FIXING SYSTEM

• US 20130299660A1
• Filed: 03/15/2013
• Published: 11/14/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Signals IT Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Signals IT Ltd.
• Inventors: EMSLIE, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 9,452,714 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 248/309.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 3/0028 on or near an air outlet
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0005 Dashboard
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0052 using screws, bolts, rivets or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0071 using latches, clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/008 Adjustable or movable supports
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/06 mounted on or below dashboards

Abstract

A fixing system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a main body portion and engagement means adapted for positive engagement, in use, with a part of a vehicle, wherein the engagement means comprises at least two rigidly spaced-apart engagement surfaces.

Claims

1. A fixing system suitable for use in a vehicle comprising a main body portion and engagement means adapted for positive engagement, in use, with a part of a vehicle, wherein the engagement means comprises at least two rigidly spaced-apart engagement surfaces.

2. A fixing system according to claim 1, wherein the fixing system is held in place by dimensionally matching the spacing of the engagement surfaces to two or more mounting locations of a vehicle.

3. A fixing system according to claim 1, adapted for connection to the periphery of the surround of a dashboard vent.

4. A fixing system according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion comprises a substantially rigid plate to which the engagement means are detachably affixable.

5. A fixing system according to claim 4, wherein the plate is adjustable or extendable.

6. A fixing system according to claim 1, wherein the engagement means comprise hooks.

7. A fixing system according to claim 6, wherein the hooks are adapted to engage with the lip of a dashboard fascia or the surround of a dashboard vent.

8. A fixing system according to claim 7, wherein the hooks have a generally U-shaped cross-section.

9. A fixing system according to claim 6, wherein the hooks are formed from a sheet of folded metal and comprise a generally U-cross-section hook portion having two spaced-apart limbs interconnected by the engagement surface at the base of the U.

10. A fixing system according to claim 9, wherein pairs of hooks are integrally formed from a single sheet of folded metal, and are joined by an integrally-formed interconnecting member.

11. A fixing system according to claim 9, wherein the hooks are adapted such that, in use, their spaced apart limbs are locatable on opposite sides of a periphery of a vent aperture with the engagement surface abutting the said periphery.

12. A fixing system according to claim 6, wherein the main body portion is affixable to the hooks by screws passing through pre-drilled screw holes in the main body portion, the lateral and vertical position of the hooks being substantially fixed and selected to substantially correspond to the dimensions of a vent aperture.

13. A fixing system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the engagement means is detachably affixable to the main body portion.

14. A fixing system according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the engagement means is selectively affixable to more than one location on the main body portion.

15. A fixing system according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion is substantially flat.

16. A fixing system according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion comprises one or more dependent limb portions to which the engagement means are affixable.

17. A fixing system according to claim 1, further comprising a device cradle permanently, semi-permanently or detachably affixed to the main body portion.

18. A fixing system according to claim 1, further comprising a cable clip.

19. A fixing system according to claim 18, wherein the cable clip is integrally formed with the main body portion.

20. A fixing system as claimed in according to claim 1, further comprising a cradle clip.