Gear shift tube support
US5797685A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20146
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device for rotatably supporting a gear shift tube within a tubular steering column of an automotive vehicle. The device comprises a support of integral, one-piece construction made of an elastomeric, resinous plastic material disposed within a cup rigidly secured in the lower end of the steering column. The support comprises an open-ended bearing sleeve co-axial with the cup having an end portion extending through an opening in the bottom wall of the cup. The sleeve has angularly spaced abutments inside the cup abutting the inner surface of the bottom wall of the cup around the opening. The sleeve also has angularly spaced tangs outside the cup extending radially outwardly and abutting the outer surface of the bottom wall of the cup around the opening. The abutments and the tangs cooperate in locking the bearing sleeve axially within the cup. The bearing sleeve is preferably made of urethane reinforced with glass fibers. A suitable lubricant, such as mineral oil, may also be incorporated into the material of which the sleeve is made. TEFLON may be added to the material of which the sleeve is made to reduce noise and permit smoother rotation of the gear shift tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.