Abstract:
A bracket system and method for bracketing accessories is disclosed that does not mar the exterior of the structure to which an accessory is to be attached. In one embodiment an accessory mounting system is disclosed having a first and second bracket, each bracket having an accessory attaching end and an opposite end adapted for engaging a corresponding joint defined by two abutting structures. Accessories are mounted according to this system when the brackets are placed within their corresponding joints without the aid of screws or like attachment mechanisms and an accessory is attached therebetween resulting in the brackets becoming press-fit in place. Methods for creating and utilizing this invention are also provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 09/849,293, filed May 4, 2001. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates to accessory brackets. More specifically, this invention relates to the bracketing of after-market accessories in motor vehicles.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    After market accessories play a large role in commerce. As technological advancements allow manufacturers to miniaturize once bulky items, these items are being used in places as accessories never contemplated by designers of homes, offices, vehicles and other spaces. As industry attempts to attach or bracket after market accessories within these spaces it has become apparent that the bracketed accessory should appear as though it was installed during manufacturing. Also, because the accessory to be attached may change itself, and the bracketing thereof with it, the bracket must not permanently disfigure the space to be accessorized because it will, in all likelihood, eventually need to be removed. Nowhere is the need for these types of brackets more prevalent than the motor vehicle industry.  
           [0004]    With the advent of molded plastics and panels, modern motor vehicle cab areas changed drastically from their initial tandem steel construction. To enhance the comfort and the convenience of the passenger and driver, the dashboards and consoles in these motor vehicles are now commonly padded or made of soft plastics, and typically have smooth lines extending the width and length of the dashboard giving somewhat of a cockpit feel to the driver and passenger compartment of motor vehicles. Also, for the ease of maintenance these dashboards are constructed in sections. These sections are flush with one another and typically have panels that allow for the maintenance of wires and cables behind the dashboard without removing the entire dashboard.  
           [0005]    However, even with the plethora of display information typically included in modern dashboards and instrument panels, many after-market accessories exist that provide additional information and/or capabilities beyond those provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Such after-market accessories may include, for example, CB radios, cellular phones, audio/visual and other entertainment equipment. Vehicle information display accessories such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,163, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, is yet another example of such after-market accessories.  
           [0006]    The clean lines of the modern dashboard are disturbed when such accessories are bracketed thereto using known bracketing systems. Moreover, those leasing vehicles are typically unable to bracket after-market accessories to their vehicles in many cases because this would require drilling holes in the dashboard to attach brackets thereto or otherwise mutilating the dashboard in such a fashion that once the bracket is removed it would be evident that there was an item bracketed there prior.  
           [0007]    Accessory mounting bracket designs and manufacturers have recognized a need for mounting brackets that do not require drilling holes into, or otherwise mutilating, the vehicle dashboard and/or console. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,486 to Sunderlin discloses a bracketing device for securing after-market accessories to the lower lip of a dashboard. The Sunderlin device includes a U-shaped device clamped to, and extending downwardly or upwardly from, the lip of a dashboard wherein the U-shaped device is configured to support an accessory. However, the lip protrusions relied on by Sunderlin are not present in the many modern dashboards. Rather, modern dashboards typically include molded plastic extending smoothly to the front window of the vehicle, and extending downwardly in an uninterrupted or rounded fashion.  
           [0008]    As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,495 to Brackus discloses a bracket configured for attachment to the upper or lower trim plate of the vehicular dashboard center column console using existing mounting locations. More specifically, the Brackus accessory bracket is designed to conform to an existing trim plate mounting area with through holes configured for alignment with existing trim plate fixation points. To utilize the Brackus device, one must remove an existing trim plate, place the bracket over the trim plate mounting area, replace the trim plate over the bracket, and then utilize the screws of the trim plate to attach the combination to the dashboard. Like the Sunderlin device, the Brackus device is problematic in that modern dashboards typically do not include trim plates of the type relied upon by this reference.  
           [0009]    What is needed is a vehicle accessory mounting bracket that can be easily attached to, and/or removed from, a modern vehicle dashboard, without drilling holes into, or otherwise mutilating the dashboard. Ideally, such a mounting bracket should be flexible enough to secure any of a number of different configurations of vehicle accessories to the vehicle dashboard, and to leave no indication that such a bracket was mounted once it is removed.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The foregoing shortcomings of known prior art accessory mounting brackets are addressed by the present invention. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an accessory mounting system comprises first and second brackets, each defining respective accessory attaching ends and opposite ends adapted for engaging each bracket&#39;s respective joint created by respective abutting structures.  
           [0011]    Another embodiment of the present invention provides an accessory mounting system for use in a single joint defined by the same abutting structures.  
           [0012]    According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for bracketing accessories to a dashboard console comprises providing first and second brackets, each defining respective accessory attaching ends and opposite ends adapted for engaging each bracket&#39;s respective joint created by respective abutting structures, inserting the opposite end of each bracket within their respective joint and attaching an accessory therebetween causing the brackets to become press-fit in place.  
           [0013]    One object of the present invention is to provide a bracket for attaching after-market accessories that conveys the look and feel of factory-attached equipment.  
           [0014]    Another object of the present invention is to provide for the mounting of after-market accessories to a vehicle dashboard or console without damaging the dashboard or console.  
           [0015]    These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sectional dashboard showing a sectional panel partially removed.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a vehicle dashboard having an after-market accessory mounted thereto, in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the bracket of the present invention and an accessory to be attached taken along section lines  3 - 3  of FIG. 2.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3B is another conformation of the bracket of the present invention taken along section lines  3 - 3  of FIG. 2.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3C is still another conformation of the bracket of the present invention taken along section lines  3 - 3  of FIG. 2.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4A is still another conformation of the bracket of the present invention taken along section lines  3 - 3  of FIG. 2.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 48 is another embodiment of the bracket of the present invention taken along section lines  3 - 3  of FIG. 2.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4C is still another embodiment of the bracket of the present invention taken along section lines  3 - 3  of FIG. 2.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is a conformation of the single bracket embodiment of the present invention taken along section lines  3 - 3  of FIG. 2.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 is still another conformation of the single bracket embodiment of the present invention taken along section lines  3 - 3  of FIG. 2.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.  
         [0027]    Referring now to FIG. 1, a molded vehicle dashboard  10  is depicted wherein dashboard  10  has a removable panel  12 . As illustrated in FIG. 1, panel  12  is partially removed. For simplicity and the purposes of illustration, dashboard  10 , as depicted in FIG. 1, has three components: two abutting structures  20  and panel  12 . This is not an illustration of any specific dashboard. FIG. 1 is illustrative for the purposes of depicting an example dashboard  10  having removable panel  12 . When affixed, panel  12  will be adjacent to, or butt up against, abutting structures  20 . These abutting structures can be other panels, the dashboard itself or, in the case of motor vehicles, another interior portion of the cab of the motor vehicle. It is contemplated that an abutting structure is any structure that abuts panel  12  when panel  12  is in its affixed position. With respect to modern motor vehicle dashboards and operator compartments, dashboard  10 , panel  12  and abutting structures  20  are typically constructed of metal, plastic or other rigid core surrounded by a softer, or padded outer material which is typically foam, soft plastic or pliable material.  
         [0028]    The surface at which abutting structure  20  butts up against, or is proximate to, panel  12  in its affixed position is depicted in FIG. 1 as joint abutting surfaces  14 . In this partially removed configuration joint abutting surfaces  14  are exposed.  
         [0029]    Panel  12  is typically positioned in the affixed configuration at attachment points  16  and  17  of dashboard  10  and attachment point  18  and  19  of panel  12  with screws, clips or other affixing means known by those skilled in the art. Regardless of the means chosen for affixing panel  12 , there remains a method of removal and replacement in order for instrument cables and wires behind panel  12  to be accessed for repair if necessary. In the affixed configuration, panel  12  appears to be in continuous alignment with adjacent structure  20 . This continuous alignment gives the dashboard of the motor vehicle a modern appearance while still allowing a mechanic or repair person to access wires and/or cables from the front of dashboard  10  by removing panel  12 .  
         [0030]    In keeping with the motor vehicle dashboard illustration of FIG. 1, by necessity panel  12  is affixed to dashboard  10  at the upper  18  and lower  19  portions. By affixing panel  12  to dashboard  10  at these portions while maintaining the smooth lines of the modern dashboard, removal of panel  12  typically begins by detaching lower portion  19 . Once lower portion  19  is detached, upper portion  18  is exposed and can then be detached from dashboard  10 . This in turn completely detaches panel  12  of the typical dashboard  10 . Because panel  12  is typically affixed to dashboard  10  at upper portion  18  and lower portion  19 , abutting surfaces  14  are free from attaching portions, or, to a certain extent, can be characterized as void.  
         [0031]    Referring now to FIG. 2, an elevational view of dashboard  10  is depicted. In this depiction dashboard  10  has a driver&#39;s side section  22 , a passenger&#39;s side section  25  and a center section  23 . One cross-sectional view is taken from FIG. 2, cross-sectional view  3 - 3 . Different embodiments of cross-sectional view  3 - 3  are depicted in FIGS.  3 - 5 . As is further illustrated in FIG. 2, when panel  12  is in its affixed position, abutting surfaces  14  of abutting structures  12  and  20  form joints  39 . Brackets  41  are shown in alignment with joints  39 . In this configuration brackets  41  are depicted bracketing accessory  28  to dashboard  10 . Cross-sectional view  3 - 3  is taken through joints  39 , brackets  41 , panel  12  and accessory  28  to fairly depict, in FIGS.  3 - 5  some of the embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0032]    Referring now to FIG. 3A, joints  39  are more clearly depicted with panel  12  shown in its affixed position. Joint  39  is defined by the void that is created between abutting structures  20  and panel  12 , when panel  12  is in this affixed position. This void, and therefore joint  39 , may have a myriad of different shapes depending on the construction is of the dashboard itself, which is dictated by the motor vehicle manufacturer. FIGS.  3 - 5  demonstrate a few of the possible configurations of joint  39 . These illustrations are not exhaustive but are meant to enable a person to practice the art of the present invention.  
         [0033]    This shape of joint  39  is complimentary to the shape of the joint engaging end  40  of bracket  41  of the present invention. As is depicted in FIG. 3A, panel  12  may have an edge extension  30 . Edge extension  30  further defines joint  39 . It follows that as edge extension  30  further defines joint  39 , joint engaging end  40  which compliments the definition of joint  39  is further defined. FIGS.  3 - 5  illustrate some of the many embodiments that joint engaging end  40  may take in light of the various conformations of joint  39 .  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3A depicts a preferred multi-bracket embodiment of the present invention. Bracket  41  has joint engaging end  40 , accessory attaching end  36  and means for accessory attachment  34 . Bracket  41  can be manufactured of any substantially rigid material such as aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron or rigid high density polyethylene or the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize other materials suitable for use in forming bracket  41 , and such other materials are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Joint engaging end  40 , in this embodiment conforms to the void of  1 o joint  39  and substantially conforms to the exterior of extension  30  of panel  12 . It is preferred that joint engaging end  40  of bracket  41  is in substantially rigid connection with accessory attaching end  36 . Accessory attaching end  36  preferably extends outwardly from panel  12  a sufficient distance to allow for attachment of accessory  28 .  
         [0035]    As represented in this preferred embodiment, accessory attaching end  36  is integrated with joint engaging end  40 . Preferably, this integration causes the movement of accessory attaching end  36  to move joint engaging end  40  in a predictable manner. Accessory  28  is attached to brackets  41  at accessory attachment  34 . It is contemplated that accessory attachment  34  may take many forms. These forms may include, but are not limited to, screw devices, hooks and loops, clips, and the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize other accessory attachment mechanisms for use with the present invention, and such other attachment mechanisms are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Accessory  28  is any after market accessory suitable for installation.  
         [0036]    In this preferred embodiment, panel  12  is removed to expose joint abutting surfaces  14 . Joint engaging end  40  of bracket  41  are placed in conformance with joints  39  and panel  12  is returned to the affixed position. Without attaching accessory  28 , opposing brackets  41  may be fixedly trapped in place merely through the pressure applied by affixing panel  12 . Regardless, as depicted in FIGS.  3 - 5 , the unobstructed brackets  41  may be moved along the vertical plane within joint  39 . It is contemplated that brackets  41  may be inserted within a joint  39  that extends along a horizontal plane. To lock brackets  41  in place, accessory  28  is attached. Upon attachment of accessory  28 , joint engaging ends  40  become press-fit in place between abutting surfaces  14 .  
         [0037]    In another preferred embodiment, the attachment of accessory  28  causes accessory attaching ends  36  of brackets  41  to move in opposition to one another, or apart. This movement of accessory attaching ends  36  has a predictable effect upon integrated joint engaging ends  40  of brackets  41 . Brackets  41  essentially pivots at the point where joint engaging ends  40  substantially conform to extensions  30 . In this preferred embodiment, because accessory attaching ends  36  are being spread apart, bracket  41  will pivot in a direction that is away from accessory  28 . The pivot of both brackets  41  away from accessory  28  upon attachment results from brackets  41  being spread apart at accessory attaching ends  36 . In this preferred embodiment, accessory attaching ends  36 , upon attachment of accessory  28 , are a greater distance apart than joint engaging ends  40 . The pivot upon extension  30  by joint engaging ends  40  locks brackets  41  in place by press-fitting joint engaging ends  40  within joints  39 .  
         [0038]    To enhance the press-fit of brackets  41 , it is contemplated that the joint engaging ends  40  may define grip enhancing surfaces to prevent displacement along joints  39 . In one embodiment, for example, joint engaging ends  40  may define knurled surfaces. Alternatively, joint engaging ends  40  may define protrusions along their surfaces, wherein such protrusions are configured to dig into or otherwise grip at least one of the abutting surfaces defining joint  39 . Alternatively still, joint engaging ends  40  may include rubber, foam or similar material adhered thereto to provide a highly frictional surface for engagement with joints  39 . Those skilled in the art will recognize other mechanisms and/or materials for enhancing the ability of joint engaging ends  40  to engage joints  39  and inhibit displacement there along, and such other mechanisms and/or materials are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. In any case, once press-fit in place, accessory  28  is attached to dashboard  10 . As an alternative-to spreading brackets  41  apart, another embodiment of the present invention contemplates the attachment of accessory  28  by moving brackets  41  toward one another wherein panel  12  is trapped therebetween and brackets  41  are press-fit in place, thereby attaching accessory  28  to dashboard  10 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIGS. 3 and 4 depict some of the multiple bracket embodiments of the present invention. These figures also depict some of the multiple conformations of joint engaging end  40  of bracket  41 . The multiple bracket embodiment of the present invention utilizes multiple brackets  41  with joint engaging ends  40  to attach accessories  28 . Brackets  41  can be used as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to attach accessories between two joints  39 . Accessories may also be bracketed between two brackets  41 , wherein each bracket utilizes the same joint  39 . The alignment of and use of multiple brackets will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0040]    Referring now to FIG. 3B, the conformation of joint engaging end  40  where abutting structure  20  has edge extension  30  and panel  12  has edge extension  30  is illustrated. Here, joint engaging end  40  conforms to joint  39 , and to the surface of extension  30 . This embodiment of the present invention may include the attachment of accessory  28  that press-fits brackets  41  in place by spreading brackets  41  apart or pulling brackets  41  together. The embodiment that spreads bracket  41  apart to press-fit brackets  41  in place in this configuration is preferred to that which pulls brackets  41  toward one another.  
         [0041]    Referring now to FIG. 3C, an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated wherein panels  12  are placed at either edge of abutting structure  20 . In this embodiment, joint engaging ends  40  conform to joints  39  and edge extensions  30 . This embodiment, while not necessary for this conformation, illustrates the use of tine  32 . Tine  32  can be used with any embodiment of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, tine  32  is an extension of material from the end of joint engaging end  40 . Tine  32  in its preferred embodiment is of a size that would hold bracket  41  in close proximity to extension  30  of which joint engaging end  40  conforms. It is contemplated that tine  32  will simplify installation by allowing an installer of the present invention to clip brackets  41  to panel  12  prior to affixing panel  12 . By being able to clip brackets  41  to panel  12 , brackets  41  will not move freely in joints  39  prior to being press-fit in place upon attachment of accessory  28 . Therefore, tine  32  can be made of a myriad of materials: metal, plastic or rubber may be utilized as well as other materials known by those having ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIG. 4, FIGS.  4 A-C demonstrate three alternative embodiments of the present invention. These figures demonstrate the differing embodiments of accessory attaching end  36  of bracket  41  in relation to joint engaging end  40 . Referring now to FIG. 4A, accessory attaching end  36  of brackets  41  extend a distance greater than the distance between joints  39  when brackets  41  are aligned in this conformation. As stated above, in its preferred embodiment, accessory  28  when attached to accessory attaching ends  36  will spread brackets  41  apart while leaving joint engaging ends  40  in substantially the same place. This results in brackets  41  being press-fit in place. It is contemplated, in another embodiment of the present invention, that the attachment of accessory  28  to brackets  41  will result in brackets  41  being drawn towards one another and thereby fixedly trapping panel  12  therebetween. It is also contemplated that this would result in brackets  41  and accessory  28  being press-fit in place and attached to dashboard  10 .  
         [0043]    Referring now to FIGS. 4B and 4C, accessory attaching ends  36  that are substantially farther apart than joints  39  are depicted. FIG. 4B illustrates accessory attaching end  36  in use with joint engaging end  40  conformations that can press-fit brackets  41  in place by either fixedly trapping panel  12  or spreading brackets  41  apart, and thereby affixing accessory  28 . In FIG. 4C, in a preferred embodiment, brackets  41  would be drawn toward one another, thereby allowing joint engaging ends  40  to pivot on extensions  30  and press-fit brackets  41  in joints  39  between panels  12  and abutting structures  20 . Of course, in another embodiment, by spreading brackets  41  apart, brackets  41  can be press-fit in place through the application of force to panels  12 .  
         [0044]    Referring now to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the present invention that can be utilized with a single joint engaging end is illustrated. This embodiment of the present invention utilizes a single joint between abutting structure  20  and panel  12  to attach accessory  28 . Bracket  41  has, in its preferred embodiment, two components: joint engaging ends  40  and accessory attaching ends  36 . Bracket  41  is a substantially rigid structure made of metal, hardened plastic or like material known to those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the metal may be stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum or other like metals. Joint engaging ends  40  are attached at attachment  52 . In a preferred embodiment, attachment  52  for attaching joint engaging ends  40  keeps the two joint engaging ends  40  attached at, at least, one point while allowing joint engaging ends  40  to be spread apart. Attachment  52  for performing this function include, but cannot be limited to, a hinge or equivalent structure. Attachment  52  diverts joint engaging ends  40  into two parts, a first part and a second part. Joint engaging ends  40  are rigidly attached to accessory attaching ends  36 . Accessory attaching ends  36  attach to accessory  28  at attachment point  34 . Accessory  28  can be attached to attaching ends  36  in several ways, including but not limited to screw-type devices, hooks and loops or clips.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 5 illustrates a single joint bracket in its press-fit position. To install the bracket and thereby the accessory according to this embodiment, panel  12  is preferably removed and joint engaging ends  40  of the present embodiment are placed in joint  39  between panel  12  and abutting structure  20 . Panel  12  is replaced thereby holding bracket  41  in place prior to installation of accessory  28 . Accessory  28  is affixed to accessory attaching ends  36  at attachment point  34 . Upon affixing accessory  28  to accessory attaching ends  36 , joint engaging ends  40  are spread apart or widened from their initial position. Upon widening, joint engaging ends  40  consume the space in joint  39  and become press-fit in place in joint  39 . Once press-fit in place, accessory  28  is attached to dashboard  10  without damaging dashboard  10  with screw devices or clamping devices. It is contemplated that joint engaging end attachment means  52  can be utilized in a manner that would cause joint engaging end  40  to be press-fit in place when accessory attaching ends  36  are drawn together upon attachment of accessory  28 .  
         [0046]    Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present invention that can be utilized with a single joint engaging end is illustrated. For purposes of illustration and in order to enable those having ordinary skill in the art, this embodiment of the present invention utilizes a single joint between abutting structures  20  to attach accessory  28 . It is contemplated that this embodiment may be utilized between abutting structure  20  and a removable panel as illustrated in FIG. 5.  
         [0047]    Bracket  41  of this embodiment has, in its preferred embodiment, two components: joint engaging ends  40  and accessory attaching ends  36 . Bracket  41  is preferably a substantially rigid structure as described hereinabove, and joint engaging ends  40  are attached at attachment point  52 . In a preferred embodiment, attachment point  52  for attaching joint engaging ends  40  keeps the two joint engaging ends  40  attached to each other while also allowing joint engaging ends  40  to be spread apart. Attachment point  52  for performing this function may include, but is not limited to, a hinge or equivalent structure.  
         [0048]    In one embodiment attachment point  52  may be a coiled structure integrated with joint engaging ends  40 . In this embodiment attachment point  52 , in a spring like conformation, exerts an outward force upon joint engaging ends  40  that causes them to move away from each other and toward abutting structures  20 . In this embodiment, joint engaging ends  40  are pressed inwardly toward each other and then fed into joint  39 . When released, joint engaging ends  40  spread outwardly under the force of spring  52  and form a press-fit with joint  39 .  
         [0049]    In an alternate embodiment, attachment point  52  acts as a hinge to convey the force of attaching the accessory attaching ends  36  of bracket  41  to accessory  28  to the joint engaging ends  40 . In one implementation of this embodiment, the attachment of the accessory attachment ends  36  of bracket  41  to accessory  28  causes accessory attaching ends  36  to spread apart. In this implementation, the spreading apart of accessory attaching ends  36  causes joint engaging ends  40  to likewise spread apart. The force required to spread apart accessory attaching ends  36  for attachment to accessory  28  is conveyed through the hinge structure  52  to joint engaging ends  40  to facilitate the press-fit of the joint engaging ends  40  within joint  39 . In an alternate implementation of this embodiment, the attachment of the accessory attachment ends  36  of bracket  41  to accessory  28  causes the accessory attaching ends to be forced inwardly toward each other. In this implementation, the inward travel of accessory attaching ends  36  toward each other causes joint engaging ends  40  to spread apart. The inward force required to attach accessory attaching ends  36  to accessory  28  is conveyed through the hinge structure  52  to act as an outward force on joint engaging ends  40  to thereby facilitate the press-fit of the joint engaging ends  40  within joint  39 . In any case, the joint engaging ends  40  of the bracket  41  illustrated in FIG. 6 may be modified with grip-enhancing surfaces, as described hereinabove, to further enhance the press-fit of joint engaging ends  40  with joint  39 .  
         [0050]    A method for bracketing accessories is also provided. The method provides for the creation of a bracket having a joint engaging end with complimentary form to that of the void of the joint created by abutting structures. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention is designed for attaching accessories to the dashboard of motor vehicles. With respect to motor vehicles, the joint engaging end constructed should have complimentary shape to the joint created between panels and abutting sections of the dashboard. This shape, once constructed, should allow the joint engaging end to be placed within the joint when a panel is removed. Once a panel is returned to its affixed position, the joint engaging end member will be fixedly trapped within the joint.  
         [0051]    The method is completed by attaching an accessory to the bracket, wherein the attachment causes the bracket to become press-fit in place. Attaching an accessory to the bracket causes the bracket to be press-fit in place by widening or thinning the distance between joint engaging ends. In the single joint attachment embodiment, the bracket method can include joint engaging ends that expand or widen within the joint to press-fit the bracket and thereby the accessory in place.  
         [0052]    It should now be apparent that the bracket of the present invention is flexible enough to be used to secure after-market accessories without leaving any indication a bracket was present upon its removal. This bracket is particularly suited for the attachment of after-market accessories such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,163 assigned to the assignee of the present invention. It is also suited for the attachment of after-market devices like CB radios, CD players, cellular phones, audio visual equipment and other after market accessories known in the art. It should be understood that the bracket of the present invention is not limited to use only in motor vehicles, and those skilled in the art will recognize other uses in which attachment of accessories is desired without permanently damaging the mounting surface while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.  
         [0053]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.