Accessory mounting device

US11833976B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Keith Daniel Roupe · Allen Park, US
• James Day · Canton, US
• Paul Wraith · Beverly Hills, US
• Robert Gelardi · Plymouth, US
• Ryan Olsson · Farmington Hills, US
• William Mangan · Ypsilanti, US
• John Jeffrey Pfeiffer · Saline, US
• Mario Alejandro Adams-Campos · Ferndale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 9, 2021
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2023
• Expiry date: Feb 10, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2011/0288
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle includes an instrument panel, a support structure coupled to the instrument panel, and a retainer. The support structure defines a receiver that extends from a lower end to an upper end that is vehicle-upward of the lower end. The portion of the support structure that defines the receiver includes at least one rib that protrudes into the receiver. The retainer includes a barrel portion having a threaded interior surface that defines a hollow and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and having at least one wing. The retainer also includes a head portion coupled to the barrel portion. The retainer is operably coupled to the support structure, such that the barrel portion is received within the receiver and the at least one wing of the exterior surface is engaged with the at least one rib to maintain the retainer within the receiver.