including one or more strap-locating apertures and/or one or more strap-locating channels.

10. (Cancelled)

11. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 10, wherein:

12. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 11, wherein

13. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 12, wherein:

14. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 13, wherein:

(a) said trailing guide-structure defines or more strap-locating features including one or more strap-locating apertures and/or one or more strap-locating channels.

15. (Cancelled)

16. The flexible-member-routing guide of claim 15, wherein:

17. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 16, wherein:

(a) said mounting structure comprises a mounting feature which, is either a fastener aperture defined by said mounting structure or a fastener fixedly engaged to said mounting structure.

18. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 1, wherein:

19. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 2, wherein:

20. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 3, wherein:

21. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 4, wherein:

22. A first flexible-member-routing bracket, comprising:

(a) mounting structure that defines a planar mounting surface which defines a mounting plane of the first flexible-member-routing bracket and which mounting structure comprises a mounting feature that is a mounting aperture defined in said planar mounting surface or a fastener that protrudes from said planar mounting surface;

(b) wherein said mounting plane is the geometric plane within which said planar mounting surface of said mounting structure is disposed;

(c) first guide-structure that is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said mounting structure and which first guide-structure defines a first guide-surface that is disposed at distance from said mounting plane and an angle of between 0 and 60 degrees relative to said mounting plane;

(d) second guide-structure that is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said mounting structure and said first guide-structure and which second guide-structure defines a second guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of between 30 and 150 degrees relative to said first guide-surface and which second guide-surface is disposed closer to said mounting plane than is said first guide-surface and which second guide-surface is disposed at an angle of between 30 and 90 degrees relative to said mounting plane;

(e) wherein said mounting structure, said first guide-structure, and said second guide structure are all disposed upon the same side of said mounting plane. (f) said second guide-structure extends up to said mounting plane where it meets and is engaged to first opposite-side guide-structure that is disposed on the side of said mounting plane opposite said second guide structure; and

(g) said first opposite-side guide-structure defines first opposite-side guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of between 30 and 90 degrees relative to said mounting plane.

23. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 22, wherein:

(a) said flexible member routing bracket comprises second opposite-side guide-structure that is disposed on the side of the mounting plane opposite said second guide-structure, that is engaged to said first opposite-side guide-structure through third opposite-side guide structure that extends between and is engaged to said first opposite-side guide-structure and said second opposite-side guide-structure;

(b) said second opposite-side guide-structure defines a second opposite-side guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of between 0 and 60 degrees relative to said mounting plane and that is also disposed at an angle of between 30 and 150 degrees relative to said first opposite-side guide-surface; and

(c) said third opposite-side guide-structure defines a third opposite-side guide-surface that extends in a sweeping manner between said first opposite-side guide-surface and said second opposite-side guide-surface.

24. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 23, wherein:

(a) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises a sheet body that comprises said second guide-structure, said third guide-structure, said first guide-structure, said first opposite-side guide-structure, said third opposite-side guide-structure, said second opposite-side guide-structure, and said mounting structure.

25. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 24, wherein:

(a) said first opposite-side guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features and/or said second opposite-side guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features.

26. The first flexible-member-routing bracket of claim 22, wherein:

(a) said opposite-side leading guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features.

27. An assembly, comprising:

(a) a first flexible-member-routing bracket that is serviceably fixedly mounted to a divider component of said assembly adjacent a flexible-member-routing aperture defined by said divider component;

(b) a flexible member that comprises a penetrating portion that extends through said flexible-member-routing aperture;

(c) wherein said flexible member further comprises a distal portion that extends away from said flexible-member-routing aperture at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to an aperture axis of said flexible-member-routing aperture;

(d) wherein said flexible member further comprises a transition portion that extends between said penetrating portion and said distal portion thereof;

(e) wherein said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises trailing guide-structure that defines a trailing guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis and that is disposed at a distance from said flexible-member-routing aperture in directions parallel to said aperture axis and also in directions perpendicular to said aperture axis; and

(e) wherein a trailing portion of said transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent to said trailing guide-surface.

28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein:

(a) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises mounting structure that is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said trailing guide-structure and that is serviceably fixedly engaged to said divider component; and

(b) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises a sheet body that comprises said trailing guide-structure and said mounting structure.

29. The assembly of claim 28, wherein:

(a) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises leading guide-structure that is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said trailing guide-structure and said mounting structure;

(b) said leading guide-structure defines a leading guide-surface; and

(c) a portion of said leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent to said flexible-member-routing aperture and also a leading portion of said transition portion of said flexible member extend adjacent one another at angles of less than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis and also at angles of greater than 30 degrees relative to said trailing guide-surface.

30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein:

(a) said leading guide-structure extends through said flexible-member-routing aperture where it meets and is engaged to opposite-side leading guide-structure that is disposed upon a side of said divider component opposite said trailing guide-structure;

(b) said opposite-side leading guide-structure defines an opposite-side leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent said flexible-member-routing aperture and that extends at an angle of less than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis.

31. The assembly of claim 30, wherein:

(a) said sheet body also comprises said leading guide-structure.

32. The assembly of claim 31, wherein:

(a) said leading portion of said transition portion of said flexible member is strapped to said to said leading guide-structure and said trailing portion of said transition portion of said flexible member is strapped to said trailing guide-structure.

33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein:

34. The assembly of claim 33, wherein:

(a) said divider component or another component of said assembly defines a flexible-member-routing surface that extends at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis; and

(b) at least a portion of said distal portion of said flexible member is disposed adjacent to and extends parallel to said flexible-member-routing surface.

35. The assembly of claim 34, wherein:

(a) said sheet body of said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises intermediate guide-structure that extends between said leading guide-structure and said trailing guide structure;

(b) said intermediate guide-structure defines an intermediate guide-surface that extends in a sweeping manner between said leading guide-surface and said trailing guide-surface; and

(c) an intermediate portion of said transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent said intermediate guide-structure.

36. The assembly of claim 35, wherein:

(a) said leading guide-structure and/or said trailing guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features including one or more strap-locating apertures and/or one or more strap-locating channels; and

(b) a portion of one or more straps, which straps a portion of said flexible member to said first flexible-member-routing bracket, passes through one or more of said strap-locating features.

37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein:

(a) said assembly is a vehicle;

(b) said vehicle comprises one or more frame structures to which a majority of other components of said vehicle are directly or indirectly engaged and which derive support directly or indirectly from said one or more frame structures;

(c) said vehicle comprises a suspension system that is engaged to said one or more frame structures above the ground and provides said vehicle with a relatively low resistance to movement along the ground; and

(d) said vehicle comprises one or more body structures that are mounted to said one or more frame structures and upon or within which cargo and/or occupants may reside.

38. The assembly of claim 37, wherein:

(a) said divider component is a frame rail of one of said one or more frame structures of said assembly.

39. The assembly of claim 27, wherein:

(a) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises leading guide-structure that defines a leading guide-surface; and

(b) a portion of said leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent to said flexible-member-routing aperture and also a leading portion of said transition portion of said flexible member extend adjacent one another at angles of less than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis and at angles of greater than 30 degrees relative to said trailing guide-surface.

40. The assembly of claim 39, wherein:

(a) said leading portion of said transition portion is strapped to said leading guide-structure and/or said trailing portion of said transition portion is strapped to said trailing guide-structure.

41. The assembly of claim 40, wherein:

(a) said leading portion of said transition portion is strapped to said leading guide-structure and said trailing portion of said transition portion is strapped to said trailing guide-structure.

42. The assembly of claim 41, wherein:

43. The assembly of claim 42, wherein:

(a) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises intermediate guide structure that is fixedly engaged to and extends between said trailing guide-structure and said leading guide-structure;

44. The assembly of claim 43, wherein:

(a) said assembly is a vehicle;

45. The assembly of claim 39, wherein:

46. The assembly of claim 29, wherein:

(a) said sheet body also comprises said leading guide-structure.

47. The assembly of claim 46, further comprising:

(a) said sheet body of said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises intermediate guide-structure that extends between said leading guide-structure and said trailing guide structure; and

48. The assembly of claim 27, wherein:

49. The assembly of claim 29, wherein:

50. The assembly of claim 39, wherein:

51. The assembly of claim 27, wherein:

(a) said assembly is a vehicle;

52. The assembly of claim 29, wherein:

(a) said assembly is a vehicle;

53. The assembly of claim 39, wherein:

(a) said assembly is a vehicle;

54. The assembly of claim 30, wherein:

55. An assembly, comprising:

(e) wherein said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises leading guide-structure that defines a leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent said flexible-member-routing aperture and that is disposed at an angle of less than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis;

(f) wherein a leading portion of said transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent said leading guide-surface and is strapped to said leading guide-structure;

(c) wherein said leading guide-structure extends through said flexible-member-routing aperture where it meets and is engaged to opposite-side leading guide-structure that is disposed upon a side of said divider component opposite said trailing guide-structure;

(g) wherein said opposite-side leading guide-structure defines an opposite-side leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent said flexible-member-routing aperture and that extends at an angle of less than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis;

(h) wherein said flexible member further comprises an opposite-side distal portion that is disposed upon a side of said penetrating portion opposite said distal portion of said flexible member;

(i) wherein said opposite-side distal portion of said flexible member extends away from said flexible-member-routing aperture at an angle of at least 30 degrees;

(j) wherein said flexible member comprises an opposite-side transition portion that extends between said penetrating portion and said opposite-side distal portion; and

(k) wherein an opposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent said opposite-side leading guide-surface and is strapped to said opposite-side leading guide-structure.

56. The assembly of claim 55, wherein:

(a) said leading guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features through which extend one or more straps that strap said leading portion of said transition of said flexible member to said leading guide-structure; and

(b) said opposite-side leading guide-structure defines one or more strap-locating features through which extend one or more straps that strap said opposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member.

57. The assembly of claim 56, wherein:

(a) said assembly is a vehicle;

58. The assembly of claim 57, wherein:

(a) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises trailing guide-structure that defines a trailing guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis and that is disposed at a distance from said flexible-member-routing aperture in directions parallel to said aperture axis and directions perpendicular to said aperture axis;

(b) said trailing guide-surface is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said leading guide-surface; and

(c) wherein a trailing portion of said transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent to said trailing guide-surface.

59. The assembly of claim 27, further comprising:

(a) a second flexible-member-routing bracket that is serviceably fixedly mounted to said divider component of said assembly adjacent said flexible-member-routing aperture defined by said divider component;

(b) wherein said flexible member further comprises an opposite-side distal portion that is disposed upon a side of said divider component opposite said first flexible-member-routing bracket;

(c) wherein said opposite-side distal portion of said flexible member extends away from said flexible-member-routing aperture at an angle of greater than 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis;

(d) wherein said flexible member further comprises an opposite-side transition portion that extends between said penetrating portion and said opposite-side distal portion thereof;

(e) wherein said second flexible-member-routing bracket comprises trailing guide-structure that defines a trailing guide-surface that is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis and that is disposed at a distance from said flexible-member-routing aperture in directions parallel to said aperture axis and also in directions perpendicular to said aperture axis;

(f) wherein an opposite-side trailing portion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent to said opposite-side trailing guide-surface.

60. The assembly of claim 59, wherein:

(a) said trailing portion of said transition portion of said flexible member is strapped to said trailing guide-structure of said first flexible-member-routing bracket and/or said opposite-side trailing portion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member is strapped to said opposite-side trailing guide-structure of said second flexible-member-routing bracket.

61. The assembly of claim 60, wherein:

(a) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises leading guide-structure that is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said trailing guide-structure and is disposed upon a same side of said divider component as said trailing guide-structure;

(b) said leading guide-structure defines a leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent to said flexible-member-routing aperture at a position closer thereto than said trailing guide surface in both directions perpendicular to said aperture axis and directions parallel to said aperture axis;

(c) said leading guide-surface is disposed at an angle of less than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis;

(d) said leading guide-surface is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said trailing guide-surface; and

(e) a leading portion of said transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent said leading guide-surface.

62. The assembly of claim 61, wherein:

(a) said second flexible-member-routing bracket comprises opposite-side leading guide-structure that is directly or indirectly fixedly engaged to said opposite-side trailing guide-structure and is disposed upon a same side of said divider component as said opposite-side trailing guide-structure;

(b) said opposite-side leading guide-structure defines an opposite-side leading guide-surface that is disposed adjacent to said flexible-member-routing aperture at a position closer thereto than said opposite-side trailing guide surface in both directions perpendicular to said aperture axis and directions parallel to said aperture axis;

(c) said opposite-side leading guide-surface is disposed at an angle of less than 60 degrees relative to said aperture axis;

(d) said opposite-side leading guide-surface is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said opposite-side trailing guide-surface; and

(e) an opposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent said opposite-side leading guide-surface.

63. The assembly of claim 62, wherein:

(a) said leading portion of said transition portion of said flexible member is strapped to said leading guide-structure.

64. The assembly of claim 63, wherein:

(a) said opposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member is strapped to said opposite-side leading guide-structure.

65. The assembly of claim 30, wherein:

(a) said first flexible member comprises an opposite-side distal portion that is disposed upon a side of said penetrating portion of said flexible member opposite said distal portion of said flexible member;

(b) said opposite-side distal portion of said flexible member extends away from said flexible-member-routing aperture at an angle greater than 30 degrees with respect to said aperture axis;

(c) said flexible member comprises an opposite-side transition portion that extends between said penetrating portion and said opposite-side distal portion;

(d) an opposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent said opposite-side leading guide-surface;

(e) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises opposite-side trailing guide-structure that is disposed upon a side of said divider component opposite said mounting structure;

(f) said first flexible-member-routing bracket comprises intermediate guide structure that is engaged to and extends between said opposite-side leading guide-structure and said opposite-side trailing guide-structure;

(g) said opposite-side trailing guide-structure defines an opposite-side trailing guide-surface that is disposed farther from said flexible-member-routing aperture than said opposite-side leading guide-surface in both directions parallel to said aperture axis and directions perpendicular to said aperture axis;

(h) said opposite-side trailing guide-surface is disposed at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said aperture axis and also at an angle of at least 30 degrees relative to said opposite-side leading guide-structure; and

(i) an opposite-side trailing portion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member extends adjacent to said opposite-side trailing guide-surface.

66. The assembly of claim 65, wherein:

(a) said opposite-side leading portion of said opposite-side transition portion of said flexible member is strapped to said opposite-side leading guide-structure and/or said opposite-side trailing portion of said opposite-side transition portion is strapped to said opposite-side trailing guide-structure.

67. The assembly of claim 29, wherein:

(a) said trailing guide-surface faces away from said flexible-member-routing aperture.