Abstract: A bracket enables mounting of non-standard sized or shaped instruments in openings of a standard pillar mount or similar instrument mounting arrangement. The bracket includes a first extension that fits in a standard opening and a second extension that mounts the instrument at a position offset from the standard opening.

Abstract: An instrument panel of a motorcycle is provided that includes a vehicle-use meter located on an upper portion of a fuel tank and covered by a meter cover. A manipulation switch, with communicates with the vehicle-use meter, is attached with a side surface of the meter cover.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with space utilization features is disclosed. The space utilization features provide storage and access to components.

Abstract: A deck cross-member comprises a first pipe, a joint member, and a second pipe. The first pipe is configured to support a steering unit. The first pipe has a cross section that is uniform along the axial direction as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The joint member is inserted in the first pipe and secured to the first pipe. The joint member incorporates a receptacle unit. The second pipe is inserted in the receptacle unit of the joint member, thus secured to the joint member. The second pipe has a cross section that is uniform along the axial direction as viewed in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: An instrument panel includes a panel body and a joint member. The panel body includes a core member and an outer layer that covers the core member, and is formed by reaction injection molding. The panel body includes a meter installed portion. A recess of the meter installed portion becomes an undercut at the time of molding. A core member is provided with a deformable portion which is elastically deformable. The molded panel body can be demolded by deforming the deformable portion. There is no need to provide a slide core with a molding die. A deformation of the deformable portion is prevented by installing the joint member onto the demolded panel body. According to the instrument panel, it is possible to improve a product quality and reduce manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A center stack for an instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The center stack includes a front plate having an exposed surface with a first surface finish and a back plate having a visible portion uncovered by the front plate. The front plate has at least one opening extending through the exposed surface for accessing at least one operational feature of the motor vehicle. The visible portion of the back plate has a second surface finish that differs from the first surface finish of the front plate. The back plate may include a flex joint that permits the visible portion of the back plate to move relative to an adjacent non-visible portion covered by the front plate.

Abstract: A crash pad for an instrument panel includes a crash pad skin forming an external surface of the instrument panel and positioned on the upper part of a gauge board of a vehicle, a crash pad core attached to the lower surface of the crash pad skin, the crash pad core configured to withstand impact, and a lower frame forming an impact absorbing space that attenuates impact transmitted to the crash pad core, the lower frame attached to the lower surface of the crash pad core and fixed to a cluster facia.

Abstract: In order to eliminate a steering hanger beam and to take efficient advantage of the empty space within an instrument panel, an instrument panel construction includes a main instrument panel unit 50 which is formed with an open cross sectional shape, and which comprises a plate shaped upper surface member 51 which extends substantially in the horizontal direction of the body of the vehicle across its transverse direction, and a front surface member 52 which curves towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle from said upper surface member 51 and extends downwards substantially in the vertical direction; and in that this main instrument panel unit 50 is made as a single unit from magnesium alloy by a die casting process, and is fixed to left and right front pillars.

Abstract: A steering-column fixing-panel assembly of a cowl crossmember comprises a pair of first and second upper panels, and a single lower panel. Each of the upper panels includes a circular groove for use in the engagement of a crossbar of the cowl crossmember, inner and outer flanges formed at opposite lateral side edges thereof, and a coupling hole formed at the front portion thereof for the fixing of a steering column. The lower panel includes a circular groove for use in the engagement of the crossbar below the first and second upper panels; a protrusion configured to engage closely, at opposite lateral side edges thereof, with the inner flanges of the first and second upper panels; lower flanges, formed at opposite lateral side edges thereof, so as to engage closely with the outer flanges of the first and second upper panels; and a pair of coupling holes, formed at the front portion thereof, so as to communicate with the coupling holes of the first and second upper panels.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel can include a housing and a bracket that is coupled to the housing. The housing has an aperture and a structure with a projecting portion coupled to an attachment portion. The bracket can include a first arm, a second arm and a leg that is disposed between the first arm and second arm. The first arm of the at least one bracket can be received in a first side of the attachment portion and the second arm can be received in a second side of the attachment portion.

Abstract: A closeout apparatus is disclosed for a vehicle having an instrument panel defining a cavity. A steering column is disposed within the cavity, with a steering wheel coupled to the steering column. The steering column adjusts between extended and retracted positions. A cover having an apron is mounted about the cavity. A flange extends from the apron and surrounds part of the steering column. A shroud is mounted adjacent to the steering wheel and surrounds portions of both the flange and the steering column. The shroud cooperates with the flange to conceal a gap formed between the cover and the steering wheel. The flange includes upper and lower portions, each having a substantially equal predetermined length. The shroud continuously surrounds a portion of the flange and is spaced laterally from the cover to continuously conceal the gap during adjustment of the steering column between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A recessed control panel for a grass mowing machine includes a panel mounted in a recess in a top surface of a side cover on the grass mowing machine. Several controls are attached to panel. The panel has a lower forward end and a higher rearward end, is hinged at the lower forward end, and is releasably secured at the higher rearward end. A throttle lever extends less than one inch above the top surface of the side cover while the throttle is in a full position.

Abstract: A system and/or method that displays images in a vehicle dashboard area that appear, to an operator of the vehicle, to float above and/or below the vehicle's gauge face in a three-dimensional manner. In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method is provided wherein a gauge face includes a first sheet (e.g., vinyl sheet) having images laser-etched therein based on a design template, and a second sheet (e.g., polycarbonate sheet) to which the first sheet is applied. In certain example embodiments, when light from a dashboard backlight shows through the gauge face, the one or more of the laser-etched images appear to float above and/or below the gauge face in a three dimensional manner. In certain example embodiments, the images can be used in combination with and/or in place of conventional digital and/or analog gauges.

Abstract: An instrument panel device includes an instrument panel incorporating a speed meter, an odometer, a main switch and a meter cover covering the instrument panel and the main switch. The main switch is provided with a key cylinder projecting inwardly from the side surface of the meter cover. An inclined surface is formed on the side surface of the meter cover so that the projecting direction of the key cylinder is oriented obliquely downwardly. The inclined surface is formed at a position lowered by one step from the outermost circumferential surface of the meter cover. The resulting configuration reduces the size of the instrument panel device by reducing the depth of the instrument panel device incorporating the main switch with the key cylinder.

Abstract: The safety device concerns a safety device for a vehicle, said device comprising a load distributing member for arrangement in front of a vehicle seat so as to be exposed to an impact load from a vehicle occupant as the occupant moves forwardly in an impact situation, and a load deformable member arranged to retard the forward movement of the occupant, wherein the load deformable member is intended to be attached to the load distributing member and to a supporting member, which supporting member is intended to hold at least a part of the load deformable member in place in relation to the vehicle, and wherein the load distributing member is sufficiently rigid to allow the impact load to be distributed to the load deformable member. The safety device is characterized in that the load deformable member is intended to be arranged with regard to the load distributing member and the supporting member so as to be deformed by tensile and/or shear forces in the event of an impact situation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crossmember for a motor vehicle. Said crossmember (1) is composed of a base body (2) and a reinforcement (3) and has at least one wall (22) running transversally to the crossmember (1).

Abstract: The instrument panel for a vehicle, comprises at least one liquid crystal display, which is characterized in that the display is of the positive transparent type, and in that its rear face, with respect to the position of the driver, is illuminated by daylight. In particular, it is mounted on the dashboard projecting therefrom, the rear face being illuminated by the light from the windshield of the vehicle. The instrument panel also comprises a device of illumination for use by night.

Abstract: A cockpit assembly generally includes a cast alloy backbone, an intermediate plastic support member, and an instrument panel. The cast alloy backbone extends laterally and defines attachment features. The intermediate support member provides structural support to the various devices of the cockpit assembly, and is connected to the backbone through molding of the plastic around the attachment features. The instrument panel is connected to the support member and defines an interior surface exposed to the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: An instrument bezel for an automobile facilitates the addition of supplemental instruments to a vehicle while maintaining a clear and unobstructed view of the road for the driver without placing the supplemental instruments in a location that would make reading these instruments awkward and unsafe. The present instrument bezel is shaped to surround the dashboard of the automobile and replace an original instrument panel or dashboard bezel of the automobile. In one embodiment, the present instrument bezel includes integral pods or mounts on the bottom corners for retaining the supplemental instruments. The present instrument bezel may be made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, metal, or the like.

Abstract: A center stack for an instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The center stack includes a front plate having an exposed surface with a first surface finish and a back plate having a visible portion uncovered by the front plate. The front plate has at least one opening extending through the exposed surface for accessing at least one operational feature of the motor vehicle. The visible portion of the back plate has a second surface finish that differs from the first surface finish of the front plate. The back plate may include a flex joint that permits the visible portion of the back plate to move relative to an adjacent non-visible portion covered by the front plate.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching gauges or other accessories to vehicles provides a rampart member for securing the assembly to a vehicle surface and a gauge display member secured to the rampart member for receiving and displaying gauges and other instruments.

Abstract: A motorcycle having one or more translucent body panels, such as an airbox cover and a flyscreen. The translucent body panels can be sufficiently opaque to mask the components positioned behind the body panel when the motorcycle is viewed from a distance, but yet allow visual inspection of those components when viewed from a position adjacent the motorcycle.

Abstract: A shifter face plate assembly and method for an automatic transmission having a shifter rod in an opening of a floor console which includes an intermediary plate and top face plate. The intermediary plate supports the top plate and floats horizontally laterally to obtain the proper sidewise position of the top plate with respect to the console opening. The top plate floats horizontally longitudinally to obtain the proper lengthwise position of the top plate with respect to the console opening. An eccentric cone on the shifter rod is movable to accommodate any offset of the shifter rod relative to its slot in the top plate after the proper position of the top plate in the console opening is obtained.

Abstract: A knee bolster structure includes an upper shock-absorbing member adapted for absorbing input force of knees of an occupant who has an average physical constitution and a lower shock-absorbing member adapted for absorbing input force of knees of an occupant who is small in stature, and a difference in strength between the upper shock-absorbing member and the lower shock-absorbing member is provided such that receiving strength of the upper shock-absorbing member is larger and receiving strength of the lower shock-absorbing member is smaller.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a cowl portion for supporting a front end of a windshield is disposed above the dash panel so as to extend in a width direction of the vehicle, an instrument panel member is located backward away from the cowl portion so as to extend in the width direction of the vehicle above the dash panel, a recess portion is formed in such manner that a central portion of the dash panel in the width direction of the vehicle is recessed backward from the cowl portion to the instrument panel member, and the driving device for the vehicle is disposed in the recess portion such that the driving device is located in front of and close to the instrument panel member.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel assembly includes a console provided in a center stacking area receiving one or more vehicle components including a media player. A trim bezel configured for use with the one or more vehicle components is secured to the console. An alignment mechanism cooperates with the media player and an opening in the trim bezel to load and unload removable media. The alignment mechanism includes a load funnel securable adjacent an opening in the media player and an eject funnel cooperating with an opening in the trim bezel.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for a center console module of a motor vehicle includes a transversely extending assembly carrier, a pedal bracket rigidly fastened to the assembly carrier, and a front wall cover connected with the pedal bracket. The assembly carrier is fastened by way of first screwed connections to the two adjoining opposite A-columns, and the front wall cover is fastened by way of second screwed connections to the front wall.

Abstract: An integrated structural system for a vehicle is provided. The integrated structural system includes a molded duct system configured to guide airflow having a first section and a second section and configured to operably attach a vehicle component thereto. The integrated structural system also includes a metal structure integrated with the molded duct system by means for integrating the metal structure with the molded duct system forming an integrated structural load path assembly. The integrated structural load path assembly is configured as a load bearing area to distribute a load of the vehicle component operably attached thereto. The means for integrating the metal structure with said molded duct system include, but not limited to, at least one of, sonic welding, heat staking, insert molding, and gluing.

Abstract: A vehicle liquid dispensing system having a dispenser which may be retracted or concealed within the dashboard, a thermoelectric liquid heat exchanger for heating or cooling the liquids, an esthetically pleasing liquid reservoir and a pump: all components are disposed within the structure of the vehicle and do not take up passenger compartment space. In embodiments, an on/off switch may be provided to prevent dispensing, a switch may be provided at the dispenser to activate the pump, the pump may be electrical, and the fluid connections between the components of the system may be provided with connectors allowing easy cleaning.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly for an automotive vehicle is provided, which includes a soft instrument panel having an outer surface, an opening formed in the outer surface, and an abutment surface adjacent the opening and spaced apart from the outer surface. The instrument panel assembly also includes a panel having opposite outer and inner panel surfaces, and at least one rib extending from the inner surface for engaging the abutment surface during assembly of the panel and the instrument panel, thereby locating the panel in an insertion direction relative to the instrument panel, wherein the outer panel surface is maintained generally flush with the outer surface of the instrument panel.

Abstract: A flexible gap covering between an adjustable steering column of a motor vehicle and an instrument panel, on one side, is fastened to the steering column covering and, on the other side, is fastened to the instrument panel. A flexible gap covering which permits a large adjusting range of the steering column, is easy to mount and has a corresponding appearance, has an upper covering and a lower covering. The upper covering is formed of two parts, which are arranged above one another and are fixedly connected with one another in a joint overlapping area. At least one tensioning element is applied to the overlapping area on the side facing away from the vehicle occupant compartment.

Abstract: In an automobile instrument panel structure, an upper meter provided in an upper front part of an instrument panel main body is disposed so as to correspond to an upper side of an upper half of a steering wheel, and a lower meter provided in a lower rear part of the instrument panel main body is disposed so as to correspond to a lower side of the upper half of the steering wheel. It is thus possible to reliably view the upper meter and the lower meter without being obstructed by the steering wheel. Further, since an upper edge of a panel in which the upper meter is disposed has a shape substantially conforming to the upper half of the steering wheel, there is no disagreeable sensation even when the upper meter, which has conventionally been disposed in a laterally central part of the instrument panel main body, is disposed in front of the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle accessory control panel is provided for controlling at least two vehicle accessory systems. A plurality of switches is reconfigurable for providing at least two sets of switch functions. A plurality of graphics is provided for identifying the switch functions. A plurality of illumination elements is provided for illuminating the plurality of graphics. The respective set of illumination elements is activated for illuminating a respective set of graphics identifiable with a selected set of accessory switch functions. A first set of graphics identifies a first set of accessory switch functions in response to enabling the first set of accessory switch functions. A second set of graphics identifies a second set of accessory switch functions in response to enabling the second set of accessory switch functions. A wakeup protocol includes a sequential illumination learning mode scheme for visually identifying each respective set of accessory switch functions.

Abstract: A cross car beam includes a first cylindrical body that extends from a driver's side to an assistant driver's side along a vehicle-width direction, and a second cylindrical body that is provided around an outer periphery of the first cylindrical body on the driver's side. A steering support bracket is formed on the circumferential surface of the second cylindrical body. An air-bag casing is provided on the first cylindrical body on the assistant driver's side. The cross car beam is provided, between the driver's side and the assistant driver's side, with an opening in communication with an air conditioning unit.

Abstract: Vehicle cockpit assemblies and methods of installing same within vehicles are provided. A vehicle cockpit assembly includes a dash insulator that is configured to be attached to a vehicle firewall, an instrument panel attached to the dash insulator, and a floor covering also attached to the dash insulator. A plurality of apertures are formed through the dash insulator, each of which is configured to overlie a respective opening in a vehicle firewall when attached thereto. Each aperture is configured to sealably receive an item extending therethrough such that substantially no gaps exist between the item and the substrate. Polyurethane may be added to one or more selected portions of the dash insulator to reflect and/or absorb sound.

Abstract: A structure in which a plurality of electrical equipments are arranged in a motor vehicle is provided in which electrical equipments, such as an engine control computer, a relay block, a junction box, an ABS actuator, and a meter unit, which were conventionally arranged apart from each other in an engine room and cabin of the vehicle, are concentrated in a generally central region of the vehicle as viewed in the vehicle width direction, namely, on a centerline that extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and in the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument panel joined to a front glass of a vehicle. More specifically, the instrument panel includes: a hole formed, in horizontal direction, in an interior of an end portion of the instrument panel; an upper convex portion and a lower convex portion having a constant thickness around the hole; and a foam supporting portion connected with and projected from the upper and the lower convex portions, in which the upper and lower convex portions and the foam supporting portion, are uniform in their thickness, respectively. Therefore, the instrument panel capable of forming an uniform hole upon gas forming process, and preventing transformation in appearance, is provided.

Abstract: An instrument panel (2) includes a surface-side molded panel member (3) made of a synthetic resin and a back-side molded panel member (4) made of a synthetic resin. The back-side molded panel member (4) is vibration-welded to the surface-side molded panel member (3) through a plurality of projections (5) existing on its surface opposed to the surface-side molded panel member (3), and a heat-insulating gap (6) is left between both of the molded panel members (3, 4). An air-conditioning duct (10) is formed using a portion (22) of the back-side molded panel member (4) as a portion of its peripheral wall. Thus, it is possible to provide an instrument panel-air conditioning duct assembly (1) for a vehicle, which is produced at a reduced number of steps.

Abstract: A passenger car is configured with a dashboard installed between a front of the car and a passenger compartment. At least two front longitudinal beams are installed at a distance from each other and are connected to this dashboard, lateral exterior frontwalls, a floor and upright A-columns. In the area of the dashboard, a support structure is provided by means of which the front longitudinal beams are connected to the upright A-columns, the frontwalls, the dashboard and the center tunnel as power transmitters. A support structure with an increased energy absorption potential that can be produced at low costs, and which is provided in the area of the dashboard, is created so that the support structure is realized as a rigid tubular frame which is installed on the dashboard facing the passenger compartment, whereby the tubular frame is connected with at least the dashboard, the A-columns and the subjacent frontwalls.

Abstract: A cross car duct for use in an instrument panel assembly of an automotive vehicle includes an upper beam of one piece molded plastic extending longitudinally between opposing A-pillars of the vehicle. The cross car duct also includes a lower beam of one piece molded plastic attached to the upper beam and extending longitudinally between the A-pillars. A magnesium steering column support for supporting conventional steering components on the cross car duct is fixedly secured to the upper beam. The upper beam includes a plurality of air ducts and the lower beam includes a plurality of air openings aligned with the air ducts for passing air through the beams. The lower beam also includes a housing for supporting an HVAC module. The cross car duct further includes a plurality of integrated mode doors and actuators operatively connected to the housing of the lower beam for actuation between an open position spaced from the air openings and a closed position covering the air openings in the lower beam.

Abstract: The indicating instruments can be shielded against the incidence of light, a top and a bottom cover are provided on a housing of the indicating instruments. These covers are fitted into groove-shaped receiving devices of a front-mounted frame connected with the housing. At the inserted edge, the covers have a flexible strip as well as opposite flexible noses. After the fitting of the flexible edge into the groove-shaped receiving device, an uncoupling of vibrations and a compensation of tolerances are achieved.

Abstract: An adjustable instrument panel for a mass assembled vehicle includes a transverse upper support beam which is generally fixed with respect to the vehicle during assembly. A central stack modular structure is pivotably suspended from the upper support beam and adapted to house one or more vehicle options such as a radio, CD, and air conditioning control. The central stack modular structure is combined with a floor console as a unitary structure which has a lower support brace to adjustably connect the unitary structure with respect to the vehicle floor so that the instrument panel can accommodate floor build variations and obtain flow-through with the floor console in vehicles being mass assembled.

Abstract: In a vehicle body structure, rear portions of right and left front side members are gently curved downward, and rear end portions of the right and left front side members are bonded to front floor side members. A dash panel is provided to separate an engine compartment and a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A cross member dash assuming a closed cross-sectional shape is fixed to a front surface of the dash panel. Opposite end portions of the cross member dash are bent toward the rear of the vehicle to constitute bent portions. Side member braces are laid between the front side members and the bent portions of the cross member dash to connect them together.

Abstract: A vehicular automatic power transmission operating device includes an operating lever, a lever case, a torque sensor, a mounting member and a power assist unit. The operating lever creates operational force to shift into a position of an automatic power transmission. The lever case accommodates a lower end portion of the operating lever therein. The torque sensor detects operational force of the operating lever. An input shaft and an output shaft of the torque sensor serve as a rotary shaft of the operating lever. The mounting member is divided into first and second members by the input shaft and the output shaft of the torque sensor. Provided in the first and second members, respectively, are first and second fixing members by which the input shaft is fixed to the mounting member, and first and second bearing portions by which the output shaft is rotatably supported to the mounting member.

Abstract: An electronic system generally includes a flatwire electronic site and a flatwire bus electronically connecting the flatwire electronic site and an electronic device in the engine compartment. The flatwire electronic site has a flexible substrate with electronic components attached to the substrate for operation of the electronic device. The flatwire electronic site is mounted to the engine side of the bulkhead for thermal cooling of the flatwire electronic site. A cover is attached to the bulkhead which encloses a flatwire electronic site for environmental protection.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a brake fluid pressure generator to a vehicle. The brake fluid pressure generator is attached to a dash panel provided at the rear side of a damper housing, which divides a compartment of a vehicle into a cabin and an engine room. An installation hole, through which the brake fluid pressure generator is inserted, is formed on the dash panel to one side of the engine. A mounter, which accommodates at least part of the brake fluid pressure generator, is used for detachably attaching the brake fluid pressure generator to the dash panel from the cabin side. Thereby, part of the brake fluid pressure generator is positioned at the rear side of the dash panel, and the outline of the brake fluid pressure generator is positioned so that it might overlap the damper housing when viewed from the fore side direction with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: The instrument panel (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one liquid crystal display (11), is characterized in that said display (11) is of the positive transparent type, and in that its rear face, with respect to the position of the driver, is illuminated by daylight. In particular, it is mounted on the dashboard (2) projecting therefrom, said rear face being illuminated by the light from the windshield of the vehicle. The instrument panel also comprises a means of illumination for use by night.

Abstract: A passenger restraint includes a knee bolster having receptacles for receiving knee blockers. The knee blockers are multi-celled elements that absorb kinetic energy attributed to collisions of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dashboard (1), designed to be mounted in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, including one or more fittings (2) and at least one member (8) for supporting said fitting or fittings (2), the latter having at least a first portion (9) secured to said supporting member or members (8) and a second portion (10), or socalled free portion, designed to be emerge and/or project from the passenger compartment. According to the invention, said dashboard further includes means (12) for positioning said free portion (10) of said fitting or fittings (2) in relation to said supporting member or members (8). The invention also relates to body for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, including such a dashboard.

Abstract: The snap-on steering column shroud assembly includes an upper shroud and a lower shroud. The upper shroud has an upper steering shaft passage portion that is positioned vertically, axially and angularly relative to the upper steering shaft. A front edge is moved toward the steering column to move upper shroud cantilever snap fasteners into engagement with the steering column. Force is applied manually to force the upper shroud snap fasteners into a retaining position. A lower shroud is aligned with the upper shroud by alignment posts and alignment post receivers and then raised into contact with the steering column. Lower shroud cantilevered snap fasteners are manually forced into a lower shroud retaining position on the steering column. Snap connectors and snap receivers connect the upper shroud to the lower shroud.