Adapter for mounting items on a steering column
AssigneeBendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
InventorsWilliam A. Singleton, Scott R. Weslow, Mark H. Sciulli
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A steering column assembly that includes a steering column, and a bracket for mounting the steering column to the dashboard of a vehicle; and an adapter detachably connected to the steering column for providing an interface for mounting a plurality of items on the adapter. The bracket further includes a tongue and the adapter further includes a notch for engaging the tongue such that the adapter can be mounted on the steering column in only one orientation. The adapter component of the present invention further includes a plurality of surfaces for mounting various items on the adapter. The adapter may be easily modified to accommodate different system devices or other items.
Claims14
A device for mounting items on a steering column, wherein said device further comprises:
- (a) a one-piece removable adapter further comprising a plurality of mounting surfaces for attaching said items directly to said removable adapter, and wherein the internal geometry of said removable adapter conforms to the share of said steering column;
- and
- (b) an attachment means for connecting said removable adapter directly to said steering column.
A removable adapter for attaching a plurality of items to a steering column, comprising:
- (a) an external interface further comprising a plurality of surfaces for mounting items on said adapter;
- and
- (b) an internal interface conforming to the shape of said steering column for detachably mounting said adapter directly on said steering column, said internal interface further comprising a means for engaging said steering column in only one orientation, and wherein said means for engaging said steering column in only one orientation further comprises a notch formed in one end of said adapter.
A steering column assembly, comprising:
- (a) a steering column subassembly further comprising a steering column and a mounting bracket, said mounting bracket further comprising a tongue projecting from one end of said mounting bracket;
- and
- (b) a one-piece adapter detachably connected to said steering column, said adapter further comprising:
- (i) a plurality of surfaces for mounting a plurality of items to said adapter;
- and
- (ii) a notch in one end adapter to receive said tongue, and wherein the engagement of said notch by said tongue permits said adapter to be connected to said steering column in a single orientation, and wherein the engagement of said notch and said tongue prevents rotation of said adapter around said steering column.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.