Accessory mounting system

Abstract

The invention relates to an accessory mounting system for a vehicle, the accessory mounting system comprising: a roll cage 12 (see also figure 1) comprising a structural member 14 having at least one

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to an accessory mounting system for a vehicle. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle including an accessory mounting system and a method of mounting an accessory to a vehicle roll cage. BACKGROUND A roll cage is a structure which forms a canopy over the passenger compartment of certain vehicles in order to protect the vehicle occupants from being injured in the event of a rollover situation. For example, roll cages are commonly used for enhanced occupant protection in racing vehicles, off-road vehicles, ATVs, and sport utility vehicles. Typically, a roll cage is formed of multiple structural members (i.e. pillars, cross-members, roof bars, etc.) which are assembled together and bolted or welded in place on the vehicle. However, in some instances, the location of these structural members can impede the optimal placement of certain vehicle components or accessories within the passenger compartment, such as HVAC vent units or conduits, wiring harnesses, and interior lights or fixtures. The present disclosure aims to provide an improved accessory mounting system for a vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an accessory mounting system, a vehicle, and a method of mounting an accessory to a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. Throughout the summary of the invention, description and claims the terms front, rear, left, right, upper and lower are defined with reference to their normal use in the description of a forward facing upright standing vehicle. It follows that features of the invention are described in relation to a vehicle such that, for example, front features are those closer to the front of the vehicle than rear features and upper features are those closer to the top of the vehicle than lower features. According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an accessory mounting system for a vehicle. The accessory mounting system comprises a roll cage comprising a structural member having at least one aperture. The accessory mounting system also comprises an accessory having a mounting means which is configured for insertion into and engagement with the at least one aperture to fix the accessory to the roll cage. It is known that roll cages can limit available space within the cabin of a vehicle. Therefore, using a structural member of a roll cage as a mounting point for an accessory avoids the need for a separate mount to be provided, which helps to increase space within the cabin. In addition, using a structural member of a roll cage as a mounting point for an accessory allows dead space to be utilised by providing the structural member with dual functions of supporting the roll cage and mounting the accessory. Furthermore, using a structural member of a roll cage as a mounting point for an accessory allows an optimal mounting location to be maintained even when the structural member obstructs the optimal mounting location. Optionally, the mounting means comprises a plurality of resilient clips configured to form a snap-fit connection with the at least one aperture of the structural member. Having a plurality of resilient clips configured to form a snap-fit connection with the structural member avoids the need for additional fasteners, such as bolts or screws, for mounting the accessory. This also avoids the risk of such additional fasteners coming loose during use, which could lead to rattling and / or de-mounting of the accessory. Optionally, the resilient clips are arranged in an array which corresponds to the shape of the at least one aperture. The resilient clips being arranged in an array which corresponds to the shape of the at least one aperture ensures that the resilient clips are situated about an entire periphery of the at least one aperture, which provides a secure connection between the accessory and the structural member. Optionally, the roll cage comprises a webbing extending between two or more adjacent portions of the roll cage, wherein the at least one aperture is formed in the webbing. Providing the at least one aperture in a webbing extending between two or more adjacent portions of the roll cage allows the integrity of the adjacent portions of the roll cage to be maintained (e.g. in comparison to configurations where the at least one aperture is provided in one of the adjacent portions of the roll cage). This helps to maintain a stiffness of the roll cage. Furthermore, having at least one aperture in the webbing also reduces the weight of the webbing. In other words, the at least one aperture has dual functions of forming a mounting point for the accessory and improving a strength to weight ratio of the webbing. Optionally, the structural member forms at least part of an A-pillar section of the roll cage. It will be understood that an A-pillar section of a roll cage is situated in front and to the side of occupants in the front seats of a vehicle, which is a particularly useful location for accessories intended for those occupants (e.g. HVAC vents). Furthermore, the A-pillar section is often one of the most substantial (i.e. thickest) sections of a roll cage and thus forms one of the largest regions of dead space in the vehicle. This means that the A-pillar is one of the most likely regions of the roll cage to obstruct an optimal mounting location for an accessory. Therefore, providing at least one aperture in the A-pillar section for mounting an accessory helps to utilise dead space and maintain a better mounting location compared to configurations in which the accessory is mounted separately. Optionally, the A-pillar section comprises a pair of tubular members spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of said vehicle, wherein the at least one aperture is provided in a webbing extending between the pair of tubular members. Providing the at least one aperture in a webbing extending between the pair of tubular members allows the integrity of the tubular members to be maintained (e.g. in comparison to configurations where the at least one aperture is provided in one of the tubular members). This helps to maintain a stiffness of the roll cage. Furthermore, having at least one aperture in the webbing also reduces the weight of the webbing. In other words, the at least one aperture has dual functions of forming a mounting point for the accessory and improving a strength to weight ratio of the webbing. Optionally, the at least one aperture is non-circular. Optionally, the at least one aperture has an order of symmetry of one. Optionally, the mounting means is arranged to complement the non-circular shape of the at least one aperture. The at least one aperture being non-circular and the mounting means being arranged to complement the non-circular shape helps to ensure that the accessory is mounted to the structural member in the correct rotational orientation. In addition, the at least one aperture being non-circular and the mounting means being arranged to complement the non-circular shape inhibits rotation of the accessory during use of the vehicle. This is particularly beneficial for off road vehicles which are often subjected to greater forces during use. Moreover, the at least one aperture having an order of symmetry of one and the mounting means being arranged to complement the non-circular shape of the aperture ensures that the accessory is mounted to the structural member in the correct rotational orientation. Optionally, the mounting means comprises at least one guide wall which is complementary to the shape of the at least one aperture and which is configured to help retain the accessory in position relative to the at least one aperture. The at least one guide wall helps to maintain a correct orientation of the accessory relative to the aperture. Optionally, the mounting means further comprises a compressible interface which is configured to bias a casing of the accessory in a direction away from the structural member to place the mounting means under tension when the compressible interface is compressed between a casing surface and the structural member and the mounting means is engaged with the at least one aperture. Such a compressible interface ensures a secure connection between the mounting means and the structural member. This reduces the likelihood of the accessory coming loose and / or rattling. Optionally, the mounting means is releasable so that the accessory can be detached from the structural member. The mounting means being releasable allows the accessory to be removed and replaced. This is beneficial when it is desired to remove the accessory for maintenance or replacement with another accessory (e.g. replacing a broken accessory, or swapping the accessory for a different type of accessory). Optionally, the accessory comprises an accessory casing on which the mounting means is provided. Optionally, the accessory comprises a wire harness or a vent unit for an automotive HVAC system. It is often desirable to locate such accessories in a region occupied by a structural member of a roll cage (e.g. in an A-pillar location). Therefore, mounting such an accessory in at least one aperture in a structural member of a roll cage facilitates optimal positioning of the accessory. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising an accessory mounting system as disclosed herein. Such a vehicle benefits from the advantages of the accessory mounting system outlined above. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting an accessory to a vehicle roll cage. The method comprises: providing at least one aperture in a structural member of the roll cage; providing an accessory with a mounting means configured to be received in the at least one aperture; inserting the mounting means into the at least one aperture; and engaging the mounting means with the at least one aperture to fix the accessory to the structural member of the roll cage. It is known that roll cages can limit available space within the cabin of a vehicle. Therefore, using a structural member of a roll cage as a mounting point for an accessory avoids the need for an additional mount to be provided, which helps to increase space within the cabin. In addition, using a structural member of a roll cage as a mounting point for an accessory allows dead space to be utilised by providing the structural member with dual functions of supporting the roll cage and mounting the accessory. Furthermore, using a structural member of a roll cage as a mounting point for an accessory allows an optimal mounting location to be maintained even when the structural member obstructs the optimal mounting location. Optionally, the mounting means comprises a plurality of resilient clips, and the step of engaging the mounting means with the at least one aperture to fix the accessory to the structural member of the roll cage comprises forming a snap-fit connection between the resilient clips and the structural member. Forming a snap-fit connection between the resilient clips and the structural member avoids the need for additional fasteners, such as bolts or screws, for mounting the accessory. This also avoids the risk of such additional fasteners coming loose during use, which could lead to rattling and / or de-mounting of the accessory. Optionally, the at least one aperture is non-circular and the step of inserting the mounting means into the at least one aperture comprises aligning the mounting means with the at least one aperture prior to insertion. The at least one aperture being non-circular helps to ensure that the accessory is mounted to the structural member in the correct rotational orientation. In addition, the at least one aperture being non-circular inhibits rotation of the accessory during use of the vehicle. This is particularly beneficial for off road vehicles which are often subjected to greater forces during use. Optionally, the mounting means comprises at least one guide wall which is complementary to the shape of the at least one aperture, wherein the step of inserting the mounting means into the at least one aperture comprises aligning the at least one guide wall with the at least one aperture. Aligning the at least one guide wall with the at least one aperture helps to maintain a correct orientation of the accessory relative to the aperture and helps to ensure that the mounting means engages with the at least one aperture as intended. Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1 is a top front perspective view of a roll cage which is suitable for forming part of an accessory mounting system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of an A-pillar of the roll cage of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an inner perspective view of an accessory mounting system according to the present invention; Figure 4 is an outer perspective view of the accessory mounting system of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a sectional view of the accessory mounting system of Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6a is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting means of the accessory mounting system of Figures 3 to 5; Figure 6b is a schematic sectional view of a clip of the mounting means of Figure 6a; Figure 7 is a perspective view of an automotive HVAC system having a vent unit suitable for mounting using the accessory mounting system of Figures 3 to 6; Figure 8 is a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of mounting an accessory to a vehicle roll cage in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a roll cage 12 which is suitable for forming part of an accessory mounting system according to the present invention. The roll cage 12 has a front canopy 2, a centre canopy 3, and a rear canopy 4 which together form a protective cage over the passenger compartment defined beneath the roll cage 12. The front canopy 2 includes A-pillars 5A and a front roof cross-member 6A extending between the upper ends of the A-pillars 5A. Each A-pillar 5A extends between the front roof cross member 6A and a chassis mounting point 7 at a base of the A-pillar 5A by which the roll cage 12 is fixed to a vehicle chassis or subframe (not shown). The centre canopy 3 includes B-pillars 5B and a centre roof cross-member 6B extending between the upper ends of the B-pillars 5B. The rear canopy 4 includes C-pillars 5C and a rear roof cross-member 6C extending between the upper ends of the C-pillars 5C. Front roof bars 8A extend between the front and centre canopies 2 and 3 on either side of the roll cage 12. Rear roof bars 8B extend between the centre and rear canopies 3 and 4 on either side of the roll cage 12. The front and rear roof bars on either side may be discrete components (as shown in Figure 1) or formed by a single component extending from the front canopy 2 to the rear canopy 4. As shown, the roll cage 12 may include any of: a front roof brace 9A between the front and centre roof cross members 6A-6B, a rear roof brace 9B between the centre and rear cross members 6B-6C, one or more B-pillar braces 9C between part of a B-pillar 5B and a roof bar 8A-8B, and one or more rear support braces 9D extending rearward from the rear canopy. Figure 2 shows a structural member 14 of the roll cage 12 which forms part of an accessory mounting system. In particular, the structural member 14 has at least one aperture 16 which is configured for mounting an accessory, as will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated roll cage 12, there are a plurality of apertures 16 in the structural member 14. However, in alternative arrangements there might be only a single aperture 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the structural member 14 is provided in the form of one of the A-pillars 5A of the roll cage 12. It will be understood that such a structural member 14 is situated in front and to the side of occupants in the front seats of the associated vehicle, which is a particularly useful location for accessories intended for front row occupants (e.g. HVAC vent units). However, in alternative configurations, the structural member 14 can correspond to a different portion of the roll cage 12. For example, the structural member 14 may be provided by one or more of the B-pillars 5B, C-pillars 5C, roof cross-members 6A-C, roof bars 8A-B, or braces 9A-9D of the roll cage 12. The structural member 14 has a pair of tubular members in the form of a strut 18 and a brace 20. In this embodiment, the brace 20 extends along substantially the entire height of the strut 18, i.e. the brace 20 extends the full distance from the top end of the strut 18 to the chassis mounting plate 7. It will be understood that, in other embodiments, the brace 20 might extend along only part of the height of the strut. The apertures 16 are provided in a webbing 22 which extends between the strut 18 and the brace 20. In alternative configurations, at least one aperture 16 may be provided in the front strut 18 and / or front brace 20 as well as, or instead of, the apertures 16 in the webbing 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the strut 18 and brace 20 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the roll cage such that the webbing 22 extends in a generally longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the strut 18 and the brace 20 could be spaced apart laterally or both laterally and longitudinally such that the webbing extends in a different direction to that shown in Figure 2. Referring now to Figures 3 to 5, the complete accessory mounting system 10 is shown with an accessory 24 mounted to the structural member 14. The accessory 24 has a casing 25 and a mounting means 26 which is provided on the casing 25 (in particular, on a first face 40 of the casing 25). The mounting means 26 is configured for insertion into and engagement with the aperture 16 to fix the accessory 24 to the roll cage 12. In alternative configurations, the mounting means 26 may have multiple portions which are configured for insertion into and engagement with multiple apertures 16 in the structural member 14 of the roll cage 12. In the illustrated accessory mounting system 10, the mounting means 26 is in the form of a plurality of resilient clips 28 which are configured to form a snap-fit connection with the aperture 16 of the structural member 14. In particular, the resilient clips 28 are arranged in an array which corresponds to the shape of the aperture 16. The shape of the resilient clips 28 is shown more clearly in Figures 6a and 6b. Each resilient clip 28 has a resilient leg portion 30 and a tooth 32. The tooth 32 has a sloping surface 34 and a stop surface 36. It will be understood that as the resilient clip 28 is inserted into the aperture 16, the sloping surface 34 engages a periphery of the aperture 16, which causes the resilient leg portion 30 to flex progressively inwards (i.e. in the direction of arrow A on Figure 6b). Once the entire sloping surface 34 has passed through the aperture 16, the resilient leg portion 30 returns to the straight position shown in Figures 6a and 6b, with the stop surface 36 resting against a portion of the structural member 14 surrounding the aperture 16 (in particular, a portion of the webbing 22 surrounding the aperture 16). In this way, the stop surface 36 inhibits the resilient clip 28 from being removed from the aperture 16 inadvertently. It will be understood that in order to release the mounting means 26 so that the accessory 24 can be detached from the structural member 14, the teeth 32 of the resilient clips 28 can be pushed inwards (e.g. by a thumb or specialist tool) to flex the leg portions 30 of the resilient clips 28 inwards. Once the leg portions 30 are flexed sufficiently far inwards that the respective stop surfaces 36 are positioned within a periphery of the aperture 16, the resilient clips 28 can pass backwards through the aperture 16 to detach the accessory 24. In the illustrated mounting system 10, the leg portion 30 of some of the resilient clips 28 has a central opening 30a and two legs 30b on either side of the central opening 30a. This reduces the stiffness of the leg portion 30, which facilitates inwards flexing of the leg portion 30 during insertion or removal of the resilient clip 28. In the illustrated mounting system 10, there are two adjacent resilient clips 28 at the top of the accessory 24 as viewed in the figures (i.e. at a curved portion at an upper end of the aperture 16). These two resilient clips 28 may have a combined width that is approximately equal to the width of the other resilient clips 28 at the sides of the aperture 16. Because this upper portion of the aperture 16 is curved, if a single clip of equivalent width was used then the leg portion of that clip would be curved, making it more difficult to flex inwards. Therefore, having two adjacent narrower clips 28 which are each relatively straight, facilitates easier inward flexing. In alternative mounting systems, the resilient clips 28 may differ from the shape and configuration described above. Moreover, in some mounting systems the mounting means 26 works via a different mechanism other than resilient clips (e.g. using fasteners through complementary holes in the accessory 24 and the structural member 14). In the illustrated mounting system 10, the aperture 16 is non-circular. In particular, the aperture 16 has a rounded, approximately triangular shape, which has an order of symmetry of one. In alternative mounting systems, the aperture 16 may have a circular shape, or a different noncircular shape (e.g. a different non-circular shape with or without an order of symmetry of one). In the illustrated mounting system 10, the mounting means 26 is arranged to complement the shape of the aperture 16, since the array of resilient clips 28 correspond to the shape of the aperture 16 (i.e. the array of resilient clips 28 are arranged in a non-circular array with an order of symmetry of one). In alternative mounting systems, the mounting means 26 is arranged to complement the non-circular shape of the aperture 16 without corresponding to the same shape as the aperture 16 (e.g. the mounting means 26 may define a shape which corresponds to a truncated portion of the shape of the aperture 16). It will be understood that since the aperture 16 is non-circular and the mounting means 26 is arranged to complement the shape of the aperture 16, inadvertent rotation of the accessory 24 within the aperture 16 is inhibited at least to a certain extent. This can reduce the risk of misalignment of the accessory either during assembly, or due to rotation of the mounting means within the aperture during operation of the vehicle. This can be of particular benefit for off-road vehicles which can experience much harsher ride environments than conventional vehicles. In addition, since the aperture 16 has an order of symmetry of one, the accessory 24 can only be mounted to the structural member 14 in a single, correct orientation, which inhibits mistakes during assembly. In the illustrated mounting system 10, the mounting means 26 has at least one guide wall 38 which is complementary to the shape of the aperture 16. The at least one guide wall 38 is provided on the casing 25 of the accessory 24 adjacent to the resilient clips 28. It will be understood that since the resilient clips 28 are resiliently moveable (e.g. by flexing the leg portion 30), this could allow the accessory 24 to be moved out of alignment with the aperture 16 during or after insertion of the resilient clips 28 into the aperture 16. However, since the at least one guide wall 38 has a shape complementary to the aperture, the at least one guide wall 38 is configured to help retain the casing 25 in position relative to the aperture 16. Once the accessory 24 is fitted to the aperture 16, the at least one guide wall 38 assists the clips 28 in inhibiting rotation of the accessory 24 relative to the aperture 16. In the illustrated mounting system 10, the accessory 24 has a plurality of guide walls 38 which are interspersed between the resilient clips 28. In alternative mounting systems, the resilient clips 28 may extend from the guide walls 38. In alternative mounting systems, there may be a single guide wall 38 (e.g. an annular guide wall). In such embodiments, the resilient clips 28 may be provided in a different location to the guide wall, or form extensions of the guide wall 38 (i.e. the resilient clips 28 may be coupled to the guide wall 38). In some examples of the disclosure, the mounting means 26 may also include a compressible interface which is configured to be compressed between a first face 40 of the casing 25 of the accessory 24 and the structural member 14 (i.e. the webbing 22 of the structural member) when the mounting means 26 is engaged with the aperture 16. For example, the compressible interface may include one or more strips of resilient material (e.g. rubber, foam, or the like) which surround the aperture 16. When the compressible interface is compressed, the casing 25 of the accessory 24 is biased in a direction away from the structural member 14 (i.e. away from the webbing 22) to place the mounting means 26 under tension. This biasing of the casing 25 helps the stop surfaces 36 of the resilient clips 28 to be held firmly against the portion of the webbing 22 surrounding the aperture 16 and can help to cushion the accessory against the webbing 22 during use of the associated vehicle. In mounting systems with such a compressible interface, the compressible interface may be fixed in relation to the structural member 14, fixed in relation to the first face 40 of the accessory 24, or a separate component placed between the structural member 14 and the first face 40 of the accessory 24. In the mounting system of Figures 3 to 5, the accessory 24 is a vent unit for an automotive HVAC system 42 of the kind illustrated in Figure 7 and described in detail below. The vent unit 24 has an inlet opening 44 defined by the casing 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet opening 44 is provided on the first face 40 of the casing 25 within a boundary defined by the shape of the mounting means 26. In other words, the inlet opening 44 is inboard of the array of resilient clips 28. The inlet opening 44 is configured for receiving a flow of air from a supply conduit 46 of the HVAC system 42. This arrangement allows the supply of air to be routed through the aperture 16. In other examples, the inlet opening 44 may be provided on a different surface of the casing, for example on a side face of the casing. In the illustrated vent unit 24, the inlet opening 44 consists of a tubular projection which extends from the first face 40 of the casing 25. This facilitates connection to a tubular supply conduit 46 of the HVAC system 42 (e.g. by locating the tubular supply conduit 46 inside the tubular inlet opening 44, or locating the tubular inlet opening 44 inside the tubular supply conduit 46). In alternative vent units, the inlet opening 44 has a different configuration. For example, the inlet opening 44 may be a projection of different shape for connection to a different shaped supply conduit, or the inlet opening may simply be an aperture in the first face 40 of the casing 25. The vent unit 24 also has a vent outlet 48 configured to emit the flow of air directly into a passenger compartment of the associated vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent outlet 48 is provided on a second face 50 of the casing opposite to the first face 40. In alternative vent units, the vent outlet 48 is provided at least partly in a side surface of the casing 25 between the first and second faces 40, 50. In alternative vent units, there are a plurality of vent outlets 48 provided on the second face 50 and / or a side surface between the first and second faces 40, 50. The illustrated vent unit 24 is a side window demist vent unit and the vent outlet 48 is a side window demist outlet. In other words, the flow of air which exits the vent outlet 48 is directed towards a side window proximal to the vent unit 24, predominantly for demisting the side window. It will be understood that the optimal mounting location for such a side window demist vent unit 24 is proximal a front edge of the associated side window. This optimal mounting location is also a region that is typically obstructed by the A-pillars 5A, 14 of a roll cage 12 when the roll cage 12 is fitted within the associated vehicle. Therefore, by mounting the side window demist vent unit 24 in an aperture 16 in the webbing 22 of an A-pillar 5A, 14 of the roll cage 12, the optimal mounting location can be maintained. The illustrated vent unit 24 includes a guide surface 52 proximal to the vent outlet 48. The guide surface 52 guides the flow of air received by the inlet opening 44 so that the flow of air leaves the vent outlet 48 in an appropriate direction. In the illustrated side window demist vent unit 24, the guide surface 52 is angled or curved towards an edge of the vent outlet 48 so that the flow of air leaves the vent outlet 48 in a diagonal direction (i.e. rearward and outward towards a side window which is located rearward and outward of the vent unit 24). In alternative vent units, the vent unit 24 includes one or more guide surfaces 52 which are arranged in a different configuration to direct the flow of air differently as it leaves the vent outlet 48. Referring now to Figure 7, an automotive HVAC system is indicated at 42. The HVAC system 42 is of a conventional kind having: a HVAC module 54 for supplying a flow of air (as shown schematically on Figure 7); a plurality of supply conduits 46 in fluid connection with the HVAC module 54; and a plurality of vent units which are connected to the plurality of supply conduits 46 configured to emit the flow of air directly into a passenger compartment. In the illustrated HVAC system 42, the plurality of vent units includes a pair of side window demist vent units 24 of the kind described above. It will be understood that, when assembled on the vehicle, the left side window demist vent unit 24 would be mounted to an aperture 16 in a left hand A-pillar 5A, 14 of the roll cage 12 by the respective mounting means 26. Similarly, the right side window demist vent unit 24 would be mounted in an aperture 16 in the right hand A-pillar 5A, 14 of the roll cage 12 by the respective mounting means 26. The plurality of vent units also includes various other conventional vent units. For example: a pair of face vents 56 for directing a flow of air towards an upper body portion of occupants of the associated vehicle; a pair of windshield demist vents 58 for directing a flow of air along a windshield of the associated vehicle; and a pair of footwell vents 60 for directing a flow of air towards the feet of occupants of the associated vehicle. In some HVAC systems, further additional vent units are provided (e.g. for directing a flow of air towards occupants in a rear cabin region of the associated vehicle). In such HVAC systems, the further additional vent units may be mounted to a different structural member of the roll cage 12. For example, the further additional vents may be mounted in apertures in B-pillars of the roll cage 12 using a similar accessory mounting system to the accessory mounting system 10 described above. Although the accessory mounting system 10 has been illustrated and described in combination with a vent unit accessory 24, it will be understood that the accessory mounting means 10 is also suitable for mounting other types of accessories. For example, in some accessory mounting systems the accessory may be a wire harness instead of a vent unit, and / or a conduit, interior lights or fixtures, internal brackets or hangers. Referring now to Figure 8, a vehicle having an accessory mounting system 10 as hereinbefore described is indicated schematically at 200. The rest of the roll cage is omitted from Figure 8, since it will be understood that the roll cage is internal to the vehicle 200 and is thus not visible from this external view. Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary method of mounting an accessory 24 to a vehicle roll cage 12 in accordance with the present invention. The method includes the following steps: At step 901, providing at least one aperture 16 in a structural member 14 of the roll cage 12 (e.g. a non-circular aperture, such as an aperture with an order of symmetry of one); At step 902, providing an accessory 24 with a mounting means 26 (e.g. an array of resilient clips 28) configured to be received in the at least one aperture 16; At step 903, inserting the mounting means 26 into the at least one aperture 16 (e.g. by aligning the mounting means 26 and / or at least one guide wall 38 with the at least one aperture 16 and then inserting the mounting means 26); and At step 904, engaging the mounting means 26 with the at least one aperture 16 to fix the accessory 24 to the structural member 14 (e.g. by forming a snap-fit connection between the resilient clips 28 and the structural member 14). It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. Table 1 - Reference text for Figure 9 901 Provide structural member with aperture 902 Provide accessory 903 Insert mounting means 904 Engage mounting means with aperture

Claims

07 08 251. An accessory mounting system for a vehicle comprising a cabin, the accessory mounting system comprising:a roll cage comprising a structural member having at least one aperture provided in a 5 webbing of the structural member; andan accessory having a mounting means which is configured for insertion into and engagement with the at least one aperture to fix the accessory to the roll cage.

2. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein the mounting means comprises a plurality of resilient clips configured to form a snap-fit connection with the at least one aperture 10 of the structural member.

3. The accessory mounting system of claim 2, wherein the resilient clips are arranged in an array which corresponds to the shape of the at least one aperture.

4. The accessory mounting system of any preceding claim, wherein the webbing extends between two or more adjacent portions of the roll cage.15 5. The accessory mounting system of any preceding claim, wherein the structuralmember forms at least part of an A-pillar section of the roll cage.

6. The accessory mounting system of claim 5, wherein the A-pillar section comprises a pair of tubular members spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of said vehicle, wherein the webbing extends between the pair of tubular members.20 7. The accessory mounting system of any preceding claim, wherein the at least oneaperture is non-circular.

8. The accessory mounting system of claim 7, wherein the at least one aperture has an order of symmetry of one.

9. The accessory mounting system of any of claims 7 to 8, wherein the mounting means 25 comprises at least one guide wall which is complementary to the shape of the at least one aperture and which is configured to help retain the accessory in position relative to the at least one aperture.

10. The accessory mounting system of any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means further comprises a compressible interface which is configured to bias a casing of the 30 accessory in a direction away from the structural member to place the mounting means under07 08 25tension when the compressible interface is compressed between a casing surface and the structural member and the mounting means is engaged with the at least one aperture.

11. The accessory mounting system of any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means is releasable so that the accessory can be detached from the structural member.5 12. A vehicle comprising a cabin and the accessory mounting system of any precedingclaim.

13. A method of mounting an accessory to a vehicle roll cage, wherein the vehicle comprises a cabin, the method comprising:providing at least one aperture in a webbing of a structural member of the roll cage;10 providing an accessory with a mounting means configured to be received in the at leastone aperture;inserting the mounting means into the at least one aperture; andengaging the mounting means with the at least one aperture to fix the accessory to the structural member of the roll cage.15 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mounting means comprises a plurality of resilientclips, and wherein the step of engaging the mounting means with the at least one aperture to fix the accessory to the structural member of the roll cage comprises forming a snap-fit connection between the resilient clips and the structural member.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one aperture is non-circular and 20 wherein the step of inserting the mounting means into the at least one aperture comprises aligning the mounting means with the at least one aperture prior to insertion.

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