Abstract: In an arrangement for fitting a pedal assembly to a vehicle, at least one pedal is movably mounted on a bracket attached to a foot control panel which is connectable as a unit to the lower forward portion of a compartment space in the vehicle so that a base plate of the foot control panel covers either of two openings in the cowl panel on each side of the longitudinal center line of the vehicle. The same vehicle body can then be used for left-hand as well as right-hand drive vehicles, and mounting and service of the pedal assembly is easier.

Abstract: A motor-car control group includes two elongate control assemblies which project symmetrically from opposite sides of a cowling covering the steering column into zones immediately behind the steering wheel rim for ready finger-tip availability to the driver. Each assembly includes an end push-button switch and rings rotatable by means of a projecting fingerpiece or a knurled surface about a tubular support to control respective auxiliary electrical services, such as headlights or windscreen wipers, by cooperation of contacts on the rotatable rings with fixed contacts on respective adjacent fixed annuli. Instrument and indicator light assemblies may be mounted on the cowling leaving the dashboard free of obstruction, or the cowling and/or instrument assemblies may be integral with the dashboard.

Abstract: An instrument board mounting structure for a vehicle includes an instrument board whose lateral ends are fixed to front pillars, each consisting of inner and outer pillars having a coupled portion of these pillars, so as to cover the coupled portions, thereby facilitating the mounting of the instrument board onto a vehicle body and making it possible to enlarge the instrument board in a transverse direction to provide a larger effective area for instruments and obtain a much more aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A knee protector for use in a passenger car equipped with an instrument panel and a steering column installed near the instrument panel, comprises a first and second panels which are separate to each other. The steering column is positioned between the first and second panels. The first and second panels are attached under the instrument panel. A pad covering the first and second panels. The pad has a convex portion to be inserted into a space between the first and second panels.

Abstract: A dashboard is constructed of a formed plastic sheet and polyurethane foam laminate having a reinforcement fixture and mat embedded in the foam.

Abstract: A tractor includes a dash which houses various components of the tractor. A pair of dash panels enclose the top and sides of the dash. Each side of the tractor includes lower front and upper rear hinge members mounted thereon. Each panel includes complimentary hinge members pivotally engagable with the front and rear tractor hinge members. The hinge members are disposed so that the panels may swing between closed and open positions without engaging other components of the tractor, such as the steering wheel or foot pedals.

Abstract: A covering for a folded gas cushion which is adapted to fold open by pivoting down, and which is provided with a reinforcement embedded in a padding layer; the reinforcement consists of a very strong synthetic plastic fabric that, prior to the foaming of the padding layer, is connected, for example, by gluing with a deformable lower fastening part; an anchoring for the covering is produced by a groove- and spring-like cooperation of at least one section of a boundary edge of the covering with an adjoining fixed vehicle part.

Abstract: An occupant protection device for holding back the lower body portion, i.e., knees and pelvis, of an occupant of a veicle during a crash, including a plastically stretchable hollow sheet metal girder structure on opposite sides of the vehicle, secured in spaced relation to the panel separating the passenger compartment from the forward part of the vehicle by a frame supported on the panel, and including a linkage coupling the structure on opposite sides of the vehicle for effective force distribution between the vehicle sides and separating panel.

Abstract: An automobile front deck structure which provides rigid connections among the dash panel, the front pillar and the longitudinally extending wheel apron reinforcement. The front pillar includes an upper pillar structure of closed cross-section and a lower pillar structure of closed cross-section.

Abstract: An instrument panel cover is hingedly supported from opposite panel housing side walls by means of an unitary hinge rod having axially aligned out-turned ends respectively received in blind holes provided in the opposite side walls. The hinge rod is located and configured such as to be substantially hidden when the cover occupies an operative position blocking access to an instrument panel section and such as to guide the cover between its operative position and a stored position against a bottom housing wall extending orthogonally to the panel section at a lower edge of the latter. The cover is respectively releasably retained in its operative and stored positions by means of a key operated cam lock carried by the panel and having a lip engageable with an angled end of a locking rod fixed to the panel section, and by means of a clip provided with a resiliently expandable perforation for receiving the end of ball stud fixed to the lower housing wall.

Abstract: A cover member for a safety air-cushion device is made up of a bag-shaped outer laminate of high density polyurethane foam, and a bag-shaped inner laminate of low density polyurethane foam which is integral with the outer laminate, the inner laminate being made by pouring the fluidized foamable material into a mold after solidification of the other fluidized foamable material having been poured into the mold for the formation of the outer laminate.

Abstract: The storage cabinet comprises a lid hingedly mounted thereon, an arcuate arm extending from the lid inwardly of the cabinet and having a slot formed at the end remote from the lid, and a coil spring having one end born at a convenient stationary part and the other end slidably received in the slot, whereby the lid can be passively held in a half-open position while being manually movable to a full open position against the action of the spring.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US 79/00226 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 12, 1979, Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 12, 1979, PCT Filed Apr. 12, 1979, Ser. No. 83,995.A panel (10) is provided with an improved bracket assembly (20) for organizing the wiring of the panel and for protecting the electrical components (18) extending from the panel. The two-part (22,24) bracket assembly (20) provides a cable-receiving trough (23) from which the individual wires (46,48) are extracted and guided to a connection with the electrical components (18). Selected wires are provided with a grommet (52) which, in turn, are snapped into a keyhole slot (45) in the bracket (20) for supporting the selected wire and for protecting the electrical components from damage.

Abstract: A setup of meter indication display on an instrument board in an automobile, utilizing a panel type display unit such as a liquid crystal panel or an electroluminescence panel. To minimize unfavorable influence of brightness outside the car and to avoid interfering reflection of light rays incident upon the display panel, the front surface of the instrument board is recessed to provide a room, in which the display panel is disposed. The recessed areas of the instrument board surface are dark colored, and the display panel is supported by the use of, for example, a ball joint which allows the display panel to be swivelled and tilted.

Abstract: An instrument panel device for automobiles, particularly cars, wherein the space on the rear side of the instrument panel is employed to provide air conduits for feeding conditioned air to the interior of the automobile. A closing plate is employed to close the space on the rear side of the instrument panel, and the closed space is vertically sectioned with a partition plate to provide two systems of air conduit passages which are insulated from each other. The respective air conduit passages communicate with blowing ports provided on the front surface of the instrument panel, with defroster blowing ports, and with side defogger blowing ports.

Abstract: A system for mounting instruments such as CB radios, tape players, or other vehicle electronic systems such as computers in the dashboard opening of the ventilation system of a vehicle includes an adaptor plenum, housing and faceplate for redirecting the vehicle's output ventilators and providing adjacent space in the housing for the mounting of an electronic instrument. Such a system incorporates the existing ventilating system opening for the addition of after-market electronic systems to achieve a factory installed design appearance and to conveniently position the electronic instrument for use by the vehicle operator.

Abstract: An arrangement for indicator meters for automobiles, in which a speed meter and a tachometer are coaxially arranged in a front-and-back positional relationship in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle body so that they may be more readily observed with the least movement of eyes as well as from one and same direction. Also disclosed is an arrangement for the warning indicator devices, in which such warning indicators as turning directions, operating conditions of brakes, dynamo, and so forth are arranged in vacant space around dial plates for the speed meter and tachometer, and such warning indicator devices are accommodated in a cavity formed on the top raised portion of a steering handle column cover.

Abstract: A lamp casing for an indicating lamp is fixed to a rigid panel member of the dashboard such that a socket opening formed in the lamp casing is substantially exposed to the driver's compartment. A cover member for concealing the unsightly parts surrounding the lamp casing is removably fixed to the lamp casing, so that the replacement of a burned out lamp with a new one can be simply done.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for removably fixing one element on another, by interlocking, particularly for fixing an instrument panel assembly on the dashboard of an automobile, said device comprising a clip to be fastened to a first element and a pin with a shouldered head to be fastened to a second element which is to be fixed to said first element, said clip being constituted by a frame inside which are connected two resilient lips, defining a central housing for the penetration of said pin and at least one lateral housing for receiving a member for spacing said lips apart in order to release said pin, said lip-spacing member being rotatably mounted on said frame.

Abstract: The core of a bowden cable controlling an automobile choke or the like is connected to the rear end of a rod longitudinally displaceable in a guide mounted in the automobile dashboard with the front end of the rod carrying a control knob that normally projects from the dashboard. The rod normally is moved forwardly to operate the choke from an intermediate position with its rear end bearing on inwardly projecting portions of laterally elastically deflectable fingers formed integrally with the guide. If the control knob is forcibly depressed the rear end will deflect the portions and fingers laterally and allow the control knob to move against the dashboard out of harm's way.

Abstract: A protective appendage for the steering column of an automobile, made of a thin and semi-flexible material which is adapted to surround the area in the vicinity of the ignition key lock. The appendage is preferably thermo-formed from a clear plastic such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. The base of the appendage is curved into an arc of a circle having a diameter of about four inches, so that it will snugly fit against a steering column having a diameter of about 31/2-4 inches. The appendage is installed by temporarily deforming a cylindrical shell of semi-flexible material and forcing it over the lock assembly; the shell is subsequently locked in position by the protruding arms of the lock assembly.

Abstract: This elastic composite assembly intended especially for upholstering or lining instrument panels or inner walls of passenger compartments of motor vehicles comprises at least one rigid support, a cellular padding and a covering plastic sheet, the sheet being formed integrally with a great number of studs on its inner face so as to constitute an equal number of anchoring points for the sheet in said padding, the padding consisting preferably of polyurethane and the rigid support of metal or molded plastic.

Abstract: A structural unit for an electric vehicle which includes a box-like slide-in unit containing the electrical, electronic, and electro-mechanical structural elements for the control and regulation of the operating currents and voltages. The slide-in unit which is adapted to be securely connected with the vehicle, consists of a box-shaped slide-in tray provided with guide arrangement and of a support frame also provided with guide arrangement and adapted to be securely fastened at the vehicle. For purposes of establishing the electrical contacts, complementary plug-in contacts are arranged at corresponding places of the support frame and of the box-like slide-in unit whereby the top cover plate is removable at the slide-in unit and the front plate thereof is adapted to be tilted down while the slide-in unit itself is held in the support frame by means of clamping bolts.

Abstract: This invention describes a system for displaying instruments in an overhead console in an automobile. A transverse instrument panel is located against the roofline of an automobile and located transverse of the automobile above the forward windshield. A centrally located cutout in the transverse panel allows a fore and aft beam to be attached to the roof member in the area of the rear view mirror at the forward part and near the dome light in the rearward portion. Tapered brackets attached to the fore and aft brace member hold instrument panels on each side and on the bottom most portion to thereby provide instrument panel space on both the driver's side and the passenger's side. The fore and aft instrument panels mate with the transverse panels giving the appearance of a single overhead instrument console.

Abstract: An instrument panel cover pivotally connected to the vehicle dashboard and adapted to be folded upon itself into a position above the dashboard to minimize the storage space required by the panel cover when not in use and to eliminate obstructions in the operator compartment or the operator's field of vision.

Abstract: A control module for tractors in which the various controls for operating the tractor are supported in a group for convenient operation by the operator of the tractor and may be installed as a unit in the tractor relative to an operator station that is flexibly supported relative to the main body of the tractor. The various controls are resiliently and flexibly connected to control various devices making up the unsuspended main body of the tractor. The tractor may have either an enclosed cab or an open platform forming an operator station resiliently mounted to the unsuspended main body of the tractor to inhibit the transmission of vibration, shock loads and noise, and the module is supported from the station to minimize relative movement between the operator and the controls. The controls are connected by flexible means serving to dampen the transmission of vibrations and the like from the unsuspended main body of the tractor.

Abstract: A support member is set in a panelling arrangement of a vehicle in a manner that the longitudinal axis thereof is inclined with respect to that of the vehicle. Thus, the panelling arrangement with the support member can be sufficiently deformed upon impact in case of collision to contribute substantially to the safety of the front seat passenger.

Abstract: In the driver's compartment of a motor vehicle, a dash console containing instruments and controls is hinged along a bottom edge to dash structure of the compartment. A steering wheel column is pivotally mounted by a pivot joint to the floor of the compartment and is clamped by an openable clamp to the dash structure into an upright operating position. When the clamp is opened, the steering column may be swung downwardly about the pivot point until the steering wheel rests upon a driver's seat. Then the dash console may be swung from its normally upright operating position downwardly to an access-providing position against the reclining steering column thereby enabling maintenance personnel convenient access to the backside of the dash console.

Abstract: A protective guard assembly for the instrument panel of an operator's console has a vandalism-proof cover which is supported for movement between a storage position over the console and a closed position over the instruments by sets of swing links. The swing links are of different length to provide different movement paths for the upper and lower ends of the panel cover. The cover upper end swings along a relatively flat arc into and out of the storage position and the lower end swings just in front of the instrument panel from above the console to over the lower edge of the instrument panel. Space required for movement of the cover does not encroach upon the space usually occupied by the vehicle operator. Links at opposite sides of the panel cover are connected by a torque rod to prevent binding as the panel cover is moved. The panel cover is designed to interfere with an ignition key inserted into the instrument panel, but not with instruments which project from the panel.

Abstract: An instrument panel comprises an elongated sheet member formed through the longitudinal length thereof with a plurality of depressions. The depressions provide for a weakening of resistance to deformation of the sheet member so that if the sheet member is struck by the passenger's head in a collision, it is permanently and plastically deformed and thus saves the passenger from injury.

Abstract: A cover for an air-cushion is cut open by a cutter with the assistance of the expanding air-cushion to allow the air-cushion to quickly expand to its designed size in case of vehicle collision.

Abstract: A means is disclosed for holding an instrument having a knob, in a projected operative position from an instrument panel of a vehicle. The instrument holding means comprises at least one projection, a plurality of bolts screwed into each projection. The bolts have shank portions, respectively, which extend in parallel with each other. A flange is secured to the instrument. Springs mounted around the shank portions are compressed to bias the flange into abutting engagement with the projections.

Abstract: A motor vehicle damage and injury preventing system is disclosed. The system is based upon shock-absorbing bumpers extending over substantially the entire flattened front and rear ends of a specially designed vehicle and made up of a relatively thin sheet of compressible, rigid but bendable, shock-absorbing, impact-resistant material on the outer face of which is a relatively thick mass of cellular shock-absorbing plastic material. Typically a second relatively thin sheet of the impact-resistant material is provided on the outer portion of the cellular shock-absorbing plastic material and a second relatively thick mass of the cellular shock-absorbing plastic material is provided on the outer portion of this second sheet. In this way the second sheet can move inwardly and distribute the force of impacts during collisions over the entire area of the cellular plastic behind it and also over the entire flattened end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bar for motor vehicles includes a box-like container which is pivotally mounted on a horizontally disposed sliding mechanism beneath the dashboard. The container is slidable from a storage position beneath the dashboard where it is horizontally disposed and is then pivotable to a vertical position at least partially in front of the dashboard for access to the contents of the container.

Abstract: A leg exerciser and foot rest attached to an automotive vehicle and having an attaching member secured to the lower part of an automobile dash panel to support the upper end of freely depending, extensible elastic means which has foot-engageable means on the lower end thereof so that especially the driver of the vehicle may exercise and rest the left leg by swinging it and/or extending and contracting the elastic member to exercise, and thereby restore circulation in, the inactive leg during long periods of driving the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety device for a passenger in an automobile comprises a shoulder safety belt extending diagonally across the passenger's body and an energy absorbing impact element located on the vehicle frame adjacent the passenger's knees. The impact element includes two M-shaped sheet metal members arranged one above the other and symmetrical about a plane passing between the members. The legs of each M-shaped member afford two parallel, spaced-apart plates and one face of one of the plates is presented to the passenger's knees. The portion of each M-shaped member intermediate the legs affords a plastically deformable connection between the plates.

Abstract: An occupant restraint cushion housing is mounted within an instrument panel structure and provided with flanges on the side and upper edges of an elongated opening thereof. An inflatable occupant restraint cushion is housed within the housing. A cover assembly for the housing is secured to the instrument panel structure and includes an integrally hinged closure normally closing an opening in the cover assembly generally co-extensive with that of the housing. Flanges of the cover assembly define the side and upper edges of the opening. The closure is provided with flanges which respectively underlie the flanges of the cover assembly to releasably hold the closure against movement outwardly of the cover assembly until the cushion is inflated. Ribs on the side edge flanges of the closure engage flanges of the housing to block inward movement of the side edges of the closure.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing front wall for motor vehicles, especially passenger motor vehicles which includes several sections, arranged one above the other, of padded parts projecting into the vehicle interior and permanently deformable by the impact of a vehicle passenger caused by an accident; these sections which are arranged one above the other thereby possess different rigidities and/or thicknesses of the padding layer matched to the impinging body portions; an inflatable gas cushion may also form part of a respective section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control unit with which is equipped a vehicle provided with a steering wheel coupled to the rotary member controlling the steering members, comprising at least two control members disposed on the side opposite the driver with respect to the steering wheel, whilst these members have actuating surfaces whose centres define, with the axis of the rotary member, half-planes shifted by a first angle. The directions perpendicular to the actuating surfaces and passing through the centres are contained in planes parallel to the axis which form a second angle larger than the first, whilst the intersection is disposed with respect to the plane parallel to the axis of the rotary member and containing the centres of the two actuating surfaces, substantially on the side where said axis is itself disposed.This invention may be applied to the production of a dashboard providing greater safety.

Abstract: A vehicle dash assembly is provided with pivoting mount means which allows for greater accessibility to the dash mounted instrument and associated control members. A latching mechanism permits the dash assembly to be supported in the open position for servicing operations.

Abstract: The impact-element of this invention includes an energy-absorbing, elongated deformation member which is secured to an elongated, dimensionally stable carrier that is, in turn, mounted below the dashboard of the vehicle. The energy-absorbing deformation forces are generally independent of the impact direction. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy-absorbing deformation member is an elongated, hollow body which, in transverse cross section, is ring-shaped at least in the portion opposing the knees of the occupants of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the elongated, energy-absorbing member is hollow and is box-shaped in transverse cross section. In the second embodiment of the invention, a dimensionally stable, elongated cross piece is diagonally positioned within the box-shaped energy-absorbing member and contacts the upper end of the carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes an energy absorbing steering column having a forward portion rigidly secured to the forward wall of the body and a rearward portion slidably connected by energy absorbing structure to the forward portion for movement forwardly thereof under impact. A rigid bracket structure extends rearwardly from the forward body wall. Impact releasable structure secures the column bracket structure to the rearward portion of the column. The rigid bracket structure guides movement of the column bracket structure during forward movement of the rearward column portion. A knee panel is mounted on the body opposite the driver and includes a center portion which partially surrounds the lower part of the rearward column portion and driver knee deformable side portions to each side of the center portion.

Abstract: Flame retardant flexible polyurethane foams having a porosity in the range between 0.5 and 10 cubic feet per minute and meeting all of the requirements of Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Docket 302 may be produced from tolylene diisocyanate (which is a mixture of the 2,4- and 2,6-isomers) and polyether polyols without downgrading the flexibility or the porosity of the foam by (a) using in the polymerization reaction a tolylene diisocyanate in which the 2,4- to 2,6-isomer ratio is such that the tolylene diisocyanate contains not more than about 76 percent by weight of the 2,4-isomer, and (b) incorporating into the reaction medium prior to polymerization from about 1 to about 8 percent by weight of dibromoneopentyl glycol in a form such that the dibromoneopentyl glycol can be polymerized with the other reactants in the foam matrix, the weight of the dibromoneopentyl glycol being based on the weight of the polyether polyol used in the polymerization reaction.

Abstract: A safety device for a passenger in an automobile comprises a shoulder safety belt extending diagonally across the passenger's body and an energy absorbing impact element located on the vehicle frame adjacent the passenger's knees. The impact element includes two M-shaped sheet metal members arranged one above the other and symmetrical about a plane passing between the members. The legs of each M-shaped member afford two parallel, spaced-apart plates and one face of one of the plates is presented to the passenger's knees. The portion of each M-shaped member intermediate the legs affords a plastically deformable connection between the plates.

Abstract: Two uniform sheets are separated from each other by a corrugated member. The alternating ridges of the corrugated member are spot-welded to the inner surfaces of the two sheets. One of the sheets forms an impact receiving surface and has rows of slots, each row being located between the ridges. Upon impact, the slotted sheet is fractured and the adjoining spot-welded sections of the corrugated member are progressively deformed to distribute the impact force over a large area.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a manifold extending transversely of the instrument panel adjacent the windshield. An oval-shaped, slotted diffuser is secured to the manifold and communicates with a source of pressure fluid. An occupant restraint cushion includes an unbilical portion communicating with the diffuser and also includes a pillow portion. The cushion is stored within the manifold. A cover is provided for the manifold. When the source of pressure fluid is communicated with the diffuser, the diffuser expands from an oval shape toward a round shape and relocates the slots during such change in shape. This moves the cover to an open position. The umbilical portion is then projected rearwardly of the body and is located between the windshield and instrument panel when inflated. The pillow portion is erected generally vertically of the body rearwardly of the frontal portion of the instrument panel.