Patent ID: 6722465
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
A steering system comprising:a first tube having a first end and a second end and a first opening positioned between said first end and said second end; a second tube having a second opening aligned with said first opening; said first tube and said second tube fixedly coupled together at said first opening and said second opening; a rack positioned within said first tube; a pinion shaft positioned within said second tube; a first bushing positioned within said first tube adjacent said first end; and a second bushing positioned within said first tube adjacent said second end; wherein said first bushing and said second bushing support said rack within said first tube so as to urge and maintain said rack in engagement with said pinion shaft, said first bushing and said second bushing being formed of a compliant material that is intended to dampen forces applied to said rack, said second tube being positioned between said first bushing and said second bushing; wherein said second opening of said second tube is sized smaller than said first opening of said first tube so as to allow said first tube to cover said second opening and support said second tube according to a desired orientation; wherein at least one of said first tube and said second tube is comprised of a plastic material; wherein at least one of said first tube and said second tube has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of an oval shape, a square shape, and a rectangular shape.