Symmetrical dash reinforcement

US6260914A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• International Truck and Engine Corporation Canada · US

Inventors

• Brant R. Nieminski · Burnsville, US
• Gary E. Monteith · Fort Wayne, US
• Charles W. Kipfer · Payne, US
• Brian P. Gibbs · Fort Wayne, US
• Norbert E. Romie · Fort Wayne, US
• David H. Thomas · Clackline, AU
• Gordon J. Wolverton · Battle Creek, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 26, 2000
• Grant date: Jul 17, 2001
• Expiry date: May 26, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D65/14
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A dash reinforcement for a mobile vehicle with a passenger cab such as a sport utility vehicle, or medium or heavy-duty truck. The dash reinforcement may be a stamped sheet metal panel that strengthens the dash structure of the cab and provides for mounting of vehicle components. The dash reinforcement may be symmetrical about the centerline of the vehicle and this symmetry allows the panel to accommodate both left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicle configurations. The dash reinforcement also includes `Y` shaped passages for a driver control module and for accessory equipment such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) modules. The unique shape of these passages or openings adds strength to the overall dash structure and hence the cab. The dash reinforcement may be engaged to a dash panel to form a dash assembly. The dash panels made be manufactured by the same metal stamping dies moved to account for left-hand versus right-hand drive and conventional versus cab-over-engine or low front engine configuration.