Abstract:
A motor vehicle having a cabin for one or more occupants, one said one or more occupants being a driver of the vehicle, the cabin comprising: at feast one anchor point for supporting an accessory, the anchor point comprising a receiver for receiving a corresponding adaptor of an accessory, the receiver comprising a locking means whereby an adaptor may be releasably locked to the receiver such that when in the coupled condition separation of an adaptor and the receiver is resisted unless an adaptor is first unlocked from the receiver.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to anchor points for anchoring an article at a location, in particular but not exclusively the invention relates to motor vehicles and to a method of anchoring accessories in a motor vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus, to an accessory, to an anchor point, to a method and to a vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It is known to provide anchor points at fixed locations in a cabin environment of a motor vehicle for attachment of components such as seats. The anchor points are in the form of tapped apertures that are formed either directly in a structural member of the vehicle or in a mounting bracket that is attached to a structural member. 
         [0003]    Anchor points such as D-loops for securing cargo tie-downs may be mounted in a vehicle payload area such as a boot or trunk of the vehicle. The D-loops are typically bolted or welded to a structural member in the payload area. 
         [0004]    In some known arrangements, anchor points for tie-downs and the like are provided in the form of eyes that are slidable along a fixed rail to a required position, which may depend on the size or shape of a load to be secured. 
         [0005]    If a vehicle owner wishes to install an accessory in the vehicle, it is typically necessary to install fixings for the accessory. Installation may therefore require the step of forming holes in one or more trim panels of the cabin in order to attach the fixing. It may also be necessary to form holes in one or more structural members of the vehicle. 
         [0006]    If the accessory is subsequently removed, holes drilled in trim panels are exposed and are unsightly, reducing the resale value of the vehicle. 
       STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Embodiments of the invention may be understood with reference to the appended claims. 
         [0008]    According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a motor vehicle having a cabin for one or mere occupants, the cabin comprising: at least one anchor point for supporting an accessory, the anchor point comprising a receiver for receiving a corresponding adaptor of an accessory; and an accessory having an adaptor arranged to couple the accessory to the receiver, the accessory and receiver comprising a locking means whereby the adaptor may be releasably locked to the receiver such that when in the coupled condition separation of the adaptor and the receiver is resisted unless the adaptor is first unlocked from the receiver. The locking means comprises a cam arrangement, the earn arrangement comprising: a follower portion and a cam portion, the cam portion being arranged to engage the follower portion when the adaptor is locked to the receiver. The locking means further comprises a resilient member fixedly attached to the adapter or receiver, the resilient member being arranged to urge the follower portion against the cam portion when the cam portion engages the follower portion. 
         [0009]    According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a motor vehicle having a cabin for one or more occupants, the cabin comprising: at least one anchor point for supporting an accessory, the anchor point comprising a receiver for receiving a corresponding adaptor of an accessory; and an accessory having an adaptor arranged to couple the accessory to the receiver, the accessory and receiver comprising a locking means whereby the adaptor may be releasably locked to the receiver such that when in the coupled condition separation of an adaptor and the receiver is resisted unless the adaptor is first unlocked from the receiver. The locking means comprises a cam arrangement. The receiver is coupled to an electrical power supply, the receiver being arranged to form an electrical connection to a corresponding electrical conductor of the adaptor when an adaptor is coupled to the receiver wherein electrical power may be supplied by the receiver to an accessory. 
         [0010]    According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a motor vehicle having a cabin for one or more occupants, one of said one or more occupants being a driver of the vehicle, the cabin comprising: at least one anchor point for supporting an accessory, the anchor point comprising a receiver for receiving a corresponding adaptor of an accessory; and an accessory having an adaptor arranged to couple the accessory to the receiver. The accessory and receiver comprise a locking means whereby the adaptor may be releasably locked to the receiver such that when in the coupled condition separation of the adaptor and the receiver is resisted unless the adaptor is first unlocked from the receiver. The locking means comprises a cam arrangement. 
         [0011]    It may be that the cam arrangement comprises: a follower portion and a cam portion, the cam portion being arranged to engage the follower portion when the adaptor is locked to the receiver. Where this is the case, it may he that the looking moans comprises a resilient member fixedly attached to the follower portion or the cam arrangement, the resilient member being arranged to urge the follower portion against the cam arrangement when the cam arrangement engages the follower portion. 
         [0012]    If may he that the receiver is coupled to an electrical power supply, the receiver being arranged to form an electrical connection to a corresponding electrical conductor of the adaptor when an adaptor is coupled to the receiver wherein electrical power may be supplied by the receiver to an accessory. 
         [0013]    It may be that one of said one or more occupants is a driver of the vehicle. 
         [0014]    In any of the previous embodiments, it may be that the resilient member is a helical spring. 
         [0015]    One said one or more occupants may he a driver of the vehicle. 
         [0016]    Embodiments of the invention have the advantage that an accessory may be releasably but securely installed in a vehicle cabin without damaging or compromising an appearance of trim panels or trim features of the vehicle. This is because the receiver is already mounted in the vehicle ready to receive the adapter when required. 
         [0017]    Embodiments of the invention have the advantage that a risk that an accessory inadvertently becomes detached from its anchor point is substantially eliminated. Thus, a risk that an accessory becomes detached due to mechanical vibration of the vehicle or tugging en the accessory is reduced. 
         [0018]    A resilient member fixedly attached to the adaptor or the receiver can assist in making the locking means more secure. Fixedly attaching the resilient member can help to prevent it becoming detached, and also help to prevent the resilient member moving when the locking means is not locked, and so reduce the noise which might otherwise be made by the resilient member moving, for example in the form of rattling. 
         [0019]    Advantageously the cabin may be provided with a plurality of receivers at different 
         [0020]    respective locations configured to accept like adaptors. 
         [0021]    This feature has the advantage that a user may configure the positions of accessories, of the vehicle according to the user&#39;s individual requirements or preferences. 
         [0022]    Thus, an accessory in the form of a cup holder may be sited in a suitable location for one particular cabin occupant and at a later time a different position for a different cabin occupant. Similarly an accessory bearing a cradle for supporting a mobile telecommunications device or an accessory bearing a work surface for a computer, papers or other articles may be moved to different positions as required by a user. Thus flexible and intuitive reconfiguration of the cabin may be undertaken by a user as required, enhancing utility of the vehicle and a user&#39;s enjoyment of the vehicle. 
         [0023]    The locking means comprises a cam or cam-like feature for effecting locking of the adaptor to the receiver. 
         [0024]    The cam arrangement may form part of a cam-lock arrangement. For example a cam-lock arrangement of the type employed in quarter-turn fasteners or half-turn fasteners, for example Cam-Loc (TM) quarter-turn fasteners. 
         [0025]    One of the adaptor and receiver is provided with a cam portion and the other one of the adaptor and receiver is provided with a corresponding follower portion. It may be that the locking means of the receiver comprises a follower portion arranged to engage a corresponding cam portion of locking means of the adaptor. It may be that the looking means of the adaptor comprises a follower portion arranged to engage a corresponding cam portion of a locking means of the receiver. 
         [0026]    The follower portion may comprise a pin member. 
         [0027]    Advantageously the cam arrangement may comprise a shaft member, the shaft member having one or more pin members protruding radially therefrom and arranged to engage the cam portion. 
         [0028]    The cam portion may be provided by a earn receptacle arranged to engage the one or more pin members. 
         [0029]    The adaptor may comprise a pair of pin members arranged to protrude radially from opposed sides of the shaft member. 
         [0030]    The pin members may be provided by a single cross-pin disposed to pass through a centre of the shaft. 
         [0031]    Where electrical power is supplied by the receiver to the accessory, this has the advantage that accessories requiring electrical power may he supplied with power via the anchor point, not requiring a separate, independent connection to be made to a power source. 
         [0032]    Further advantageously the adaptor and receiver may be arranged to provide an electrical flowpath therethrough by means of which electrical current may flow from a power source of the vehicle to the accessory and back to the power source. 
         [0033]    The shaft member may comprise an outer conductor and an inner conductor in electrical isolation from the outer conductor whereby the electrical flow path may be provided. 
         [0034]    Thus one conductor may be arranged to be provided at an earth potential whilst the other is arranged to be provided at a positive or negative potential with respect to earth potential. 
         [0035]    It may be that the receiver is electrically coupled to an electrical ground of the vehicle. Advantageously the outer conductor may be arranged to be electrically coupled to an electrical ground of the vehicle by means of the receiver. 
         [0036]    In the case of a vehicle having a body portion at electrical earth potential, the outer conductor may be advantageously electrically coupled to the body portion. Further advantageously the electrical coupling to the body portion may be provided locally to the anchor point. 
         [0037]    Advantageously, the vehicle may be configured wherein electrical power to the receiver is switched on when an adaptor is coupled to the receiver. 
         [0038]    For example, in the case the adaptor is coupled to the receiver in a twisting action, the twisting action may actuate an electrical switch. 
         [0039]    It may be that the adaptor is provided with an electrical conductor arranged to form an electrical connection to a receiver whereby electrical power may be supplied by a receiver to the accessory. If may further be that the adaptor is arranged to provide an electrical flowpath by means of which electrical current may flow from a power source through a receiver to the accessory and back to a power source via the receiver. 
         [0040]    The vehicle may comprise one or more receivers of a first type and one or more receivers of a second type, a receiver of the first type being arranged to couple to a corresponding adaptor of a first type, a receiver of the second type being arranged to be coupled to a corresponding adaptor of the second type. If may be that a receiver of the first type is configured not to allow a coupling to be made to an adaptor of the second type. In other words, it may be that an adaptor for coupling to the second type of receiver is arranged not to couple to a receiver of the first type. 
         [0041]    Optionally a receiver of the first type has a first load capacity and a receiver of the second type has a second load capacity greater than the first. 
         [0042]    Receivers of the first type may be arranged to be frangible under excessive loading. Thus if en accessory is pulled or knocked harshly, the receiver may break thereby reducing a risk of damage to the accessory and/or injury to an occupant. 
         [0043]    The second load capacity may correspond to a heavy duty load capacity and the first load capacity may correspond to a light duty load capacity. 
         [0044]    Thus, in some embodiments accessories requiring a heavy duty anchor point such as cargo eyes, D-loops, folding bail accessories and the like may be arranged only to be capable of coupling to receivers of the second type. 
         [0045]    In some arrangements receivers of the second type may receive adaptors of the first type. Thus, a mobile phone cradle or a cup holder arranged to be fitted to a receiver of the first type may in some arrangements be capable of coupling to a receiver of the second type. 
         [0046]    This feature increases an extent to which a user may intuitively configure his or her vehicle according to their individual requirement at a given moment in time. 
         [0047]    It may be that the one or more receivers of the first type are coupled to the electrical power supply. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments an accessory may be provided in the form of a heated cup-holder. In some embodiments a refrigerated cup-holder is provided. In some embodiments a powered storage device may be provided which may be a thermal storage device (for example a refrigerator or other refrigerated storage device), an illuminated storage device and/or a motorised storage device or other motorised and/or illuminated accessory. 
         [0049]    At present, one or more 12V sockets ere typically provided in a motor vehicle at one or more locations for providing electrical connections to an accessory such as a satellite navigation device, a mobile phone device or the like. If the accessory is to be supported in a fixed position at a given location, an additional support means must be provided such as a suction cup arranged to fee secured to a windscreen or other suitable fixing means. 
         [0050]    Some known light-weight electrical accessories such as map-lights are arranged to be supported by the 12V socket itself. However such accessories suffer the disadvantage that they may inadvertently lose power due to the plug being knocked, tugged or otherwise displaced from a fully engaged condition with respect to the socket. 
         [0051]    Advantageously the one or more receivers of the first type may be coupled to the electrical power supply. 
         [0052]    The accessory may comprise one selected from amongst a cup holder, a light source, a D-loop, a folding D-loop, a cargo eye, a grab handle, a video display mount, a mount for a handheld electrical device and a storage module. The accessory may therefore comprise a fixing means, such as a mount, a D-loop, a holder such as a cup holder, an adhesive strip or the like. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, one or more receivers may be provided at locations external to the vehicle. The receivers may be arranged to receive corresponding accessories coupled to a winch, a roof-rack, a light, a scale or ladder, an exterior light, a towbar or the like. 
         [0054]    In some arrangements, a receiver for supporting a relatively light load may be coupled to a trim panel of the vehicle. Receivers for supporting a relatively heavy load may be coupled to a structural member of the vehicle. 
         [0055]    Optionally when the accessory is coupled to the receiver a watertight seal is formed therebetween. It may be that the receiver is provided with seal means whereby when file adaptor is coupled to the receiver a watertight seal may foe provided therebetween. It may be that the adaptor is provided with seal means whereby when the adaptor is coupled to the a watertight seal may be provided therebetween. 
         [0056]    This feature has the advantage that in some embodiments a risk of short circuiting of an electrical connection between the accessory and receiver may be reduced, for example in the case of exposure to liquid such as due to spillage or introduction of rain into the vehicle cabin through an open door or window. 
         [0057]    Advantageously a visual indicator may be provided to indicate when the accessory is correctly coupled to the receiver. 
         [0058]    The indicator may be operable to assume a first state when an accessory is not coupled to the receiver and a second state when an accessory is coupled to the receiver. 
         [0059]    The indicator may be one selected from amongst a mechanical indicator and an electrical indicator. 
         [0060]    The indicator may for example be a mechanical button or an electrical lamp. 
         [0061]    Other means for providing an indication that the accessory is correctly installed are also useful. For example, a distinctive audible sound such as a click when the adaptor becomes locked or any other suitable indication is also useful. 
         [0062]    The locking means may be operable to be released by means of a key member. 
         [0063]    Optionally the locking means is operable to be locked by means of the key member. 
         [0064]    Optionally the receiver is configured to receive the key member to actuate the locking means. Optionally the adaptor is configured to receive the key member to actuate the locking means. 
         [0065]    Advantageously the receiver may be further arranged to be looked to an adaptor by means of a second locking means. 
         [0066]    Further advantageously the second locking means may be operable to be released by means of a second locking means key member. 
         [0067]    Optionally the second locking means is operable to be locked by means of the second locking means key member. 
         [0068]    Further optionally the receiver is configured to receive the second key member to actuate the second locking means. Optionally the adaptor is configured to receive the second key member to actuate the second locking means. 
         [0069]    The second locking means may comprise a cam arrangement. 
         [0070]    Advantageously the vehicle may comprise a seat having a plurality of receivers, the receivers being arranged to allow an accessory having a corresponding plurality of adaptors to be coupled to a back of the seat. 
         [0071]    Further advantageously the seat may comprise three receivers arranged to allow an accessory to be coupled to a back of the seat. 
         [0072]    It may he that the accessory comprises a plurality of adaptors arranged to couple to a corresponding plurality of receivers of a motor vehicle, it may be that the accessory comprises three adaptors arranged to couple to three corresponding receivers of a motor vehicle, if may further he that the accessory comprises a mount adapted to support at least one selected from amongst an entertainment module, a work surface and a child restraint. 
         [0073]    In some arrangements one or more receivers may be sited in an under-bonnet area of the vehicle to support an accessory to facilitate maintenance. For example, to support a servicing tool, a repair tool an inspection lamp, a computing device, a workable or any other suitable accessory. 
         [0074]    In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a motor vehicle having a cabin for one or more occupants, one of said one or more occupants being a driver of the vehicle, the cabin comprising: at least one anchor point for supporting an accessory, the anchor point comprising a receiver as described above. The receiver is suitable for cooperation with an adaptor as described above. 
         [0075]    In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an accessory haying an adaptor as described above, the adaptor being suitable for cooperation with a receiver of an anchor point of a vehicle as described above. 
         [0076]    In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing an accessory in a motor vehicle comprising: providing an accessory having an adaptor arranged to couple the accessory to a corresponding receiver of the motor vehicle thereby to support the accessory; and releasably locking the adaptor to the receiver by means of locking means whereby separation of the adaptor end receiver is resisted unless the locking means is first unlocked. The locking means comprises a cam arrangement, the cam arrangement comprising: a follower portion and a cam portion. The locking means further comprises a resilient member fixedly attached to the adaptor or the receiver. Releasably locking the adaptor to the receiver comprises engaging the follower portion with the cam portion such that the resilient member urges the follower portion against the cam portion. 
         [0077]    In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing an accessory in a motor vehicle comprising: providing an accessory having an adaptor arranged to couple the accessory to a corresponding receiver of the motor vehicle thereby to support the accessory; and releasably locking the adaptor to the receiver by means of locking means whereby separation of the adaptor and receiver is resisted unless the locking means is first unlocked. The locking means comprises a cam arrangement. The receiver is coupled to an electrical power supply, and releasably locking the adaptor to the receiver comprises forming an electrical connection between the receiver and a corresponding electrical conductor of the adaptor, wherein electrical power may be supplied by the receiver to an accessory. 
         [0078]    The method may further comprise the step of providing electrical power to the accessory by means of the receiver. 
         [0079]    In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fastening system, the fastening system comprising: at least one anchor point for supporting an accessory, the anchor point comprising a receiver for receiving a corresponding adaptor of an accessory; and an accessory having an adaptor arranged to couple the accessory to the receiver, the accessory and receiver comprising a locking means whereby the adaptor may be releasably locked to the receiver such that when in the coupled condition separation of the adaptor and the receiver is resisted unless the adaptor is first unlocked from the receiver. The locking means comprises a cam arrangement, the cam arrangement comprising: a follower portion and a cam portion, the cam portion being arranged to engage the follower portion when the adaptor is locked to the receiver. The locking means further comprises a resilient member fixedly attached to the adaptor or receiver, the resilient member being arranged to urge the follower portion against the cam portion when the cam portion engages the follower portion. 
         [0080]    According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fastening system, the fastening system comprising: at least one anchor point for supporting an accessory, the anchor point comprising a receiver for receiving a corresponding adaptor of an accessory; and an accessory having an adaptor arranged to couple the accessory to the receiver, the accessory and receiver comprising a locking means whereby the adaptor may be releasably locked to the receiver such that when in the coupled condition separation of an adaptor and the receiver is resisted unless the adaptor is first unlocked from the receiver. The locking means comprises a cam arrangement. The receiver is coupled to an electrical power supply, the receiver being arranged to form an electrical connection to a corresponding electrical conductor of the adaptor when an adaptor is coupled to the receiver wherein electrical power may be supplied by the receiver to an accessory. 
         [0081]    A fastening system as described above may be provided to a vehicle. 
         [0082]    Embodiments of the invention have the advantage that an accessory requiring electrical power may he releasably but securely installed in a location such as a cabin of a vehicle without damaging or compromising an appearance of trim panels or trim features of the vehicle. This is because the receiver is already mounted in the vehicle ready to receive the adaptor when required. Furthermore, no separate power supply connection need be provided. Rather, the anchor point itself provides electrical power to the accessory by means of the adaptor. 
         [0083]    Embodiments of the invention have the advantage that a risk that an accessory inadvertently becomes detached from the anchor point is substantially eliminated. Thus, a risk that mechanical vibrations or tugging on the accessory cause an accessory to be released is reduced. 
         [0084]    Within the scope of this application if is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives: set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, except where there is incompatibility of features. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0085]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
           [0086]      FIG. 1  shows an accessory having an adaptor according to an embodiment of the invention for coupling to a receiver according to an embodiment of the invention: 
           [0087]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a receiver according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0088]      FIG. 3  shows (a) an accessory before being coupled to a receiver and (b) the accessory after being coupled to the receiver; 
           [0089]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an adaptor and a portion of a corresponding receiver according to a further embodiment of the invention having means for providing electrical power to the accessory; 
           [0090]      FIG. 5  shows a rear portion of a vehicle interior according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0091]      FIG. 6  shows a rear floor portion of a vehicle interior according to the embodiment of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0092]      FIG. 1  shows an accessory  110  according to an embodiment of the present invention having an adaptor  120  arranged o be coupled to a receiver  150 . 
         [0093]    The adaptor  120  has a substantially cylindrical shaft member  122  extending from a base  121  of the adaptor  120 , the shaft member  122  having a cross-pin (or T-bar)  124  extending radially from opposed sides thereof close to a first end  122 A of the shaft member  122 . The first end  122 A is opposite a second end  1228  where the shaft member  122  meets the base  121 . 
         [0094]    An annular washer member  128  is provided around the shaft member  122 . Between the washer member  128  and base  121  a spring member  128  is provided, the spring member  128  being arranged to urge the washer member  128  away from the base  121  if the washer member  126  is moved towards the base  121  against the action of the spring member  128 . This feature promotes an increased stability of support of the accessory  110  by the receiver  150  in use as described below. 
         [0095]    The receiver  150  comprises a face plate  152  having an aperture therein having a shape corresponding to that of a cross-sectional area of the shaft member  122  and cross-pin  124 . The face plate  152  provides a guide to guide a user in correct insertion of the adaptor  120  into the receiver  150 , as well as improving an aesthetic appearance of the receiver  150  as installed. 
         [0096]    Behind the face plate  152  a cam receptacle  154  is provided through which the shaft  122  is arranged to be passed. A rear face  154 R of the receptacle  154  is shaped to bear a pair of cam formations  156  at rotationally opposite positions of the rear face  154 R, and a corresponding pair of stop formations  158 . 
         [0097]    The receiver  150  is arranged to allow the adaptor  120  to be inserted therein in an axial direction of the shaft member  122 . Once the shaft member  122  has been inserted a sufficient distance the washer member  126  is urged against the spring member  128 . 
         [0098]    The shaft member  122  may then be rotated (in the embodiment shown the shaft member  122  is rotated in a clockwise direction) to lock the adaptor  120  to the receiver  150 . As the shaft member  122  is rotated the cross-pin  124  slides along cam surface  156  drawing the shaft  122  former into the receiver  150 . After rotation through substantially a quarter turn (around 90°) the cress-pin  124  reaches a distal end of the cam surface at which a cam shoulder  156 S is provided. The shoulder  156 S is shaped to allow the shaft member  122  to retract a short distance out of the receiver  150  as it slides along the shoulder  156 S. Under the influence of the spring element  128  the shaft member  122  retracts until further rotation of the cross-pin  124  is constrained by the buffer element  158 . The cross-pin  124  is then effectively trapped or ‘locked’ between the cam shoulder  156 S and buffer element  158 . 
         [0099]    If is to be understood that tugging on the accessory  110  in an axial direction of the shaft  122  does not result in axial translation of the accessory  110  because the accessory  110  is trapped by abutment of the cross-pin  124  with the rear face  154 R of the cam receptacle  154 . Furthermore, rotation of the shaft  122  in en anticlockwise direction to release the accessory  110  is resisted by the cam shoulder  156 S, locking the accessory to the receiver  150 . 
         [0100]    To release the accessory, sufficient torque must be applied to the shaft  122  in the anticlockwise direction. Axial pressure may also be placed on the shaft  122  to urge the shaft info the receiver  150  and ease removal of the adaptor  120  as the cross-pin  124  follows the shoulder  156 S of the cam surface  158  before the shaft  122  is able to be rotated further and withdrawn. 
         [0101]    It is to be understood that when the adaptor is in the locked condition the base  121  compresses the spring element  128  urging the washer member  126  against the face plate  152  of the receiver  150 . This has the effect of increasing a stiffness of the coupling between the accessory  110  and receiver  150 . Thus mechanical vibration of the receiver is less likely to result in relative movement between the accessory  110  and receiver  150 , which may induce rattling, excess wear, damage to the accessory or increase a risk that inadvertent decoupling of the accessory and receiver takes place. 
         [0102]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 1  the adaptor  120  and receiver  150  are formed from a metallic material such as steel. Other materials are also useful. 
         [0103]      FIG. 3  shows an accessory  210  according to a further embodiment of the invention. Like features of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  to that of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  are provided with like reference signs prefixed numeral  2  instead of numeral  1 . 
         [0104]    The accessory  210  is configured to hold a mobile telephone and has a cradle  210 C formed from an injection moulded plastics material for supporting the telephone. 
         [0105]    A shaft  222  of the adaptor  220  of the accessory  210  has a pair of washer members  226  formed from a low-friction plastics material such as Teflon™ or the like instead of a spring member  128 , a pair of resiliency flexible washer members  227  of frusto-conical shape are arranged with their apices in mutual abutment whereby axial pressure on washer members  226  towards the cradle  210 C causes resilient compression of the resilient washer members  227 . 
         [0106]    Other arrangements for increasing a stiffness of the coupling between the accessory  210  and receiver  250  are also useful. 
         [0107]      FIG. 4  shows a portion of an adaptor  320  arranged to allow electrical connection between a receiver and an accessory (not shown) of which the adaptor  320  is part. 
         [0108]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 4  the shaft  322  is foamed from a hollow steel tube. An electrical conductor core member  333  disposed therein parallel to a cylinder axis A of the shaft  322 . An insulating liner  331  is provided between the shaft  322  and core member  333  to electrically isolate the core member  333  and shaft  322 . 
         [0109]    A tip of the core member  333  at a first end of the shaft  322  being a free end thereof protrudes axially from the shaft  322  to contact an electrical contact pad  362  of the receiver. The contact pad  382  is resiliently coupled to a conducting support portion  386  by means of a conducting spring element  364 . The contact pad  362  is arranged such that when the adaptor  320  is coupled to the receiver the contact pad  362  is urged against the core member  333  whereby a reliable electrical connection may be formed between the adaptor  320  and receiver. 
         [0110]    Embodiments of the invention have the advantage that an accessory may be coupled to a load-bearing anchor point such that a load-bearing connection is made between the accessory and the anchor point, whilst at the same time allowing electrical power to be supplied to the accessory via the same coupling. Thus, embodiments of the invention have the advantage that only a single connection is required to be made between an accessory and the vehicle in order to provide both structural support and electrical power to the accessory. 
         [0111]    In some embodiments, receivers are provided in a vehicle that are arranged to support relatively low loads imposed by an accessory and to provide electrical power to the accessory. Such receivers may be located for example in door panels, seat backs, a dashboard, a centre console, or at any other suitable location. In some embodiments the receivers (and/or adaptors) are arranged to be frangible whereby excessive tugging on an accessory or impact on an accessory allows the accessory to become detached from the receiver. 
         [0112]    In some embodiments receivers are provided in a vehicle in addition or instead that are able to support relatively high loads imposed by an accessory and not to provide electrical power although in some arrangements such receivers may also provide electrical power. 
         [0113]    Such receivers may be located for example in a floor of the vehicle, a payload area behind one or more rearmost seats, in B, C or D pillars of the vehicle or any other suitable location. 
         [0114]      FIG. 5  shows a portion of an interior of a cabin  101  of a vehicle showing C and D pillars  101 C,  101 D of the vehicle respectively. A C-post receiver  150 C is mounted to the C-post and available for a user to attach an accessory thereto whilst the D-post similarly has a receiver  150 D mounted thereto. 
         [0115]      FIG. 6  shows a floor panel  101 F of a boot area of the cabin  101 . Forward and rearward floor panel receivers  150 FF,  150 FR are provided along left and right sides of the floor panel  101 F. 
         [0116]    In the embodiment shown the receivers  150 C,  150 D,  150 FF,  150 FR are heavy duty receivers arranged to bear relatively high loads associated with securing of a cargo in the boot area. Thus accessories bearing one or more D-loops, folding bails, cargo eyes or any other suitable load bearing accessory such as adaptors of a deg guard, tool box, other storage article or the like may be arranged to be connected thereto. 
         [0117]    In some embodiments, a receiver arranged to provide an electrical connection may also receive an adaptor of an accessory not requiring electrical power, in order to prevent an electrical connection being made to such an adaptor the contact pad  382  of the receiver may be provided at a location such that the shaft  122 ,  222  of an adaptor  120 ,  220  arranged not to form an electrical connection to the receiver does not make contact to the contact pad  382 . Thus, in adaptors that are arranged to make electrical connection the axial conductor  333  may be arranged to project a greater distance beyond the cross-pin  324  than the shaft  322  of an adaptor of a non-powered accessory, such that electrical connection may be made to the contact pad  362 . 
         [0118]    If is to be understood that other designs of adaptor are useful in addition to those described above. For example, other latch arrangements are also useful including latches of the spring-loaded bearing type. 
         [0119]    It is to be understood that receivers and adaptors according to embodiments of the present invention by means of which electrical power is supplied to an accessory comprising the adaptor may be deployed in a range of applications including cargo bays of vans, trucks, transport containers, buildings, aircraft and marine vessels. Embodiments of the invention may also be useful in other applications. 
         [0120]    Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. 
         [0121]    Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. 
         [0122]    Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.