Patent ID: 7815237
Filing Date: 2010-10-19
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An instrument panel for a vehicle comprising: at least one opening recessed in the instrument panel, the opening having at least one opening datum positioned in the opening, the opening datum having at least one contact surface; wherein the opening is configured to receive a cover comprising a top surface, an underside, and at least one datum rib extending from the underside of the cover, and a plurality of connectors extending substantially orthogonally from the underside of the cover and configured to engage with corresponding connectors located in the opening of the instrument panel, wherein the at least one datum rib comprises at least one contact surface and the at least one datum rib is positioned on the underside of the cover to engage with the at least one opening datum when the cover is positioned in the; wherein the at least one opening comprises at least one unbounded side and the at least one opening datum is positioned such that the at least one contact surface is substantially opposed to an edge of the instrument panel opposite the at least one unbounded side of the opening; and wherein, when the cover is inserted into the at least one opening in the instrument panel, the at least one contact surface of the at least one opening datum engages with the at least one contact surface of the at least one datum rib pushing the cover towards the edge of the instrument panel opposite the unbounded side of the opening thereby minimizing the gap between the edge of the instrument panel opposite the unbounded side of the opening and the corresponding edge of the cover and securing the cover in the opening.