Steering shaft retainer and gap hider
US9216772B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 22, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Y2304/07
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An instrument panel subassembly for a motor vehicle has a cross beam providing a main structural support for the subassembly. An instrument panel substrate is mounted to the cross beam. A steering shaft assembly has an upper end with a swivel connection to the substrate and has a lower end for coupling to a steering gear assembly. A closeout trim panel comprising an elongated strip is mounted to the cross beam and has a snap-in retainer slot positioned to temporarily retain the steering shaft assembly prior to final coupling to the steering gear assembly at a substantially fixed position. The fixed position is spaced away from a final position of the steering shaft assembly when coupled to the steering gear assembly, and the retainer slot flexes to permit manual insertion and removal of the steering shaft assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.