Patent Abstract:
The invention relates to a conversion system and method of converting a vehicle into a police car or similar emergency vehicle in a manner which is easily installed and removed and designed so that it causes no damage to the vehicle, thereby improving the resale value of the vehicle upon termination of the lease or retirement of the vehicle from service.

Full Description:
[0001]    The present invention relates to the conversion of a vehicle for a special purpose, such as with a police car or similar emergency vehicle, taxi or the like. More specifically, the invention relates to a conversion system and method of converting a vehicle in a manner which allows specialized equipment to be easily installed and removed and without causing permanent damage or alteration of the vehicle, thereby enabling such a vehicle to be leased and improving the resale value of the vehicle upon termination of the lease or retirement of the vehicle from special service.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    A wide variety of vehicles must be converted for a special use, such as police and emergency vehicles. Police vehicles are a familiar sight to virtually all people through the United States and other industrialized nations. Police cars in particular have become extremely familiar and visible as they patrol various areas through the country. In addition to the typical police car, other agencies having somewhat similar functions and needs often maintain police car type vehicles in a patrol function. Other vehicles such as emergency vehicles including firefighting vehicles and equipment as well as ambulances and even taxis must be converted in various ways for their particular function. Such vehicles in many cases utilize many similar systems to one another, and may have similar conversion requirements.  
           [0003]    In practice, police agencies and other similar agencies produce patrol cars by converting more or less standard automobiles to patrol cars in a process best described as custom installation of the emergency and police equipment. This process has proven to be time consuming and costly and requires significant capital. In addition, the creation of custom installations for each patrol car renders the maintenance process more costly and difficult, thereby increasing capitol requirements and operational and maintenance costs of their fleets, it would be advantageous if departments and agencies could lease their vehicles. Finance companies or other entities are unwilling or reluctant to lease vehicles for such special purposes, or lease rates are increased dramatically, due to the custom conversion for the desired purpose. Before this invention, such custom conversion causes permanent damage and alteration of the vehicle. Due to such alterations, the vehicles are substantially devalued for subsequent lease or sale to typical consumers.  
           [0004]    Extensive modifications are required in order to convert a standard vehicle into a police car or similar emergency vehicle. In today&#39;s high technology world, an assortment of equipment must be installed to meet the in-service needs and requirements of the users. This equipment may include video cameras and recorders, radios, sirens, scanners, computers, printers, radar guns, light bars or other lighting units, antennas, control panels, electronic readouts, cellular phones, equipment compartments, weapon racks, officer protection barriers, and various other accessories. All of this equipment must somehow be mounted in the vehicle in a manner which is convenient to the person operating the vehicle without reducing driver comfort or safety. While many of these devices are mounted on or associated with the vehicle frame or dashboard, additional steel brackets, posts, flanges and adapters are employed for mounting of such equipment. The mounting hardware permanently defaces the vehicles when the equipment is removed, resulting in the substantial devaluing of the vehicle. In addition, many of these devices require running of special wiring for delivery of power and for communication purposes. The additional wiring is typically spliced into the existing—OEM wiring of the vehicle when the new system is attached. This may result in overloading the existing wiring structure or cause other electrical problems after installation or when the additional wiring is removed. The significant changes and modifications of the vehicle typically performed which also usually result in the voiding of the vehicle warranty.  
           [0005]    Another concern is the passenger area of the vehicle, such as the rear seat area. This area often must be cleaned for sanitary reasons. The repetitive cleaning of these areas will increase the downtime of the vehicle and result in excessive wear and tear, thus decreasing the vehicle resale value.  
           [0006]    These factors provide a dilemma to the fleet manager or the like whose task it is to provide the appropriately equipped vehicles for a department or agency at a minimum cost, minimal maintenance and minimal vehicle downtime for conversion and equipment installation. As a consequence, there remains a need for a simple and cost effective conversion system and method for mounting the conversion equipment required in a vehicle, while not permanently damaging or altering the vehicle. Further, there is a need for a conversion system and method which allows problems associated with custom conversions to be overcome.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0007]    Based upon the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a conversion system and method for converting a vehicle in a manner which maintains the integrity of the vehicle and particularly of the original equipment manufacturer=s electrical system and housings. The system can be easily installed and removed and does not deface the vehicle surfaces, thereby retaining the value for subsequent lease or resale of the vehicle, and reducing the total cost of operation of the vehicle as well. The system and method further eliminates voiding the warranty issues resulting from permanent alterations to the vehicle.  
           [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a simplified and cost-effective conversion system and method for converting a vehicle into a police car or similar emergency vehicle using standardized parts which are easily installed, removed and reused in other like-vehicle models.  
           [0009]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a conversion system and methods which supports and facilitates receipt of a wide variety of special purpose equipment, but does not limit vehicle performance, drive comfort, efficiency, and safety, and also enhances the roominess and storage capacity of the vehicle.  
           [0010]    The invention disclosed and described herein provides a conversion system and method for converting a vehicle comprising an independent wiring harness, conduit/console assembly, light bar mount, trunk storage and communication area, strobe system, rear strobe deck lights or other equipment. For vehicles converted for use for transporting detainees, a custom barrier and rear seat and floor replacement module are included in the conversion. The system elements are designed of standard parts to be easily installed and removed from the vehicle. The elements are attached to the vehicle in a manner not damaging or defacing to the vehicle surfaces.  
           [0011]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conduit/console assembly and trunk elements of the present invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective and side views of the roof mounting system and base plate for mounting equipment of the present invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the barrier including shelf and gun lock system of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rear seat replacement module of the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the harness conduit of the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7A is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7B is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the trunk system and ancillary equipment of the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is aspect of the wiring schematic of the independent wiring harness of the present invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is another aspect of the wiring schematic.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is another aspect of the wiring schematic.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is another aspect of the wiring schematic.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is another aspect of the wiring schematic.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 13 is a simplified wiring schematic of the parcel shelf air circulation fan.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 14 is a simplified schematic of the ignition power trigger to the glove box relays.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 15 is a simplified schematic of the ignition power from the glove box relays.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 16 is a simplified schematic of the ignition and battery power fuses of the glove box fuse/relay center.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 17 is a simplified schematic of the battery power from the glove box fuse/relay center.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 18 is a simplified schematic of the ignition power trigger to the trunk relays.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 19 is a simplified schematic of the ignition power from the trunk fuse/relay center.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 20 is a simplified schematic of the battery power from the trunk fuse/relay center.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 21 is a simplified schematic of the ignition and battery power from the fuses of the trunk fuse/relay center.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 22 is a simplified schematic of the location of the various fuses in the independent wiring harness.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 23 is a simplified schematic of the extra circuits from the trunk fuse/relay center to the console.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 24 is a simplified schematic of the extra OEM circuits from the engine compartment to the console.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 25 is a simplified schematic of the B-pillar light circuit. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0038]    Turning now to the Figures, one embodiment of the invention is shown in conjunction with a standard vehicle  10 , such as a four-door sedan, wherein the conversion system provides desired functionality for use of the vehicle as an emergency or other special purpose vehicle. Referring now to FIG. 1, the vehicle  10  is shown to be converted for use as a police vehicle, wherein the conversion system according to the invention allows modification of the standard vehicle  10  to this specialized purpose without permanent alteration of the visible surfaces of standard vehicle  10 , which would devalue the vehicle for subsequent use. In general, the conversion system according to the invention to allow conversion of a vehicle to a police vehicle could include a variety of elements depending upon the needs of the user. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the conversion system may include a console assembly  14  which allows mounting of accessories as will be hereinafter described in more detail. Further, as various special purpose vehicles require the addition of electronic and communications equipment mounted adjacent the driver or in other locations in the vehicle, an independent wiring harness  152  allows for such adaptation without interference with the wiring in the standard vehicle  10 . In this manner, any potential problems, which could be created upon tapping into the existing wiring scheme of vehicle  10 , are avoided. The independent wiring harness  152  may be configured to extend through a conduit  32  in the passenger area of the vehicle to protect the harness and occupants, which will be described in more detail hereafter. The wiring harness  152  may thus be coupled to equipment positioned at various locations about the vehicle  10 , again without permanent alteration of the original vehicle  10  or wiring scheme provided therein. In one embodiment, a trunk system  30  may be provided to allow positioning of additional equipment or supplies in the trunk area of the vehicle  10 , with power supplied to any such equipment via independent wiring harness  152  accessed by means of the conduit  32  which extends to the trunk region. A pivotable wire suspension arm  34  may be provided to allow the wire harness  152  to travel without interference. The trunk system  30  may further include integrated storage boxes generally indicated at  43 , as well as other integrated structures to facilitate use for a particular purpose. Another optional feature of the converted vehicle shown in FIG. 1 for a desired special purpose, a barrier system generally indicated at  58  is provided to separate the forward and rear portions of vehicle  10  as in a typical police vehicle. The barrier system  58  again is installed securely without permanent alteration of the vehicle  10 , by means of integral brackets designed to couple into existing structures on or adjacent the floor or sides of the vehicle. Alternatively, separate mounting brackets may be used to attach other types of barriers.  
         [0039]    Additional equipment which may be provided in conjunction with a police vehicle as shown in FIG. 1 may include a rear deck strobe light/flasher system  160  or other light system mounted in the rear compartment of the vehicle adjacent the rear window at the parcel shelf  112  or other location. A strobe mounting plate and cover may be mounted to existing attachment locations to facilitate this. Each of these systems as well as other details of the preferred embodiment will be understood as the description proceeds.  
         [0040]    Turning to FIG. 2, the console assembly  14  as well as trunk system  30  is shown in more detail. The console assembly  14  is adapted to be mounted between the front seats  12  (location only shown) of the vehicle  10 . This is an area which is easily accessible to the driver and as such is the perfect location for communications equipment. The console assembly  14  preferably comprises a console  16  having a base plate  18  and mounting legs  22 . The console assembly  14  attaches to the vehicle  10  at existing mounting points, such as the standard vehicle seat mounts (not shown), through apertures  20  at the ends of the mounting legs  22 . This allows the console assembly  14  to be securely attached to the vehicle without requiring the addition of brackets, which may deface the vehicle. The base plate  18  is preferably formed with a series of apertures  24  to allow various equipment to be attached thereto. An armrest  26  is preferably integral with and attached to the console  16  at an end of the base plate  18 . The armrest  26  is preferably constructed of steel with a rubberized surface for long term durability. The armrest  26  is also preferably hinged so it can be flipped up for easy access to the console  16  and equipment mounted thereon. An aperture  28  through the center of the base plate  18  allows for access to the preferred independent wiring harness  152  of the conversion system. The independent wiring harness  152  is separate from the original equipment wiring of the vehicle  10  and is directly connected to the battery  150  of the vehicle  10 , and preferably with a positive-negative ground. The independent wiring harness  152  is used to provide power to all of the ancillary emergency vehicle add-on components (not shown) such as video cameras and recorders, radios, sirens, scanners, computers, printers, radar guns, lighting units, antennas, control panels, electronics readouts, cellular phones, equipment compartments, gun locks, and various other accessories. No splicing into the original equipment wiring harness is required. The various wires of the harness  152  are connected to fuse boxes  154 ,  156  which may be attached to the console  16  for easy access or positioned at another location in relation to the wiring harness  152 . As shown in FIG. 1, the wiring harness  152  may be operatively connected to the battery  150  of the vehicle, and may conveniently couple power to strobe bulbs  162  in the front parking lenses and rear strobe bulbs  170  of the vehicle  10 . The harness  152  may also include a siren wire pre-run at  164 , isolating fuses  168  associated with the power and ground wires, and prewired strobe conductor cables  172 .  
         [0041]    The conduit/console assembly  14  also preferably comprises a conduit  32  associated with the console  16  an extending rearwardly from the console  16  to the trunk system  30 . The conduit  32  may be supported on the bottom floor of the vehicle interior and extend under a rear seat module (to be described hereafter) and to a position behind the rear seats to the trunk access opening provided in standard vehicle  10 . In this manner, the independent wiring harness  152  extends rearward to the trunk system  30  through the conduit  32  with various hook-up points for easy component installation. Additionally, at a point adjacent the trunk of the vehicle, the wiring harness may be supported by a pivotable suspension arm  34  as shown in FIG. 1, to avoid interference with equipment or access to the trunk region. The conduit  32  may consist of two separate, side by side, channels  36 , one for the wiring harness  152  and the other as an extra channel for additional wires for future needs. Alternatively, one of the separate channels  36  could be selectively coupled to the air handling or circulation system of vehicle  10  to allow climate control in the trunk area. This may be particularly important if electrical equipment is positioned in the trunk. The conduit/console assembly  14  and the independent wiring harness  152  can be easily disconnected and removed without damage to the vehicle  10 .  
         [0042]    The vehicle conversion system may also comprise a trunk system  30 . The trunk system  36  preferably includes an air circulation system  250  (shown in FIG. 1), for circulating heating or cooling air to the trunk region to maintain a desired environment for equipment positioned in the trunk. A lower trunk assembly  38  may comprise a drop-in frame  40  which is supported by the interior walls and the bottom of the standard trunk such that the lower trunk assembly  38  is securely positioned without being fixably attached to the vehicle  10  with brackets. A support or tray  42  may be provided, which in the preferred embodiment is slidable laterally along tracks  44  attached to opposite sides of the frame  40  to enable access to tools or a spare tire stored beneath the tray  42 . The sides  46  of the lower trunk assembly  38  may include integrated side storage boxes  48  for additional storage space. The upper trunk assembly  50  comprises a frame  52  which is preferably fixably attached to the uprights of the trunk lid mechanism such that when the upper trunk assembly  50  is removed, there will be no defacement of the vehicle evident. The upper trunk assembly  50  may comprise a slide tray  54  which can slide in and out on tracks  56  connected to the frame  52  for easy servicing of equipment or access to equipment mounted in conjunction with the lower or upper trunk assemblies in the trunk. It is contemplated that the tray be used for the spare tire, computers or other equipment.  
         [0043]    The use of a trunk system may require that the trunk assemblies be configured to not impede the function of the trunk to form a crumple zone in case of accident. The trunk assembly or assemblies and components thereof are therefore preferably designed to crumple in a manner similar to the trunk region, and more specifically, the frames  40  and  52 , the trays or supports  42  and  54  and the like, are designed to crumple in a manner to not impede the function of this crumple zone in the vehicle.  
         [0044]    The air circulation system  250  may comprise at least one fan  252 , which may be mounted in the existing speaker housings  264  or otherwise mounted. The fan  252  may be configured to pull air from the vehicle interior to the trunk. The air circulation system  250  will ensure that any communications equipment in the trunk does not overheat by circulating cool air from the air conditioned vehicle interior. In cold conditions the fans  252  prevent condensation by circulating warm air from the heated vehicle interior. Again, the conduit  32  could also provide air circulation to the trunk area if desired.  
         [0045]    The emergency vehicle conversion system may also comprise an exterior mounting system  102  for lights, spotlights, antennas, radar, video cameras or other accessories or equipment. FIGS. 3A and 3B shows a roof mounting system  102 . A standard accessory (not shown) is attached to a base plate  104  of system  102 . The base plate  104  is preferably made of aluminum or a molded composite material with a metallic channel or sheet material molded integrally therewith for electrical grounding purposes. Providing an electrical ground in conjunction with plate  104  simplifies hook up of electrical equipment in the system  102  without requiring holes to be drilled in the vehicle to provide grounding. The base plate  104  is preferably configured with a curved shape to match the roof configuration of vehicle  10  and conform to the curvature of the roof. The base plate  104  to be mounted on the roof, spans the vehicle roof exterior  106 . Alternatively, the base plate  104  could be dimensioned to mount on the exterior of the trunk, quarter panel or other exterior location. The edges of the base plate  104  may be attached to the roof of vehicle  10 , in association with the standard drip molding or otherwise if no drip molding is present, on either side using brackets or other suitable fasteners (not shown) which do not require alteration of the vehicle  10 . Any wiring for the accessory equipment may be connected to wiring harness  152  and extends through an aperture  108  (shown in FIG. 1) in the exterior surface of one or both of the B pillars  110  of the vehicle  10 , and up and around the edge of the roof to the base plate  104 . Additional base plates  104  could also be used to mount other equipment, as segregation of the equipment may be necessary to prevent radio interference. It should also be recognized that other exterior mounting locations could be accommodated with appropriate fastening systems. The accessory device is attached to the vehicle exterior without defacing any of the visible surfaces by means of system  102 . The aperture  108  which may be formed in the B pillar may be finished with a rubber grommet when the wiring is removed, leaving the vehicle  10  substantially as originally manufactured. It should also be apparent that a similar base plate mounting system may be used for mounting of other equipment in special purpose vehicle, such as a roof mounted light standard typically on taxi cabs, or other equipment for special purpose vehicles.  
         [0046]    A strobe system  160  comprising additional front strobe bulbs  162  positioned in the parking light lens  166 , may be connected to the wiring harness  152 . Rear deck strobe lights  258  may be mounted on the on the rear deck of the passenger compartment, and rear strobe lights  170  positioned at the location  17  in the rear turn signals. The rear deck strobe lights  258  are secured to a strobe mounting plate  180 , which is mounted on an existing attachment area such as the rear parcel shelf  112  in vehicle  10 . The lights are protected from the interior of the vehicle by a rear strobe cover  182  which also prevents flash back toward the interior of the vehicle.  
         [0047]    When the emergency vehicle is to be used for transportation of detainees, a barrier may be included in the vehicle conversion system as indicated in FIG. 4. A barrier  58  is installed behind the front seats  12  in order to separate the front seating cabin from the rear seating cabin of the vehicle  10 . The barrier  58  comprises in the preferred embodiment a tubular steel frame member  62  attached at both ends to reinforced floor base plates  64  which are bolted into the floor  66  of the vehicle  10  at standard sites in the original vehicle. The barrier  58  may be secured to the roof  68  of the vehicle  10  through attachment plates  70  are used to secure the top of the barrier  58  to the roof. Integrated or separate brackets may be used to connect any style of barrier at the top, bottom and/or sides of the vehicle, to secure the barrier  58  in the desired position, using existing mounting holes on the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom half  72  of the barrier  58  is preferably made of sheet material. The barrier may be made of a custom-formed composite material or other lightweight sheet material. The top half  74  of the barrier  58  is preferably made of a see through material such as a vacuum formed Lexan. A window aperture  76  may be cut into the center of the top half  74  of the barrier  58 . The window aperture  76  can be closed by sliding an attached screen  80  over the window aperture  76  or by sliding an attached clear window  82  over the window aperture  76 . A top portion  84  of the frame member  62  is offset from the rest of the barrier  58  and defines a shelf  86  accessible from the front cabin  60  only. The shelf  86  may be used to store a weapon such as a shotgun or rifle. The weapon is secured on the shelf by a gun lock  78  of a known design. The shelf allows the weapon to be stored out of the way of safety devices such as air bags and provides additional room for other equipment and does not impede upon the passengers in the front of the vehicle.  
         [0048]    In certain circumstances, the shape and material of rear seat replacement module  88  as shown in FIG. 5 may inhibit easy routing of wire harness  152  through conduit  32  to the trunk area of vehicle  10 . To facilitate routing of wire harness  152 , conduit  32  may comprise a cloth section  116  as shown in FIG. 6 which conforms to the available space beneath rear set replacement module  88 . Section  116  may be constructed of cloth or any other flexible, collapsible material that will fit under module  88 . In this way, wire harness  152  may be routed through conduit  32  via a section  114  located on the center driveline area from the front seat area to the back seat area, then through cloth section  116  under seat module  88 , and to the trunk area through a connector  118 .  
         [0049]    If the conversion system is designed for an emergency vehicle, such a vehicle may be used for transportation of detainees or patients, which may cause soiling of the vehicle. To facilitate such use, a rear seat replacement module  88  is included in the vehicle conversion system  11  as shown in FIG. 5. One or both sides of the standard rear seats (not shown) are preferably replaced by a rear seat replacement module  88 . The rear seat replacement module  88  comprises a formed bench seat  90  on the left and/or right sides of the vehicle  10 , each with a corresponding seat back  92  and a floor portion  94  in the shape of a sink. The module  88  preferably has knock-out sections  96  between the seat and seat back for the vehicle&#39;s standard seat belts  98  to pass through for regular use. The module  88  is easily cleaned and protects the rear seat area. A drain plug  100  may be provided to enable the cleaning water to drain from the module through existing holes in the vehicle. The attachment of the module is completed in a manner as to not deface visible surfaces of the rear seat cabin.  
         [0050]    In another embodiment, the conversion system of the present invention is as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Referring now to FIG. 7A, independent wiring harness  152  runs along the passenger side of vehicle  10  in original equipment convolute tubing within the body wall of vehicle  10 . Wiring harness  152  takes power from the existing vehicle battery (not shown) and distributes power to various points in the vehicle. Maxi fuses  168  restrict current draw from the battery to several circuits in the wiring harness  152 . Two fuse/relay centers are provided, one at the glove box and another at the trunk. These fuse/relay centers provide battery and ignition power to various add-on equipment that may be mounted to the conversion system or otherwise to vehicle. Such equipment may include but is not limited to video cameras and recorders, radios, sirens, scanners, computers, printers, radar guns, lighting units, antennas, control panels, electronics readouts, cellular phones, equipment compartments, gun locks, and various other accessories.  
         [0051]    Connectivity of the independent wiring harness to various ancillary add-on equipment desired by a user of the converted vehicle will vary depending on the particular needs of the user. In one embodiment, the detailed wiring schematic is a shown in FIGS.  8 - 12 .  
         [0052]    Referring now to FIG. 8, several aspects of wiring harness  152  are shown in detail. As will be appreciated by the skilled practitioner, wire harness  152  provides both battery and ignition power as required by the various electrical appliances associated with vehicle  10 . Electrical current supplied by battery  150  is regulated by maxi fuse  168 , with connections to glove box relay/fuse center  184 . Glove box relay/fuse center  184  includes two full relays  192  and two half relays  194  as shown in FIGS. 8, 14,  15 , and  17 . An ignition power trigger to activate the relays  192  and  194  is provided at the original equipment wiring at the passenger kick panel  186 . Power from the OEM wiring is regulated by an in-line fuse  188 . Relays  192  and  194  thus provide ignition power at fuses  198 . Battery power is provided at fuses  196 . Connections from half relays  194  are provided to console switches  206 , wig wag/head lamp flasher controller  254 , wig wag/head lamp flashers  202 , and trunk relay/fuse center  200  as indicated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Grounding of all glove box fuse/relay circuits are as indicated in FIGS. 11 and 16.  
         [0053]    Ignition power from the OEM circuit  186  also provides power to strobe controller  256 , trunk fuse/relay center  200  and fan  252 . As indicated in FIGS. 8 and 13, OEM ignition circuit  186  at the passenger kick panel provides power through in-line fuse  188  to circulation fan  252  at the parcel shelf  112  of the vehicle  10 . Circulation fan  252  provides one-way infusion of air from the passenger compartment to the trunk to provide conditioned air to protect moisture and heat-sensitive equipment mounted in the trunk compartment.  
         [0054]    Referring now to FIG. 10, several further aspects of wiring harness  152  are shown in detail. Electrical current supplied by battery  150  is regulated by maxi fuse  168 , with connections to trunk relay/fuse center  200 . Similar to glove box relay/fuse center  184 , trunk relay/fuse center  200  includes two full relays  192  and two half relays  194  as shown in FIGS. 10, 18,  19 , and  20 . An ignition power trigger to activate the relays  192  and  194  is provided at the original equipment wiring at the passenger kick panel  186 . Power from the OEM wiring is regulated by an in-line fuse  188 . Relays  192  and  194  thus provide ignition power at fuses  198 . Battery power is provided at fuses  196 . Connections from half relays  194  are provided to strobe controller  256  and rear deck lid flasher  258 . Grounding of all trunk fuse/relay circuits are as indicated in FIGS. 11 and 21.  
         [0055]    Independent wiring harness  152  thus provides dual fuse/relay centers at the glove box and the trunk, as indicated in FIG. 22. Battery power from maxi fuses  168  in the main engine compartment is routed via wiring harness  152  to the dual fuse/relay centers  184  and  200  to provide battery and ignition power at the glove box and trunk simultaneously as previously described. Unused circuits from trunk tray fuse center  200  may be routed to console base  16  via conduit  32  as indicated in FIGS. 7A and 23. Additional unused OEM circuits from the engine compartment may be routed via the passenger side wheel tub to console base as indicated in FIGS. 7A and 24.  
         [0056]    As shown in FIGS. 7A, 8 and  25 , battery  150  provides power to B-pillar light bar (not shown) mounted on the roof of vehicle  10 . Power is supplied though maxi fuse  168  to B-pillar  110 , with wire coil  210  supplied at the base of B-pillar  110 . If connected to a roof light bar or other ancillary accessory, wire coil  210  may be extended through B-pillar  110  and through aperture  108  to connect power to the light.  
         [0057]    As is apparent from FIGS. 5, 7A, and  7 B, independent wiring harness  152  may be routed through conduit  32  or through existing, OEM convolute tubing to the fuse/relay centers and connections. Use of either of these two methods of routing the independent wiring harness  152  enables the conversion system  11  to be installed into an original equipment vehicle to convert it to a special purpose vehicle. If it is desired to revert the converted vehicle back to a non-special purpose vehicle, the conversion system  11  may be removed from the vehicle without defacing the vehicle or the OEM wiring harness. In the case of wiring harness  152  routed through OEM convolute tubing, such as that located along the passenger side of the vehicle, the wiring harness  152  may be simply disconnected from ancillary equipment that is subsequently removed, and the wiring harness  152  may be abandoned and left to remain unseen in the convolute.  
         [0058]    Independent wiring harness  152  may be wholly or partly extended though conduit  32 . In some cases, wires from trunk fuse/relay center  200  may be extended through conduit  32  from the trunk to console  16 . Such connections may include console switches  206  to activate or deactivate various ancillary equipment such as strobes, flashers, or overhead lights, and may also include connections to other ancillary equipment located in the trunk such as radio transmitters, etc.  
         [0059]    From the foregoing, it should be apparent that one or more of the conversion systems may be used to convert a vehicle for a desired special purpose. The systems allow conversion without significant alteration of the vehicles original equipment, allowing turnkey conversion of leased vehicles or subsequent re-conversion to the original equipment state for resale. While conversion of an original equipment vehicle to a special purpose police car has been described herein, use of the conversion system and its various parts including the independent wiring harness is not so limited. Any special purpose vehicle requiring ancillary add-on electrical equipment, interior modifications, etc. may be converted from an original equipment vehicle using the invention as described herein. Such special purpose vehicles may include but are not limited to police cars, fire cars, emergency rescue vehicles, ambulances, taxis, etc.  
         [0060]    Although the present invention has been described above in detail, the same it by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Accordingly, the scope and content of the present invention are to be defined only by the terms of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1