Interchangeable module accessory

Abstract

An interchangeable attachment system includes a module and an interchangeable attachment leg. The module includes a body defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral wall extending around the body and extending from the top surface of the body to the bottom surface of the body, and an attachment bracket disposed on a peripheral wall of the body. The attachment bracket includes an outer face extending from the peripheral wall and a pair of rails extending between the outer face and the peripheral wall. The interchangeable attachment leg includes a vertical body having one or more sidewalls that define a frame. The frame is sized to receive the attachment bracket and slidably engage a pair of rails of the attachment bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an interchangeable module attachment incorporated into a module housing. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the background of the present disclosure generally. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0003] Typically, the attachment features of vehicle modules are either molded from the same material as the module housing or customized using brackets. While molded attachment features allow for direct mounting to the vehicle frame, the mounting location of the module within the vehicle is limited and may include uneven surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an interchangeable attachment system for a vehicle module, including a module and interchangeable attachment legs. The module includes a body and an attachment bracket disposed on a peripheral wall of the body, the body being defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral wall that extends around the body and extends from the top surface of the body to the bottom surface of the body. The attachment bracket includes an outer face extending from the peripheral wall and a pair of tracks that extend between the outer face and the peripheral wall. The interchangeable attachment legs include a vertical body having one or more side walls that define a frame. The frame is sized to receive the attachment bracket and is slidably engageable with the pair of tracks of the attachment bracket.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the outer face includes a notch. In these embodiments, the vertical body may further include a latch that selectively engages the notch of the outer face. In some examples, the frame includes one or more tuning ribs disposed on an inner surface of the frame. In these examples, at least one of the one or more tuning ribs may engage the pair of tracks of the attachment bracket. Optionally, one or more tuning ribs may engage the pair of tracks of the attachment bracket and the outer face of the attachment bracket.

[0006] In some embodiments, one or more side walls of the frame include an inner side wall and an outer side wall. Here, the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the frame define a step. In these embodiments, the step may engage a first section of the outer face of the attachment bracket. The interchangeable leg may further include a flange extending from the vertical body.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a module and interchangeable attachment legs. The module has a body defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral wall extending around the body and from the top surface of the body to the bottom surface of the body. The attachment bracket is disposed on the peripheral wall of the body. The attachment bracket includes an outer face extending from the peripheral wall and a pair of tracks, and the outer face includes a notch. The interchangeable attachment legs include a vertical body having one or more side walls defining a frame and a latch. The frame is sized to receive the attachment bracket and is slidably engaged with the pair of tracks of the attachment bracket. The latch selectively engages the notch of the outer face.

[0008] This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the pair of tracks extend between the outer face and the peripheral wall. In these embodiments, the notch of the outer face may be disposed between the pair of tracks. In some examples, the frame includes one or more tuning ribs disposed on an inner surface of the frame. In these examples, at least one of the one or more tuning ribs may engage the pair of tracks of the attachment bracket. Optionally, at least one of the one or more tuning ribs engages the outer face of the attachment bracket. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the one or more tuning ribs engages the pair of tracks of the attachment bracket and the outer face of the attachment bracket.

[0009] In some embodiments, one or more of the side walls of the frame include an inner side wall and an outer side wall. Here, the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the frame define a step. In these embodiments, the step may engage a first section of the outer face of the attachment bracket. Optionally, the interchangeable attachment legs further include a flange extending from the vertical body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an interchangeable module attachment system according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2A is Figure 1 a side perspective view of the attachment system of;

[0013] Figure 2B is Figure 1 a top view of the attachment system of;

[0014] Figure 2C is Figure 1 a bottom view of the attachment system of;

[0015] Figure 3A is Figure 1 a perspective view of the attachment bracket of the attachment system of;

[0016] Figure 3B isFigure 1 Front perspective view of an attachment bracket of an attachment system;

[0017] Figure 4A is Figure 1 Side perspective view of an interchangeable attachment leg of an attachment system;

[0018] Figure 4B is Figure 1 Rear perspective view of an interchangeable attachment leg of an attachment system;

[0019] Figure 4C is Figure 1 Top view of an interchangeable attachment leg of an attachment system;

[0020] Figure 4D is Figure 1 Bottom view of an interchangeable attachment leg of an attachment system;

[0021] Figure 5A is Figure 1 Exploded front perspective view of an attachment system;

[0022] Figure 5B is Figure 1 Exploded rear perspective view of an attachment system;

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an attachment system taken along line 6-6 of Figure 2A ;

[0024] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an attachment system taken along line 7-7 of Figure 2B ;

[0025] Figures 8A to 8C shows an exemplary interchangeable attachment leg of an attachment system according to the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 9 Side perspective view of an attachment system in an automotive environment according to the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 10 is Figure 9 Side perspective view of an attachment system, including a water cover attached using an attachment bracket of the attachment system;

[0028] Figure 11 Side perspective view of an attachment system according to the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 12 is Figure 11 Exploded side perspective view of an attachment system.

[0030] In all the figures, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Exemplary configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, and that the exemplary configurations may be embodied in many different forms and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0033] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, intervening elements or layers may not be present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply an order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configurations.

[0035] In this application, including the following definitions, the term module may be replaced by the term circuit. The term "module" may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a part thereof, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog or mixed analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog or mixed analog / digital integrated circuits; combinatorial logic circuits; field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processors (shared, dedicated or group) that execute code; memories (shared, dedicated or group) that store code executed by the processors; other suitable hardware components that provide the functions; or some or all of the above combinations, such as in a system on a chip.

[0036] The term code used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes and / or objects. The term shared processor includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group processor includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group memory includes a memory that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium, and thus may be considered tangible non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory and optical memory.

[0037] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0038] A software application (i.e., software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application", "app" or "program". Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications and gaming applications.

[0039] A non-transitory memory can be a physical device for temporarily or permanently storing programs (such as sequences of instructions) or data (such as program status information) for use by a computing device. The non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as a boot program). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or tapes.

[0040] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a memory, a programmable logic device (PLD)) that provides machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal that provides machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0041] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These different implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, at least one input device, and at least one output device, the programmable processor can be special purpose or general purpose and is coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to send data and instructions to, a storage system.

[0042] The processes and logical flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. These processes and logical flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). By way of example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general and special purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. In general, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. In general, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, the mass storage devices. However, a computer need not have such devices. Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and storage devices, including by way of example semiconductor storage devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0043] For providing interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor, or a touch screen, for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, optional, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input received from the user may be in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. Additionally, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a client device of the user in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0044] Referring Figure 1 , generally shows an attachment system or assembly 10. The attachment system 10 may be mounted on a vehicle underfloor 12 (e.g. Figure 9 and 10) or other suitable base surfaces for mounting the module. The attachment system 10 generally includes a module 100 and one or more interchangeable attachment legs 200, 200a - 200c. As shown, the module 100 includes a body 102 defined by a top surface 104, a bottom surface 106 disposed on a side of the body 102 opposite the top surface 104, and a peripheral wall 108 that extends around the body 102 and extends from the top surface 104 of the body 102 to the bottom surface 106 of the body 102. The body 102 also includes one or more attachment brackets 110, 110a - 110c sized to receive one or more attachment legs 200a - 200c. The attachment brackets 110 may be integrally formed (i.e., molded) into the body 102. Here, each attachment leg 200 is connected to a corresponding attachment bracket 110. Given the substantially similar structure and function of the components associated with each of the attachment legs 200 and attachment brackets 110, the same reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify the same components. Notably, the attachment brackets 110 include a lower profile than traditional molded attachment features and are not easily damaged. Additionally, the streamlined profile of the attachment brackets 110 reduces the footprint of the attachment system 10 when installed in the environment and allows for multiple attachment legs 200 (e.g., Figures 8A-8C ) to increase the flexibility of mounting the module 100 in multiple planes and configurations.

[0045] Refer to Figure 3A , 3B and 6, the attachment bracket 110 extends from an open top end 112 (also referred to as the top end 112) to a closed bottom end 114 (also referred to as the bottom end 114) and includes an outer face 116 and a pair of tracks 118. The outer face 116 is defined by an inner surface 120 and an outer surface 122, and the outer surface 122 is disposed on a side of the outer face 116 opposite the inner surface 120 and generally forms an L-shaped bracket. The outer face 116 includes a first section 124 and a second section 126 connected to the first section 124 at a bend 128. Specifically, the first section 124 extends perpendicularly from a first end 130 integrally formed with the peripheral wall 108 of the body 102 to a second end 132 spaced from the peripheral wall 108 of the body 102 and located at the bend 128 of the outer face 116. The second section 126 extends perpendicularly from the first section 124 and extends from a first end 134 disposed at the bend 128 to a second end 136 that defines a distal end 138 of the outer face 116. As the second section 126 extends from the first end 134 to the second end 136, the thickness between the inner surface 120 and the outer surface 122 of the second section 126 gradually decreases. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second section 126 continuously tapers. In other embodiments, the thickness of the second section may have a varying taper as it extends from the first end 134 to the second end 136. Specifically referring to Figure 6, the second section 126 of the outer face 116 extends generally parallel to the peripheral wall 108 of the body 102. In some embodiments, the second section 126 extends parallel to the peripheral wall 108 of the body 102. The outer face 116 may also include an incision 140 that is formed through the thickness of the second section 126 and extends inwardly from the bend 128. As will be described in more detail below, the incision 140 is sized to selectively receive the latch 236 of the interchangeable attachment leg 200.

[0046] As Figure 2B , 3A As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair of tracks 118 of the attachment bracket 110 extend continuously between the body 102 and the outer face 116 of the attachment bracket 110. In particular, each track 118 is integrally formed with and extends from the peripheral wall 108 of the body 102 to the inner surface 120 of the second section 126 of the outer face 116, and extends from the inner surface 120 of the first section 124 of the outer face 116 disposed at the bottom end 114 of the attachment body 110 to the open top end 112 of the attachment body 110. As shown, each track 118 is defined by an inner surface 142 and an outer surface 144, and the outer surface 144 is disposed on the side of the track 118 opposite the inner surface 142. As shown, the pair of tracks 118 are parallel to and spaced apart from each other such that the respective inner surfaces 142 of each track 118 face each other, while the respective outer surfaces 144 of each track 118 face away from each other. The pair of tracks 118 also define a gap 146 that extends between the inner surfaces 142 of the tracks 118 and between the inner surface 120 of the outer face 116 and the peripheral wall 108 of the body 102. The gap 146 is generally aligned with the incision 140 formed in the second section 126 of the outer face 116. Thus, the incision 140 is generally disposed between the pair of tracks 118.

[0047] Referring Figures 4A-4D , the interchangeable attachment leg 200 (also referred to as attachment leg 200) is defined by a top end 202, a bottom end 204 formed at the end of the interchangeable attachment leg 200 opposite the top end 202, a front end 206, and a back end 208 disposed on the side of the interchangeable attachment leg 200 opposite the front end 206. As shown, the interchangeable attachment leg 200 generally forms an L-shaped bracket and includes a vertical body 210 that extends from the top end 202 to the bottom end 204 at the back end 208, and a flange 212 that extends from the vertical body 210 to the front end 206. The flange 212 is centered with respect to the vertical body 210, may be generally semi-circular, and includes a hole 214 that is configured to receive a fastener (such as a screw, bolt, or clip) 14 ( Figure 9 and 10 ) for securing the attachment system 10 to the vehicle body 12 or other environment.

[0048] The vertical body 210 of the interchangeable attachment leg 200 extends from a closed first end 216 disposed at the top end 202 of the attachment leg 200 to an open second end 218 disposed at the bottom end 204 of the attachment leg 200. The vertical body 210 may also be defined by an inner surface 220 and an outer surface 222 formed on the side of the vertical body 210 opposite the inner surface 220. The vertical body 210 may include one or more side walls 224, 224a - 224e that together define a frame 226 surrounding a cavity 228. As shown, the side walls 224a - 224e include a front side wall 224a integrally formed with a flange 212, a pair of inner side walls 224b, 224c formed on the side of the vertical body 210 opposite the front side wall 224a, and outer side walls 224d, 224e extending between the front side wall 224 and the respective inner side walls 224b, 224c. As Figure 4A shown, the outer side walls 224d, 224e may include respective supports 230 that extend beyond the front side wall 224a. For example, the support 230 connects the front side wall 224a to the flange 212 and continuously tapers in height from the front side wall 224a to the flange 212.

[0049] Continuing to refer Figures 4A-4D to, the side walls 224a - 224e may include varying heights. For example, the front side wall 224a and the outer side walls 224d, 224e may continuously extend from respective first ends disposed at the top end 216 of the vertical body 210 to respective second ends disposed at the bottom end 218 of the vertical body 210, while the inner side walls 224b, 224c may extend from respective first ends disposed at the top end 216 of the vertical body 210 to respective second ends spaced apart from the bottom end 218 of the vertical body 210. As Figure 4B best shown, each inner wall 224b, 224c cooperates with the respective outer wall 224d, 224e to form a step 232. As will be described in further detail below, the step 232 is configured to engage a first section 124 of the outer face 116 of the attachment bracket 210 when the attachment leg 200 is positioned on the attachment bracket 110.

[0050] The interchangeable attachment leg 200 may also include a window 234 formed through the thickness of the vertical body 210 from an inner surface 220 to an outer surface 222. The window 234 is located in the front sidewall 224a and is centered and spaced between the outer sidewalls 224d, 224e. As shown, the window 234 extends inwardly from the open bottom end 218 of the vertical body 210 toward the closed top end 216 of the vertical body 210. The front sidewall 224a also includes a latch 236 that extends from a first end 238 integrally formed with the front sidewall 224a into the window 234 to a terminal 240 that has a trapezoidal profile configured to engage a notch 140 in the attachment bracket 110 of the module 100. As described below, the latch 236 may be operable between a first position of engagement in a rest state and a second position of disengagement in a biased state. In particular, the latch 236 can be moved to the first position to engage the terminal 240 with the notch 140 and to the second position to disengage the terminal 240 from the notch 140.

[0051] Reference Figures 4A-7 , the frame 226 of the vertical body 210 of the attachment leg 200 may also include one or more tuning ribs 242, 242a - 242f formed on the sidewalls 224 of the vertical body 210. Each tuning rib 242 extends from a first end 244 disposed at the top end 216 of the vertical body 210 toward a second end 246 spaced from the open bottom end 218 of the vertical body 210. As each tuning rib 242 extends from the first end 244 toward the second end 246, each tuning rib 242 may include a continuous taper along its height. As shown, the respective second ends of the inner sidewalls 224b, 224c may be closer to the open bottom end 218 of the vertical body 210 than the second end of each tuning rib 242. In other words, the respective steps 232 formed by the inner sidewalls 224b, 224c cooperating with the corresponding outer sidewalls 224d, 224e are disposed closer to the open bottom end 218 of the vertical body 210.

[0052] As Figure 4D and Figure 6 shown, the front tuning ribs 242a, 242b are disposed on the inner surface 222 of the vertical body 210 on the front sidewall 224a on either side of the window 234. Similarly, the rear tuning ribs 242c, 242d are disposed on the inner surface 222 of the vertical body 210 on the respective inner sidewalls 224b, 224c. As Figure 4B and 7 best shown, the inner tuning ribs 242e, 242f are disposed on the inner edges of the respective inner sidewalls 224b, 224c. In particular, the inner tuning ribs 242e, 242f are formed between the inner surface 220 and the outer surface 222 of the vertical body 210 such that the inner tuning ribs 242e, 242f extend the length of the respective inner sidewalls 224b, 224c.

[0053] Now referring to Figures 2A-7 ,the attachment system 10 can be assembled to prepare for installing the module 100 onto the vehicle floor 12. The interchangeable attachment leg 200 can be inserted onto the attachment bracket 110 by the user aligning the frame 226 of the attachment leg 200 with the track 118 of the attachment bracket 110 and sliding the frame 226 along the track 118. In doing so, the user applies a force on the attachment leg 200 such that the outer surface 122 of the outer face 116 biases the terminal 240 of the latch 236 to a second position until the step 232 is located on the first section 124 of the outer face 116, and the latch 236 moves or snaps into the notch 140 of the attachment bracket 110. When the latch 240 is within the notch 140, the terminal 240 of the latch 236 can snap back to a first position such that the terminal 240 engages the outer face 116 to hold the attachment leg 200 within the notch 140.

[0054] Similarly, when the user slides the frame 226 along the track 118, the tapered tuning ribs 242 of the frame 226 engage the outer face 116 of the attachment bracket 110 and the track 118 in a press - fit manner. Here, the gap between each tapered tuning rib 242 and the surface of its corresponding attachment bracket 110 can be 1 millimeter (mm). Notably, when the attachment leg 200 is fully located on the attachment bracket 110, the attachment system 10 has contact points that apply opposing forces in all three dimensions, thereby preventing any movement, displacement, or manipulation of the module 100 during use (e.g., due to vibrations of a motor vehicle in operation). Specifically, the force generated by the latch 236 received in the notch 140 is opposite to the force generated by the step 232 located on the first section 124 of the outer face 116. Additionally, the tuning ribs 242a, 242b apply a force on the outer surface 122 of the outer face 116 that is opposite to the force applied by the tuning ribs 242c, 242d on the inner surface 124 of the outer face 116. Further, the tuning rib 242d applies an opposing force on the outer surface 144 of the corresponding track 118. After the attachment leg 200 is fully located on the attachment bracket 110, the user can use fasteners sized to fit the corresponding holes 212 to secure the module 100 to the vehicle floor 12 or other suitable locations.

[0055] Figures 8A-8CShows various features of the interchangeable attachment legs 200a - 200c. As described above, the attachment legs 200a - 200c include respective flanges 212, 212a, 212b extending from the respective vertical bodies 210, 210a. Each flange 212, 212a, 212b may include a generally semi - circular segment and may also include a hole 214 configured to receive a fastener (such as a screw, bolt, or snap) for attaching the attachment system 10 to the vehicle body 12 or other environment. Due to the dimensional constraints associated with mounting the module 100 to the vehicle body 12, the shape of the attachment legs 200 and the corresponding flanges 212 will affect the plane and angle to which the module 100 can be fixed / installed.

[0056] For example, Figure 8A Shows the interchangeable attachment leg 200a including an extended left - hand flange 212a. In particular, the hole 214 of the flange 212a is aligned with the left side of the window 234 of the front sidewall 224a. Additionally, the attachment leg 200a includes only a single support 230a that extends arcuately from the vertical body 210 to the flange 212a. Similarly, Figure 8B Shows the interchangeable attachment leg 200b including an extended right - hand flange 212b. Like the hole 214 of the flange 212a, the hole 214 in the flange 212b is not aligned with the window 234 of the front sidewall 224a. However, in this case, the hole 214 of the flange 212b is located on the right side of the attachment leg 200b. Additionally, the attachment leg 200b includes a single support leg 230b that extends arcuately from the vertical body 210 to the flange 212b. The interchangeable attachment legs 200a, 200b allow the module 100 to be mounted to the vehicle floor 12 where the mounting surface is offset from the attachment bracket 110 and / or spaced apart from the module 100.

[0057] Alternatively, as Figure 8C shown, the interchangeable attachment leg 200c may include an extended vertical body 210a. Here, the interchangeable attachment leg 200c includes a centrally - aligned flange 212, but the height of the vertical body 210a is greater than the height of the vertical body 210 of the interchangeable attachment leg 200. Notably, the additional height of the vertical body 210a extends from the open bottom end 218, thereby extending the height of the sidewalls 224a1, 224d1, 224e1, the support 2301, and the window 2341, while the dimensions of the sidewalls 224b, 22bc, the tuning ribs 242, and the latch 236 remain unchanged. Here, the interchangeable attachment leg 200c allows the module 100 to be mounted to the vehicle floor 12 that is not in the same plane as the module 100.

[0058] Specifically referring to Figure 9 and 10, an attachment system 10a is provided, which includes a module 100a and a plurality of interchangeable attachment legs 200, 200a, 200b. Given the substantial structural and functional similarities of the components associated with the attachment system 10a relative to the attachment system 10, the same reference numerals are used in the following and in the drawings to identify the same components, while the same reference numerals with alphabetic extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0059] As Figure 9 shown, the module 100a of the attachment system 10a includes six (6) attachment brackets 110 and three (3) interchangeable attachment legs 200, 200a, 200b. In this way, three (3) attachment brackets 110 are exposed and unused. Here, the unused attachment brackets 110 can provide an attachment interface for additional components of the module. For example, as Figure 10 shown, the module 100a can include a water shield 300 fixed to the remaining attachment brackets 110. The water shield 300 can engage the remaining attachment brackets 110 in combination with three (3) vertical bodies 210. In other words, the attachment brackets 110 can be universal while providing the ability for multi-purpose fixation, such as incorporating the vertical bodies 210 of the interchangeable attachment leg 200 into an additional component rather than engaging with the flange 212.

[0060] Specifically referring to Figure 11 and 12 , an attachment system 10b is provided, which includes a module 100b and a custom bracket 400. Given the substantial structural and functional similarities of the components associated with the attachment system 10b relative to the attachment system 10, the same reference numerals are used in the following and in the drawings to identify the same components, while the same reference numerals with alphabetic extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0061] As Figure 12 shown, the module 100b of the attachment system 10b includes six (6) attachment brackets 110. Here, instead of providing separate interchangeable attachment legs 200, the attachment system 10b includes a custom bracket 400 that is designed to dock with the attachment brackets 110 of the module 100b. Here, the custom bracket 400 includes four (4) vertical bodies 210b and two (2) notches 402. The four (4) vertical bodies 210b are configured to selectively engage four (4) corresponding attachment brackets 110, and the two (2) notches 402 are sized to accommodate the remaining two (2) corresponding attachment brackets 110. It should be understood that the low profile of the attachment brackets 110 allows for a simple custom bracket.

[0062] Numerous embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0063] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description has been provided. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. A single element or feature of a particular configuration is generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, is interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also vary in many ways. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An interchangeable attachment system for a vehicle module, the system comprising: a module having a body and an attachment bracket disposed on a peripheral wall of the body, the body being defined by a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral wall extending around the body and extending from the top surface of the body to the bottom surface of the body, the attachment bracket including an outer face extending from the peripheral wall and a pair of tracks extending between the outer face and the peripheral wall; and an interchangeable attachment leg including a vertical body having one or more side walls defining a frame, the frame being sized to receive the attachment bracket and slidably engage with the pair of tracks of the attachment bracket.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The outer face includes a notch.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The vertical body further includes a latch that selectively engages with the notch of the outer face.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein The frame includes one or more tuning ribs disposed on an inner surface of the frame.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, At least one of the one or more tuning ribs engages with the pair of tracks of the attachment bracket.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein At least one of the one or more tuning ribs engages with the outer face of the attachment bracket.

7. The system according to claim 4, wherein The one or more tuning ribs engage with the pair of tracks of the attachment bracket and the outer face of the attachment bracket.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, One or more side walls of the frame include an inner side wall and an outer side wall, and the inner side wall and the outer side wall of the frame define a step.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The step engages a first section of the outer face of the attachment bracket.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The interchangeable attachment leg further includes a flange extending from the vertical body.

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