Patent ID: 8702126
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A pencil brace for use in a cross car assembly having a longitudinal axis, the cross car assembly comprising a compression bracket, a column shaft, an upper shaft jacket, a lower column bracket, and an upper rake bracket, wherein the upper shaft jacket partially and rotatably surrounds the column shaft, and is telescopically collapsible relative to a lower portion of the cross car assembly, wherein the compression bracket attaches to the upper rake bracket to partially enclose the upper shaft jacket, and wherein the upper rake bracket and the lower column bracket are secured to the cross car beam shoes, the pencil brace comprising: a height sufficient to make contact with the compression bracket of the cross car assembly; a width sufficient to span a predetermined portion of the cross car assembly; and a shape sufficient to withstand a predetermined impact load, the shape including one or more portions suitable for attachment to the cross car beam shoes of the cross car assembly, wherein the pencil brace is configured to prevent movement of the compression bracket of the cross car assembly along the longitudinal axis.