Abstract: A knee protector in an automobile which comprises an instrument panel arranged in front of a seat within a passenger compartment of the automobile and exiting widthwise of the automobile, and having an opening defined therein, a lid similar in shape to the contour of the opening and supported by the instrument for selectively closing and opening the opening in the instrument panel, a first protector member provided inside the lid, a pair of pin members spaced a distance from each other in a direction widthwise of the automobile and secured to the first protector member so as to protrude in a direction close towards the instrument panel, and a second protector member provided inside the instrument panel and having separate engagement regions defined therein for engagement with the respective pin members when a load acting in a direction frontwardly of the automobile acts on the lid.

Abstract: An instrument panel for an automotive vehicle is attached to a rigid beam that extends across the vehicle body beneath the windshield. The instrument panel is a plastic injection molding. Its outer surface may be provided with cushioning material. At the underside of the panel, beneath its top portion, at least two ribs are provided, which extend across the width of the vehicle and of the instrument panel, are spaced apart and have free edges that rest against the beam inside the vehicle, so that the instrument panel, the ribs and the beam together define an air duct extending across the width of the instrument panel. A seal may be provided at the free edge of each rib for sealing it to the beam. The air duct communicates with windshield defroster nozzles, or the like in the instrument panel.

Abstract: An IR filter assembly for use with a lighted instrument panel mounted to a control panel includes a support frame surrounding the lighted instrument panel but through which the lighted instrument panel is visible, and IR filter panel mounting bracket to which a IR filter panel is mounted and a stowing bracket. The filter bracket is mounted to the support frame and is displaceable along the support frame and into the stowing bracket for stowing the IR filter panel when not in use. For operation, the IR filter panel is withdrawn from the stowing bracket and locked to the support frame such that the IR filter panel covers the lighted instrument panel.

Abstract: A pre-assembled module for the cockpit zone of a motor vehicle, especially a passenger car, which is adapted to be mounted as one single unit inside the vehicle body and which incorporates essentially the following components: an instrument board including all instruments and accessories commonly contained therein, fuse box and electric wiring, heater with controls and air distribution system; furthermore a steering system including steering wheel, steering column enclosure and steering support means; also pedals for clutch and brake, including mounting brackets. The vehicle body includes a fire wall and fire wall support member to which the aforementioned components and accessories are connected when in the installed position. The fire wall and fire wall support member are separated from the body shell and serve as an assembly base for the unit. In the installed position, the fire wall and fire wall support member are sealingly connected with the respective adjacent body panels.

Abstract: An arrangement of control members, especially for apparatus for heating and ventilating driver's cabs, passenger compartments, or the like in commercial vehicles. The arrangement includes a mounting plate with openings, into each of which a control member can be fixed in different angular positions. On the periphery of each opening, apertures are provided at equal angular distances apart. Each opening is associated on the display side of the mounting plate with an indicating panel, and on the rear side of the mounting plate with a fixing piece. The fixing piece and the indicating panel each have a flattened portion which enables a fixed position of the fixing piece relative to the indicating panel and relative to the control member.

Abstract: An air brake system for a truck in which various control valves controlling air supply to air sub-systems, parking and trailer brakes, and various brake system condition signal generators are mounted on a common manifold positioned remotely from the truck engine compartment and instrument panel, removing them from the instrument panel area and improving the plumbing arrangements for installation, diagnostics and servicing while clearing instrument panel space for other controls and devices which need the benign environment such as that in the truck cab provided for the truck driver. The system components may be used as needed for a straight truck or one composed of a tractor and trailer combination, or on a truck tractor adapted to tow a trailer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an automotive vehicle having a preassembled module for the cockpit region thereof. The preassembled module includes a base which forms the fire wall of the vehicle and to which engine compartment accessories are preassembled, and a dashboard mounted to the base and to which passenger compartment accessories are preassembled. The module is connected to the vehicle by lowering the same through the windshield of the vehicle. The module at its ends and the side pillars of the vehicle have complementary mounting plate means which cooperate with each other to automatically center the module on the vehicle and the module is connected to the vehicle via mounting bolts which extend transversely of the vehicle and which connect the mounting plate means together.

Abstract: A rigid snap-on plastic cover for a sun-damaged vinyl-covered dashboard pad is installed in an automobile without loosening or removing the dashboard pad from a dashboard substructure. The snap-on cover is made by draping a preheated softened polycarbonate sheet over a mold positioned on a narrowed support. A partial vacuum is produced in the region covered by the draped polycarbonate material, causing it to be drawn against the mold for support and to conform thereto. A skirt portion of the polycarbonate material from the support is severed after the vacuum is released, and the forward portion of the hardened polycarbonate is lifted over the mold, forcing any breakage of the "back draft" portion of the polycarbonate to occur in forward corner locations that will not be visable when the snap-on cover is installed in the automobile. The peripheral portions of the polycarbonate material are cut cleanly away and the outer surface is spray painted.

Abstract: A dashboard and steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle arranged with a front seat for driver and passenger safety, the assembly including a dashboard having a heavily padded, substantially flat, inclined surface substantially encompassing a padded steering wheel oriented flush with the inclined surface of the dashboard, the steering wheel having a structural construction to provide a cushioning effect substantially equal to the dashboard, the surface of the dashboard and flush oriented steering wheel being inclined at an angle and positioned with respect to the seat to maximize the contact area of a forward thrust driver and passenger on collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control unit which comprises one or more switches and is capable of integration into a trim component installed inside the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The control unit is designed in such a manner that, after fitting the trim which accommodates it, a baseplate can be fixed to the trim, the baseplate accommodating the bases of all the control elements intended for the control unit.

Abstract: An instrument panel device for vehicles. The instrument panel device includes a base panel stretched substantially over the entire width of the passenger room and face, back, and top panels attached to the base panel to define therewith an air control duct space, a wide flow duct space, and a defroster duct space, respectively. The base panel has a lower partition wall portion separating the air control duct space and the wide flow duct space from each other and an upper partition wall portion separating the wide flow duct space and the defroster duct space from each other.

Abstract: A connecting pin with a cross-section comprising vertical and horizontal wing portions. For better connection, opposite surfaces of the pin are changed to form projections. Due to this configuration, the pin can connect two articles with a certain play in one or more directions. The pin can be formed integrally with one of the articles.

Abstract: An open rectangular frame surrounds a group of instruments. A cover is slidably and pivotally mounted to the frame for movement between an operative position wherein it overlaps a majority of the frame and blocks access to the instruments surrounded by the frame, and a stored position wherein the cover rests on an upper surface of a console housing the instruments. The connection between the cover and frame is such that the cover has a portion which overhangs the area of the console carrying the instruments so as to reduce glare and thereby make reading of the instruments easier.

Abstract: An instrument panel structure of an automotive vehicle, comprising an upper panel member having a rear end portion extending laterally or transversely of the vehicle, and a protective pad assembly covering and upwardly protruding from the upper surface of the rear end portion and detachably secured to the particular portion of the panel structure, wherein the protective pad assembly preferably comprises a hollow, elongated pad member formed of a resilient material and having a generally U-shaped cross section, and an elongated inner reinforcement member having a generally U-shaped cross section and embedded in the pad member.

Abstract: A windshield assembly for motorcycles. A wiper motor is disposed in a lower position inside a windshield member which extends upwardly from a fairing member, and a wiper switch is mounted on an ornamental panel member which is disposed over the motor, and further a wiper arm is coupled to the motor. These windshield components are integrally assembled together in advance, and the assembled body is mounted to a vehicle body through a mounting stay.Reduction in weight, ensuring of the operating accuracy, improvement of the external appearance and decrease of the mounting time is attained.

Abstract: A tilt and telescope steering wheel with a push button keyboard non-rotatably mounted within the steering wheel has a foot actuated release mechanism for simultaneous disengagement of tilt lock and telescope lock mechanisms. A readout instrument panel with various indicators thereon rigidly attached to and tiltable with the steering column so as to provide a constant angular correlation with the steering wheel facilitating an unobstructed view of the panel in all steering wheel tilt positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy-dissipating flexible knee-restraining element for vehicles, in particular passenger automobiles, comprising a hollow profiled beam extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle and located below the instrument panel. In accordance with the invention, the arrangement is provided, at least on the front passenger side, with a cut-out surrounded by a rigid molded frame, which cut-out is covered by a pivoting flap designed as an energy-dissipating flexible hollow profile element having a storage compartment with an open top end affixed to its rear side opposite the passenger compartment. When the flap is pivoted into the open position, the compartment is readily accessible to the passenger.

Abstract: A rigid snap-on plastic cover for a sun-damaged vinyl-covered dashboard pad is installed in an automobile without loosening or removing the dashboard pad from a dashboard substructure. The snap-on cover is made by draping a preheated softened polycarbonate sheet over a mold positioned on a narrowed support. A partial vacuum is produced in the region covered by the draped polycarbonate material, causing it to be drawn against the mold for support and to conform thereto. A skirt portion of the polycarbonate material from the support is severed after the vacuum is released, and the forward portion of the hardened polycarbonate is lifted over the mold, forcing any breakage of the "back draft" portion of the polycarbonate to occur in forward corner locations that will not be visable when the snap-on cover is installed in the automobile. The peripheral portions of the polycarbonate material are cut cleanly away and the outer surface is spray painted.

Abstract: An instrument and control panel for a vehicle, preferably an agricultural machine, having a forwardly facing driver's seat is provided to the right-hand side of the seat and has an upper wall which is inclined to the horizontal and extends upwardly back in the travel direction. This upper wall is formed with at least two recesses each having a base, a front side at an obtuse angle to the respective base, and a back side. Instruments and controls are mounted on the front side and base of the two recesses. The rear recess may be laterally closed while the front recess is transversely open in both directions for best driver view past the instrument control panel.

Abstract: A device for protecting the navigational instruments and radio equipment mounted on an instrument panel in the cockpit of an aircraft against theft. The device includes a protective cover mounted immediately adjacent the instrument panel and means for locking the potective cover to the control column of the aircraft in a manner such that the aircraft controls will not be damaged in the event that the protective cover is tampered with.

Abstract: A transparent cover provided at the forward portion of a meter case is covered at the front surface of the upper portion thereof with a meter hood and connected at the lower portion thereof with an opaque meter cluster, thus avoiding an impression that an indicating portion of the meter case is disposed in a secluded position so that meters can be readily inspected.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved instrument panel for an automotive vehicle which comprises a one-piece, elongated sheet material structure adapted to extend between front pillars of the vehicle. The sheet material structure has a panel portion which forms a passenger's head impinging zone.According to the present invention, the sheet material structure is further provided with a weakened panel portion at a location other than the panel portion forming the passenger's head impinging zone. The weakened panel portion is adapted to promote the absorption and dissipation of impact energy by weakened part of the sheet material structure permitting controlled deformation and breakage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting arrangement (42) for connecting a control panel assembly (18) to an operators station (10) of a vehicle (12) which solves the problems of improper control panel location, poor visibility, operator discomfort, and poor accessibility. The mounting arrangement (42) connects a lower end portion (20) of the control panel assembly (18) to the operators station (10) at a location adjacent a steering wheel assembly (16) and a seat assembly (14) and permits universal pivotal movement of the control panel assembly to a selected one of a plurality of locations relative to the steering wheel and seat assemblies (16) and (14). Thus, the problems of improper location, poor visibility, operator discomfort, and poor accessibility are eliminated. The mounting arrangement is particularly useful to connect the control panel assembly (18) to the floor (44) of a lift truck.

Abstract: An adjustable hydraulic steering stabilizer for a roadway vehicle including a stabilizing bar attached to each front wheel assembly, a friction strip for engaging each bar to resist undesired turning of the wheel assemblies, a hydraulic pump and hydraulic cylinders for biasing the strips against the stabilizing bars, thereby providing forces resisting turning of the wheel assemblies. The vehicle operator may adjust the hydraulic system to vary the pressure biasing the friction strips against the bars, thereby varying the damping force in accordance with driving conditions.

Abstract: An automotive instrument panel pad covering the instrument panel except for an opening formed therein, the pad being provided with a stepped portion which extends along the entire inner periphery of the pad and is interposed, adjacent to the margin of the opening, between the instrument panel and an outfit such as, for example, cluster lid mounted in such a manner as to cover the opening. With this construction, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of noise which would otherwise result from interference between the instrument panel and the cluter lid. It is also possible to realize an improved outward appearance.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a foam body which is supported by an embedded reinforcing insert. The foam body may serve as a vehicle dashboard, or the like. The reinforcing insert includes harder parts in the form of straps around the ends of the insert and extending across the insert defining open areas and also plates having openings through them. The insert includes more yieldable parts comprised of textile-like material which extends over some of the open areas defined by the hard parts of the insert, but leaving still other open areas of the hard part uncovered. A skin layer over the exterior of the foam body extends into openings in the foam body which are defined at some of the open areas of the insert. The foam body also has recesses, and some of these recesses are at open areas of the insert.

Abstract: An automobile instrument panel has a meter housing for supporting meters and various control switches. The switches are operatively coupled to respective manipulatable switch knobs which are grouped into two groups and mounted on the opposite lateral portion of the gauge covering. Each group of the switch knobs are arranged one above the other in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the instrument panel and are supported for movement in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the steering wheel for controlling the associated switches.

Abstract: An improved console for a tractor or the like, the console being of the type carrying various instrumentation and controls. The console includes a relatively thick support member provided with at least one generally flat surface surrounding a plurality of openings with which various light emitting devices are associated and at least one aperture covered by a support panel to which various controls may be secured. The outer surface of the support panel is in line with the surface and a translucent sheet having symbols printed thereon is secured to the surfaces and with the symbols overlying the light emitting devices in the openings.

Abstract: A steering assembly supporting device comprising a steering assembly supporting body spaced from and extending in parallel to the cowl inner panel. The steering assembly supporting body comprises a hollow tubular portion and a hollow expanding portion having a cross-sectional area which is larger than that of the hollow tubular portion. The inner ends of the hollow tubular portion and the hollow extending portion are interconnected to each other. The other ends of the hollow tubular portion and the hollow expanding portion are fixed onto the corresponding cowl side panels. The steering assembly is supported by the hollow expanding portion.

Abstract: A passive knee restraint for an automotive vehicle is formed by the yieldable rearwardly facing lower wall of a dashboard portion positioned to engage the knees of a seated passenger in an automotive vehicle, thereby restraining the lower portion of the body of the passenger in the seat in the event of sudden vehicle deceleration. According to the invention, this dashboard portion is at least partly swingable on the remainder of the dashboard to afford unrestricted access to the region behind it, thereby allowing repair and maintenance in this region and/or access to articles stored therein as, for example, when a glove compartment is provided behind this swingable part.

Abstract: A knee panel for a front seat of a vehicle, located under an instrument panel for protecting a driver and a passenger riding on the front seat, and a knee panel mounting structure which minimizes the deformation and displacement of the knee panel and its supporting member, when the driver's and/or passenger's knees make contact with the inner surface of the knee panel, by bearing the impact force on a front pillar side through a side bracket and on a floor side thereof through an L-shaped bracket, thereby directing the impact force as a load toward both the ends of the L-shaped bracket.

Abstract: An overhead instrument console for use in a tractor includes a panel spanning the driver's compartment. A hinge pivotally connects the panel to the ceiling such that the panel pivots to a down position permitting full access to the rear of instruments mounted on the panel and to such devices as windshield wiper motors, and pivots to an up position hiding from view the rear of the instruments mounted thereon. A latching mechanism is provided to keep the panel in the up position.

Abstract: A meter has a polarizing filter so that only light having a substantially horizontal wave motion is emitted therefrom. The meter is positioned beneath a canopy which prevents light from impinging on the vehicle windshield so that polarized light impinges on the side window where reflection thereof is attenuated due to the angle of incidence thereof. A non reflective surface is located adjacent the side window which adds to the attenuation of the reflected light.

Abstract: An automotive steering column cover has upper and lower cover members both made of a plastic material. The cover members define therein downwardly and upwardly directed recesses, respectively, and are adapted to abut each other along the edges of the recesses to form a hollow assembly which surrounds an associated steering shaft. At least the lower cover member has an integral clip extending therefrom to the steering shaft. The clip has a generally C-shaped free end defining an opening of a dimension slightly less than the diameter of the steering shaft whereby the C-shaped end of the clip can be snapped onto the steering shaft by the resiliency of the plastic material to mechanically connect the cover member to the steering shaft. The lower cover member therefore can be easily mounted on the steering shaft.

Abstract: An instrument panel for automotive vehicles is molded of an insulating plastics material and carries electrical conductors on the rear surface leading to indicating and control instruments on the front. Several grooves on the rear surface, one for each conductor, are coated along their flanks with a conductive material such as a conductive paint to form the conductors. Cavities extending through the panel allow contact springs to connect the conductors on the rear to the instruments on the front.

Abstract: A vehicle body construction comprises a dash panel defining a passenger compartment, a car heater core having a casing which is securely connected to the dash panel and located within the passenger compartment, side panels formed connected to the dash panel, and an elongate knee restraining or protection member securely connected to at least one of the side panels and to the car heater core casing, and so positioned as to be strikable with the knees of a vehicle occupant during a vehicle collision, thereby rendering unnecessary various support members for supporting the knee restraining member onto the dash panel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle support group for mounting an instrument and control device carrier assembly, accessory elements, and an electric interconnection group for the instruments, control devices and accessory elements, in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, the support group comprising a first support part and a second support part adapted to be adjustably secured together, the first support part being mounted on the steering column of the motor vehicle and the second support part being mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle, the support parts and the components mounted thereon being adapted to be preassembled so that the assembly may be tested prior to installation in the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An instrument panel for vehicles including a base and a trough-shaped meter casing fastened to the base by stays disposed in the meter casing. Each of the stays includes a pair of leg portions which are angularly inclined relative to a principal direction in which severe impacts are likely to occur against the meter casing. When the meter casing is subjected to impacts, the leg portions of the stays give way and buckle such that the meter casing is displaced or yields without being broken or damaged. The impacting force is thus absorbed, and a person in the vehicle who collides with the meter casing is protected from serious injury.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a first element made of a plastic material and having a width and a height equal to the width of the bodywork of the vehicle and to the distance between the floor of the passenger compartment and the windshield, respectively, and provided with means for fastening the assembly to the bodywork, and a second element made of a second plastic material and arranged to be fastened to the first element; the two elements are provided with walls and seatings which are arranged to generate the housing for the members and the devices of the ventilation system, the channels for the air and a support plate for the battery.

Abstract: A securing flange extends from a portion of a structural panel to define a cavity between it and an adjacent portion of the panel. Apertures formed in the panel open into the cavity so that when an elastomeric pad is formed on the panel the flange extends into the pad and parts of the pad which extend through the apertures are formed with grommet-like locking blocks which engage the opposite side of the panel to secure the pad on the panel without the use of adhesives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light-weight deformable housing structure suitable for use as a collapsing component in a vehicle comprising a load-bearing lattice structure having a predetermined axis of collapse and a non-load-bearing skin enclosing the lattice structure. Also disclosed is a heater unit for a vehicle including a heater and a housing according to the invention surrounding the heater.

Abstract: A modular instrument console for a vehicle having an instrument panel supporting a plurality of modular instruments, gauges, and the like. The instrument panel is pivotally supported for access to the interior of the instrument console for servicing of the components therein. The instrument console is capable of being functionally attached to a vehicle in a temporary mounting prior to final assembly of the vehicle, or in its permanent position.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel attaching structure wherein the instrument panel is attached to a body frame of the vehicle by means of stays which are disposed in side portions of the instrument panel so as to yieldably connect the instrument panel to the body frame of the vehicle. A predetermined clearance is defined between the instrument panel and the body frame of the vehicle in the assembled condition, so as to accommodate yielding movements of the stays. By virtue of the attaching structure, the instrument panel is yieldingly movable relative to the vehicle body frame when subjected to substantial impacts, thereby protecting a driver or a passenger from injury under unusual conditions such as during a collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fuse block assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises a bracket attached behind the front wall of the vehicle instrument panel, a fuse block hinged to the bracket for movement about a horizontal axis between a generally horizontal position where the fuse block is stored behind the instrument panel and a generally vertical position where the fuse block hangs below the instrument panel for easy access to replace the fuses and the like carried by the fuse block and a manually releasable latch at the opposite end of the fuse block which engages the bracket to hold the fuse block in the stored position.

Abstract: A kneepad is disposed along and spaced from the lower edge of the instrument panel of an automobile. The kneepad has an appropriate rigidity and is light in weight, and supported exclusively by an inner side member of the automobile body and a console box installed on a floor member of the automobile, respectively.

Abstract: A tractor control structure is provided including a pivotal flip-up control console that automatically engages a parking brake and shuts off the fuel supply to the engine when the console is moved to a vertical inoperative position. The console is selectively movable to a vertical inoperative position where it is out of the way when the operator is getting onto or out of the operator's seat. Further, the console is movable to a generally horizontal operative position where conventional transmission control handles are easily accessible from the operator's seat. When the console is moved to its vertical inoperative position, a push-pull cable attachment is automatically pushed forward to actuate an on-off valve for shutting off the fuel supply to the engine and thereby making the machine inoperative. A parking brake is also attached to the pivotal console by means of a tension brake cable.

Abstract: A steering column supporting structure for use in a motor vehicle which includes a vertical portion provided at approximately a central portion of a vehicle body, and a hollow horizontal structure extending laterally, at its base portion, from the upper portion of the vertical structure toward the side wall of the motor vehicle adjacent to the driver's seat. The lower end of the vertical structure is connected to a tunnel portion or raised portion of a vehicle floor with a high rigidity, while the other end of the horizontal structure at the side wall of the motor vehicle is connected to an inner side panel constituting a closed cross sectional structure together with a hinge pillar outer panel for the improvement of rigidity at the steering column supporting portion.

Abstract: An automobile front body construction which includes a reinforced beam assembly extending between a pair of front pillars. The reinforced beam assembly includes an elongated main frame member of generally U-shaped cross-section, having a wall section and upper and lower flanges protruding from the wall section generally at right angles thereto. The main frame member also has a generally rectangular opening extending in face-to-face relation to the wall section and over the entire length thereof. An elongated closure member closes the rectangular opening and is positioned in spaced and face-to-face relation to the wall section, the opposite end portions of the wall section being rigidly secured to an upper dash panel. The opposite ends of the closure member are rigidly connected to the respective front pillars.

Abstract: Multiple, interconnected shielding portions (26,28,30) constitute a protection structure (22) which may be arranged relative to a console (10) in an obstructing position so as to shield instruments contained in the console (10) from damage. The multiple shielding portions (26,28,30) are relatively displaceable to permit common occupation of all the shielding portions (26,28,30) in an envelope formed by one of the shielding portions (26). Such common occupation or self-storing design permits the protection structure (22), when removed from the console (10), to be stored in a minimum of space. The protection structure (22) may be assembled in obstructing relationship with the console (10) by displacing the individual shielding portions (26,28,30) to predetermined positions prior to interconnecting the console (10) and one of the components (28) with tabs (38) connected to the component (28) into slots in the console (10).

Abstract: A readily accessible object-holding tray for the front of a motor vehicle passenger compartment is formed by a lower portion of a transverse wall of the vehicle body, respective triangular side panels attached to each sidewall of the body, and a flexible base wall. The base wall is secured at each side to the lower edge of a respective side panel and is supported at one edge by a tubular crosspiece extending between the side panels.