US 12,311,997 B2
Methods and apparatus for retaining a steering shaft
Robin Ivo Lawther, Chelmsford (GB); Christopher Hawkins, Hornchurch (GB); Humberto Mata, Dearborn, MI (US); Erik William Soderlind, Harrison Township, MI (US); Eric Schaus, Morgantown, PA (US); and Todd Putnam, South Lyon, MI (US)
Assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed by Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed on May 8, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/313,884.
Prior Publication US 2024/0375703 A1, Nov. 14, 2024
Int. Cl. B62D 1/16 (2006.01)
CPC B62D 1/16 (2013.01) 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus comprising:
an elastic seal;
a steering shaft extending through the elastic seal, the elastic seal fully circumscribing the steering shaft; and
means for retaining the steering shaft in a retained position relative to the elastic seal, the means for retaining configured to release the steering shaft to an assembled position.