The present invention relates to attachment apparatus and more particularly to a mount assembly and method for securing a component to an interior mounting surface in a vehicle having a sunroof.
Some passenger vehicles include overhead entertainment systems which are attached to an interior vehicle mounting surface, such as the roof of the vehicle. However, such entertainment systems are typically not provided in vehicles which have a sunroof. Vehicles with sunroofs typically include a sunroof frame mounted between the headliner and the roof. Such a frame reduces occupant headroom relative to vehicles without a sunroof. The sunroof frame also typically lacks the structural strength to support an entertainment system if attached thereto. It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved mount assembly and method for securing a component to an interior vehicle mounting surface in a vehicle having a sunroof.
This invention relates to an improved mount assembly and method for securing a component to an interior mounting surface in a vehicle having a sunroof. Initially, a sunroof frame is provided. The sunroof frame includes a cross-member disposed laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The component is then attached to the cross-member of the sunroof frame such that the cross-member supports the weight of the component. Preferably, the component is first temporarily attached the cross-member at a first mounting location such that a gap is defined between the component and the vehicle mounting surface. Access to a component power cable is then provided within the gap between the component and the vehicle mounting surface. The component power cable is then connected between the component and a source of vehicle power. The component is then disposed adjacent the vehicle mounting surface so as to close the gap between the component and the vehicle mounting surface. The component is preferably attached to the cross-member of the sunroof frame at a second mounting location. Preferably, the component is temporarily attached to the cross-member by a spring clip.
Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
As best shown in
As shown in
If desired the glass panel 15 can be slidably mounted relative to the sides 22. Preferably, the glass panel 15 is slidably mounted within inwardly facing glass panel tracks 26 defined by opposite sides 22 of the frame 12. The glass panel 15 is preferably selectively and longitudinally movable between a fully closed position wherein the glass panel 15 covers the opening 14, as shown in
Although the sunroof assembly 10 has been described in the context of a sliding sunshade 18, such is not required. The sunroof assembly 10 can be any desired type of sunroof, such as a tilt-up sunroof, or a folding sunroof.
As shown in
Preferably, the rear portion 17 is attached to the frame 12. Preferably, the rear portion 17 is formed of a relatively light-weight polymeric material, such as plastic, although such is not required. The rear portion can be attached to the frame 12 by any desired method, such as threaded fasteners, although such is not required. The rear portion 17 can also be attached to the frame 12 by any other desired method. The rear portion 17 provides a convenient and efficient mounting structure for a sun roof component, such as the motor 24, and has sufficient strength so as to support the weight of the motor 24. If desired, the rear portion 17 can also provide structural integrity to the sunroof assembly frame 12.
Referring to
Preferably, the FES 32 includes a digital video disk (DVD) player 33 and video monitor or screen 45, although such is not required. The screen 45 is preferably pivotally mounted within a housing 48. Such pivotal mounting allows the screen 45 to be pivoted between a stored position within the housing 48, as shown by phantom line 49 in
The mount assembly 30 includes a housing 48 in which the DVD player and video monitor are disposed. An electrical wiring harness 50 for connecting the DVD player and video screen 45 a source of vehicle power (not shown) extends from the housing 48, although such is not required. For example, the wiring harness 50 can extend from the source of vehicle power for attachment to a corresponding electrical connector on the housing 48.
Preferably, the screen 45 and the DVD player 36 are adjacent one another within the housing 48 so that the housing 48 has a relatively small height 52. The relatively small height 52 advantageously provides improved rear vision for the vehicle driver, and maximizes the interior vehicle space available for the vehicle occupants.
The mount assembly 30 further includes the spring clip 54 and threaded fasteners 40 disposed on an upper surface 55 of the housing 48. As best shown in
Preferably, the spring clip 54 is formed from a substantially rigid material such as steel, although the spring clip 54 can also be formed from any other desired material. The spring clip 54 can be attached to the housing 48 by any desired method such as threaded fasteners (not shown), although such is not required. For example, the spring clip 54 can also be integrally molded into the housing 48.
Preferably, the threaded fasteners 40 are disposed within fastener housings 64. The fastener housings 64 illustrated in
As best shown in
Preferably, the FES 32 is temporarily attached to the frame 12 such that the housing 48 is in a first position. In the first position, as shown by phantom line 70 in
Advantageously, an FES 32 provided with the mount assembly 30 can be mounted to any sunroof cross-member having the apertures 38 and the clip opening 44 corresponding to the threaded fasteners 40 and the spring clip 54 of the mount assembly 30.
Although the FES mount assembly 30 has been described in the context of mounting to a cross-member 28 of a sunroof assembly 10, such is not required. For example, the mount assembly 30 according to the invention can be mounted to any interior vehicle mounting surface, such as a structural support portion of a vehicle roof having no sunroof.
The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been described in its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its scope.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/407,351, filed Aug. 30, 2002.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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5303970 | Young et al. | Apr 1994 | A |
5667896 | Carter et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5825096 | Morimoto et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
6493915 | Zonneveld et al. | Dec 2002 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country |
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1 595 880 | Aug 1981 | GB |
2 273 086 | Jun 1994 | GB |
08-310299 | Nov 1996 | JP |
10-086748 | Apr 1998 | JP |
2001-332858 | Apr 2001 | JP |
2001112078 | Apr 2001 | JP |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20040212223 A1 | Oct 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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60407351 | Aug 2002 | US |