Instrument cluster finish panel with tear seams

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 8939493
SERIAL NO

14041659

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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An instrument panel trim apparatus mounts in a vehicle to frame an instrument cluster above a collapsible steering column. An integrally molded plastic panel has an upper collar section, a lower bridge section, and a shroud section, wherein the upper collar section and lower bridge section are configured to form a frame around the instrument cluster. The upper collar section and lower bridge section converge along a pair of tear seams. The shroud section extends downward from the lower bridge section and has an arched shape to receive the steering column. A plurality of risers are disposed between the shroud section and the lower bridge section for concentrating stress at the tear seams when the shroud section is impinged by the steering column when collapsing, so that the tear seams separate and the lower bridge section and the shroud section can deflect upward.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Barthlow, Michael Canton, US 2 4
Perelli, Alan M Plymouth, US 2 5
Vinton, Jeff S Farmington Hills, US 3 14

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