Abstract: An instrument panel/component parts assembly includes an instrument panel (11), a surface-mounted member, and a rear surface-mounted member. The surface-mounted member includes a shock absorbing pad (40) and an accommodation case (60). The rear surface-mounted member includes a plurality of air conditioning ducts (71, 72, 73). The instrument panel has a plurality of through-apertures for thereby coupling the surface-mounted member and the rear surface-mounted member to the instrument panel.

Abstract: In front of a dash panel of a vehicle body, the dash module to which various parts are assembled, the various parts including an air conditioning unit and the like with a steering member extending in a vehicle width direction as a main constituent is installed. When the dash module is installed to the vehicle body, before heater pipes of the air conditioning unit are inserted to through hole portions of the dash panel, positioning pins at a vehicle body side enter upper and lower guide grooves of a bracket, which are provided in an end portion of the steering member at a driver's seat side, and a temporarily holding claw provided in an end portion of the steering member at a passenger's seat side is inserted to a temporarily holding hole portion at the vehicle body side.

Abstract: A system is provided for aiding left-handed individuals or individuals whose right hands are immobilized to be able to start a vehicle by turning an ignition key in which the key slot is movable or placeable to the left of the steering wheel at the driver's option to permit starting of the vehicle utilizing an individual's left hand only. In one embodiment a duplicate key slot is positioned to the left of the steering wheel on the dash of the car or, in a further embodiment, for key slots mounted to the steering column, the column is provided with a duplicate key slot to the left-hand side of the column. In another embodiment, a rotatable sleeve or collar is made part of the steering column, which when rotated rotates the key slot from an initial right-hand position to a left-hand position, thus to enable the starting of the vehicle only utilizing one's left hand.

Abstract: An instrument panel of a motorcycle includes several dials, one of which is a speedometer, and also includes a liquid crystal panel which displays characters and other graphical information. Either the dials or the liquid crystal panel includes a step. The surface of the liquid crystal panel is located in a lower position closer to the driver compared with the dials. Visors are used which project toward the driver for interrupting the incidence of external light onto the instrument panel in order to ensure easy viewing of the instruments. A first visor is provided for shading the dials, and a separate second visor is mounted between the dials and the liquid crystal panel. Because the liquid crystal panel is shaded by the second visor, the first visor for shading the dials can be decreased in the amount of projection toward the driver.

Abstract: An air-conditioning duct structure is included in a vehicular dash beam member. Material for the duct is made of a heat insulating and sound absorbing material and is adhered onto the surface of a sheet material for the beam member which is then bent into a semi-tubular shape so that the material for the duct is positioned inside thereby forming beam member bodies. Beam member bodies are combined by joining their joining surfaces that face each other to thereby form a tubular closed sectional shape. Achieving vibration attenuation, noise absorption and the heat insulating functions with an inner surface sheet member of an air conditioning duct is achievable. An air conditioning duct extending across a vehicle's width is formed by joining a metal reinforcing member and a resin cover. The sheet member is put between the reinforcing member and the cover.

Abstract: An electrical equipment (component) for a vehicle is separated into an exterior appearance member and an interior control member including a drive circuit for the electrical equipment (component). The exterior appearance member is provided on a dash panel. The interior control member is provided on a reinforcement. The dash panel and the reinforcement are then integrated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle-seat storing structure having in combination an instrument panel disposed in the front end zone of a cabin space of a vehicle along the width direction of the vehicle, and a seat disposed opposed to the instrument panel. A concave portion is formed in the surface of the instrument panel opposed to the seat so as to receive therein at least a part of the seat in a seat position where a seat cushion is slidingly moved to a given position in the front end zone of the cabin space and a seatback is inclined frontwardly by a given angle. Further, the instrument panel defines an inside space having a given zone containing an air-conditioning unit for controllably adjusting cabin air and outside air to provide a desired cabin-air condition.

Abstract: An impact countermeasure device (30) used for receiving an impact force (56) has a generally hollow body with an outer wall (52) defining an interior portion (54) and an exterior portion. The wall (52) has at least one blow hole (60) therethrough. The wall (52) has at least one tack off area (70) formed therein. The tack off area (70) and the blow hole (60) control the crush rate of the body in response to the impact force (56).

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 steering column assembly that includes a steering column, and a bracket for mounting the steering column to the dashboard of a vehicle; and an adapter detachably connected to the steering column for providing an interface for mounting a plurality of items on the adapter. The bracket further includes a tongue and the adapter further includes a notch for engaging the tongue such that the adapter can be mounted on the steering column in only one orientation. The adapter component of the present invention further includes a plurality of surfaces for mounting various items on the adapter. The adapter may be easily modified to accommodate different system devices or other items.

Abstract: A method and device for enveloping and fixing a bundle of electrical cables. The bundle is inserted into a channel-shaped elongate shell (2) through a longitudinal entry aperture (4) the width of which, at rest, is less than the diameter of the bundle and can be increased by elastic deformation of the shell, the latter itself being inserted into an elongate housing (7) provided in the support, through a longitudinal entry aperture (8) the width of which is less than the outside diameter of the shell at rest. The assembly is particularly useful to support electrical power supplies and the transmission of electrical signals in a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An interior, in particular front, cross member (10) of a vehicle for circulating an air stream and fixing equipment items of the vehicle. The cross member is provided by an extruded profile (10) defining at least an air flow conduit (11, 12) and zones (13, 14, 15) of extra thickness for fixing the equipment items.

Abstract: A structural member for providing a structural load path from a structural system to the floor of a vehicle is provided. The structural member has a stud plate with a plurality of studs extending therefrom. The studs are adapted to structurally connect to the steering column support structure, the structural system, and the center brace. The center brace also includes a plurality of molded attachment features for integrally attaching vehicle components to the center brace.

Abstract: A steering column support assembly for a motor vehicle, comprises a laterally extending support structure (25), mounting points (32) for affixing opposite ends (28,29,30,31) of the support structure (25) to side portions of a motor vehicle chassis, a fixing point (45) above the laterally extending support structure (25) for affixing the support structure (25) to a front portion of a motor vehicle chassis, and a steering column support bracket (34), the steering column support bracket being supported by the laterally extending support structure (25). The support structure (25) includes a laterally extending first support member (26), and a laterally extending second support member (27). The first support member (26) and the second support member (27) each extend laterally between the mounting points (28,29,30,31). The steering column support bracket (34) braces apart the first support member (26) and the second support member (27).

Abstract: To simplify the assembling of a vehicular cockpit module assembly, an instrument panel and its peripheral devices are divided into a plurality of sub module assemblies each of which having a corresponding main device. Each of the assemblies is assembled as a unit, and then the assemblies are mutually assembled. The assembling of each sub module assembly is completed to form a unit in advance.

Abstract: An arrangement of equipment for a motor vehicle provided with at least one reserved space consisting of one or several side walls which are located between an opposing bottom and an opening. The reserved space in the arrangement accommodates a plurality of equipment elements respectively including at least one frame. The elements have dimensions that are equal to or multiples of a base and which fit into each other and/or do so against the side walls of the reserved space as a result of cooperation which occurs between first and second fastening devices which are provided on the frame of the elements and on the walls of the reserved space. The fixing devices are distributed in a regular manner according to the dimensions of the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of assembly for securely attaching an instrument panel to an automobile. In one embodiment of the invention, a housing containing electronic components for the instrument panel is attached to the frame structure of an automobile. The bezel panel containing the control and display areas is then attached to the housing. The cover panel is then attached to the bezel panel and the housing by fasteners extending through the bezel panel.

Abstract: An assembly for supplying vehicle subsystems associated with an instrument panel. A panel structural architecture includes a forward facing side within which are defined a series of partially recessed and interconnected channels. A junction box is secured or integrally affixed in some fashion to the structural architecture and an electrically communicable network extending from the junction box is likewise secured to surfaces of the panel structural architecture. First selected branches of the network terminate in a plurality of high current connectors extending from first locations. Second selected branches of the network terminate in a plurality of low current connectors extending from further locations. An instrument panel skin is applied over the structural architecture and incorporates electrical subsystems with input connectors matingly engageable with both the high and low current connectors associated with the structural architecture.

Abstract: A combined storage box and vehicle condition display for a small vehicle such as a scooter. The display is mounted in the handlebar cover and the mounting is done in a way so that the display can be mounted from above and still provides a neat appearance for the finished product.

Abstract: A vehicle interior panel is provided that comprises an inner wall and an outer wall connected by an integral side wall. A portion of the panel comprises an air bag deployment opening at least partially defined by a tear guide. A portion of the panel also comprises at least one chamber located between the inner wall and outer wall of the panel. In this manner, a vehicle interior panel is provided having both an air bag deployment opening and at least one chamber in a single panel.

Abstract: A hand reference for a control panel of a utility vehicle provides a gripping handle for an operator to adjust controls without observing the controls. The hand reference assists in steadying the operator's hand when fine tuning adjustments on the control panel. The hand reference is embodied as an inverted substantially U-shaped handle extending along the length of slots which guide control levers.

Abstract: In an air conditioning unit for an automotive vehicle, which is housed in a space defined by a vehicle panel 7 separating an engine room and a vehicle compartment from each other, an Instrument panel 5 arranged in the vehicle compartment, and a floor panel 6 arranged on a floor of the vehicle compartment, bracket portions 20 for supporting an audio unit 40 are integrally formed with a rear portion of a unit casing 10 in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, the unit casing 10 being located in a central portion of the vehicle in a left-right direction thereof. The bracket portions 20 have upper end fixing plates 31 thereof fixed to the Instrument panel 5 and lower end fixing plates 33 thereof fixed to the floor panel 6, by bolts or pins. Further, casing fixing plates 36 are fixed to a bracket 51 of a steering member 50 by bolts.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed grounding an electrical connection to a magnesium cross beam of a motor vehicle. In order to ensure proper grounding, the cross beam is provided with a copper connector. The connector defines a first aperture. An electric circuit is preferably traced on a plastic substrate, where the substrate defines a second aperture. The substrate is placed on top of the cross beam such that the first aperture and the second aperture are aligned with each other. An attaching means such as screws is inserted through the first aperture to the second aperture such that the substrate is attached to the cross beam. In order to prevent the movement of the substrate relative to the cross beam the second aperture is provided with a washer.

Abstract: A driver control module for a vehicle and a method of assembling and installing the driver control module in the vehicle. The driver control module includes the operator control pedals, the steering column and a large portion of the brake actuation system of the vehicle. The driver control module is designed to be assembled as a unit and then mounted to the dash of the vehicle.

Abstract: A front vehicle body construction which can facilitate the attachment of a reinforcing plate to a dash panel for an automobile, and can improve the shock absorbing performance and noise, vibration and harshness performance without an increase in the number of parts and the manpower for assembling.

Abstract: An improved meter display device and control device for a saddle type vehicle such as a motor scooter. The display is mounted in the handlebar cover and in addition to the mounting the display, certain engine control parts are also mounted in the same housing so as to make a neater installation and simplify the overall construction.

Abstract: An improved type of storage compartment and display location for a small vehicle such as a motor scooter. The handlebar cover is formed with a recess which forms at the front thereof a storage compartment where small articles can be stored and at the rear thereof an area where the display can be mounted. This permits mounting of the display from above and places it closer to the rider so that it can be more easily viewed.

Abstract: A vehicle cockpit assembly, comprising: a cross-car support having leftward and rightward ends, each end being adapted to connect to respective left and right A-pillars of a vehicle; a wall member having a central area defined by a periphery and a support mount disposed at the central area, the wall member being connectable to the vehicle such that the wall member at least partially separates an engine compartment and a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a steering column support having a body connected to the cross-car support; and a brake sled including a body having a forward end, a rearward end, a first mount located at the forward end of the body and being operable to couple to the support mount of the wall member with forward-to-rearward adjustability, and a second mount located at the rearward end of the body and being operable to be fixedly couple to the steering column support.

Abstract: There is provided an instrument panel frame for achieving high strength and light weight and for enabling a complicated shape. The partial frames and divided by a plane in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body are joined to each other, and the duct passage is formed between them.

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.

Abstract: A dashboard support for a motor vehicle, includes a support beam extending between windshield pillars of a motor vehicle body. Associated to the support beam is an active arrangement, which includes ceramic piezoelectric elements and a controller operatively connected to the piezoelectric elements, for implementing a vibration damping.

Abstract: An instrument panel comprises multiple instrument clusters with differently arranged display devices. The clusters are selectable and viewable one at a time behind a viewing surface. The clusters are mounted on a single support or frame. A rotating mechanism controlled by a vehicle driver moves the selected cluster into the line of sight of the viewing surface. A source of light backlights only the selected cluster when the selected cluster is lined up with the viewing surface. A reflector between the light sources and cluster spreads the backlighting evenly across the cluster. The light source is set on a PCB that includes a microcontroller for controlling the lights and sending display information to each cluster.

Abstract: A light-weighted and high rigidity front body structure for vehicle bodies. The front body structure comprises a transverse dash panel member extending over and welded to a dash panel or another member close to the dash panel and a transverse instrument panel member extending in the close vicinity of the dash panel. The instrument panel member, which is preferably formed from a pipe by hydro-forming, has opposite end portions welded to opposite side panels of the front body, respectively, and a generally U-shaped central portion opening upward and welded to a floor panel at a bottom thereof.

Abstract: A cross car structure member including a beam comprising a hollow extended aluminum metal tube extending across the vehicle between the vehicle pillars, preferably, with the interior of the tube being used as a heating, ventilating and air conditioning duct.

Abstract: An energy absorbing sheet 1 has alternating front 3 and rear 5 projections at angles between 25 to 60 degrees from the plane of the sheet. The sheet absorbs impact by plastic deformation such that the curve of stress to deformation shows a plateau for example at a level of stress which does not break bone. The sheet 1 may be made of aluminium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an attaching structure of a brake fluid pressure generator on the vehicle. This brake fluid pressure generator is attached to a dash panel provided at near the rear side of a damper housing, by which a compartment of a vehicle is divided into a cabin and an engine room.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly (22) comprises a structural carrier member (30) which is formed as one piece and has a first section (40) defining a first chamber (54) for receiving and supporting a first component (110). The structural carrier member (30) has a second section (80) defining a second chamber (92) for receiving and supporting a second component (130). The first component (110) comprises a first inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (114) received in the first chamber (54). The structural carrier member (30) further defines a deployment opening (55) through which the first protection device (114) is inflatable from the first chamber (54). The second component (130) comprises an occupant knee protection device (132) received in the second chamber (92) for helping to protect the vehicle occupant's legs in the event of a vehicle collision.

Abstract: An instrument panel support, positioned between A columns of a motor vehicle, has a profiled support member with an integrated air guide system. The profiled support member has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet connected to the air guide system. The air guide system forms at least a portion of a heat exchanger of an air conditioner of the motor vehicle. Preferably, at least one heat exchanger conduit is integrated into the air guide system.

Abstract: A crossmember for an instrument panel of a vehicle, especially a passenger car, which can be mounted, crosswise, in the vehicle forestructure, with its ends being mounted on opposite body components. The crossmember comprises a tubular main support bar, several mounting brackets attached to the main support bar at a distance from one another and designed for use in fastening the crossmember to the body of the vehicle, and at least one bracket designed to hold a bolt-on component of the instrument panel. At least one flat alignment surface is formed on the main support bar via internal high-pressure metal forming, and the bracket is equipped with one or more flat stop surfaces that rest against the alignment surface.

Abstract: To provide a small-sized vehicle in which a convenient pocket is provided in a single driver's seat portion. Furthermore, a brake master cylinder is disposed by making effective use of space without reduction of the capacity of the pocket, and the maintenance of a reservoir tank of the brake master cylinder thus disposed is ensured. A meter cover portion is disposed in a pocket of an inner panel at a position offset rightwardly from the center in the width direction of the vehicular body to form small and large capacity pocket parts on the right and left sides of the vehicle. A brake pedal is disposed on the right side of a steering column extending in an approximate center line in the width direction of the vehicular body, and a brake master cylinder connected to the brake pedal is disposed behind the meter cover portion. Such a layout is advantageous since it allows a driver to easily operate the pedals while ensuring the pocket capacity.

Abstract: An integrated steering column structural system for distributing a load of a steering column within a vehicle is disclosed. The structural system includes a steering column bracket for retaining the steering column and for distributing the steering column load throughout the vehicle. The structural system further includes a plurality of load distribution components for receiving the load of the steering column and ultimately distributing the load to a vehicle structural frame. The steering column bracket utilizes a plurality of pathways through which to distribute the load of the steering column to the load distribution components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly structure designed to improve the process of accurately assembling an instrument panel supported by a steering support member in a vehicle. The assembly structure includes side brackets (16), (17) arranged to mount both ends of a steering support member (15) to a car body. Side bracket (16) includes an extended portion (20) provided with an instrument panel mounting seat (22), a car body mounting seat (23), and a side trim mounting seat (24). The upper side of an instrument panel (14) is mounted to the cylindrical portion of the steering support member (15) and the lower end portion thereof is mounted to the instrument panel mounting seat (22). The car body mounting seat (23) of the side bracket (16) is mounted to the car body, while a dash side trim (31) is mounted to the side trim mounting seat (24). Instead of mounting the instrument panel (14) so as to be directly coupled to the car body, it is mounted to the car body via the steering support member (15).

Abstract: A steering wheel console is provided that includes a sidewall with a recessed area. The recessed area carries air conditioning controls in a fashion that the controls do not extend outwardly of the recessed area. By locating the controls within the recessed area, the controls are substantially protected from being disturbed by interference from an operator's leg during entry and exit to/from the utility vehicle and during operation of the utility vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indicating instrument, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a housing with a front frame holding a cover pane, and an elastic spacing element arranged between the cover pane and front frame, and to a method for connecting the cover pane to the front frame.

Abstract: In an instrument panel arrangement, a first permanent fixture is attached a second permanent fixture via a latch mechanism including a latch member engaging the first permanent fixture to the second permanent fixture and a handle member for selectively disengaging the latch member. The latch system allows the first and second permanent fixtures to be installed and removed in a simple manner, and this not only simplifies the assembly and maintenance work, but also facilitates the work in separating component parts for recycling when discarding or scrapping the automobile.

Abstract: An instrument panel to be mounted at a driver's section of a working vehicle such as a tractor is secured to a frame member which extends upwardly from a main frame. A panel cover for covering a steering-wheel peripheral section of the machine includes an opening through which the instrument panel is exposed to the outside and this panel cover is detachably attached to the frame member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an object out of a plurality of materials having differing structural characteristics and capable of being placed in a molten state, the melted materials are deposited in an open mold having a pair of complementary mold portions. Various non-melted but possibly pre-heated structural, reinforcing, or energy absorbing materials can be placed in the mold with the melted materials. A closing force is applied to the mold and the item is removed after it has cured. According to one embodiment, a molding apparatus is provided to form a cross car beam with integral HVAC ductwork and knee energy absorbers.

Abstract: A structural attachment system for a vehicle is provided. The structural attachment system includes a first structural member and a vehicle component. The structural attachment system also includes an attachment assembly arranged relative to the first structural member and the vehicle component. The attachment assembly is designed and positioned to reinforce a load bearing area and to distribute a load of the vehicle component over the first structural member.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a single-sheet applique for use in a multi-level display, including: a first portion formed in a single planar sheet of applique material; a second portion formed in the single planar sheet of applique material; at least a first segment formed in the single planar sheet of applique material and joining the first portion and the second portion; and the at least a first segment being arranged so as to permit the first portion and the second portion to be folded away from each other such that the first portion will lie in a plane different from a plane in which the second portion lies.

Abstract: An integrated front body clip including an instrument panel support structure, steering column support structure, and cowl structure forming a shared, dependent, and complementary support structure between the A-Pillars of a vehicle. Front and rear magnesium casting, each having a plurality of cast in features, are clamshelled into a single integrated clip. The resultant integrated front body clip offers substantial weight and improves the torsional and bending strength characteristics as compared with traditional steel structures. By maximizing cast in features, redundancy between competing parts is eliminated with an increase in dimensional control. Further, by creating a hollow region within the resultant clip structure, heated or cooled air may be moved without complex ductwork. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the front casting is provided in three modular parts that may be arranged for use in left-side or right-side driving vehicles.