The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 13, 2000
Filed:
Dec. 28, 1998
Kenneth M Lindberg, Holland, MI (US);
David L Chapman, Lake Orion, MI (US);
Richard J Giba, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Joaquin R Tittle, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
Marjorie M Duesterberg, Holland, MI (US);
James T Wilkinson, Grand Haven, MI (US);
Prince Corporation, Holland, MI (US);
Abstract
A modular instrument panel assembly for a vehicle wherein the assembly includes a base module having a transverse vertical wall located between the occupant compartment and the forward compartment of the vehicle and a transverse horizontal plenum above the wall and acting with the wall to provide structural support. The assembly further includes an air distribution module having an air distribution plenum providing air outlets for selectively distributing air to the occupant compartment, where the plenum provides additional structural support. The two modules are secured to one another and when installed in a vehicle provide structural support for the vehicle body and further provide a separating barrier between the forward compartment and the occupant compartment.