Patent Application
20220314858
The present disclosure relates generally to accessory connecting devices. More particularly the present disclosure relates to an accessory anchor system for vehicles which is directly connected to the frame and allows removable connection of an accessory such as a cellular phone holder, cup holder, accessories providing additional storage and/or organization to the vehicle interior, and the like.
With the proliferation of smart cellular telephones, tablet computers, and the general increase of mobile computing capability, it has become very commonplace for drivers to mount their devices somewhere in a vehicle. This is particularly useful for using a phone or tablet as a navigation system, and also for safe mobile calling and the like.
Removable connectors for mobile devices which connect via adhesive, suction, clamps, and the like have existed for some time. However, these devices suffer from substantial weaknesses including that they can permanently damage or otherwise mark interior surfaces, fail to stay in place-making them unreliable, and are otherwise inconvenient and insecure.
Therefore, what is needed is a system that can allow for connection of accessories in a secure and reliable manner without damaging or otherwise impacting the interior finish of the vehicle.
The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.
In one aspect, a vehicle having an accessory anchor system built into, i.e. connected to or tied back to, the frame of the vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a frame, with the frame forming a supporting structure for the vehicle.
A vehicle accessory anchor, formed in this aspect as an elongate shaft is connected directly to the frame at a distal end. A proximal end of the shaft extends to a vehicle interior. The proximal end of the shaft comprises a connector port allowing connection of an accessory.
Another aspect includes the vehicle having the accessory anchor system as an assembly having an accessory connected to the connector port, thereby effectively tying the accessory into the frame of the vehicle.
In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a motor vehicle is provided. The method involves assembling a frame of the motor vehicle. The method further includes connecting a vehicle accessory anchor to the frame of the motor vehicle. The vehicle accessory anchor is made of an elongate shaft which is connected directly to the frame at a distal end. A vehicle interior is connected to the frame such that the shaft extends to the vehicle interior at its proximal end. This proximal end of the shaft has a connector port allowing connection of an accessory.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
Generally, the present disclosure concerns a vehicle accessory anchor system. The anchor system involves a shaft or similar elongate connector directly connected to a frame of a vehicle with the other opposite end extends to an interior of the vehicle. The end of the elongate connector extending to the interior of the vehicle has a port or other connection structure to allow an accessory to be connected to the elongate via this port. In some embodiments, the elongate connector may be monolithically formed with the frame of the vehicle. As assembled, the system allows for an extremely secure and reliable connection of accessory directly to the frame of the vehicle. The present disclosure solves the problem of the prior art systems which are insecurely connected to a surface of the interior or which use permanent and damaging adhesive to bond to the interior of the vehicle. When not in use, in some embodiments, a cap or cover may be placed over the connector port to hide it.
The term frame as used herein refers to the vehicle frame, as well as one or more vehicle subframes attached to the frame. Further, a vehicle door frame components is also included with the use of the term frame.
The anchor disclosed herein, but virtue of its connection to the vehicle frame, may be designed to support and hold a substantial amount of weight. In one embodiment, the anchor may be configured to support and hold at least a 20 lb load. In another embodiment, the anchor may be configured to support and hold at least a 50 lb load. In yet still another embodiment, the anchor may be configured to support and hold at least a 100 lb load. In another embodiment, the anchor may be configured to support and hold at least a 250 lb load. Of course, different configurations and embodiments may support and hold less or more weight, without straying from the scope of this invention.
The vehicle accessory anchor system may be operable to receive any number of different accessories without straying from the scope of the invention. Accessories contemplated herein include, but are not limited to accessories such as a cellular phone holder, cup holder, a communications system, a wireless charger, accessories providing additional storage and/or organization to the vehicle interior, a table or platform, and the like. Of course, other accessories may be attached to the vehicle accessory anchor system without straying from the scope of this invention. In many embodiments, an accessory holder, mount, or base may be used to connect the accessory to the connector port of the vehicle accessory anchor system.
The shaft or similar elongate connector may be any structure having one end connected to a frame of a vehicle, with another end extending to an interior of the vehicle. The term “shaft” will be used herein to refer to this element though it may not necessarily be limited to a shaft. The shaft may be formed of any material capable of being connected to the vehicle frame and supporting an accessory connected to it. This may include, but is not limited to, metals, plastics, composite materials, ceramics, wood, combinations of these materials, and the like. Connection of the shaft to the vehicle body may be in any direct manner including, but not limited to, welding, integral molding, bracket connection, bolts or screw connection, slotted connection, and the like.
The connector port may be any structure capable of having an accessory connected thereto. The port may be male or female, threaded, frictional fit, and the like. In some embodiments, the port may be a magnet allowing magnetic connection, in combination with other structure or on its own. In one embodiment, the connector port may be a threaded hole or rod to threaded connect to a corresponding accessory. In another embodiment, the connector port may be a bayonet style connector having a twist lock configuration to connect to a corresponding accessory. In still another embodiment, the connector port may be a quick connect fitting to connect to a corresponding accessory. In still another embodiment, the connector port may be a smooth bore aperture or narrow shaft to be mate with a corresponding bore/shaft of an accessory. Of course, the connection port may be any other connection structures without straying from the scope of this invention.
In some embodiments, the vehicle accessory anchor system may include safety features to prevent it from undesirably extending into the interior of a vehicle in the event of an accident. In one embodiment, the shaft may be connected to the frame such that, upon a bending of the frame, the shaft can pivot or bend about this connection. In another embodiment, the shaft may be crimped to allow for a bending of the shaft about the crimp instead of extending into the vehicle interior. In still another embodiment, the shaft may be collapsible. The collapsible shaft may, for example, be formed of two telescoping parts held in relative position by a tolerance ring which can give way upon application of a predetermined amount of force, allowing the collapsible shaft to telescope and shorten in length.
It is important to note that the vehicle accessory anchor system may be positioned anywhere in the vehicle so long as it connects to the frame at one end, and extends to the interior on another end. Non-limiting examples of location include, but are not limited to: dashboard, center console, ceiling, doors, rear console, floor, and the like. This versatility allows vehicle manufactures to highly customize their vehicles and allow users to connect accessories in any number of locations.
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While several variations of the present disclosure have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.
