U.S. patent number 3,858,091 [Application Number 05/286,772] was granted by the patent office on 1974-12-31 for interchangeable plug-in modular appliance unit system.
Invention is credited to Thomas A. Wilkinson.
United States Patent |
3,858,091 |
Wilkinson |
December 31, 1974 |
INTERCHANGEABLE PLUG-IN MODULAR APPLIANCE UNIT SYSTEM
Abstract
A selective appliance is inserted into a chamber provided within
a hollow frame having an opening through which the appliance is
received and with the front of the appliance visually and manually
accessible at the frame opening. Insertion of the appliance
automatically effects releasable selective operating electrical
connection. Releasable retaining means hold the appliance in the
frame. Mounting of the frame may be at a convenient location in
which the appliance or any selected one of a number of appliances
may be most useful, such as under the dash of an automobile for
access to the automobile driver or a seat companion, in a pleasure
boat under a dash panel or in a cabin, in a residential building,
and the like.
Inventors: |
Wilkinson; Thomas A. (Morris,
IL) |
Family
ID: |
23100096 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/286,772 |
Filed: |
September 6, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/724; 361/725;
361/731; 439/133; 312/297; 439/221 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02B
1/36 (20130101); B60K 2370/828 (20190501); Y02T
90/14 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H02B
1/36 (20060101); H02B 1/00 (20060101); H02b
001/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;317/11R,11CB,117,118,120 ;312/297 ;339/32 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Schaefer; Robert K.
Assistant Examiner: Tolin; Gerald P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hill, Gross, Simpson, Van Santen,
Steadman, Chiara & Simpson
Claims
I claim as my invention:
1. In a plug-in modular appliance unit system:
a mount having a forwardly opening appliance-receiving chamber
therein;
means on the mount by which it is attached to a supporting
structure;
a plurality of separate and individual modular utility appliance
units each of which has a housing providing a storage space therein
and a front end wall provided with an access opening into the
space, each housing carrying at least one electrical device
accessible at the front of the unit for performing a utilitarian
function;
said modular appliance unit housings being selectively and
interchangeably received in said chamber by pushing the selected
unit rearwardly through the opening into the mount chamber;
means on said mount and on said unit housings to stop inward
movement of the selected unit into the mount chamber with the front
end wall of the selected unit visually and manually accessible at
the mount chamber opening so that access can be had into said
storage space within the selected unit and access can be had to
said electrical device of the selected unit;
a plurality of separable electrical connectors carried by said
mount within said chamber, certain of said connectors being
electrically connected with a power source and other of the
connectors being connected with at least one selected electrical
utility device located outside of said mount;
each of said units carrying separable electrical connectors which
are oriented in a pattern in accordance with the individual
functions of that unit;
the separable electrical connectors of each of the units including
certain ones for connection with the power source separable
connectors of the mount carried connectors for energizing the
electrical device of the unit;
at least certain of the units having additional separable
connectors engageable in arming relation selectively with said
mount carried connectors connected with a selected outside
electrical utility device;
and the separable connectors of the selected unit received in the
mount chamber effecting electrical connection with said mount
carried power source connectors and selectively with those mount
carried connectors which in addition match the individual pattern
of the connectors carried by selected unit and thereby effecting
electrical arming connection exclusively with only said outside
electrical device connected with the selected mount carried
connectors, and leaving other of the mount carried connectors
unused until other of the units having different patterns of
connectors for arming connection with other selected outside
utility devices are selectively and interchangeably inserted into
said mount chamber.
2. A system according to claim 1, comprising a bar mounted across
the rear of said chamber and having opposite ends at opposite sides
of said chamber, and a plurality of rows of the mount carried
connectors mounted on said bar, said rows of connectors extending
substantially from end to end of the bar, said unit carried
connectors being located on the rear end of the units in alignment
with the bar mounted connectors which are complementary
thereto.
3. A system according to claim 2, said electrical connectors of the
bar comprising jack sockets, the electrical connectors of the
modular units comprising plugs received in said sockets, and
terminals on said connectors on the bar receptive of electrical
connectors of selected operating circuits.
4. A system according to claim 1, including a flexible roll-top
type door for closing said opening, track means on said chamber
mount within said chamber adjacent to said chamber opening to guide
said door between open and closed positions relative to said
chamber opening and in front of the unit which is received in the
chamber, said track means comprising respective vertical tracks at
each side of said chamber opening, respective horizontal tracks at
each side along the top of said chamber, stop means on the mount
spaced inwardly adjacent to said verrtical track means, and
positioning flange means at the front end of the unit which is
received in said chamber engaging said stop means.
5. A system according to claim 1, including latching means
comprising a pair of respective spring latches one of which is
located adjacent to each end of the upper side of the face of each
of the units and having laterally projecting detents engageable
with keeper means on the mount, and inwardly depressible releasing
plungers having outwardly projecting button ends digitally
engageable to release the latch detents and requiring that both of
the plungers be simultaneously releasably depressed to release both
of said latches to free the unit from the mount.
6. A system according to claim 1, including spring biased
unit-ejecting plunger means mounted in balanced relation on the
mount at the inner end of said chamber and projecting forwardly
away from the mount carried separable connectors, said plunger
means being engaged and loaded by a portion on the rear end of the
selected unit within the chamber pressing thereagainst for biasing
the unit forwardly relative to said mount carried connectors and
outwardly relative to said chamber, and latch means carried by the
front walls of said units and engaging with the mount to retain the
selected unit within said chamber against outward displacement due
to the bias of said plunger means, said latch means being digitally
operable to release the selected unit from the mount for outward
ejection by the bias of said plunger means and to thereby effect
separation of the electrical connectors on the selected unit from
the mount carried connectors.
7. A system according to claim 6, wherein said plunger means
comprise a pair of plungers respectively mounted adjacent to
opposite lateral sides of the rear end of said chamber, and said
latch means comprise a pair of latches mounted on the front walls
of each of the units at respective opposite sides thereof and each
of the latches having an individually digitally operable latch
releasing member accessible at the front wall of the respective
units and requiring simultaneous actuation to effect release of the
selected unit from the mount.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein said releasing members of
the latches comprise spring biased plungers projecting outwardly
from the front walls of the units and depressable inwardly to
effect release of the latches.
9. In a plug-in modular appliance unit system:
a mount providing a hollow space therein serving as an
appliance-housing chamber;
means on the mount for attaching it to a supporting structure;
means on said mount defining an appliance-receiving opening into
said chamber;
a modular appliance unit releasably mounted in said chamber;
means releasably retaining the unit within said chamber;
said unit including electrical equipment;
means on the unit and on the mount providing electrical operating
circuit connection for the unit;
a flexible roll-top type door for closing said opening into said
chamber;
track means on said mount within said chamber adjacent to said
opening guiding said door between open and closed position relative
to said opening, said mount including a wall along the inner side
of which the door extends in the open position;
said track means comprising respective vertical tracks at each side
of said opening, and respective horizontal tracks at each side
along said wall, said wall being at the top of said chamber;
stop means spaced inwardly relative to said vertical track
means;
and positioning flange means at the front end of the unit;
the front-to-rear distance between said stop means and said
vertical tracks being ample to effect insetting of said front end
of the unit for closing of said door in front of said front end,
spring biased unit-ejecting plunger means mounted in balanced
relation on the mount at the inner end of said chamber and
projecting toward said opening and away from said mount carried
separable connectors, said plunger means further separating said
mount and unit connectors.
10. In a plug-in modular appliance unit system:
a mount providing a hollow space therein serving as an
appliance-housing chamber;
means on the mount by which it is attached to a supporting
structure;
means on said mount defining an appliance-receiving opening into
said chamber;
said chamber having an inner end;
a modular utility appliance unit received in said chamber by
pushing through said opening and having an outer end visually and
manually accessible at said opening and having an inner end within
said chamber;
separable electrical connectors fixed on the inner end of said
unit;
separable electrical connectors fixedly carried by the mount at the
inner end of said chamber and to which the connectors on the unit
are connectible by pushing the unit into the mount;
spring biased unit-ejecting plunger means mounted in balanced
relation on the mount at the inner end of said chamber and
projecting toward said opening and away from said mount carried
separable connectors;
said plunger means being engaged and loaded by a portion on the
inner end of the unit pressing thereagainst for biasing the unit
outwardly relative to said mount carried connectors and outwardly
relative to said opening;
said mount having means for guiding the unit within said chamber
between said opening and said connectors on the mount;
and latch means carried by the outer end of said unit and engaging
with the mount to retain the unit within said chamber against
outward displacement due to the bias of said plunger means;
said latch means being digitally operable to release the unit from
the mount for outward ejection by the bias of said plunger means
and to thereby effect separation of said electrical connectors on
said unit from the mount carried connectors, said plunger means
further separating said mount and unit connectors.
11. A system according to claim 10, wherein said plunger means
comprise a pair of plungers mounted adjacent to laterally opposite
sides of the inner end of said chamber, and said latch means
comprise respective latches generally aligned at the outer end of
the unit with said plungers and having means requiring simultaneous
actuation to release the unit from the mount.
12. A system according to claim 11, wherein said means of the
latches comprise respective outwardly projecting spring biased
plungers which must be pushed inwardly simultaneously to release
the unit from the mount.
13. A method of attaining a selected utility function in a modular
appliance unit system, comprising:
providing a mount having a forwardly opening appliance-receiving
chamber therein;
attaching said mount in an operating position on a supporting
structure;
providing on said mount within said chamber a plurality of
separable electrical connectors;
connecting some of the mount carried connectors electrically with a
power source;
connecting certain other of the mount carried connectors with
electrical means other than said power source and located outside
of said mount;
providing a plurality of separate and individual modular utility
appliance units each having a housing providing a storage space
therein and a front wall provided with an access opening into the
space;
providing in each of the unit housings at least one electrical
device accessible at the front of the unit and capable of
performing a utilitarian function with respect to that unit;
providing on each of said units separable electrical connectors
which are oriented in a pattern in accordance with the individual
functions of that unit;
selecting one of said units and inserting it into the mount chamber
until the front wall of the selected unit is aligned with the
opening from the chamber;
effecting electrical connection of separable connectors on the
selected unit with the mount carried power source connectors;
and selectively effecting connection of additional separable
connectors of the selected unit with those certain other mount
carried connectors which match the individual pattern of the
connectors carried by the selected unit, thereby effecting
electrical arming connection exclusively with only the selected
outside electrical device connected with the selected certain other
mount carried connectors and leaving other of the mount carried
connectors unused until other of the units having different
patterns of connectors for arming connection with other selected
outside utility devices are selectively and interchangeably
inserted into said mount chamber.
14. A method according to claim 13, comprising removing said
selected modular appliance unit from said chamber and thereby
separating its connectors from the mount carried connectors,
selecting another of the appliance units having a different pattern
of separable electrical connectors, inserting said another selected
unit into said chamber, and effecting separable connection of
connectors carried by said another selected unit with the power
source connectors of the mount and also effecting separable
electrical connection of other of the connectors of said another
selected unit with selected ones of the previously unused mount
carried connectors for electrical arming connection with a
different outside electrical utility device connected with said
selected previously unused mount carried connectors.
15. A method according to claim 13, including during the pushing of
the selected unit into the mount chamber pressing an inner end
portion on the unit housing against spring biased ejection means
carried by the mount at the inner end of said chamber, latching the
unit in the mount to retain the unit within the chamber against
outward displacement due to the bias of said biasing means,
releasing said latching means and effecting outward ejection
movement of the unit by force of said ejection means and thereby
effecting separation of said electrical connectors on the unit from
the mount carried connectors.
Description
This invention relates to plug-in modular appliance unit systems,
and is more particularly concerned with enabling appliances to be
selectively and alternatively plugged into useful position.
Heretofore, numerous and varied appliances have been provided to
meet a large number of specific requirements, but, so far as I am
aware, all such appliances have had to be specially mounted by
means of structure and attachments peculiar to the particular
appliance. This has precluded use of a particular appliance
selectively at different locations. It has also precluded
selectively employing different appliances at any one location
without a major installation effort in regard to each appliance in
addition to a major removal effort for any appliance already at
that location. For example, certain appliances have been proposed
for mounting in an automobile, such as on the dashboard or panel.
This has in prior arrangements required special clamps or brackets
and most generally the drilling of special holes in the dashboard
or other mounting structure to accommodate screws for attaching the
brackets or other attaching means of the appliance. When a
different appliance was desired, it was necessary either to add it
to an unoccupied place on the supporting structure, or to remove
the previous appliance and then again go through the process of
securing the alternate appliance in place. Further, it has been
impractical heretofore to use any of the fixed appliances for
example mounted in an automobile, at any other location. Thus if a
pleasure boat owner wished to have an appliance similar to one in
his automobile, it was required that he purchase another such
appliance for use in his boat unless he was willing to dismantle
the appliance from the automobile and install it in the boat in
similar fashion, and then if he wished to employ the same appliance
again in the automobile go through the laborious dismantling and
reinstallation procedures.
According to the present invention, the foregoing and other
disadvantages, defects, inefficiencies, shortcomings and problems
in prior structures are overcome and important advantages and
improvements are attained by the disclosed plug-in appliance unit
system as will hereinafter become apparent.
An important object of the present invention is to provide a new
and improved plug-in modular appliance unit system wherein an
appliance unit is readily transferable to and between use
locations.
Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved
plug-in modular appliance unit system enabling ready selective
mounting of any of a number of optional units.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a plug-in
modular appliance unit system a novel carrying frame structure for
convenient plug-in reception of a selected modular unit.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide novel means in a
plug-in modular appliance unit assembly for effecting selective
electrical connections.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a number of
new and improved modular appliance units adapted for a system of
selective, replaceable, interchangeable, optional use in a common
carrying means or mount.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be
readily apparent from the following description of certain
preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, although variations and modifications may be
effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel
concepts embodied in the disclosure, and in which:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mount receptive of a selected
plug-in modular appliance;
FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional elevational view taken
substantially along the line II--II of FIG. 1 and showing an
appliance in place in the mount;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detail view taken
substantially along the line III--III of FIG. 6;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken
substantially on the line IV--IV of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an exploded assembly view, partially in section,
illustrating an arrangement for effecting electrical connections in
the system;
FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a basic appliance module;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a modified appliance module
especially adapted for map reading;
FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration illustrating the microfiche
reader means of the module of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary isometric view of an appliance module
embodying coffee making equipment;
FIG. 10 is an electrohydraulic diagram involving the module of FIG.
9;
FIGS. 11 and 12 show a fragmentary isometric view of a
frigistorator module and its electrical diagram, respectively;
FIGS. 13 and 14 show, respectively, a fragmentary isometric view of
an entertainment module and a schematic showing of its electrical
connections;
FIGS. 15 and 16 show, respectively, a fragmentary isometric of a
T.V. module and its electrical schematic, especially suited for
closed circuit rear view purposes;
FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a fragmentary isometric view of a
station T.V. receiver module and electrical connection schematic,
respectively;
FIGS. 19 and 20 show, respectively, a fragmentary isometric view of
a telephone module and a schematic of its electrical
connections;
FIG. 21 is a fragmentary isometric view of a vanity module;
FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of the mounting of the mirror
in FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is an electrical schematic related to FIG. 21;
FIGS. 24 and 25 show, respectively, a fragmentary isometric of a
combination electrical outlet, battery charger and storage module
and its electrical circuitry;
FIGS. 26 and 27 show, respectively, an isometric perspective of a
tire pressure indicating and jack control module and its electrical
control circuitry; and
FIGS. 28 and 29 show a fragmentary isometric view of a distance
measuring module and its electrical circuitry.
Central to a system according to the present invention is
module-mounting means adapted to receive any preferred appliance
module in a selectively releasable manner enabling the module to be
carried in the mount indefinitely but permitting quick release and
removal of the module as desired for use permanently, or
temporarily at another location and to be then replaced, or to
permit reception of a different module in the mount. By way of
example a mount 30 (FIG. 1) is shown comprising a basic generally
cubical frame 31 which may be in the open frame format shown or may
comprise a box-like housing comprising wall panels. In any event,
the frame 31 has a front end 32, an opposite back end 33,
respective opposite sides 34, a top 35 and a bottom 37. Suitable
means are provided on the frame 31 for attaching it to a supporting
structure. Representative of such attaching means are brackets 38
shown at various locations on the top, side and front areas of the
frame but which may be located at any preferred place as may be
convenient or desirable to enable efficient mounting of the frame
with its front end 32 disposed in a convenient position for access
into a hollow appliance chamber therein having an
appliance-receiving opening thereinto defined by the front end
means of the frame.
A readily openable closure may be provided across the front opening
comprising, for example, a flexibly hinged slat roll-top type
overhead slide door 39 movable into open position along respective
opposite side tracks 40 along the inner sides of the frame top 31
(FIG. 1) and in downward extensions 41 of the track along the sides
of the front 32 of the frame (FIGS. 1 and 2). To facilitate sliding
the door between the open position shown in FIG. 1 and the closed
position shown in FIG. 2 it is desirably provided with a handle 42.
The door may also be provided with latching or locking means such
as a key operated lock 43 adapted in the closed position of the
door to engage releaseably with keeper means 44 along the bottom of
the frame at the front 32.
Within the ample chamber provided by the mount 30 is adapted to be
received a selected modular appliance unit such, for example, as a
basic unit 45 (FIGS. 2 and 6) especially suitable for automobile
use where the mount 30 may be installed under or in the dash panel
in the driver's compartment of the vehicle with the front 32
suitably exposed for convenient access thereto. To this end, the
module 45 comprises a housing 47 which is of a height and width to
be received easily through the front opening in the frame 31 and is
of a length to take advantage of the depth within the chamber to
the maximum desirable extent. In mounting the module 45, it is
inserted back end first through the front opening in the mounting
frame and pushed slidably inwardly along bottom supports such as
rails 48 along the bottom of the mounting frame, until a lateral
flange 49 along at least the sides of the front end of the housing
47 engages against inset stop flanges 50 vertically at each side of
the opening and which may be provided on front side vertical
reinforcing and door track providing posts 51. When the module 45
has been fully inserted into the mounting frame with the flange 49
stopped against the flanges 50, releaseable latching detent means
become effective, herein comprising a pair of pawls 52 (FIGS. 2 and
3) mounted normally to project outwardly through respective
clearance slots 53 in the side walls of the housing or cabinet 47
and properly spaced rearwardly adjacent to the flange 49 at each
side of the housing to cooperate therewith in engaging the inner
side of the respective cooperating stop flange 50 whereby after the
module has been fully inserted into the mounting frame the latch
pawls 52 will hold the same against unintentional outward
displacement relative to the mount.
Although the latching elements or pawls 52 may be of a type to be
moved into latching position after the module has been moved into
position within the mount chamber, a desirable arrangement
comprises having the detents 52 of a form and relationship which
facilitates automatic snapping thereof into the latching relation
with the flanges 50 serving as keepers. To this end, the pawls 52
are pivotally mounted on a spring biased plunger 54 reciprocably
carried in a tubular blind and socket 55 from an open end of which
projects a manipulating button 57 normally extending outwardly
through a clearance hole 58 in the front of the housing 47 for
digital pressure inward movement against the thrust of a biasing
spring 59 which normally urges the plunger outwardly and thus
enables the detent 52 to project through a slot 60 in the wall of
the guide tube 55 aligned with the slot 53. In this position,
biasing means such as a spring 61 urges the detent 52 outwardly
into latching position, but permits the detent to be swung inwardly
to clear the respective frame flange 50 as the detent cams thereon
during the inward installing movement of the module 45, with the
detent snapping into latching position at the inside of the flange
50 automatically after clearing such flange. To release the modules
for removal from the mounting frame, inward pressure against the
button 57 correspondingly moves the latch 52 not only inwardly
longitudinally in the guide tube 55 but also inwardly laterally by
camming of the detent along the inner edge defining the slot 60.
For double assurance against unintended release of the module as
for example by accidental pressure against the release button 57,
two of the latch devices are provided so that in order to release
the dual latching mechanisms, both buttons 57 must be
simultaneously depressed to release the latching detents 52.
Insertion of the module 45 into the mounting frame 30 involves
simply carrying the module to and inserting it rear end first into
the access opening into the mounting frame and then pushing the
module home. In order to facilitate removal of the module from the
mounting frame, means are provided for partially ejecting the
module out of the mounting frame opening to enable ready
manipulation of the module, as by grasping the flange 49, to pull
it further out of the frame until the module can be safely grasped
to carry it away. To this end, ejector means conveniently
comprising spring biased ejection plungers 62 are mounted on the
inner side of the rear end 33 of the mounting frame and adapted to
be loaded when the module 45 is enplaced in the frame and held
under the spring biased load as long as the latches 52 are
operative to hold the module in place, but to function to release
the stored energy and thrust the module a limited distance from the
stop flanges 50 when the latches 52 are released. Accordingly, the
plungers 62 are reciprocably guidedly carried by tubular members 63
mounted on the inner sides of the upper portions of the rear end 33
of the mounting frame to support the plungers for engagement by the
upper inner or rear end of the housing 47. As such rear end portion
of the housing presses under manual force against the plungers 62,
respective compression springs 64 within the guide 63 are
compressed and the energy stored to be released with it is desired
to remove the module, evidenced by the release of the latches
52.
As seen in FIG. 6, the module 45 is provided with various
conveniences including a generous storage compartment 65 having
thereabove a shelf 67 which may be divided by a front to rear
partition 68 into a plurality of sections. Below a false bottom 69
defining the floor of the compartment 65, is mounted a slide-out
drawer 70 which may be provided with convenience means therein such
as a recessed panel 71 useful for drive-in dining and therefore
provided with beverage cup wells or sockets 72 and a food
receptacle well 73. In addition, to permit the drawer 70 to be used
as a flat table or desk, it is desirably provided with a slidable
table lid or cover 74 which may be mounted at its side edges and
respective slide bearing grooves 75 in the upper inner portions of
the side walls of the drawer 70. When slid back, the table cover 74
exposes the convenience panel 71, while when the cover 74 is drawn
into closing position it provides a smooth desk or tabletop. For
convenience in shifting the table panel 74 open and closed, it is
provided with depressed finger grip handle means 77. The front of
the drawer 70 is also desirably provided with handle means 78 which
may be of the depressed groove and finger grip type.
To illuminate the interior of the compartment 65 and possibly also
the pull-out drawer 70 in its extended position, a lamp 79 is
desirably mounted on the roof of the compartment 65 at any
convenient location, herein shown as near the front, but may be
located further rearwardly if preferred. This lamp is adapted to be
connected in an electrical circuit controlled by a switch 80
conveniently mounted on the front of the cabinet 47.
Means are provided for automatically connecting the electrical
circuit for the lamp 79 to a conveniently accessible energy source
such, for example, as the storage battery of an automobile in which
the mount 30 may be supported. For this purpose, the lower inner or
rear end of the housing 47 has projecting rearwardly therefrom
suitable plugs 81 automatically engageable to effect electrical
connection in respective jack sockets or contacts 82 in a jack bar
83 mounted within the lower rear portion of the compartment within
the mount 30 (FIGS. 1 and 5). Each of the jacks 82 has a terminal
84 projecting rearwardly and engageable by or adapted to have
secured thereto a terminal 85 of an electrical lead 87 one of which
may be the hot line from the energy source such as a battery and
the other may be a ground wire. In order to accommodate numerous
different electrical connections of various modular appliance units
that may be optionally accommodated in the mount 30 through the
same jack bar 83, the bar is provided with a suitable multiplicity
of the jack sockets 82 with respective terminals 84 which are
adapted to be connected in selected circuit with electrical devices
as desired, in addition to the basic connection with the energy
source and ground.
In FIGS. 7 and 8 is depicted a modular appliance unit 85 having the
same housing 47 as the module 45, but adapted for and equipped to
facilitate map reading. To this end, a rear projection screen 87 is
mounted across an opening 88 in the front of the cabinet while,
below the screen, the cabinet front has a map card-receiving
horizontal slot 89 through which are adapted to be inserted
selective map cards or microfiche holders 90 for scanning by an
optical unit 91 suitably mounted within the housing 47 to project
an image onto the back of the translucent screen 87 as scanned from
the entire card 90 or any selected portion thereof. Although the
scanner and projection unit 91 may be of the reflected image
projection type, it is shown as a microfiche scanner wherein a lamp
92 mounted in the housing 47 below a movable translucent horizontal
carrier 93 provides illumination focused by means such as a
reflector 94 onto a selected microfiche window of the card 90 for
pick-up by the scanner. Suitable clip means 95 on the back margin
of the carrier 93 frictionally holds the map card 90. Manipulation
of the carrier 93 to bring into the scanning field of the unit 91
any selected portion of the card 90 is adapted to be effected by
means of a handle 97 projecting forwardly through a suitable
horizontal slot 98 in the front of the cabinet housing 47
adjacently below the slot 89 and of a width to enable at least
partial movement of the carrier 93 outwardly to maneuver the card
90 out through its slot 89 when it is desired to remove or replace
the same or even to insert a card in viewing position initially.
Control of the lamp 92 is through an electrical circuit including a
switch 99 conveniently mounted on the front of the housing and
connectable through the plugs 81 with the appropriate jacks 82 of
the jack bar 83 when the module 85 is installed in the mount 30. It
will be appreciated that the map reader module 85 provides a most
convenient device for map reading by motorists, boatmen, air plane
pilots, and the like, eliminating any need for opening and folding
the usual road, area or marine maps. For example, with route maps
by simply maneuvering the handle 97, the portion of the map
disclosing the area in which the vehicle is located can be easily
centered on the screen 87.
In FIGS. 9 and 10 are disclosed features of a modular appliance
unit 100 especially adapted for dispensing water or beverage, and
more particularly coffee. To this end, the module 100 includes a
slide-out water tank 101 movable into and out of one side of the
front of the module cabinet 47. In its front wall, the tank 101 has
a manipulating handle 102 while for filling purposes a top filler
opening normally closed by removable closure 103 is provided. At
the opposite side of the front of the cabinet is provided a
dispensing recess 104 in the upper portion of which are provided
means for dispensing water from the tank 101 through a downwardly
directed nozzle 105. For making coffee, a downwardly discharging
storage hopper 107 may be associated with the nozzle 105 and is
equipped with suitable means operable through a dispensing wheel or
lever 108 to measure and effect deposit of the desired quantity of
powdered instant coffee from the hopper 107 into a cup 109 such as
a paper cup which may be withdrawn from a dispensing magazine 110
having a delivery opening at the back of the recess 104. Although
hot water will be desired from the nozzle 105 for coffee, the
arrangement is preferably such that plain cold drinking water may
be derived from the nozzle. To this end, an electrically operated
pump 111 is mounted in association with the tank 101 so that when a
normally open switch 112 is closed, the pump will be operated to
deliver water from the tank 101 through a duct 113 to the nozzle
105 for discharge into the receptacle such as a cup thereunder. If
it is desired to heat the water, closing of a normally open switch
114 effects energization of a flash heater 115 and when the switch
112 is concurrently operated, the water pumped to the nozzle 105 is
heated for coffee-making or for just hot water if that is all that
is desired. Closing of the switch 114 energizes a signal or
indicator light 117 located conveniently adjacent to the switch 114
on the front of the cabinet. Measurement of the volume of water
desired is accomplished by the duration of closing of the switch
112. Connection of the electrical circuit of the module 100 with an
energy source is by way of terminal connector plugs 118 which are
automatically received in the appropriate jacks 82 when the module
100 is installed in the mount 30.
Another optional plug-in modular appliance unit 120 is depicted in
FIGS. 11 and 12, wherein the housing 47 provides an insulated
refrigerator/heater compartment normally closed by a hingedly
mounted door 121 having an actuating handle 122. This unit is
provided with a thermoelectric regrigerator/heater unit 123 in a
circuit with a temperature control and selector unit 124. Control
of an operating electrical circuit is through an off-on switch 125
conveniently mounted on the front of the cabinet. In addition, a
heat/cool selector switch of preferably double pole/double throw
type is provided on the front of the cabinet for controlling the
control unit 124, with an indicator lamp 128 observable to show
whether the unit 124 is working. Plugs 129 are adapted to effect
connection with energy source automatically when the module 120 is
installed in the mount 30.
In FIGS. 13 and 14 is depicted what may be referred to as an
entertainment plug-in module unit 130. In this instance, there is
housed within the casing 47 any preferred combination AM, FM radio
and tape receiver and player. Various features of the combination
are reflected in the front of the cabinet and including, for
example, an on-off and volume control knob 131 associated with a
tone control dial 132, a tuning knob 133 with an associated
indicator panel 134, a set of AM selector buttons 135, a set of FM
selector buttons 137, an illuminated AM radio control switch 138,
an illuminated FM radio control switch 139 and an illuminated tape
player switch 140 for playing tape recordings, a slot 141 is
receptive of a tape cassette or 8-track tape holder 142. For tape
storage, compartments 143 are provided having their bottoms sloping
downwardly inwardly. Installation of the module 130 in the mount 30
is designed to effect automatically connection of the circuitry of
the module through the jack bar 83 with electrical energy source
and ground wires 87 through the medium of respective plugs 144
received in the appropriate jacks 82. In addition, in this
instance, plugs 145 effect arming connection through selected ones
of the jacks 82 with leads 147 to suitable sound reproducers or
speakers such as front or rear speakers mounted in an automobile,
while plugs 148 engaging in other selected of the jacks 82 effect
electrical arming connection with leads 149 to other speakers such
as either front or rear speakers alternate to the speakers to which
the leads 147 are connected. There may also be an antenna
connection by way of a plug 150 engaging in another of the jacks 82
to effect connection through a lead 151 with an antenna.
On reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a closed circuit TV plug-in module
unit 155 is shown having, similarly as all other of the modules,
the basic housing casing 47 and in this instance provided in the
front thereof within a suitable window opening 157 with a
television tube screen 158 mounted in association with suitable
receiver means 159 connected with a control unit 160 while the
electrical circuit is controlled by an on-off switch 161 suitably
mounted on the front of the cabinet, with an indicator lamp 162
also mounted on the front of the cabinet to provide visual
indication of operation of the circuit. The usual electrical energy
connections are effected through plugs 163 which automatically
connect with the appropriate jacks 82 of the jack bar 83 when the
unit 155 is installed in the mount 30. At the same time a suitable
set of plugs 164 effects arming connection through selected ones of
the jacks 82 with a wiring harness 165 connected to a rear mounted
TV camera 167. This arrangement is especially useful for motor
vehicles or watercraft where the usual rear view mirror
arrangements are inconvenient or inadequate.
For regular TV receiver purposes, a plug-in module unit 170 (FIGS.
17 and 18) may be employed wherein the casing 47 houses any
preferred relatively small TV receiver including a tube screen 171
exposed through a window opening 172 in the front of the casing,
and with various controls indicators conveniently located on and in
association with the front of the cabinet, such as VHF and UHF
tuning knob means 173 associated with an indicator dial 174.
Various additional control knobs, control buttons and the like are
provided in a cluster 175 and may include those for television
control such as vertical hold, horizontal hold, brightness,
contrast, on-off and volume control members. Storage space may be
provided in the lower portion of the cabinet, either in an open
condition or equipped with a drawer 177. Installation of the module
170 into the mount 30 automatically effects electrical connection
by means of plugs 178 through the appropriate jacks 82 of the jack
bar 83 with electrical energy source, through a plug 179 with an
antenna lead 180 and, where required by law, a connection through
plugs 181 with a wiring harness 182 to an ignition/transmission
interlock.
For telephonic communication, a plug-in module unit 185 (FIGS. 19
and 20) is adapted to be selectively installed in the mount 30 and
wherein the standardized cabinet 47 has therein a compartment 187
opening through the front thereof within which a telephone hand set
188 is accommodated desirably equipped with a key lock 189. Above
the compartment may be installed a suitable speaker/transmitter
behind a grill 188a which may comprise a perforated area in the
front panel of the housing. For channel selection, a cluster of
buttons 189a may be provided on the casing front wall panel.
Automatic connection with electrical energy source is adapted to be
effected by suitable plugs 190 which connect with the appropriate
jacks 82 of the jack bar 83 automatically when the module is
installed. In addition, an antenna plug 191 is adapted to make
arming connection with the appropriate jack 82 to which is
connected an antenna lead 192.
In FIGS. 21-23, a vanity unit in the form of a plug-in module 195
is depicted wherein the casing 47 houses a mirror 197 in a window
opening 198, with the mirror mounted tiltably on pivot means 199 on
a horizontal axis to be swung to the most convenient tilted
attitude for the convenience of a user such as in the driver
compartment of an automobile, there being a stop 200 provided for
maximum tilt of the mirror. At each side of the mirror 197
illumination means such as respective lamps 201 may be provided,
controlled through a switch 202 suitably mounted on the front of
the cabinet and connected in an electrical circuit having connector
plugs 203 which automatically are received in the proper jacks 82
of the jack bar 83 to provide connection with the electrical energy
source. In addition, there may be storage facility such as a
pull-out utility drawer 204 mount in the cabinet 47 below the
mirror for access through the front of the cabinet.
On references to FIGS. 24 and 25, a plug-in module unit 205 is
depicted which provides for an electrical appliance outlet and for
battery charging. Although the cabinet 47 may include a front
opening storage compartment 207 of generous proportions, ample room
is provided within the cabinet to house an inverter unit 208 by
which 12 volt D.C. electrical current is converted into 117 volt
A.C. current at an outlet receptacle 209 conveniently mounted for
access on the front panel of the cabinet. A battery charger unit
210 housed within the cabinet is connected with a charging meter
211 having a dial readily observable on the front wall of the
cabinet. A double pole, double through switch 212 conveniently
operable on the front of the cabinet selectively connects the
inverter or charger unit in a battery circuit under the control of
an on-off switch 213. An indicator light 214 shows when the
inverter circuit is functioning and an indicator light 215 shows
when the charger unit circuit is operating. Upon installation of
the module 205 in the mount 30, electrical connection plugs 217
engage in the appropriate jacks 82 to complete a circuit with the
energy source such as the battery of a vehicle. Simultaneously,
plugs 218 connect with respective jacks of the jack bar 83 to
effect arming connection with electrical leads of a cable 219 which
may be mounted on a take-up reel 220 and has a terminal plug 221 by
which it is adapted to be connected into a house current supply
receptacle when it is desired to charge the vehicle battery through
functioning of the charger unit 210. In addition, plugs 222
connected with the charger unit 210 are connected in suitable of
the jacks 82 connected with battery clamp cables 223 which are
selectively attachable to the battery to be charged.
Another desirable plug-in module appliance unit 225 (FIGS. 26 and
27) provides in the cabinet 47 not only storage space 227, but also
a tire deflation warning unit 228 and a car jack control unit 229.
Suitable respective detector devices such as may include normally
open electrical switches 230 are respectively associated with the
four wheels of the vehicle and the spare tire such that when any of
the tires deflate to any predetermined degree, the associated
switch will close and through the warning unit 228 illuminate a
respectively associated warning lamp 231 conveniently mounted for
observation on the front of the cabinet. In the absence of a spare
tire, the warning lamp associated with its detector circuit may be
deactivated by opening a normally closed switch 232. Suitable
electrical connections are provided between the car jack control
unit 229 and respective car jacks 233 which may be suitably mounted
on the vehicle frame adjacent to the respective wheels. Operation
of any of the jacks 233 selectively is through the medium of
respective two-way switches 234 which are operable on the front of
the cabinet 47 and may be located adjacent to the warning lamps for
the respective tires of the associated wheels, with suitable
identification on the front panel of the cabinet, as shown. In
order to avoid accidental operation of any of the car jacks, the
operating circuit for the control unit 229 is desirably normally
inactive but is adapted to be activated through a master control
switch 235 which may be of the key operated type. Electrical
connections with energy source are provided through plugs 237,
which, together with plugs 238 connected with the warning unit and
plugs 239 connected with the car jack control unit, effect
electrical arming connection through the appropriate ones of the
jacks 82 of the jack bar 83 as an incident to installing the module
225 in the mount 30.
As depicted in FIGS. 28 and 29, a desirabe plug-in modular
appliance unit 240 is equipped with distance measuring means which
will enable the operator of a motor vehicle or other vehicle, such
as a water-craft, to receive reasonably accurate information as to
distance of an object such as another vehicle or craft or a
stationary object in front of the vehicle. This will greatly assist
those vehicle operators who have difficulty in estimating distances
by simple observation. To this end, the module 240 has mounted
within the cabinet 47, such as above a forwardly opening storage
space 241, a control unit 242. This control unit which may be of
the integrated circuit computer type is suitably connected to
sensors which may be of the dopler shift radar type and for
automobile use comprising a left bumper sensor 243 and a right
bumper sensor 244. On the front of the cabinet 47 is located a
digital read-out device 245 to which information from the sensors
243 and 244 is transmitted by the control unit 242 in terms of
distance of detected object forwardly from the associated vehicle.
In addition, on the front of the housing is conveniently located a
set of switches including an on-off circuit control switch 247, a
passing selector switch 248 and a normal operation selector switch
249. These switches 248 and 249 respectively condition the control
unit to indicate from the distance data information fed thereto
from the sensors 243 and 244 whether the distance between the
associated vehicle and an on-coming vehicle or other object is
ample at the speed at which the associated vehicle is traveling for
safe passing when the selector switch 248 is closed, or whether the
distance between the vehicle or vehicles ahead of the associated
vehicle is adequate at the speed at which the associated vehicle is
traveling during normal driving when the selector switch 249 is
closed. If, when either of the switches 248 or 249 is closed, a
safe distance is not indicated, a red signal light 250 will
illuminate, and if a safe distance is indicated, a green signal
light 251 will flash on. At the same time, of course, the digital
read-out 245 will show in terms of numerical evaluation the actual
distance computed by the control unit 242. In order to feed
information as to the speed of travel of the associated vehicle, a
sensing circuit 252 connects the control unit with suitable
operating mechanism of the associated vehicle such as the
distributor thereof. Automatically on installation of the module
240 into the mount 30 suitable electrical connections are effected
in appropriate ones of the jacks 82 by basic electrical supply plug
253, speed sensor plug 254 and distance sensor plug 255.
It will be understood, of course, that although a substantial
number of different plug-in modular appliance units have been
disclosed by way of example, that any other appliance module having
desired facilities and susceptible of plug-in mounting in the mount
30 may be provided on a custom or optional availability basis.
Thus, the mount is basic to all of the modular units. By easy
removability, interchangeability, portability and versatility, the
modular units are adapted to be used selectively on or in
association with a plurality of different vehicles including
watercraft, portable or permanent living or shelter areas or
structures, and the like.
It will be understood that variations and modifications may be
effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel
concepts of this invention.
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