EXHIBIT 10.03
JOINT INVENTORSHIP AGREEMENT
THIS Joint Inventorship Agreement (Agreement) is made on October 24,
1998 (Effective Date) between CHRYSLER CORPORATION, with an office at 0000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx, 00000-0000 (Chrysler) and GP Plastics
with an office at 0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 (GP).
RECITALS:
WHEREAS the Parties cooperated in the development of a plastic steering
column support mounting bracket and such cooperation has resulted in the joint
development of the Invention that may be of patentable nature; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to obtain patent protection for the
Invention;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein, the
Parties agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
1.1 As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings
set forth below:
"Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any specified Person, a Person
that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified. For
purposes of this definition, the term "control" and any term derived therefrom
shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through
ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
"Invention" shall mean the development made jointly by Chrysler and GP
which relates to a plastic steering column support mounting bracket.
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"Patent" shall mean all U.S. and foreign patent applications and patents
and any other governmental indicia of ownership which may be granted based upon
the Invention.
"Person" shall mean any individual, entity, corporation, partnership,
association, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, joint-
stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or governmental authority.
"Party" shall mean either Chrysler or GP and in the plural shall mean
both.
"Subsidiary" shall mean any Person more than 50% of the issued and
outstanding voting capital stock of which is owned, in the aggregate, directly
or indirectly, by a Party.
2. OWNERSHIP
2.1 Joint Ownership The Parties shall each have the right to jointly
own any Patent provided that each Party is willing to share equally in the cost
of obtaining and maintaining the Patent.
2.2 Sole Ownership Should either Party decide not to share, or not
continue to share, equally in the cost of obtaining or maintaining a particular
Patent, it shall not be required to do so but it must timely notify the other
Party of this decision and assign, free of charge, its ownership interest in
such Patent, including all causes of action relating thereto, to the other Party
upon the request of the other Party but shall have for itself, its Affiliates,
and its Subsidiaries a royalty-free, non-exclusiv e, perpetual license to make,
have made, use, offer to sell, sell, and import under such Patent. The other
Party may, however, at its discretion allow such Patent to become abandoned.
2.3 Selection of Counsel The Parties shall cooperate on a reasonable
basis in the selection of legal counsel to obtain, or maintain Patents using the
criteria of skill and cost in making this selection for Patents which each Party
agrees to share the costs involved. In cases where one Party does not agree to
share the cost, the other Party shall have the sole right to select legal
counsel and obtain and maintain the Patent at its discretion.
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3. LICENSING
3.1 Granting The Parties shall each have the right to independently
grant non-exclusive licenses to third parties under a jointly owned Patent to
make, have made, use, offer to sell, sell, and import under such Patent.
3.2 Royalties The Parties shall share equally in all royalties from the
licensing of any jointly owned Patent but should one Party be the sole owner of
a Patent, the other Party shall not be entitled to share in royalties from the
licensing of such Patent.
4. INFRINGEMENT ACTIONS
4.1 INITIATING ACTION The Parties shall jointly decide whether to bring
an action for infringement of any jointly owned Patent against a third party. If
either Party desires to bring such an action but the other Party does not, the
Party desiring to bring such an action may do so provided that it is able to do
so, and does do so, in its own name without joining the other Party in the
action and shall thereafter have sole control of the action including
settlement, dismissal, and like action terminating events. The other Party
shall not grant a license to such third party after the action is initiated.
4.2 EXPENSES AND RECOVERIES OF ACTION If the Parties decide to jointly
bring an infringement action, they will share equally in all expenses and
recoveries resulting from such action. If one or the other of the Parties does
not join in such action, the non-joining Party shall not be obligated to share
in the expenses of the action or be entitled to share in any recoveries,
including royalties from the licensing of such patent to the third party,
resulting from such action.
4.3 SELECTION OF COUNSEL The Parties shall cooperate on a reasonable
basis in the selection of legal counsel to prosecute an infringement action
using the criteria of skill and cost in making this selection for such action
which each agrees to jointly bring. In cases where one Party does not agree to
bring a joint action, the other Party shall have the sole right to select legal
counsel to prosecute such an action.
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5. TERM AND TERMINATION
5.1 TERM This Agreement shall terminate upon expiration of the last of
any Patent that falls within this Agreement. If no Patent shall be granted or
pending after five (5) years following the Effective Date of the Agreement, the
Agreement shall terminate.
5.2 EFFECT OF TERMINATION Termination of this Agreement will not
release a Party from any outstanding obligations accruing before the termination
or alter any assignment or license that then exists under this Agreement.
5.3 BREACH In the event that either Party materially breaches
this Agreement, the other Party will have the right to terminate this Agreement
after notice to the breaching Party, unless the breaching Party has cured the
breach within 60 days of notice.
6. ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement is assignable, and must be assigned, along with a
Parties' assignment of all ownership interest and license rights hereunder to a
third party. The Agreement is binding upon and inures to the benefit of the
Parties and their successors and assigns.
7. WAIVER
Neither a failure by a Party to enforce any provision of this Agreement
nor a right that may arise to a Party as a result of a breach of this Agreement
by the other party may be construed as:
a waiver of any right;
having any effect on the validity of any part or the entirety of this
Agreement; or
a prejudice against any party in a subsequent legal action; except that
each party may expressly waive any of its rights under this Agreement by
an appropriate writing that specifically refers to the contractual right
that is being waived. A waiver of a breach of this Agreement is not a
waiver of another breach.
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8. RECORDAL
Any Party hereto may record this Agreement.
9. NO JOINT VENTURE
This Agreement does not create a partnership, joint venture, or agency
relationship between the Parties. No Party has the power to obligate or bind any
other Party hereto.
10. HEADINGS
The headings are for convenience of reference only and do not affect the
interpretation or scope of this Agreement.
11. SEVERABILITY
If a provision of this Agreement is unenforceable, the remaining
provisions continue in effect.
12. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Michigan as
though fully performed therein, without reference to its principles of conflict
of laws.
13. MUTUAL COOPERATION
The Parties will cooperate in securing the execution of any documents
required to implement this Agreement and to enforce the rights granted by it.
14. WAIVER OF PUNITIVE DAMAGES AND JURY TRIAL
THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EXPRESSLY WAIVE AND FOREGO ANY RIGHT TO
RECOVER PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR SIMILAR DAMAGES IN ANY ARBITRATION, LAWSUIT,
LITIGATION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM ANY CONTROVERSY OR
CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS
CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
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15. NOTICES
All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered or
mailed, certified or registered mail, first-class postage paid, return receipt
requested, or any other delivery service with proof of delivery, or if
transmitted by telecopier, confirmation of receipt requested;
if to Chrysler;
Chrysler Corporation
0000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Chief Patent Counsel
if to GP Plastics;
GP Plastics
0000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Attention:
or to such other address or to such other person as any Party hereto shall have
last designated by notice to the other.
16. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES
Except as otherwise provided herein, nothing in this Agreement shall
confer any rights upon any entity not a Party or a successor or permitted
assignee of a Party to this Agreement.
17. COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be signed in several counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and
the same instrument.
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18. MERGER AND INTEGRATION
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties. Any
change in this Agreement must be in writing with specific reference to this
Agreement and signed by an authorized representative of each Party. All prior
understandings between the Parties are merged and integrated into this
Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have signed this Agreement effective
as of the date first written above:
CHRYSLER CORPORATION GP PLASTICS
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
----------------------------- ----------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
--------------------------- ----------------------------
(Printed) (Printed)
Title: Chief Patent Counsel Title: V.P. Business Development
-------------------------- ---------------------------
Date: 10/24/98 Date: 10/13/98
--------------------------- ----------------------------
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Patent and TradeMark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to
a collection of information. Unless it displays a valid CMB control number.
UTILITY Attorney Docket No. 9 7 - 1 6 3 2 Total Pages 2
PATENT APPLICATION First Named Inventor or Application Identifier
TRANSMITTAL Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
(Only for new nonprovisional application under 37 CFR Express Mail Label No. EL019793315US
1.53(b))
Application Elements ADDRESS TO: Assistant Commissioner for Patent
See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent application contents. Box Patent Application
Washington, D.C. 20231
1. _X Fee Transmittal Form 6. - Microfiche Computer Program (Appendix)
(Submit an original, and a duplicate for fee processing)
2. X Specification (Total Pages 12)
(preferred arrangement set forth below)
-Descriptive title of the invention 7. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence
-Cross References to Related Applications Submission (if applicable, all necessary)
-Statement Regarding Fed sponsored R&D a. - Computer Readable Copy
-Reference to Microfiche Appendix b. - Paper Copy (identical to computer copy)
-Background of the Invention c. - Statement verifying identity of above copies
-Brief Summary of the Invention
-Brief Description of the Drawings (if filed)
-Detailed Description
-Claim(s) ACCOMPANY APPLICATION PARTS
-Abstract of the Disclosure
3. X Drawings(s) (35USC 113) [Total Sheets 4] 8. - Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
4. X Oath or Declaration [Total Pages 2] 9. X 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
a. X Newly executed (original or copy) (when there is an assignee X Power of Attorney
b. - Copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d))
(for continuation/divisional with Box 17 completed) 10. - English Translation Document (if applicable)
(Note Box 5 below)
i. __ DELETION OF INVENTOR(S) 11. X Information Disclosure Statement
Signed statement attached deleting (IDS)/PTO-1449 X Copies of IDS Citations
inventors) named in the prior application
See 37 CFR 1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b). 12. - Preliminary Amendment
5. _ Incorporation By Reference useable if Box 4b is 13. X Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
checked) The entire disclosure of the prior (Should be specifically itemized)
application, from which a copy of the oath
or declaration is supplied under Box 4b, is 14. - Small Entity _ Statement filed in prior
considered as being part of the disclosure application, Statement(s) Status still proper
of the accompanying application and is and desired
hereby incorported by references therein.
15. - Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
16. - Other:_______________________________
_______________________________
17. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, Check appropriate box and supply the
requisite information:
__Continuation __ Divisional __ Continuation-in-part (CIP)
of prior application No.:__________________/_______________
18. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
__Customer Number or Bar Code Label or __ Correspondence address below
(insert Customer No. or Attach bar code label here)
NAME Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
ADDRESS Chrysler Corporation
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx, CIMS 000-00-00
XXXX Xxxxxx Xxxxx XXXXX XX ZIP CODE 48326-2757
COUNTRY USA TELEPHONE (000) 000-0000 FAX (000) 000-0000
Patent and Trademark Office: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond
to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
*Complete if Known
FEE TRANSMITTAL Application Number
Filing Date
First Named Inventor Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Note: Effecbve October 1, 1997. Group Art Unit
Patent fees are subject to annual revision. Examiner Name
TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT ($)790.00 Attorney Docket No. 97-1632
METHOD OF PAYMENT (check one) FEE CALCULATION (continued)
1. [X] The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge 3. ADDITIONAL FEES
indicated fees and credit any over payments to:
Deposit Lrg. Ent. Sm.Ent
Account 03-1800 Fee Fee Fee Fee
Number Code ($) Code ($) Fee Description Fee Paid
Deposit
Account Name Chrysler Corporation 105 130 205 65 Surcharge - late filing
or oath ____
127 50 227 25 Surcharge - late provisional ____
[x] Charge Any Additional [ ] Charge the Issue Fee Set filing fee or cover sheet
Fee Required Under in 37 CFR 1.18 at the 139 130 139 130 Non-English specification ____
37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17 Mailing of the Notice of 147 2520 147 2520 For filing a request for ____
Allowance reexamination
112 920* 112 920* Requesting publication of SIR ____
prior to Examiner action
2. [ ] Payment Enclosed: [ ] Check 113 1840* 113 1840* Requesting publication of SIR ____
[ ] Money Order [ ] Other after Examiner action
115 110 215 55 Extension for reply within ____
first month
FEE CALCULATION 116 400 216 200 Extension for reply within ____
second month
1. Filing Fee 117 950 217 475 Extension for reply within ____
third month
Large Entity Small Entity Fee Description Fee Paid 118 1510 218 755 Extension for reply within ____
Fee Fee Fee Fee fourth month
Code ($) Code ($) 128 2060 228 1030 Extension for reply within ____
fifth month
101 790 201 395 Utility filing fee 790.00 119 310 219 155 Notice of Appeal ____
106 330 206 165 Design filing fee ______ 120 310 220 155 Filing a brief in support of an
appeal ____
106 330 206 165 Design filing fee ______ 121 270 221 135 Request for oral hearing ____
107 540 207 270 Plant filing fee ______ 138 1510 138 1510 Petition to institute/public
use proc.. ____
108 790 208 395 Reissue filing fee ______ 140 110 240 55 Petition to revive -
unavoidable ____
114 150 214 75 Provisional Filing Fee 141 1320 240 660 Petition to revive -
unintentional ____
SUBTOTAL (1)($) 790.00 142 1320 242 660 Utility issue fee
(or reissue) ____
2. CLAIMS 143 450 243 225 Design issue fee ____
Extra Fee from Fee Paid 144 670 244 335 Plant issue fee ____
Below 122 130 122 130 Petition to the Commissioner ____
Total Claims 10 -20= O X _______= $ 0.00 123 50 123 50 Petitions related to
provisional app. ____
Independent 1 126 240 126 240 Submission Information ____
Disclosure Statement
Claims - 3 = 0 X ________= $ 0.00 581 40 581 40 Recording each patent
Assignment per property
(times number of properties) ____
Multiple Dependent Claims ______ X ________= _______ 146 790 246 395 Filing a submission after ____
final rejection
Large Entity Small Entity (37 CFR 1.129(a))
Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Description 149 790 249 395 For each additional ____
invention to be
Code (4\$) Code ($) examined (37 CFR 1.129(b))
103 22 203 11 [ ] Claims in excess of 20
102 82 202 41 [ ] Independent claims in excess
of 3 Other fee (specify)_____________________________________ ____
104 270 204 135 [ ] Multiple dependent claims Other fee (specify)_____________________________________ ____
109 82 209 41 [ ] Reissue independent claims
over original patent
110 22 210 11 [ ] Reissue claims in excess of 20 *Reduced by Basic Filing Fee Paid SUBTOTAL(3) ($) 0. 0 0
and over original patent ______
SUBTOTAL (2) ($) $0.00
____
SUBMITTED BY Complete (if applicable)
Typed or Reg. Number
Printed Name Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx 30,219
Signature Date Deposit Account
/s/ Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx 5/15/98 User ID
---------------------------- ------- 03-1800
Burden Hour Statement: This form is estimated to take 0.2 hours to complete.
Time will vary depending upon the needs of the individual case. Any comments on
the amount of time you are required to complete this form should be sent to the
Chief Information Office, Patent and Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, X.X. 00000.
DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SENT TO: Assistant
Commissioner for Patents, Xxxxxxxxxx, X.X. 00000.
PLASTIC STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT MOUNTING BRACKET
Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to steering column Support
structures and more particularly to a plastic steering column support
mounting bracket.
5 Background and Summary of the Invention
When a vehicle is involved in a frontal impact, the steering
column tends to rise. In other words, the steering column, which
normally is inclined upwardly and rearwardly at a predetermined angle,
will rise to a greater angle upon frontal impact. This is caused by the
vehicle engine being thrust rearwardly.
10 The rise in the steering column places the steering wheel/air
bag assembly in an unfavorable position relative to the driver's chest.
When the driver's chest comes into contact with the steering wheel/air
bag assembly, the force against this assembly has a considerable off-
axis bending component which is increased due to the rise in the
steering column. If the rise in the steering column is such that the
15 off-axis component of force on the steering wheel/air bag assembly acts
above the center of mass of the driver's chest, then the driver tends to
move under the steering wheel, creating an even less favorable
situation.
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In accordance with the present invention, support structure is
provided to insure that there is no appreciable upward rise or tilt of
the steering column upon frontal impact. Preferably the steering column
support structure includes a bracket in the form of a molded plastic
frame having a pair of side braces
5 interconnected by a transverse front brace and a transverse intermediate
brace. An X-shaped truss has first and second legs extending diagonally
between the side braces between the intermediate brace and the rear ends
of the side braces.
Each side brace includes one and preferably two side trusses
located between the intermediate brace and the rear ends of the side
10 braces, and a third side truss between the intermediate brace and the
front brace. Preferably a pair of mounting ears projects from the side
braces for mounting purposes. A plurality of metal fastener inserts may
also be molded into the frame for attachment purposes.
The bracket of this invention also provides the necessary
15 rigidity to prevent undesirable vibration of the steering column
during normal operation of the vehicle.
One object of this invention is to provide a steering column
support structure having the foregoing features and capabilities.
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Another object is to provide a steering column support structure
which is composed of a bracket in the form of a relatively inexpensive
molded plastic frame that is strong and durable and well adapted to the
accomplishment of its intended function.
5 Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will
become more apparent as the following description proceeds, especially
when considered with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the support
10 bracket of this invention in association with the steering column of an
automotive vehicle.
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view with the steering
column removed to more clearly illustrate the support bracket.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the parts of the
structure shown in FIG. 2.
15 FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view with parts in section and
parts in elevation, showing the attachment of the mounting bracket to
the steering column and to the instrument panel.
FIG. 5 is a view taken on the line 5--5 in FIG. 4.
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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the bracket 10
rigidly secures the steering column 12 against vibration during normal
vehicle operation and also prevents the steering column, in a frontal
5 impact, from rising up from the illustrated position (FIGS. 1 and 4).
The steering column 12, as illustrated, is inclined upwardly and
rearwardly at a predetermined angle and includes a steering shaft 14
extending lengthwise within a tubular jacket 16. A steering wheel 17 is
mounted on the upper end of the steering shaft 14. A collar 18 on the
steering column jacket 16 is secured to the instrument panel 20, and the
10 bracket 10 is secured to the instrument panel 20 and to the cowl
plenum 22 of the upper dash panel 24, all as more fully described
hereinafter.
The bracket 10 includes a molded frame made of a suitable
plastic material, preferably nylon reinforced with glass fibers. The
frame has laterally spaced apart side braces 30 and 32, a transverse
front brace 34, a transverse intermediate brace 36, and an X-shaped
15 truss 37 (FIGS. 1-3 and 5).
The side braces 30 and 32 are preferably in the form of
horizontally elongated, vertically disposed panels that flare apart
slightly in a rearward direction. The front brace 34 is in the form of a
bar that extends horizontally and has its opposite ends integrally
molded to the terminal portions 35 at the front
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ends of the respective side braces. The intermediate brace 36 is in the
form of a vertical panel, the opposite ends of which are integrally
molded to the side braces intermediate the front ends and rear ends
thereof.
The truss 37 has crossing legs 48 and 50 which extend diagonally between
5 the side braces 30 and 32 between the intermediate brace 36 and the
terminal portions 42 at the rear ends of the side braces. The ends of
the leg 48 are integrally molded to the terminal portion 42 at the rear
end of the side brace 30 and to the side brace 32 at approximately the
point where the side brace 32 and the intermediate brace 36 are joined.
The ends of the leg 50 are integrally molded to
10 the terminal portion 42 at the rear end of the side brace 32 and to the
side brace 30 at approximately the point where the side brace 30 and the
intermediate brace 36 are joined. The legs 48 and 50 are molded
integrally at the point of crossing.
The front end portion 54 of each side brace 30, 32 includes a
rectangular box frame 56 (FIG. 5) internally supported by an X-shaped
side truss 58. The
15 box frame 54 has laterally spaced side walls 60 and 62 integrally
connected at the rear to the intermediate brace 36 and at the front to
the terminal portions 35 of the side brace. The X-shaped side truss 58
within each box frame 56 has crossing legs 66 and 68. The legs 66 and 68
are terminally, integrally connected to the side
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walls 60 and 62 of the box frame 54 at the corner points 70, 72, 74 and
76 and are integrally connected to one another at the point of crossing.
The rear end portion 80 of each of the side braces 30 and 32 is
of a substantially greater vertical dimension than the front end
portions 54 thereof.
5 Each front end portion 80 includes a front rectangular box frame 82
internally supported by an X-shaped side truss 83, and a rear
rectangular box frame 84 internally supported by an X-shaped side truss
85 (FIG. 5). Each box frame 82 has laterally spaced side walls 86 and 88
integrally connected at the front to the intermediate brace 36 and at
the rear to a transverse wall 90 separating the front
10 and rear box frames 82 and 84 in the rear portion of each side brace.
The X-shaped side truss 83 within each box frame 82 has crossing legs 92
and 94. The legs 92 and 94 are terminally, integrally connected to the
side walls 86 and 88 of the box frame 82 at the corner points 95, 96, 97
and 98 and are integrally connected to one another at the point of
crossing. The box frame 84 of each side
15 wall has laterally spaced side walls which are continuations or
extensions of the side walls 86 and 88 of the box frame 82. The side
wall extensions connect at the rear into the terminal portion 42 of each
side frame 36. The X-shaped side truss 85 within each box frame 84 has
crossing legs similar to those of the side trusses 83, which are
terminally, integrally connected to the side wall extensions at the
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four corner points as was the case with the legs of trusses 83 and
integrally connected to one another at the point of crossing.
The side trusses 58, 83 and 85 provide a light weight construction which is
extremely rigid and resistant to distortion, deformation and twisting.
5 Fastener holders 116(FIG. 5)are molded parts of the bracket 10 connected to
the legs 48 and 50 of the truss 37 and to the intermediate brace 36 and to
each other by webs of plastic framing material 120. Fixedly mounted in each
of these fastener holders is a vertically disposed metal fastener 124
preferably internally threaded to receive threaded bolts 125 (FIG. 4).
10 The front terminal portions 35 of the side braces 36 have vertically
disposed metal fasteners 130 molded therein which are preferably internally
threaded to receive threaded bolts 131.
The rear terminal portions 42 of the side braces 36 have the heads of
horizontally disposed metal fasteners 132 molded therein with the projecting
15 xxxxxx thereof preferably threaded. Ears 134 (FIGS. 2 and 3) project
upwardly and outwardly from the opposite side edge portions of the
intermediate brace 36. The ears 134 may also be considered portions of the
side braces 36 because they are integrally molded as parts thereof as can be
seen in the drawings. Holes 140 in the ears are for receiving bolts 142.
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The bolts 131 and 142 rigidly secure the bracket 10 to the cowl plenum 22 of
the upper dash panel 24. The fasteners 132 secure the rear end portion of the
bracket to the instrument panel 20. Additional fasteners 150 are provided to
secure the collar 18 on the steering column to the instrument panel. Hence, the
5 steering column 12 is rigidly secured to the bracket 10 by means of the
fasteners 132 and 150, and the bracket 10 is rigidly secured to the dash panel
24.
The bolts 125 are provided for connecting the bracket 10 to the bracket 160
which mounts the brake pedal 162. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the bracket 160 has
laterally spaced side walls 164 supporting a transverse pin 166 on which the
upper
10 end of the brake pedal 162 is pivoted. In the event of a frontal impact, the
engine may be pushed rearwardly and this tends to move the entire brake pedal
assembly to the rear. To permit this, the openings 170 in the top panel 172 of
the bracket 160 for the brake pedal, which receive the bolts 125, are elongated
to permit the bracket 160 to move rearwardly without disturbing the mounting
bracket 10 for
15 the steering column.
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Claims
1 1. A steering column support bracket, comprising a molded plastic
2 frame including a pair of laterally spaced apart side braces each having
front and
3 rear ends, a front brace interconnecting the front ends of said side braces,
an
4 intermediate brace located between the front and rear ends of said side
braces and
5 connected to said side braces, and an X-shaped truss having first and second
legs
6 extending diagonally between said side braces and between said intermediate
7 brace and the rear ends of said side braces.
1 2. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of metal
2 fasteners molded into a rear portion of said frame.
1 3. The bracket of claim 1, wherein each of said side braces
comprises 2 at least one X-shaped side truss.
1 4. The bracket of claim 3, wherein each of said side braces has a
box
2 frame enclosing said at least one X-shaped side truss.
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1 5. The bracket of Claim 3, wherein each of said side braces
comprises
2 a pair of X-shaped side trusses located between the rear ends of said side
braces
3 and said intermediate brace.
1 6. The bracket of claim 5, wherein each of said side trusses
further
2 comprises a third side truss located between said intermediate brace and said
front
3 brace.
1 7. The bracket of claim 6, further comprising a pair of mounting
ears
2 respectively connected to said pair of side braces.
1 8. The bracket of claim 7, wherein said mounting ears are further
2 connected to said intermediate brace.
1 9. The bracket of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of metal
2 fasteners molded into said frame.
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1 10. The bracket of claim 9, wherein each of said side braces has a
box
2 frame enclosing each of said X-shaped side trusses.
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ABSTRACT
A steering column support bracket includes a molded plastic frame having a
pair of laterally spaced apart side braces, a front brace interconnecting the
front ends of the side braces, and an intermediate brace located between the
5 front and rear ends of the side braces. An X-shaped truss has legs extending
diagonally between the side braces and between the intermediate brace and the
rear ends of the side braces.
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Attorney Docket No. 97-1632
DECLARATION AND POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR PATENT APPLICATION
As below named inventors, We hereby declare that:
Our residences, post office addresses and citizenships are as stated below next
to our names.
We believe we are the original, first and joint inventors of the subject matter
which is claimed and for which a patent is sought on the invention entitled:
PLASTIC STEERING COLUMN SUPPORT MOUNTING BRACKET
the specification of which is attached hereto.
We hereby state that we have reviewed and understand the contents of the
above-identified specification, including the claims, as amended by any
amendment referred to above.
We acknowledge the duty to disclose information which is material to the
examination of this application in accordance with Title 37, Code of Federal
Regulations, Section 1.56 (a).
We hereby declare that all statements made herein of our own knowledge are true
and that all statements made on information and belief are believed to be true;
and further that these statements were made with the knowledge that willful
false statements and the like so made are punishable by fine or imprisonment, or
both, under Section 1001 of Title 18 of the United States Code and that such
willful false statements may jeopardize the validity of the application or any
patent issued thereon.
Power of Attorney: As a named inventor, we hereby appoint the following
attorneys and/or agent(s) to prosecute this application and transact all
business in the Patent and Trademark Office connected therewith:
Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Registration No. 30,219
Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx, Registration No. 29,143
Send Correspondence to: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, CIMS 000-00-00
Chrysler Corporation
Chrysler Technology Center
000 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000-0000
Direct telephone calls to: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, (000) 000-0000
Full name of Inventor: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx
Inventor's Signature: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx Date: 1-30-98
--------------------- --------
Residence: 0000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Post office Address: Same as above
Citizenship: United States
Full name of Inventor: Le X. Xxxxx
Inventor's Signature: /s/ Le X. Xxxxx Date: 4-15-98
--------------- ---------
Residence: P. 0. Xxx 0000, Xxxxx Xxx, XX 00000
Post Office Address: Same as above
Citizenship: Lebanon
Full name of Inventor: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Inventor's Signature: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Date: 3-31-98
------------------- ---------
Residence: 00000 Xxxxx Xxxx, Xxxxxx, XX 00000
Post Office Address: Same as above
Citizenship: United States
Attorney Docket No.: 97-1632
IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
In Re Application of: X. X. Xxxxxxx, X. Xxxxx, X. Xxxxxxxxx
For: Plastic Steering Column support Mounting
Bracket
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Commissioner of Patents
and Trademarks
Xxxxxxxxxx, X.X. 00000
Dear Sir:
In order to comply with 37 CFR Section 1.97 and 1.98, a copy of Form XXX-
0000 and copies of the documents listed on it are attached.
In accordance with MPEP Section 609 and 707.05(b), Applicant respectfully
requests that each document listed be given thorough consideration and that the
Examiner cite each document of record in the prosecution history of the present
application by initialing Form PTO-1449 next to each document. Applicant
requests such initialing even if the Examiner does not consider: (1) a listed
document to be sufficiently pertinent to use in a rejection; (2) a document to
be prior art for any reason; or (3) that the guidelines for citation have been
fully complied with respecting a particular document. Applicant makes this
request so that each document
Disclosure No. 97-1632
Information Disclosure Statement
Page 2
becomes cited on the face of a patent issuing on the present application.
Applicant submits the present Information Disclosure Statement in compliance
with the duty to disclose information material to patentability under 37 CPR
Section 1.56, but by listing such documents Applicant is not admitting that such
documents are necessarily relevant or prior art. Applicant intends no
representation that the listed documents represent the results of a complete
search. Applicant anticipates that the Examiner, in the normal course of
examination, will make an independent search to detemine the best prior art
consistent with 37 CFR Section 1.104(a) and 1.106(b) and, in the course of such
search, will review for relevance every document listed on the attached Form
even if not initialed.
Disclosure No. 97-1632
Information Disclosure Statement
Page 3
Applicant earnestly solicits early and favorable consideration.
Very truly yours,
/s/Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx
------------------------
Xxxxxxxx X. Shrupoff
Reg. No. 30,219
CHRYSLER CORPORATION
CIMS 000-00-00
000 XXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXX
XXXXXX XXXXX, XX 00000-0000
(000) 000-0000
FORM PTO-1449 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ATTY.DOCKET APPLICATION NO.
(REV. 8-83) PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 97-1632
--------------------------------
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE CITATION INVENTOR(S)
(Use several sheets if necessary) X. X. Xxxxxxx, X. Xxxxx,
D. Shiffiett
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FILING DATE GROUP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Examiner SUB- FILING DATE
Initial DOCUMENT NUMBER DATE INVENTOR CLASS CLASS If Appropriate
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA 3 4 1 5 1 4 0 12/10/68 Bien et al 74 492 04/03/67
AB 3 7 8 5 6 7 1 01/15/74 Safewsky 280 87 12/29/7
AC 4 2 4 1 9 3 7 12/30/80 Xxxxx et al 280 777 03/26/79
AD 4 6 1 6 5 2 2 10/14/86 White et al 74 492 03/08/85
AE 4 6 9 0 4 3 2 09/01/87 Sakamoto et 280 775 10/23/85
al
AF 4 7 3 3 7 3 9 03/29/88 Xxxxxx et al 180 90 12/02/85
AG 5 0 2 4 1 1 8 06/18/91 Khalifa et al 74 492 01/22/90
AH 5 0 8 2 0 7 8 01/21/92 Umeda et al 180 90 12/21/90
AI 5 0 8 8 5 7 1 02/18/92 Xxxxx et al 180 90 12/17/90
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSLATION
-------------------
DOCUMENT NUMBER DATE COUNTRY INVENTOR YES NO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AJ
AK
AL
AM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER DOCUMENTS (Including Author, Title, Date, Pertinent Pages, Etc.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AN Sub-Assembly Steering Column Brake Pedal-Electrical Box & Brake
SW Brackets, Publication Date 12/21/96
Assemble Brake and Steering Column Bracket Sub Assembly to Vehicle,
Publication Date 12/21/96
Secure Steering Column Support Bracket with Four Nuts, Publication
Date 2/27/97
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMINER DATE CONSIDERED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*EXAMINER: Initial if reference considered, whether or not citation is in
conformance with MEPEP 609; Draw line through citation if not in conformance and
not considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant.
FORM PTO-1449 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ATTY.DOCKET APPLICATION NO.
(REV. 8-83) PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 97-1632
------------------------------
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE CITATION INVENTOR(S)
(Use several sheets if necessary) X. X. Xxxxxxx, X. Xxxxx,
X. Xxxxxxxxx
FILING DATE GROUP
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Examiner SUB FIING DATE
Initial DOCUMENT NUMBER DATE INVENTOR CLASS CLASS If Appropriate
AA 5 1 8 0 1 8 9 01/19/93 Xxxxxx 280 779 09/03/91
AB 5 2 2 8 3 5 9 07/20/93 Xxxxxx 74 492 05/18/92
AC 5 2 5 9 6 4 6 11/09/93 Xxxxxx 280 777 03/20/92
AD 5 2 6 5 4 9 2 11/30/93 Xxxxx 74 493 12/15/92
AE 5 3 0 1 5 6 7 04/12/94 Xxxxx et al 74 493 09/23/92
AF 5 3 5 6 1 7 9 10/18/94 Xxxxxxxxxxx 280 777 09/13/93
et al
AG 5 3 8 7 0 2 3 02/07/95 Denueau 296 72 04/18/94
AH 5 3 9 0 9 5 6 02/21/95 Xxxxxx 280 777 05/17/94
AI 5 3 3 9 7 0 6 08/23/94 Xxxxxxx 74 493 03/26/93
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSLATION
--------------------
DOCUMENT NUMBER DATE COUNTRY INVENTOR
YES NO
AJ
AK
AL
AM
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER DOCUMENTS (Including Author,Title, Date, Pertinent Pages, Etc.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMINER DATE CONSIDERED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*EXAMINER: Initial if reference considered, whether or not citation is in
conformance with MEPEP 609; Draw line through citation if not in conformance and
not considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant.
FORM PTO-1449 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ATTY.DOCKET APPLICATION NO.
(REV. 8-83) PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 97-1632
---------------------------------
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE CITATION INVENTOR(S)
(Use several sheets if necessary) X. X. Xxxxxxx, X. Xxxxx,
D. Shiffiett
FILING DATE GROUP
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Examiner SUB FILING DATE
Initial DOCUMENT NUMBER DATE INVENTOR CLASS CLASS If Appropriate
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA 5 3 9 0 9 5 5 02/21/95 Xxxxxxxxxxx 280 777 12/23/93
et al
AB 5 4 1 7 4 5 2 05/23/95 Khalifa et al 280 777 11/01/93
XX 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00/00/00 Xxxxxx et al 74 493 11/22/93
AD 5 4 5 2 6 2 4 09/26/95 Xxxxxx et al 74 493 03/03/94
AE 5 4 5 2 9 1 6 09/26/95 Beecher et al 280 777 07/21/94
AF 5 4 9 7 6 7 5 03/12/96 Xxxxx et al 74 492 06/06/94
AG 5 4 9 8 0 3 2 03/12/96 Xxxxxx 280 777 05/18/94
AN 5 5 0 9 3 2 5 04/23/96 Xxxxxx 74 493 05/18/94
AI 5 5 3 8 2 8 2 07/23/96 White et al 280 779 10/03/94
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSLATION
-------------
DOCUMENT NUMBER DATE COUNTRY INVENTOR
YES NO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AJ
AK
AL
AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER DOCUMENTS (Including Author, Title, Date, Pertinent Pages, Etc.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMINER DATE CONSIDERED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*EXAMINER: Initial if reference considered, whether or not citation is in
conformance with MEPEP 609; Draw line through citation if not in conformance and
not considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant.
FORM PTO-1449 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ATTY.DOCKET APPLICATION NO.
(REV. 8-83) PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE 97-1632
------------------------------
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE CITATION INVENTOR(S)
(Use several sheets if necessary) X. X. Xxxxxxx, X. Xxxxx,
D. Shiffiett
FILING DATE GROUP
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Examiner SUB- FILING DATE
Initial DOCUMENT NUMBER DATE INVENTOR CLASS CLASS If Appropriate
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AA 5 5 6 4 5 1 5 10/15/96 Schambre 180 90 08/2/95
AB 5 5 6 4 7 6 9 10/15/96 Xxxxxx et al 296 72 12/19/94
AC 5 5 6 6 5 8 5 10/22/96 Xxxxx et al 74 493 05/15/95
AD 5 6 0 6 8 9 2 03/04/97 Hedderly 74 493 03/31/95
AE 5 6 6 4 8 2 3 09/09/97 Misra et al 296 70 09/18/95
AF 5 6 7 3 9 3 8 10/07/97 Xxxxxxxxxxx 280 777 05/13/96
AG 5 6 7 6 2 1 6 10/14/97 Palma et al 180 90 12/05/95
AH
AI
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSLATION
------------
DOCUMENT NUMBER DATE COUNTRY INVENTOR YES NO
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AJ
AK
AL
AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER DOCUMENTS (Including Author, Title, Date, Pertinent Pages, Etc.)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXAMINER DATE CONSIDERED
*EXAMINER: Initial if reference considered, whether or not citation is in
conformance with MEPEP 609; Draw line through citation if not in conformance and
not considered. Include copy of this form with next communication to applicant.
FIG. 1
[STEERING COLUMN ILLUSTRATION]
FIG. 2
[STEERING COLUMN ILLUSTRATION]
FIG. 3
[STEERING COLUMN ILLUSTRATION]
FIG. 4
[STEERING COLUMN ILLUSTRATION]
FIG. 5
[STEERING COLUMN ILLUSTRATION
FIG. 5
[STEERING COLUMN ILLUSTRATION]
FIG. 7
[STEERING COLUMN ILLUSTRATION]
