Package and article carriers – Vehicle attached – Carrier attached to special purpose vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-14
2001-11-27
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Package and article carriers
Vehicle attached
Carrier attached to special purpose vehicle
C224S483000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321960
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a dashboard rail and steering column support for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND ART
Specialty vehicles such as golf carts and utility vehicles are used for a wide variety of purposes. Such vehicles are generally smaller than normal motor vehicles. Due to the small size of such vehicles, the quantity of usable storage space and accessability of vehicle interior components are limited.
Consumers of such vehicles are interested in vehicles that have storage facilities and vehicle interior components that are within easy reach. Cup holders, storage devices, mirrors, picture frames and dashboard display modules are formed as part of a complex dashboard structure in an inflexible design. Such inflexible designs limit the ability of consumers to customize vehicle interiors.
To maximize the range of electric specialty vehicles, it is imperative that vehicles be designed to minimize weight. In prior art specialty vehicles, it is generally necessary to provide cross vehicle reinforcing bars and a steering column support that are generally independent of the dashboard. The need to provide a separate steering column support and a cross vehicle support tends to add weight to a vehicle.
In designing specialty vehicles, cost constraints must be addressed by providing economical manufacturing techniques. To this end, it is advantageous to provide multi-purpose parts that combine the functionality of several different components in a single flexible system. The need to provide a cross vehicle support, a steering column support, and flexible accessory mounting members are objectives that are not adequately addressed in prior art specialty vehicles.
These and other disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art are addressed by applicants' invention as summarized below.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to the present invention, a dashboard attachment system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a transversely extending rail having first and second ribs extending along the length of the rail on a front edge and a rear edge of the rail. At least one accessory having a C-shaped mounting bracket is adapted to engage one of the ribs for supporting accessories on the rail.
According to the invention, by way of example, the accessories may be cup holders, bag hooks, mirrors, picture frames, or instrument panel display modules. It should be understood that more than one accessory may be attached to the rail and that it is anticipated that several different types of accessories may be mounted in various ways on the rail.
The present invention also relates to a dashboard attachment system wherein the vehicle includes a steering column supporting a steering wheel. The steering column is partially supported by the rail. A bracket having a C-shaped mounting clip on an upper end and a tubular steering column receptacle on a lower end of the bracket is provided for receiving the steering column. The C-shaped mounting clip on the upper end of the bracket may be secured to the first rib on the front edge of the rail.
According to another aspect of the invention, a plurality of supports are secured to the vehicle at a first end of the supports. The supports also have a C-shaped mounting clip on a second end that engage a rib of the rail.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, right and left end caps are secured to right and left sides of the rail. Each end cap has a U-shaped rib that connects the first and second ribs on the front and rear edges of the rail.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood in view of the attached drawings and following detailed description of the best mode of practicing the invention.
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Ellis Michael Gousotti
Scott Thomas
Chenevert Paul
Ford Global Technologies Inc.
Pape Joseph D.
Porcari Damian
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