Patent ID: 7338238
Filing Date: 2008-03-04
Classification: B62D,B65D

Abstract:
1. A device for transporting automotive instrument panels, comprising: a frame, a pair of opposed carry arms pivoted to the frame to carry opposite sides of an instrument panel of a type including a pair of sides and a central column region with a lower column end portion; each carry arm having an outer end section which is provided with an arm carry formation for engaging a complementary carry formation on a corresponding side of the instrument panel; each carry arm having an inner end section including a capture formation which is positioned to lie in the path of the lower column end portion when lowered onto the frame, said carry arms being further arranged for the inner end sections to be pivoted downwardly as the instrument panel is lowered to a carry elevation relative to the frame, the downward displacement of the carry arms by the instrument panel to cause the outer end sections to be pivoted upwardly for the arm carry formations on the opposed arms to approach one another, to positively engage the complementary carry formations on the instrument panel in the carry elevation, each of the capture formations including an upstanding peripheral wall to engage one of a pair of opposed laterally spaced side edge regions of the lower column end portion, the upstanding peripheral walls of the arm capture formations being aligned with one another to cooperate to form a seat for the lower column end portion of the instrument panel when it reaches its carry elevation relative to the frame.