US20070139907A1 - Dashboard bezel assembly - Google Patents
Dashboard bezel assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070139907A1 US20070139907A1 US11/705,299 US70529907A US2007139907A1 US 20070139907 A1 US20070139907 A1 US 20070139907A1 US 70529907 A US70529907 A US 70529907A US 2007139907 A1 US2007139907 A1 US 2007139907A1
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- Prior art keywords
- bezel
- dashboard
- instrument
- body portion
- automobile
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- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
- B60K35/60—Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
- B60Y2304/00—Optimising design; Manufacturing; Testing
- B60Y2304/07—Facilitating assembling or mounting
- B60Y2304/076—Facilitating assembling or mounting by add-on parts, e.g. retrofit
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a bezel for an automobile and, more particularly, to an after market dashboard bezel for an automobile for mounting supplemental instruments or gauges.
- An engine has many measurable properties that may be monitored. Often, it is very important for a driver to monitor revolutions per minute (RPMs) of an engine, the amount of oil and its pressure in the engine, the air and fuel mixture ratio in the engine, as well as the water temperature. Additional measurable properties include voltage, engine temperature, quantity of fuel and other consumable liquids, and the like. However, most car manufacturers do not choose to make the instruments or gauges necessary for such measurements available from the factory, or provide “idiot lights” in place thereof to warn the owner only after a problem has occurred.
- RPMs revolutions per minute
- the present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and/or article of manufacture that facilitates the addition of supplemental instruments to a vehicle.
- the present disclosure provides the capability of adding supplemental instruments to a vehicle without placing the instruments in a location that would make reading these instruments awkward and/or unsafe.
- an instrument bezel for a vehicle.
- the instrument bezel includes a body configured to surround a window of an instrument cluster assembly of the vehicle.
- the instrument bezel also includes an instrument mount secured to the body.
- an after-market instrument bezel adapted to replace an original dashboard bezel surrounding a window of an instrument cluster assembly of a vehicle.
- the after-market instrument bezel includes a body substantially conforming in dimension to the original dashboard bezel.
- the after-market instrument bezel also includes an instrument mount secured to the body.
- a method of adding an additional instrument to a vehicle includes the step of removing an original dashboard bezel from the vehicle so as to expose a bezel mounting space.
- the method also includes the step of installing an instrument bezel in the bezel mounting space.
- the instrument bezel has a body which substantially conforms in dimension to the original dashboard bezel.
- the instrument bezel also includes an instrument mount secured to the body. The instrument mount is adapted to retain the additional instrument.
- a kit for mounting a supplemental instrument in a vehicle includes an instrument bezel having (i) a body substantially conforming in dimension to an original dashboard bezel of the vehicle, and (ii) an instrument mount secured to the body.
- the instrument mount is adapted to retain the additional instrument.
- the kit also includes a number of printed instructions for installing the instrument bezel in the vehicle.
- a method of adding an additional instrument to a vehicle includes the step of removing a first dashboard bezel from the vehicle such that the first dashboard bezel is spaced apart from a window of an instrument cluster assembly associated with the vehicle.
- the method also includes the step of securing a second dashboard bezel to the vehicle such that the second dashboard bezel is positioned proximate to the window of the instrument cluster assembly.
- the second dashboard bezel has (i) a body substantially conforming in dimension to the first dashboard bezel, and (ii) an instrument mount secured to the body.
- the instrument mount is adapted to retain the additional instrument.
- a dashboard assembly for a vehicle.
- the dashboard assembly includes an instrument cluster assembly having a first instrument and a window through which the first instrument is visible to a driver of the vehicle.
- the dashboard assembly also includes a bezel having a body which defines a viewing opening.
- the bezel is mounted in relation to the instrument cluster assembly such that the first instrument is visible to the driver of the vehicle through the viewing opening.
- the bezel also has an instrument mount secured to the body of the bezel.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an uninstalled and unpainted bezel without instruments mounted therein, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bezel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of the bezel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is right side perspective view of the bezel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the bezel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the bezel of FIG. 1 turned 180° relative to FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the bezel of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a left side perspective view of a dashboard of an automobile with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed;
- FIG. 9 is another left side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed;
- FIG. 10 is a right side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed.
- FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed;
- FIG. 12 is a left side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel of FIGS. 1-7 being installed therein;
- FIG. 13 is a right side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel of FIGS. 1-7 being installed therein;
- FIG. 14 is another left side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel of FIGS. 1-7 being installed therein;
- FIG. 15 is a right side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel of FIGS. 1-7 installed therein;
- FIG. 16 is a left side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel of FIGS. 1-7 installed therein;
- FIG. 17 is another right side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel of FIGS. 1-7 installed therein;
- FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel of FIGS. 1-7 installed therein;
- FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile of FIG. 8 with a finished bezel according to the present disclosure installed therein with additional instruments retained thereby;
- FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the original dashboard bezel subsequent to removal thereof from the automobile;
- FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the original dashboard bezel of FIG. 20 ;
- FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an installation instruction manual which provides instructions relating to installation of the replacement dashboard bezel of FIG. 1 .
- the bezel 20 includes a body 40 which includes a lower body or housing portion 22 and an upper body or housing portion 24 that are each connected to a right body or housing portion 26 and a left body or housing portion 28 . It should be appreciated that the bezel 20 may be formed as a single, integral piece, or as two or more pieces (i.e. body or housing portions) joined together.
- the bezel 20 is preferably constructed of fiberglass, but may be constructed, fabricated, molded and/or the like from any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastic, carbon fiber, metal, and/or the like.
- the dashboard 36 of an automobile is generally constructed to include an instrument cluster assembly 54 (see FIG. 8 ).
- the instrument cluster assembly 54 is generally a sealed assembly having a housing 56 which houses the electronics, wiring, and other components (not shown) associated with a number of instruments such as a speedometer 58 and a fuel gauge 62 .
- a plastic window 64 is generally secured to the housing 56 so as to protect the instruments (e.g. the speedometer 58 and the fuel gauge 62 ) therein.
- the entire instrument cluster assembly 54 is generally sealed together in a secure manner so as to prevent tampering with the components associated with the assembly 54 .
- the plastic window 64 is generally sealed to the housing 56 in a secure manner to prevent tampering with an odometer 66 associated with the instrument cluster assembly 54 thereby preventing someone with illicit intentions from reducing the number of miles displayed by the odometer 66 .
- the term “instrument cluster assembly” is intended to mean the collection of instruments which are housed together within the assembly of the housing 56 and the window 64 .
- the instrument cluster assembly 54 is installed by the manufacturer of the automobile at the assembly plant (i.e. the original equipment manufacturer or OEM).
- the body 40 of the replacement dashboard bezel 20 is configured to surround the window 64 of the instrument cluster assembly 54 .
- the body of the bezel defines a frame-like structure which borders substantially the entire periphery of the window of the instrument cluster assembly.
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 or the original dashboard bezel 80 of FIGS. 20 and 21 ) “surrounds” the window of the instrument cluster assembly much in the same way that a picture frame surrounds a picture.
- instrument is utilized herein to mean any instrument, gauge, display, light, or the like that may be used to indicate a property, state, or measurement data with regard to the engine of an automobile, any other automobile function or feature, or an automobile in general.
- instrument cluster assembly 54 As described above, certain instruments are included in the automobile's instrument cluster assembly 54 .
- other instruments may be provided as “stand alone” instruments which are installed in the vehicle subsequent to manufacture thereof (i.e. after-market instruments).
- the dashboard bezel 20 also includes a first instrument mount or pod 32 and a second instrument mount or pod 34 .
- instrument mount or “instrument pod” are herein intended to mean any mounting and/or retaining configuration, device, assembly, feature, or the like that is operable or otherwise adapted to mount, retain, and/or hold an instrument.
- the first instrument mount 32 is shown as a generally circular opening in order to accommodate a first generally circular instrument 60 (see FIG. 19 ).
- the first instrument mount 32 is formed so as to allow a cable, signal line, or the like to be coupled to the instrument without interfering with the driver's view of the instruments associated with the instrument cluster assembly 54 or with any other part of the vehicle.
- the second instrument mount 34 is shown as a generally circular opening in order to accommodate a second generally circular instrument 70 (see FIG. 19 ).
- the second instrument mount 34 is formed so as to allow a cable, signal line, or the like to be coupled to the instrument without interfering with the driver's view of the instruments associated with the instrument cluster assembly 54 or with any other part of the vehicle.
- the first and second instrument mounts 32 and 34 are herein described and shown as being circular in shape, it should be appreciated they may be configured in any shape and/or size (i.e. dimension) in order to accommodate a like dimensioned instrument.
- the first instrument mount 32 is shown as situated at a lower right corner of the bezel 20 between the lower body portion 22 and the right body portion 26 , or adjacent a corner defined at the intersection of the lower body portion 22 and the right body portion 26 .
- the second instrument mount 34 is shown as situated at a lower left corner of the bezel 20 between the lower body portion 22 and the left body portion 28 , or adjacent a corner defined at the intersection of the lower body portion 22 and the left body portion 28 . While the first and second instrument mounts 32 and 34 are shown in the lower corners of the bezel 20 , it should be appreciated that the location or placement of the instrument mounts 32 and 34 in the figures is only exemplary, and thus may vary as necessary or desired.
- the bezel 20 may be configured to include more or less than two instrument mounts, limited only by the resulting integrity of the bezel 20 and/or the physical dimension of the bezel 20 and the instruments to be accommodated.
- instrument mounts of the bezel 20 may vary depending on the type of instrument that is to be accommodated by the respective instrument mount.
- an instrument mount may be integrally formed with any one of the body portions 22 , 24 , 26 , or 28 , or at the corner or intersection between either the upper body portion 24 and the right and left side body portions 26 or 28 , or the lower body portion 22 and the right and left side body portions 26 or 28 such as is shown in the figures.
- an instrument mount may be formed as a separate piece and attached or coupled to any one of the body portions 22 , 24 , 26 , or 28 , or at the corner or intersection between either the upper body portion 24 and the right or left side body portions 26 or 28 , or the lower body portion 22 and the right or left side body portions 26 or 28 .
- dashboard bezel in accordance with the present principles.
- dashboard bezels having various combinations of instrument mounts, (i.e. in size, shape, and/or placement) may be produced to accommodate the various sizes and shapes of the instruments to be retained by the respective instrument mount.
- the number of instrument openings and/or their configuration may vary in accordance with the type of instrument, gauge or the like which will be mounted in the instrument mounting.
- the dashboard bezel 20 shown in the figures is, therefore, only exemplary of one style or embodiment of the present disclosure. There are infinite variations or combinations possible in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure herein presented.
- the lower body portion 22 may contain one or a plurality of instrument mounts (not shown).
- FIGS. 8-11 there is shown a dashboard 36 of an automobile in which an original or factory-installed (i.e. OEM) dashboard bezel 80 (see FIGS. 20-21 ) has been removed.
- OEM original or factory-installed
- the removed bezel 80 could, in fact, be a replacement dashboard bezel that does not have supplemental instrument pods associated therewith.
- the removed bezel (albeit OEM or a replacement) is hereinafter referred to as the “original dashboard bezel”.
- the removal of the original dashboard bezel 80 exposes a bezel mounting space 38 that essentially surrounds or encompasses the window 64 of the instrument cluster assembly 54 .
- the instrument cluster assembly 54 includes the original, factory-installed instruments such as the speedometer 58 and the fuel gauge 62 . It should be appreciated that the number, layout, and type of original or factory-installed instruments depend on many factors, such as the model type and options associated with the automobile.
- the bezel mounting space 38 essentially defines an upper bezel mounting space portion 46 , a lower bezel mounting space portion 48 , a right bezel mounting space portion 50 , and a left bezel mounting space portion 52 .
- the upper body portion 24 of the bezel 20 corresponds at least generally in dimension to the upper bezel mounting space portion 46 .
- the lower body portion 22 of the bezel 20 corresponds at least generally to the lower bezel mounting space portion 48 .
- the right body portion 26 of the bezel 20 corresponds at least generally to the right bezel mounting space portion 50 .
- the left body portion 28 corresponds at least generally to the left bezel mounting space portion 52 .
- the dimensions of the upper, lower, right, and left bezel mounting space portions 46 , 48 , 50 , and 52 are particular to the make and/or model of the automobile.
- the automobile shown in FIGS. 8-19 is an example of one type of automobile in order to describe the present disclosure.
- the dimensions of the lower, upper, right, and left body portions 22 , 24 , 26 , and 28 are generally the same as, or otherwise correspond to, the dimensions of the lower, upper, right, and left bezel mounting space portions 46 , 48 , 50 , and 52 .
- the bezel 20 would thus be dimensioned quite similarly to the original dashboard bezel 80 (e.g.
- the original dashboard bezel 80 has a body 42 which includes a lower body or housing portion 82 and an upper body or housing portion 84 that are each connected to a right body or housing portion 86 and a left body or housing portion 88 .
- the body portions 82 , 84 , 86 , 88 of the original dashboard bezel 80 are substantially identical to the body portions 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 except that the body portions 82 , 84 , 86 , 88 of the original dashboard bezel do not include any structures or features for accommodating the instrument mounts 32 , 34 .
- the dashboard bezel 20 is shown being installed or otherwise inserted into the bezel mounting space 38 of the automobile after the original dashboard bezel 80 has been removed. It should be appreciated the after-market instruments 60 , 70 have been removed from the bezel 20 in FIGS. 12-14 for clarity of description.
- the dashboard bezel 20 is dimensioned to essentially replace the original dashboard bezel 80 , but provide for the mounting of additional or supplemental instruments 60 , 70 at a location that is proximate to the original instruments associated with the instrument cluster assembly 54 (e.g. the speedometer 58 and the fuel gauge 62 ).
- the original dashboard bezel 80 (see FIGS. 20 and 21 ) from the automobile before installing the replacement dashboard bezel 20 .
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 may be dimensioned so as to be installed over, or surrounding, the original dashboard bezel 80 . If the original dashboard bezel 80 is not being removed, the bezel mounting space 38 becomes a surface defined by the original dashboard bezel 80 and the replacement bezel 20 would therefore be dimensioned accordingly.
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 has been fully inserted into the bezel mounting space 38 .
- the after-market instruments 60 , 70 have been removed from the bezel 20 in FIGS. 15-18 for clarity of description.
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 is inserted into the bezel mounting space 38 in the same manner as the original dashboard bezel 80 was inserted (or would be reinserted) therein.
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 is configured to include the same mounting features as the original dashboard bezel 80 .
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 may be configured to include a number of clips (not shown) which are identical to a number of clips 90 (see FIG. 21 ) associated with the original dashboard bezel 80 .
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 may be secured within the bezel mounting space 38 in the same manner as was the original dashboard bezel 80 . It should also be appreciated from the above discussion that the replacement dashboard bezel 20 could therefore be configured with other mounting features such as fasteners, or apertures for receiving fasteners, if the original dashboard bezel 80 was likewise configured.
- the replacement bezel 20 is shown with the first instrument 60 disposed in the first instrument mount 32 and the second instrument 70 disposed in the second instrument mount 34 .
- the first and second instruments 60 and 70 may be retained in their respective instrument mount 32 , 34 via a press fit, clamps, or any other manner.
- the replacement bezel 20 may be painted or have a color formed or molded therein to match the interior color of the automobile, or any other color as desired.
- the bezel 20 may be configured in multiple colors or have graphics, patterns, and/or the like associated therewith. It should be appreciated that there are a multitude of variations.
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure may be utilized to replace the original dashboard bezel 80 of an automobile thereby allowing for the positioning of a number of after-market instruments 60 , 70 proximate to the instruments associated with the automobile's factory installed instrument cluster assembly 54 (e.g. the speedometer 58 and the fuel gauge 62 ).
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 is provided as part of a kit, such as an after-market kit, the bezel is typically packaged with an installation instruction manual 92 which includes the printed instructions for installing the bezel 20 into an automobile in the manner which will now be described.
- the process begins by removal of the original dashboard bezel 80 from the dashboard 36 of the automobile.
- the fasteners, clips, or any other retaining mechanisms e.g. the clips 90
- the clips 90 which are utilized to secure the original dashboard bezel 80 within the bezel mounting space 38 of the dashboard 36 are disengaged so as to allow the original dashboard bezel 80 to be spaced apart from the instrument cluster assembly 54 or otherwise lifted away from the dashboard 36 .
- FIGS. 8-11 such removal of the original dashboard bezel 80 exposes the window 64 and the housing 56 of the instrument cluster assembly 54 .
- the additional instruments 60 , 70 are secured within the instrument mounts 32 , 34 , respectively, of the replacement dashboard bezel 20 .
- the wires, signal lines, or the like associated with the instruments 60 , 70 are coupled to the instruments 60 , 70 and thereafter routed along the rear portion of the replacement dashboard bezel 20 .
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 is then aligned with the corresponding surfaces of the bezel mounting space 38 and thereafter advanced into the dashboard 36 .
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 is advanced into the bezel mounting space 38 and thereafter secured to the dashboard 36 by use of clips, fasteners, or other mechanisms (not shown) which are similar to those that were used to secure the original dashboard bezel 80 within the bezel mounting space 38 of the dashboard 36 .
- the after-market instruments 60 , 70 are fully operational for use by the driver of the automobile.
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure has a number of advantages over heretofore designed mechanisms for mounting after-market instruments.
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure allows after-market instruments to be installed in the automobile in a manner which appears “integrated” with the automobile's original instrument cluster assembly thereby increasing the aesthetic appearance of the dashboard.
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure allows after-market instruments to be installed in a location within the automobile that allows the information displayed by the instrument to be quickly and safely obtained by the driver.
- use of the replacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure provides the driver with a relatively unobstructed view of the road.
- the replacement instruments 60 , 70 are herein described as being installed in the instrument mounts 32 , 34 , respectively, prior to installation of the replacement dashboard bezel 20 within the bezel mounting space 38 of the dashboard 36 , and has significant advantages thereby in the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that other configurations are also possible.
- the instrument mounts 32 , 34 may be configured to receive the after-market instruments 60 , 70 from the front side of the replacement dashboard bezel 20 .
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 would be installed within the bezel mounting space 38 of the dashboard 36 without the instruments 60 , 70 secured thereto, but with the coupling end of the wires, signal lines or the like associated with such instruments 60 , 70 hanging out from the front openings of the instrument mounts 32 , 34 , respectively.
- the replacement dashboard bezel 20 is secured 80 within the bezel mounting space 38 of the dashboard 36 , the respective coupling end of the wires or signal lines are secured to the instruments 60 , 70 .
- the instruments 60 , 70 may then be advanced into the instrument mounts 32 , 34 from the front side of the replacement dashboard bezel 20 .
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Abstract
An instrument bezel for an automobile facilitates the addition of supplemental instruments to a vehicle while maintaining a clear and unobstructed view of the road for the driver without placing the supplemental instruments in a location that would make reading these instruments awkward and unsafe. The present instrument bezel is shaped to surround the dashboard of the automobile and replace an original instrument panel or dashboard bezel of the automobile. In one embodiment, the present instrument bezel assembly includes a bezel body and integral pods or mounts on the bottom corners, and supplemental instruments retained in the pods or mounts. The bezel body may be made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic, metal, or the like.
Description
- This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 09/696,458, filed on Oct. 25, 2000, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/207,584 filed on May 26, 2000. The disclosures of these two (2) above-identified patent applications are hereby totally incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- The present disclosure relates to a bezel for an automobile and, more particularly, to an after market dashboard bezel for an automobile for mounting supplemental instruments or gauges.
- Many automobile drivers either choose or require more or additional information about the status of their vehicle's engine than is made available by the manufacturer of the vehicle. This may be especially true for owners of what are termed custom vehicles or vehicles in which the engines have been modified. As well, drivers of vehicles involved in racing and other similar activities may have a critical need for more information regarding the status of their vehicle's engine.
- An engine has many measurable properties that may be monitored. Often, it is very important for a driver to monitor revolutions per minute (RPMs) of an engine, the amount of oil and its pressure in the engine, the air and fuel mixture ratio in the engine, as well as the water temperature. Additional measurable properties include voltage, engine temperature, quantity of fuel and other consumable liquids, and the like. However, most car manufacturers do not choose to make the instruments or gauges necessary for such measurements available from the factory, or provide “idiot lights” in place thereof to warn the owner only after a problem has occurred.
- Thus, owners are forced to add the instruments or gauges to their vehicles on their own. Since the vehicles have not been designed to accommodate the additional instruments, the resulting addition of instruments can be unsightly as well as posing a potential safety risk. Some instrument clusters or gauge pods, designed for additional instruments, such as the A-Pillar instrument pods, can obstruct the driver's view of the road, while other gauge pods are positioned such that constant monitoring of these instruments can significantly distract the driver from the road.
- It is thus an object of the present disclosure to provide a manner of mounting supplemental instruments in a vehicle that alleviates the above problems.
- The present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and/or article of manufacture that facilitates the addition of supplemental instruments to a vehicle. The present disclosure provides the capability of adding supplemental instruments to a vehicle without placing the instruments in a location that would make reading these instruments awkward and/or unsafe.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an instrument bezel for a vehicle. The instrument bezel includes a body configured to surround a window of an instrument cluster assembly of the vehicle. The instrument bezel also includes an instrument mount secured to the body.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an after-market instrument bezel adapted to replace an original dashboard bezel surrounding a window of an instrument cluster assembly of a vehicle. The after-market instrument bezel includes a body substantially conforming in dimension to the original dashboard bezel. The after-market instrument bezel also includes an instrument mount secured to the body.
- In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of adding an additional instrument to a vehicle. The method includes the step of removing an original dashboard bezel from the vehicle so as to expose a bezel mounting space. The method also includes the step of installing an instrument bezel in the bezel mounting space. The instrument bezel has a body which substantially conforms in dimension to the original dashboard bezel. The instrument bezel also includes an instrument mount secured to the body. The instrument mount is adapted to retain the additional instrument.
- In accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit for mounting a supplemental instrument in a vehicle. The kit includes an instrument bezel having (i) a body substantially conforming in dimension to an original dashboard bezel of the vehicle, and (ii) an instrument mount secured to the body. The instrument mount is adapted to retain the additional instrument. The kit also includes a number of printed instructions for installing the instrument bezel in the vehicle.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of adding an additional instrument to a vehicle. The method includes the step of removing a first dashboard bezel from the vehicle such that the first dashboard bezel is spaced apart from a window of an instrument cluster assembly associated with the vehicle. The method also includes the step of securing a second dashboard bezel to the vehicle such that the second dashboard bezel is positioned proximate to the window of the instrument cluster assembly. The second dashboard bezel has (i) a body substantially conforming in dimension to the first dashboard bezel, and (ii) an instrument mount secured to the body. The instrument mount is adapted to retain the additional instrument.
- In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a dashboard assembly for a vehicle. The dashboard assembly includes an instrument cluster assembly having a first instrument and a window through which the first instrument is visible to a driver of the vehicle. The dashboard assembly also includes a bezel having a body which defines a viewing opening. The bezel is mounted in relation to the instrument cluster assembly such that the first instrument is visible to the driver of the vehicle through the viewing opening. The bezel also has an instrument mount secured to the body of the bezel.
- It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a new and useful replacement dashboard bezel.
- It is moreover an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved replacement dashboard bezel.
- It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide a new and useful method for adding an instrument to an automobile.
- It is moreover an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved method for adding an instrument to an automobile.
- It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a replacement dashboard bezel which allows an instrument to be added to an automobile in a manner which is more aesthetically pleasing relative to heretofore designed mounting mechanisms and methods.
- It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide a replacement dashboard bezel which allows after-market instruments to be added to the automobile without obstructing the driver's view of the road.
- The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the attached drawings.
- The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an uninstalled and unpainted bezel without instruments mounted therein, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the bezel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of the bezel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is right side perspective view of the bezel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the bezel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the bezel ofFIG. 1 turned 180° relative toFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the bezel ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a left side perspective view of a dashboard of an automobile with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed; -
FIG. 9 is another left side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed; -
FIG. 10 is a right side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed. -
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed; -
FIG. 12 is a left side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel ofFIGS. 1-7 being installed therein; -
FIG. 13 is a right side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel ofFIGS. 1-7 being installed therein; -
FIG. 14 is another left side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel ofFIGS. 1-7 being installed therein; -
FIG. 15 is a right side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel ofFIGS. 1-7 installed therein; -
FIG. 16 is a left side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel ofFIGS. 1-7 installed therein; -
FIG. 17 is another right side perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel ofFIGS. 1-7 installed therein; -
FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with the automobile manufacturer's dashboard bezel removed and the bezel ofFIGS. 1-7 installed therein; -
FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the dashboard of the automobile ofFIG. 8 with a finished bezel according to the present disclosure installed therein with additional instruments retained thereby; -
FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the original dashboard bezel subsequent to removal thereof from the automobile; -
FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the original dashboard bezel ofFIG. 20 ; and -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an installation instruction manual which provides instructions relating to installation of the replacement dashboard bezel ofFIG. 1 . - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
- While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- With reference to
FIGS. 1-7 , there is shown a bezel, generally designated 20 in accordance with the principles set forth herein. Thebezel 20 includes abody 40 which includes a lower body orhousing portion 22 and an upper body orhousing portion 24 that are each connected to a right body orhousing portion 26 and a left body orhousing portion 28. It should be appreciated that thebezel 20 may be formed as a single, integral piece, or as two or more pieces (i.e. body or housing portions) joined together. Thebezel 20 is preferably constructed of fiberglass, but may be constructed, fabricated, molded and/or the like from any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastic, carbon fiber, metal, and/or the like. - The lower, upper, right, and left
body portions viewing opening 30 that is adapted to allow the essentially unobstructed viewing of existing, original, and/or factory-installed instruments/gauges in adashboard 36 of the automobile. In particular, thedashboard 36 of an automobile is generally constructed to include an instrument cluster assembly 54 (seeFIG. 8 ). Theinstrument cluster assembly 54 is generally a sealed assembly having ahousing 56 which houses the electronics, wiring, and other components (not shown) associated with a number of instruments such as aspeedometer 58 and afuel gauge 62. Aplastic window 64 is generally secured to thehousing 56 so as to protect the instruments (e.g. thespeedometer 58 and the fuel gauge 62) therein. The entireinstrument cluster assembly 54 is generally sealed together in a secure manner so as to prevent tampering with the components associated with theassembly 54. Specifically, theplastic window 64 is generally sealed to thehousing 56 in a secure manner to prevent tampering with anodometer 66 associated with theinstrument cluster assembly 54 thereby preventing someone with illicit intentions from reducing the number of miles displayed by theodometer 66. Hence, as described herein, the term “instrument cluster assembly” is intended to mean the collection of instruments which are housed together within the assembly of thehousing 56 and thewindow 64. Typically, theinstrument cluster assembly 54 is installed by the manufacturer of the automobile at the assembly plant (i.e. the original equipment manufacturer or OEM). - As shown in
FIG. 19 , thebody 40 of thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 is configured to surround thewindow 64 of theinstrument cluster assembly 54. What is meant herein by the term “surround” in regard to a dashboard bezel is that the body of the bezel defines a frame-like structure which borders substantially the entire periphery of the window of the instrument cluster assembly. Hence, the replacement dashboard bezel 20 (or theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 ofFIGS. 20 and 21 ) “surrounds” the window of the instrument cluster assembly much in the same way that a picture frame surrounds a picture. - It should be appreciated that the term “instrument” is utilized herein to mean any instrument, gauge, display, light, or the like that may be used to indicate a property, state, or measurement data with regard to the engine of an automobile, any other automobile function or feature, or an automobile in general. As described above, certain instruments are included in the automobile's
instrument cluster assembly 54. However, as shall now be described in greater detail, other instruments may be provided as “stand alone” instruments which are installed in the vehicle subsequent to manufacture thereof (i.e. after-market instruments). - The
dashboard bezel 20 also includes a first instrument mount orpod 32 and a second instrument mount orpod 34. It should be appreciated that the terms “instrument mount” or “instrument pod” are herein intended to mean any mounting and/or retaining configuration, device, assembly, feature, or the like that is operable or otherwise adapted to mount, retain, and/or hold an instrument. Thefirst instrument mount 32 is shown as a generally circular opening in order to accommodate a first generally circular instrument 60 (seeFIG. 19 ). Thefirst instrument mount 32 is formed so as to allow a cable, signal line, or the like to be coupled to the instrument without interfering with the driver's view of the instruments associated with theinstrument cluster assembly 54 or with any other part of the vehicle. Thesecond instrument mount 34 is shown as a generally circular opening in order to accommodate a second generally circular instrument 70 (seeFIG. 19 ). Thesecond instrument mount 34 is formed so as to allow a cable, signal line, or the like to be coupled to the instrument without interfering with the driver's view of the instruments associated with theinstrument cluster assembly 54 or with any other part of the vehicle. Although the first and second instrument mounts 32 and 34, respectively, are herein described and shown as being circular in shape, it should be appreciated they may be configured in any shape and/or size (i.e. dimension) in order to accommodate a like dimensioned instrument. - The
first instrument mount 32 is shown as situated at a lower right corner of thebezel 20 between thelower body portion 22 and theright body portion 26, or adjacent a corner defined at the intersection of thelower body portion 22 and theright body portion 26. Thesecond instrument mount 34, on the other hand, is shown as situated at a lower left corner of thebezel 20 between thelower body portion 22 and theleft body portion 28, or adjacent a corner defined at the intersection of thelower body portion 22 and theleft body portion 28. While the first and second instrument mounts 32 and 34 are shown in the lower corners of thebezel 20, it should be appreciated that the location or placement of the instrument mounts 32 and 34 in the figures is only exemplary, and thus may vary as necessary or desired. As well, while there are only two instrument mounts shown in thebezel 20 ofFIGS. 1-7 , thebezel 20 may be configured to include more or less than two instrument mounts, limited only by the resulting integrity of thebezel 20 and/or the physical dimension of thebezel 20 and the instruments to be accommodated. - Therefore, in accordance with the above, it should be appreciated that the number and dimension of instrument mounts of the
bezel 20 may vary depending on the type of instrument that is to be accommodated by the respective instrument mount. - Further, an instrument mount may be integrally formed with any one of the
body portions upper body portion 24 and the right and leftside body portions lower body portion 22 and the right and leftside body portions body portions upper body portion 24 and the right or leftside body portions lower body portion 22 and the right or leftside body portions - What has been shown and described above with reference to
FIGS. 1-7 is an exemplary dashboard bezel in accordance with the present principles. Thus, it should be appreciated that dashboard bezels having various combinations of instrument mounts, (i.e. in size, shape, and/or placement) may be produced to accommodate the various sizes and shapes of the instruments to be retained by the respective instrument mount. The number of instrument openings and/or their configuration may vary in accordance with the type of instrument, gauge or the like which will be mounted in the instrument mounting. Thedashboard bezel 20 shown in the figures is, therefore, only exemplary of one style or embodiment of the present disclosure. There are infinite variations or combinations possible in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure herein presented. As an example, thelower body portion 22 may contain one or a plurality of instrument mounts (not shown). - With reference now to
FIGS. 8-11 , there is shown adashboard 36 of an automobile in which an original or factory-installed (i.e. OEM) dashboard bezel 80 (seeFIGS. 20-21 ) has been removed. It should be appreciated that the removedbezel 80 could, in fact, be a replacement dashboard bezel that does not have supplemental instrument pods associated therewith. In either case, the removed bezel (albeit OEM or a replacement) is hereinafter referred to as the “original dashboard bezel”. In any event, the removal of theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 exposes abezel mounting space 38 that essentially surrounds or encompasses thewindow 64 of theinstrument cluster assembly 54. As discussed above, theinstrument cluster assembly 54 includes the original, factory-installed instruments such as thespeedometer 58 and thefuel gauge 62. It should be appreciated that the number, layout, and type of original or factory-installed instruments depend on many factors, such as the model type and options associated with the automobile. - The
bezel mounting space 38 essentially defines an upper bezel mountingspace portion 46, a lower bezel mountingspace portion 48, a right bezel mountingspace portion 50, and a left bezel mountingspace portion 52. Theupper body portion 24 of thebezel 20 corresponds at least generally in dimension to the upper bezel mountingspace portion 46. Thelower body portion 22 of thebezel 20 corresponds at least generally to the lower bezel mountingspace portion 48. Theright body portion 26 of thebezel 20 corresponds at least generally to the right bezel mountingspace portion 50. Theleft body portion 28 corresponds at least generally to the left bezel mountingspace portion 52. - It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the upper, lower, right, and left bezel mounting
space portions FIGS. 8-19 is an example of one type of automobile in order to describe the present disclosure. In order for thebezel 20 to fit into thebezel mounting space 38, the dimensions of the lower, upper, right, and leftbody portions space portions bezel 20 would thus be dimensioned quite similarly to the original dashboard bezel 80 (e.g. the OEM dashboard bezel) that was removed from thedashboard 36. Indeed, as shown inFIGS. 20-21 , theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 has abody 42 which includes a lower body orhousing portion 82 and an upper body orhousing portion 84 that are each connected to a right body orhousing portion 86 and a left body orhousing portion 88. Thebody portions original dashboard bezel 80 are substantially identical to thebody portions body portions - In
FIGS. 12-14 , thedashboard bezel 20 is shown being installed or otherwise inserted into thebezel mounting space 38 of the automobile after theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 has been removed. It should be appreciated the after-market instruments bezel 20 inFIGS. 12-14 for clarity of description. Thedashboard bezel 20 is dimensioned to essentially replace theoriginal dashboard bezel 80, but provide for the mounting of additional orsupplemental instruments speedometer 58 and the fuel gauge 62). - It is thus desirable and preferred to remove the original dashboard bezel 80 (see
FIGS. 20 and 21 ) from the automobile before installing thereplacement dashboard bezel 20. In one embodiment, however, it is not necessary that theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 be removed, since thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 may be dimensioned so as to be installed over, or surrounding, theoriginal dashboard bezel 80. If theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 is not being removed, thebezel mounting space 38 becomes a surface defined by theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 and thereplacement bezel 20 would therefore be dimensioned accordingly. - Referring now to
FIGS. 15-18 , thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 has been fully inserted into thebezel mounting space 38. As withFIGS. 12-14 , the after-market instruments bezel 20 inFIGS. 15-18 for clarity of description. Thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 is inserted into thebezel mounting space 38 in the same manner as theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 was inserted (or would be reinserted) therein. It should be appreciated that thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 is configured to include the same mounting features as theoriginal dashboard bezel 80. In particular, thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 may be configured to include a number of clips (not shown) which are identical to a number of clips 90 (seeFIG. 21 ) associated with theoriginal dashboard bezel 80. In this manner, thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 may be secured within thebezel mounting space 38 in the same manner as was theoriginal dashboard bezel 80. It should also be appreciated from the above discussion that thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 could therefore be configured with other mounting features such as fasteners, or apertures for receiving fasteners, if theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 was likewise configured. - Referring to
FIG. 19 , thereplacement bezel 20 is shown with thefirst instrument 60 disposed in thefirst instrument mount 32 and thesecond instrument 70 disposed in thesecond instrument mount 34. The first andsecond instruments respective instrument mount - Further, the
replacement bezel 20 may be painted or have a color formed or molded therein to match the interior color of the automobile, or any other color as desired. As well, thebezel 20 may be configured in multiple colors or have graphics, patterns, and/or the like associated therewith. It should be appreciated that there are a multitude of variations. - In operation, the
replacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure may be utilized to replace theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 of an automobile thereby allowing for the positioning of a number of after-market instruments speedometer 58 and the fuel gauge 62). As shown inFIG. 22 , if thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 is provided as part of a kit, such as an after-market kit, the bezel is typically packaged with aninstallation instruction manual 92 which includes the printed instructions for installing thebezel 20 into an automobile in the manner which will now be described. - In any event, the process begins by removal of the
original dashboard bezel 80 from thedashboard 36 of the automobile. In particular, the fasteners, clips, or any other retaining mechanisms (e.g. the clips 90) which are utilized to secure theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 within thebezel mounting space 38 of thedashboard 36 are disengaged so as to allow theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 to be spaced apart from theinstrument cluster assembly 54 or otherwise lifted away from thedashboard 36. As shown inFIGS. 8-11 , such removal of theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 exposes thewindow 64 and thehousing 56 of theinstrument cluster assembly 54. - Thereafter, the
additional instruments replacement dashboard bezel 20. Moreover, the wires, signal lines, or the like associated with theinstruments instruments replacement dashboard bezel 20. - The
replacement dashboard bezel 20 is then aligned with the corresponding surfaces of thebezel mounting space 38 and thereafter advanced into thedashboard 36. Specifically, thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 is advanced into thebezel mounting space 38 and thereafter secured to thedashboard 36 by use of clips, fasteners, or other mechanisms (not shown) which are similar to those that were used to secure theoriginal dashboard bezel 80 within thebezel mounting space 38 of thedashboard 36. Once done, the after-market instruments - Hence, as described herein, the
replacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure has a number of advantages over heretofore designed mechanisms for mounting after-market instruments. For example, thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure allows after-market instruments to be installed in the automobile in a manner which appears “integrated” with the automobile's original instrument cluster assembly thereby increasing the aesthetic appearance of the dashboard. Moreover, thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure allows after-market instruments to be installed in a location within the automobile that allows the information displayed by the instrument to be quickly and safely obtained by the driver. Moreover, by eliminating the need to mount after-market instruments on, for example, the A-pillar of the automobile, use of thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 of the present disclosure provides the driver with a relatively unobstructed view of the road. - While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
- There are a plurality of advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the replacement dashboard bezel and associated method described herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the replacement dashboard bezel and associated method of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described yet still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations of a replacement dashboard bezel and associated method that incorporate one or more of the features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
- For example, although the
replacement instruments replacement dashboard bezel 20 within thebezel mounting space 38 of thedashboard 36, and has significant advantages thereby in the present disclosure, it should be appreciated that other configurations are also possible. In particular, the instrument mounts 32, 34 may be configured to receive the after-market instruments replacement dashboard bezel 20. In such a configuration, thereplacement dashboard bezel 20 would be installed within thebezel mounting space 38 of thedashboard 36 without theinstruments such instruments replacement dashboard bezel 20 is secured 80 within thebezel mounting space 38 of thedashboard 36, the respective coupling end of the wires or signal lines are secured to theinstruments instruments replacement dashboard bezel 20. It should be appreciated that during such advancement of theinstruments replacement dashboard bezel 20, the wires or signal lines associated with the instruments are contemporaneously guided back into the instrument mounts 32, 34 so as to prevent them from being pinched or dangling from thebezel 20 within the view of the driver.
Claims (14)
1. A dashboard bezel assembly, comprising:
a body configured to be mounted in a bezel mounting space defined between a dashboard housing and an instrument cluster assembly of a vehicle;
an instrument mount secured to said body; and
an instrument supported by said instrument mount.
2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein said instrument mount is integrally formed with said body.
3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein:
said body is formed by an upper body portion, a lower body portion, a right side portion coupled to a first side of said upper body portion and a first side of said lower body portion, and a left side portion coupled to a second side of said upper body portion and a second side of said lower body portion, and
said upper body portion, said lower body portion, said right side portion, and left side portion collectively define a viewing opening.
4. The assembly of claim 3 , wherein said upper body portion, said lower body portion, said right side portion, and left side portion of said body are integrally formed with one another.
5. The assembly of claim 3 , wherein said instrument mount is positioned proximate to said lower body portion.
6. The assembly of claim 5 , further comprising a second instrument mount disposed proximate said lower body portion.
7. The assembly of claim 6 , wherein:
said first instrument mount is positioned proximate to said right side portion, and
said second instrument mount is positioned proximate to said left side portion.
8. A dashboard bezel assembly, comprising:
a body configured to be mounted in a bezel mounting space defined between a dashboard housing and an instrument cluster assembly of a vehicle;
an instrument mount secured to said body; and
an instrument positioned within said instrument mount.
9. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein said instrument mount is integrally formed with said body.
10. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein:
said body is formed by an upper body portion, a lower body portion, a right side portion coupled to a first side of said upper body portion and a first side of said lower body portion, and a left side portion coupled to a second side of said upper body portion and a second side of said lower body portion, and
said upper body portion, said lower body portion, said right side portion, and left side portion collectively define a viewing opening.
11. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein said upper body portion, said lower body portion, said right side portion, and left side portion of said body are integrally formed with one another.
12. The assembly of claim 10 , wherein said instrument mount is positioned proximate to said lower body portion.
13. The assembly of claim 12 , further comprising a second instrument mount disposed proximate said lower body portion.
14. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein:
said first instrument mount is positioned proximate to said right side portion, and
said second instrument mount is positioned proximate to said left side portion.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/705,299 US20070139907A1 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2007-02-12 | Dashboard bezel assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US20758400P | 2000-05-26 | 2000-05-26 | |
US09/696,458 US7264074B2 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2000-10-25 | After-market dashboard bezel for an automobile having a number of instrument holders and associated method |
US11/705,299 US20070139907A1 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2007-02-12 | Dashboard bezel assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/696,458 Continuation US7264074B2 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2000-10-25 | After-market dashboard bezel for an automobile having a number of instrument holders and associated method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070139907A1 true US20070139907A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 |
Family
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/696,458 Expired - Fee Related US7264074B2 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2000-10-25 | After-market dashboard bezel for an automobile having a number of instrument holders and associated method |
US11/705,299 Abandoned US20070139907A1 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2007-02-12 | Dashboard bezel assembly |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/696,458 Expired - Fee Related US7264074B2 (en) | 2000-05-26 | 2000-10-25 | After-market dashboard bezel for an automobile having a number of instrument holders and associated method |
Country Status (1)
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US (2) | US7264074B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
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US20090090756A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2009-04-09 | Gauge Works, Llc | Dashboard gauge display apparatus |
EP2917247B1 (en) | 2012-11-08 | 2023-12-20 | Reliance Industries Limited | Modified ziegler natta catalyst for propylene polymerization |
US9463694B1 (en) * | 2015-05-06 | 2016-10-11 | Ford Global Techologies, Llc | Vehicle instrument cluster |
USD786759S1 (en) * | 2015-08-24 | 2017-05-16 | Denso International America, Inc. | Vehicle instrument cluster |
USD780079S1 (en) * | 2015-08-24 | 2017-02-28 | Denso International America, Inc. | Instrument cluster |
USD777631S1 (en) * | 2015-08-24 | 2017-01-31 | Denso International America, Inc. | Instrument cluster |
USD791660S1 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2017-07-11 | Denso International America, Inc. | Instrument cluster |
USD876986S1 (en) * | 2017-01-26 | 2020-03-03 | Dotchi, Llc | Planter with indicator shelf |
USD850505S1 (en) * | 2018-03-23 | 2019-06-04 | Graco Minnesota Inc. | Lubrication dispense valve |
USD897253S1 (en) * | 2018-10-16 | 2020-09-29 | Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. | Vehicle instrument cluster |
USD899985S1 (en) * | 2018-10-16 | 2020-10-27 | Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. | Vehicle instrument cluster |
USD913884S1 (en) * | 2019-04-15 | 2021-03-23 | Ferrari S.P.A. | Dashboard for vehicle |
USD913885S1 (en) * | 2019-04-15 | 2021-03-23 | Ferrari S.P.A. | Air vent |
USD910520S1 (en) * | 2019-05-14 | 2021-02-16 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Instrument panel for media and navigation system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20040056502A1 (en) | 2004-03-25 |
US7264074B2 (en) | 2007-09-04 |
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Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |