The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 22, 2012
Filed:
May. 21, 2009
Haruyuki Dei, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Robert Joseph Panek, Canton, MI (US);
Phouvadol Peter Khouphongsy, Saline, MI (US);
Haruyuki Dei, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Robert Joseph Panek, Canton, MI (US);
Phouvadol Peter Khouphongsy, Saline, MI (US);
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Erlanger, KY (US);
Abstract
An instrument panel assembly having a locking feature. The instrument panel assembly includes an elongated member attached to a portion of the vehicle and extending towards the instrument panel assembly, a lower panel spaced apart from the elongated member, at least one clip disposed on one of either the lower panel or the elongated member; and a corresponding number of tabs disposed on the other of said lower panel or said elongated member. The clip and tabs are spaced apart from and registered to each other so as to lockingly engage each other and keep the lower panel in contact with the elongated member when the lower panel and elongated member are driven into contact with each other.