Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-04
2001-05-22
Green, Mary Ann (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Elements
C277S634000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234044
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates generally to gear shift lever boot covers and more particularly to a boot cover for closing an opening in a wall of a steering column shroud through which the gear shift lever extends.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The opening in the steering column shroud for the gear shift lever must be large enough to accommodate tilting of the steering wheel. The cover for the opening must be sufficiently flexible to permit this tilting movement. The attachment of the cover to the shroud should be relatively rigid to effect a secure attachment and also to reinforce the shroud around the opening.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a boot and attaching frame assembly is provided including a boot having a central portion provided with a passage to receive the gear shift lever. A marginal portion of the boot extends outwardly from the central portion and is folded inwardly upon itself to provide a terminal flange and also to form a laterally inwardly opening groove. The terminal flange is adapted to engage and preferably seal against an outer annular surface portion of the wall of the shroud around the opening. This opening is sufficiently large to accommodate tilting of the steering wheel and shifting of the gear shift lever and the boot is sufficiently flexible to permit these movements.
The assembly also includes an annular frame for securing the boot to the shroud. The frame has an annular base adapted to fit within the opening in the shroud. The frame has an inner retainer to engage an inner surface portion of the wall of the shroud around the opening therein, and also has an outer retainer extending into the groove in the boot. Preferably, the inner and outer retainers are spaced apart a distance to snugly receive the wall of the shroud and the terminal flange of the boot. Preferably the outer retainer is in the form of a continuous annular flange and the inner retainer is in the form of a plurality of spaced apart tabs.
The frame will also preferably have an integral mounting strip which is adapted to be secured to the shroud. Preferably the mounting strip is secured to an underside portion of the wall of the shroud in a position such that it will not be visible to an occupant of the vehicle in which the steering column is installed.
The frame is preferably a relatively rigid member capable of securely attaching the boot to the shroud and also to reinforce the shroud around the opening.
One object of this invention is to provide a boot and attaching frame assembly having the foregoing features and capabilities.
Another object is to provide a boot and attaching frame assembly which is of relatively simple construction, is rugged and durable in use, and is capable of being inexpensively manufactured and easily assembled and installed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2786359 (1957-03-01), Karlan et al.
patent: 3086609 (1963-04-01), Bryant, Jr.
patent: 3800909 (1974-04-01), Duncanson et al.
patent: 4018099 (1977-04-01), O'Brien et al.
patent: 4522081 (1985-06-01), Mackin et al.
patent: 5560253 (1996-10-01), Ishikawa et al.
patent: 5707066 (1998-01-01), Sugiura et al.
patent: 5749261 (1998-05-01), Numakami
patent: 0709413 (1980-01-01), None
Sauger Daniel B.
Slon Christopher M.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Green Mary Ann
MacLean Kenneth H.
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