Patent ID: 8291763
Filing Date: 2012-10-23
Classification: B60K,B60Y,F16B

Abstract:
1. A gauge mounting bracket for mounting a gauge disposed within a gauge housing and abutting a gauge housing flange to a front side of an instrument panel, said gauge mounting bracket comprising: a circular base; a series of identical flexible fingers extending axially from said base; a means of assembly of said circular base and said series of flexible fingers integral to said gauge housing; a ratcheting tip at a free end of said flexible fingers positioned distally from said base, said ratcheting tip becoming trapped against a rear surface of said instrument panel after insertion of the gauge housing in a hole of said instrument panel; and, an elastic dual-action cantilevered spring member of said flexible fingers exerting an outward force against a hole in said instrument panel by deformation of said spring member into an outwardly bowed shape configuration when said ratcheting tip is trapped against said rear surface of said instrument panel sandwiching said gauge housing flange against said instrument panel and aligning said gauge device disposed within said gauge housing.