Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-01
2002-07-09
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Hand operated
C280S775000, C267S141000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06415680
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a steering column support structure, and more particularly to an isolator pad for a steering column support structure to reduce or eliminate unwanted noises or vibrations during operation of an automobile.
BACKGROUND
Typically an automobile's steering column is fixedly attached to the instrument panel of the automobile. Though this arrangement provides for secure support of the steering column it can cause undesirable side effects. These side effects include buzz/squeak/rattle (BSR) and noise/vibration/harshness (NVH) which are caused by the motion of the vehicle and the metal to metal contact of the steering column to the instrument panel.
There have been attempts to solve these problems by placing spacers or an isolator pad between the steering column and the instrument panel. Though these inventions have reduced the creation of the BSR and NVH, the coefficient of friction between the steering column and the instrument panel is increased. Since many steering columns are now made collapsible/strokable it is desirable to have a low coefficient of friction between that steering column and the instrument panel so that the collapsing/stroking feature of the steering column is not inhibited.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a way in which the coefficient of friction between the steering column and the instrument panel may be reduced. According to the invention the isolator pad is impregnated with a lubricant thus assuring that the isolator pad will be lubricated at all times and have a long life.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood however that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3832911 (1974-09-01), Daniel et al.
patent: 4517854 (1985-05-01), Kawabata et al.
patent: 4914970 (1990-04-01), Mastrofrancesco et al.
patent: 4943028 (1990-07-01), Hoffmann et al.
patent: 5704254 (1998-01-01), Thomas et al.
patent: 5819592 (1998-10-01), Lewandowski et al.
patent: 5960673 (1999-10-01), Eaton et al.
patent: 5979860 (1999-11-01), Jurik et al.
patent: 6062100 (2000-05-01), Sarsfield et al.
patent: 6283867 (2001-09-01), Aota et al.
Dziegielewski Thomas
Eaton Rodney L
Hofmeister Kurt E
Jurik Mirjana
Laney Scott D
Bucci David A.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Hansen Colby
Smith Ralph E.
LandOfFree
Steering column with lubricated isolator pad does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Steering column with lubricated isolator pad, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Steering column with lubricated isolator pad will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2889833