Modular system for a vehicle

• US 6,669,260 B2
• Filed: 05/01/2001
• Issued: 12/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Adient Luxembourg Holding S..R.L.
• Original Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Clark, Kenneth M., Beers, Bradley A., Johnson, Curt R., Cansfield, J. Peter, Beasley, Charles E., Billot, Darin R., Fry, David B., Gort, Dale A., Anderson, Kermit M., Hamelink, L. Robert, Rennie, Eric D.
• Primary Examiner(s): PAPE, JOSEPH
• Application Number:
  US09/846,811
• Publication Number:
  US 20020163219A1
• Time in Patent Office: 973 Days
• Field of Search: 296/37.8, 296/37.12, 296/37.13, 296/37.14, 296/37.16, 296/37.7, 224/311, 224/281
• US Class Current: 296/37.8
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/00 Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0028 Ceiling, e.g. roof rails
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0059 using clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0061 using key-type connections
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0071 using latches, clips, clamps, straps or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0075 using a containment or docking space
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0084 with adjustment by linear movement in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 7/04 in driver or passenger space , e.g. using racks B60R7/005, B60R7/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 83/32 for console boxes, e.g. between passenger seats

Abstract

A modular system for a vehicle is provided which includes one or more elongated members adapted to be coupled to an interior portion of a vehicle, where one or more removable articles are configured for attachment to one or more of the members and a utility system provides utilities to the articles. One or more holders are positioned to align with the members and are coupled to the articles for attaching the articles to one or more of the members.

Claims

1. A modular system for a vehicle, comprising:

one or more elongated members comprising an opening forming an elongated passage and a cover configured to enclose the elongated passage, the one or more elongated members adapted to be coupled to at least one of an interior overhead portion, an interior cargo portion and an interior side portion of a vehicle;

one or more articles configured to removably attach to the one or more elongated members; and

a utility system for providing utilities to the one or more articles.

2. The modular system of claim 1, wherein the cover may be segmented into multiple sections to create an access pattern.

3. The modular system of claim 1, wherein the one or more elongated members are coupled to an interior roof portion of the vehicle and are oriented longitudinally with a long axis of the vehicle.

4. The modular system of claim 3, wherein the one or more elongated members are sectioned into a forward portion and a rearward portion.

5. The modular system of claim 4, wherein the forward portion and the rearward portion are separated by a sunroof.

6. The modular system of claim 1, wherein the one or more elongated members are oriented laterally to a long axis of the vehicle.

7. The modular system of claim 1 wherein the one or more elongated members are coupled to an interior door panel.

8. The modular system of claim 1 wherein the one or more elongated members are coupled to an interior side panel of the vehicle.

9. The modular system of claim 1, wherein the one or more articles are interchangably attached to the one or more elongated members.

10. The modular system of claim 9, further comprising an interlock to prevent placement of the one or more articles on the one or more elongated members at locations restricted by the interlock.

11. A modular system for a vehicle, comprising:

means for mounting one or more elongated members to the interior of a vehicle;

means for removably attaching one or more articles to the one or more elongated members; and

means for providing utilities to the one or more articles when the articles are attached to the one or more elongated members.

12. The modular system of claim 11, wherein the means for providing utilities includes at least a portion of the one or more elongated members that are electrically conductive.

13. The modular system of claim 11, wherein the means for removably attaching one or more articles is accomplished without using tools.

14. The modular system of claim 11, further comprising, means for preventing installation of a certain predetermined one of the one or more articles at certain predetermined locations on the one or more elongated members.

15. A method of mounting an article on a vehicle, comprising:

providing a material for one or more elongated members so that at least a portion of the one or more elongated members is electrically conductive;

coupling the one or more elongated members to at least one of an interior overhead portion, an interior cargo portion and an interior side portion of the vehicle;

attaching one or more holders to the article, the one or more holders having a shape adapted to at least partially surround the one or more elongated members;

mounting the article on the one or more elongated members by releasably engaging the one or more holders and the one or more elongated members; and

energizing the article.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of replacing the article with a second interchangeable article.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of replacing the article is accomplished without tools.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more elongated members are coupled to the interior overhead portion of the vehicle.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more elongated members are adapted for mounting the article in an interior cargo portion of the vehicle.

20. A system for attaching articles to an interior portion of a vehicle, comprising:

one or more members having a recess located longitudinally along one or both sides of the one or more members and coupled to at least one of an overhead portion, a cargo portion and a side portion of the interior portion;

one or more articles adapted for mounting to the one or more members along the interior portion;

one or more holders coupled to the one or more articles and adapted to interface with the one or more members, the one or more holders positioned on the one or more articles to align with the one or more members and comprising a clamp portion adapted to engage the recess and a latch whereby the clamp portion is released from the recess when the latch is actuated.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the one or more holders comprise a resilient material urging the clamp portions inward for releasable retention within the recess.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the latch is slidably actuated.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the latch is pivotally actuated.

24. The system of claim 20, wherein the latch is push button actuated.

25. The system of claim 20, wherein the one or more holder is a fastener for engaging the one or more member.

26. A method of mounting an article on a vehicle, comprising:

coupling an elongated member to a headliner of the vehicle;

attaching a holder to the article, the holder having a shape adapted to at least partially surround the elongated member;

mounting the article on the elongated member by releasably engaging the holder and the elongated member; and

energizing the article.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of energizing the article includes routing a utility carrier through a passage in the elongated member.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of energizing the article includes selecting a material for the elongated member so that at least a portion of the elongated member is electrically conductive.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the holder has a clamp portion configured to grip a recess and a ledge disposed on the elongated member.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the clamp portion is biased for releasable retention within the recess.

31. A system for attaching articles to an interior portion of a vehicle, comprising:

a member having a recess, the member coupled to the interior portion;

an article adapted for mounting to the member along the interior portion; and

a holder coupled to the article and positioned to align with the member, the holder having an attachment portion comprising a resilient material biased to releasably interface with the member by engaging the recess when the article is mounted on the member, and a latch whereby the attachment portion is released from the recess when the latch is actuated.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the latch is slidably actuated.

33. A method of attaching an article to an overhead system in a vehicle, the overhead system comprising a pair of elongated members coupled to an interior overhead portion of the vehicle, the method comprising:

providing the article with a pair of coupling areas adapted to be placed adjacent the pair of elongated members; and

providing the article with at least one holder member adapted to couple the article to the pair of elongated members.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein the article is configured to receive a supply of power from the elongated member.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein the article is adapted to operably engage an electrically conductive portion of the elongated member for providing the supply of power.

36. The method of claim 34 wherein the article includes a wiring connector for providing the supply of power.

37. The method of claim 33 wherein the holder member is configured to releasably secure the article to the elongated member.

38. The method of claim 33 wherein the holder member is adapted to engage a catch surface on the elongated member.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein the catch surface is a recess that forms a ledge on the elongated member.

40. The method of claim 33 wherein the holder member comprises a resilient portion adapted to bias the holder member in an engaged position to secure the article to the elongated member.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein the resilient portion engages a first side of the elongated member.

42. The method of claim 40 wherein the resilient portion engages a first side and a second side of the elongated member.

43. An article for use with an overhead system in a vehicle having a pair of rails having a non-circular cross section coupled to an interior overhead portion of the vehicle, comprising:

a body portion having a profile adapted to fit the rail;

at least one holder member coupled to the body portion and positioned for alignment with the rail when the article is used with the overhead system;

the holder member adapted to couple the body portion to the rail.

44. The article of claim 43 wherein the holder member is adapted to releasably secure the body portion to the rail.

45. The article of claim 43 wherein the holder member further comprises a resilient portion adapted to retain the article in an engaged position with the rail.

46. The article of claim 43 wherein the holder member is biased in a coupling orientation.

47. The article of claim 46 wherein the holder member is spring biased.

48. The article of claim 43 wherein the holder member is adapted to engage a catch surface on the rail.

49. The article of claim 48 wherein the catch surface is a recess.

50. The article of claim 49 wherein the recess is configured to provide a ledge.

51. The article of claim 43 wherein article is configured to receive a power supply from the rail.

52. A modular system for a vehicle, comprising:

one or more elongated members adapted to be coupled to at least one of an interior overhead portion, an interior cargo portion and an interior side portion of a vehicle;

one or more articles configured to removably and interchangeably attach to the one or more elongated members;

an interlock configured to prevent placement of the one or more articles on the one or more elongated members at locations restricted by the interlock; and

a utility system for providing utilities to the one or more articles.

53. The modular system of claim 52, wherein the one or more elongated members include an opening forming an elongated passage within the one or more elongated members.

54. The modular system of claim 53, wherein the one or more elongated members include a cover configured to enclose the elongated passage.

55. The modular system of claim 53, wherein the utility system includes a utility interface communicating with one or more utility supply sources and the one or more elongated members.

56. The modular system of claim 55, wherein the utility interface has a plurality of ports, wherein the ports are each operatively coupled to one of the one or more utility supply sources.

57. The modular system of claim 52 wherein the one or more elongated members have a recess located longitudinally along one or both sides of the one or more members.

58. A modular system for a vehicle, comprising:

one or more elongated members including an opening forming an elongated passage and adapted to be coupled to at least one of an interior overhead portion, an interior cargo portion and an interior side portion of a vehicle;

one or more articles configured to removably attach to the one or more elongated members; and

a utility system comprising a utility interface having a plurality of ports configured to be operatively coupled with one or more utility supply sources and the one or more elongated members for providing utilities to the one or more articles.

59. The modular system of claim 58, wherein the ports are configured to removably receive a first end of one or more utility carriers.

60. The modular system of claim 59, wherein the one or more utility carriers have a second end adapted to communicate with the one or more articles.

61. The modular system of claim 60, wherein the one or more utility carriers are routed within the elongated passage from the interface to the one or more articles.

62. A method of mounting an article on a vehicle, comprising:

coupling one or more elongated members to an interior overhead portion of the vehicle;

attaching one or more holders to the article, the one or more holders having a shape adapted to at least partially surround the one or more elongated members; and

mounting the article on the one or more elongated members by releasably engaging the one or more holders and the one or more elongated members.

63. The method of claim 62, further comprising the step of energizing the article.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the step of energizing the article includes routing one or more utility carriers through a passage in the one or more elongated members.

65. The method of claim 63, wherein the step of energizing the article includes selecting a material for the one or more elongated members so that at least a portion of the one or more elongated member is electrically conductive.

66. The method of claim 62, wherein the one or more holders have one or more clamp portions configured to grip a recess and a ledge disposed longitudinally along one or both sides of the one or more elongated members, the recess and the ledge having a relative angle of 90 degrees or less.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein the one or more clamp portions are urged inwardly for releasable retention within the recesses.