Interchangeable module system

Details Interchangeable module system Interchangeable module system

1998-12-16

2001-03-13

Nelson, Jr., Milton (Department: 3624)

Chairs and seats

Combined

With electrical feature

C297S440140, C297S188040

Reexamination Certificate

active

06199948

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to an interchangeable module system and, more particularly, to a system having a module receiver which can receive a wide variety of interchangeable modules.
Consumers are increasingly using their vehicles for purposes other than simply going from one place to another. With the ever increasing use of cellular phones and lap top computers, many people are conducting business from their vehicles. While automotive manufacturers are providing more power outlets for such devices, there is currently a need within the industry to provide adequate and convenient storage and work surfaces within the vehicle to properly utilize these tools of business. Presently, most surfaces that are available are temporarily attached to either the windshield or instrument panel by suction cups or hook and loop fasteners. Further, many mobile office users improvise support surfaces by placing a briefcase or notebook on the seat cushion.
These piecemeal and improvised solutions to the problem of providing an adequate work surface within the vehicle often fail to position the work surface in a convenient location and do not provide solid surfaces upon which a significant amount of work can be conducted. Further, each of these solutions fails to provide adequate and secure storage for the files, computers, or other items which are regularly used by people conducting business from their vehicles.
While some people use their vehicles for work purposes, others find themselves having long commutes or hurried schedules which require the driver or passengers to eat a meal while in transit. As with the business oriented use of the vehicle, people often improvise support surfaces and beverage holders when eating and commuting at the same time. Again, many of these improvised solutions fail to fully solve the problems encountered.
An even more perplexing problem is encountered when the vehicle is used during the week as a make shift office and on the weekend for a family get away. The pieces and parts which have been used to make a working surface must now be removed and reinstalled when the need for the office once again arises.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an interchangeable modular system is disclosed which provides quick and easy interchangeability of different modules, or the convenient storage of any particular module which is utilized. The system provides conveniences which can be readily utilized for personal, non-business type uses during personal or family travel and, by removing one module and inserting a different module, can provide an appropriate work related system including power and communications links.
The system provides a module receiver which is secured to the vehicle at a convenient and appropriate location. The module receiver includes a coupling device which retains the selected module to the module receiver. In one preferred embodiment, the receiver is secured to the rear surface of a seat back which can be folded from a generally upright position when used by a seated occupant to a generally horizontal position providing access to the module by a vehicle occupant. Depending upon the particular module which is being used at the time, the module can be functional when the seat back is in the upright position only, the upright or folded position, or in the folded position only.
The modules can include, but are not limited to, connections for power to any devices used with it, cellular phone connections, computer modem connections, and lights to illuminate the work surfaces or storage areas within or around the module. Further, the modules can at times be removed from and used independent of the module receiver, such as a backpack which can be removed and taken along with the occupant when they leave the vehicle. As will become apparent from the following description, there is little or no limit on the flexibility of uses or configurations of the modules. Additionally, the present invention allows for convenient interchangeability of new modules as they are developed to meet the needs of people as they use their vehicles in more and different ways.


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