Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of an apparatus including a housing. A column gear is positioned within the housing and adapted to be coupled to a steering column, and the column gear has a first diameter, rotates about a first axis, and has teeth along its perimeter. A steering wheel gear is positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the column gear and adapted to be coupled to a steering wheel; the steering wheel gear has a second diameter, rotates about a stationary hub having a second axis, and has teeth along its perimeter. A transfer gear is positioned within the housing. The transfer gear rotates about a third axis, has teeth along its perimeter, and is positioned so that the teeth of the transfer gear engage the teeth of the column gear and the teeth of the steering wheel gear.

Abstract: A support for a steering wheel of an agricultural or construction vehicle to improve working conditions of operators inside cabins and, also, to simplify production lines of the vehicle. A steering wheel support is formed by first and second articulated elements which are connected together and fastened on an installation base, and the first articulated element is pivoted on the installation base, while the second articulated element is connected at an opposite end of the first articulated element through a connector element, and a free end of the second articulated element further sustains a framework for installing a steering box with its respective steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering column assembly is disclosed comprising a telescopic shroud having an outer shroud portion and an inner shroud portion with an end that extends into the outer shroud portion. A plate is fixed to the inner shroud portion and includes a slot that extends axially along the inner shroud portion. A block is releasably interlockable with the plate to prevent telescopic motion of the inner shroud portion relative to the outer shroud portion. The steering column assembly includes a clamp assembly operable between a clamped condition in which the outer shroud portion clamps around the inner shroud portion and an unclamped condition in which the outer shroud portion is unclamped from the inner shroud portion.

Abstract: A steering input system for a vehicle, the system including: a steering input device configured to provide a steering action input for the vehicle, and an actuator assembly including a set of actuators configured to translate the steering input device from a drive position to a retracted position by a combined actuation action.

Abstract: A steering column structure includes a rotary connector, a steering column cover, and a steering lower cover attached with a gap defined between the steering lower cover and the steering column cover. The steering column cover includes a first side wall portion defining the gap, and a first insertion hole that is disposed in the first side wall portion and into which the rotary connector is inserted. The steering lower cover includes a second side wall portion facing the first side wall portion and defining the gap together with the first side wall portion, and a second insertion hole that is disposed in the second side wall portion and into which the rotary connector is inserted. The first side wall portion includes a first dam portion disposed in a position corresponding to the rotary connector above the rotary connector.

Abstract: A disclosed vehicle control system provides control over complex vehicle functions including transmission shifting to enable differently abled drivers to operate a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A start/stop engine button assembly includes a start/stop engine button, a button cover, displaceable between a closed position and an open position, and an actuator that functions to displace the button cover between the closed position and the opened position.

Abstract: A steering handle for inputting a driver's steering command into a steer-by-wire vehicle steering mechanism comprises a rotatably mounted main part for actuation by the driver. A transmission is arranged in a receptacle on the main part, an input member of the transmission can be coupled to an electric motor, and an output member of the transmission is coupled to the main part.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a crumple element for a steering column. In order to provide a reliable, structurally simple steering column, according to the disclosure, it is provided that the crumple element has first and second connecting portions arranged axially at an end to connect adjacent steering column parts, and an interrupted crumple portion arranged in between the first and second connecting portions, and is able to deform by a threshold force acting axially, while the connecting portions are deformation-resistant to the threshold force. The crumple element is made integrally by additive production from metal. An end region of the first connecting portion facing the crumple portion has a first portion that protrudes axially relative to a second portion lying opposite the first portion transversely to the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering column for a vehicle comprising a lower column (2), an upper column (4) connected the lower column by a pivot connection, a locking mechanism including a tooth segment (6) fixed with respect to one of the lower and upper columns, and a tooth hook (8) pivotably mounted with respect to the other one of the lower and upper columns and biased to an engaged position meshing with the tooth segment (6) to lock the columns in an adjusted tilt position, and an actuator for pivoting the tooth hook (8) out of engagement with the tooth segment (6) characterized by a memory hook (20) connected to the same of the lower and upper columns as the tooth hook (8) and adapted to cooperate with the tooth hook so that the tooth hook gets engaged by the memory hook (20) when the tooth hook is moved to the disengaged position, a striker (30) fixed to the other of lower and upper column than the memory hook (20) and arranged such that it acts on the memory hook (20) when the upper colum

Abstract: The damper device includes the shaft, the large diameter portion housing and the impact absorbing member. When the large diameter portion does not apply an impact force on the flange portion, the elastic body is disposed at one of the inner peripheral surface of the housing and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion having a gap and when the large diameter portion applies the impact force on the flange portion, the elastic body is deformed in an axial direction to be deformed and is brought into contact with all of the inner peripheral surface of the housing, the restricting surface, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and the flange portion. The impact receiving member is restricted from a relative movement relative to the housing by the deformed elastic body and the impact receiving member keeps a non-contact state with the housing.

Abstract: Systems and devices for implementing airbags within vehicles are described herein with the airbags being designed to utilize a reduced interior surface area of a vehicle. In one embodiment, an airbag device for a vehicle, comprises an airbag capable of being deployed upon detection of a collision condition for the vehicle and a container to contain the airbag prior to deployment. In one example, the container has a depth that exceeds a diameter of the container.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes first jacket, a second jacket, and a locking assembly. The first jacket is disposed about a first shaft. The second jacket is at least partially received within the first jacket. The second jacket is disposed about a second shaft that is selectively coupled to the first shaft. The locking assembly includes a shaft sleeve and a sensor assembly. The shaft sleeve is disposed about the first shaft and has a position feature. The sensor assembly is disposed within the second jacket and is operatively connected to a jacket sleeve. The sensor assembly is arranged to detect a position of the position feature relative to the sensor assembly.

Abstract: An energy absorption device includes a support, a dissipating element mounted around the support and being operable to deform plastically under the effect of a shock, and balls mounted with a given pressure against the dissipating element and intended to deform the dissipating element. The support is provided with grooves, and the balls are mounted opposite the grooves of the support and are operable to deform the dissipating element along the length of the grooves.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle support structure and a steering linkage. The vehicle support structure includes a dash wall. The dash wall separates an engine compartment and a passenger compartment. The dash wall has an energy absorption member supported by the support structure on an engine compartment side of the dash wall. The steering linkage extends through an opening of the dash wall between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment. The steering linkage includes a steering column in the passenger compartment. The steering linkage further includes an abutment. The abutment is positioned and configured to contact the energy absorption member upon a frontal impact of the vehicle to transfer energy from the steering linkage to the energy absorption member and to limit a rearward displacement of the steering linkage.

Abstract: An installation assembly for connecting a probe element to a wall of a container, comprising: a first mounting part and a second mounting part, wherein the first mounting part serves for attaching the assembly to the container wall and has a lead-through through which the probe element is insertable. The second mounting part serves for receiving and fastening the probe element, and the first and the second mounting part are flexibly connected to each other.

Abstract: A method and an assembly for absorbing energy during an overload event. An energy absorber reduces loads on an object being transported on a loading unit during a single overload event, which introduces such a high degree of energy that there is an overwhelming likelihood the object would be damaged without an energy absorber. Measurement values on the current state of the loading unit are sensed. A control device determines an overload event and a damping of the energy absorber is set to a high value after the detection of the overload event. The damping is maintained for a specified prolonged time period and controlled dependent on the measurement values during the overload event to increase the load for objects during the specified time period initially to a specified threshold load and after the specified time dependent on the measurement values detected during the overload event.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle, the assembly having a steering wheel for steering the vehicle, a brake pedal for operating the vehicle brakes, wherein the steering wheel and a pivot for the brake pedal are carried on a four bar mechanism mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: The Universal Rotating Scroll Puller is a new and improved tool for application with automotive, commercial, marine, and industrial remanufacturing. This puller has several advantages. It is fast and easy to use, has good gripping force, is self-centering, adjustable to many different sizes, and can pull a wide variety of mounted objects. Some applications include bearings, V-groove and serpentine pulleys, and alternator frames of various shapes, sizes and locations. Varieties of finger sets are available for multiple applications and extractions. The number of fingers sets can vary from as few as two fingers to as many as six, but most commonly, this puller uses six fingers that can move radially inward or outward by means of a flat scroll plate that is turned about a central axis in order to maneuver the self-centering fingers.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing defining a bore that extends along an axis. The steering column assembly includes a first shaft disposed in the bore and a second shaft telescopically engaged with the first shaft. The second shaft is movable along the axis relative to the housing. A wedge is fixed to the second shaft and is spaced from the housing. During frontal impact of the vehicle, an occupant may impact the steering column assembly. Relative telescopic retraction of the first shaft and the second shaft provides a first stage of energy absorption. As the first shaft and the second shaft telescopically retract, the wedge contacts the housing and deforms the housing in a second stage of energy absorption.

Abstract: An information system capable of utilizing information in which a user evaluation pertaining to the environment or conditions surrounding a traveling vehicle is highly precise (very near real time). The information system (100) comprises an onboard terminal device (110) for outputting information obtained by a user's input operation, a communication terminal device (120) for transmitting the information outputted by the onboard terminal device (110) to the exterior, and an information center (130) for classifying and delivering the information received from the onboard terminal device (110). The onboard terminal device (110) varies the level of detail of the information that the user is allowed to input in accordance with the speed of the vehicle or the presence/absence of a passenger other than the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering device which contracts by an impulse load. A steering device includes an inner column having a cylindrical shape, a base plate having a first hole opened therein, an outer column having a cylindrical shape into which at least a part of the inner column is inserted, and having a slit formed by notching one insertion side end of the inner column, an outer column bracket to tighten the outer column along with a telescopic friction plate, and a connection member provided at a position straddling the first hole and a second hole, and detachably connecting the base plate and the inner column bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle body assembly includes a steering column assembly, a steering wheel, an actuator mechanism and a controller. The steering wheel is rotatably supported to the steering column assembly for rotation about a first axis. The actuator mechanism is connected to the steering column assembly and includes a lever movable relative to the steering column assembly between a first position and a second position about a second axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. The controller is operably connected to the actuator mechanism and to a trailer connector such that in response to the lever moving from the first position toward the second position, the controller transmits a braking signal to the trailer connector corresponding to activation of a trailer braking system of a trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel bearing forming a double row angular contact ball bearing of back-to-back duplex bearing type has an outer member formed, on its inner circumference, with outer raceway surfaces with each having a circular arc longitudinal section. A pair of inner rings are each formed, on its outer circumference, with an inner raceway surface having a circular arc longitudinal section arranged opposite to one of the outer raceway surfaces. The end of a smaller diameter side of one inner ring abuts against an end of a smaller diameter side of the other inner ring. Double row balls are contained between the outer and inner raceway surfaces, respectively, of the outer member and inner rings and are held by cages. Seals are mounted in annular openings formed between the outer member and inner rings.

Abstract: By law, a stand-up lift truck operator must be trained to keep both feet and legs located within an operator compartment. An exemplary operator presence detector includes multiple zones, or areas, configured to receive an operator's feet. A sensor arrangement detects the presence of the operator's feet and a logic device determines whether the operator's feet are present in the zones or areas in a predetermined configuration, such as a configuration that reinforces operator training to keep both feet in a designated area on a compartment platform. In preferred arrangements, based on whether the operator's feet are present in the zones in a predetermined configuration, at least one vehicle function is enabled or disabled which may serve to reinforce an operator's training to keep both feet and legs located within an operator's compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a steering shaft part that forms a section of a steering shaft, the steering shaft part including a reinforcement section at least in an end area, over which reinforcement section the steering shaft part has a wall thickness that is enlarged relative to an adjacent section of the steering shaft part extending toward the longitudinal center of the steering shaft part. The steering shaft part includes a pipe and a sleeve that is arranged in the reinforcement section of the steering shaft part and that form the enlarged wall thickness.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a controller for a steering apparatus having easy operation of an adjustment of a tilting angle. The steering apparatus comprises a tilting mechanism adjusting a tilting angle of a steering wheel, and an electrical motor driving the tilting mechanism. The controller for the steering apparatus 1 detects the tilting angle based on a rotational angle of the screw shaft. The controller defines the predetermined supplying current according to the detected amount of the tilting angle as the supplying current to the electrical motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for a steering system with electric power assistance, comprising a steering wheel, an electric power assist motor, an electric control unit, which includes a memory for storing digital data, a motor driver unit which based on a target engine torque that is delivered to the motor driver unit, determines and sends out electrical signals for controlling the electric power assist motor, at least one sensor device for determining a control variable introduced into the steering wheel, for example a manual torque, wherein in the control unit with the help of the control variable a preset value is determined for a engine torque of the power assist motor, characterized in that in the memory an upper threshold value for the target engine torque is stored and for a case A, in which the preset value exceeds the upper threshold value, the control unit sends out the upper threshold value as the target engine torque to the motor driver unit and in a case B, in which the preset value

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the current flow of a coil that controls the viscosity of a magnetorheological fluid of a controllable energy absorber in a steering system for a motor vehicle, wherein during an accident the energy absorber acts as a hydraulic damper between two parts movable with respect to one another, whose damping force is determined by the current flow through the magnetic coil, wherein the following steps are provided: the relative velocity between a first part of the steering column movable with the steering wheel and a second part of the steering column fixed to the vehicle body is determined continuously or at intervals, the acceleration required for the braking from the measured relative velocity at standstill up to the end of the travel path is calculated, the current flow is calculated from the calculated acceleration in such a way that the value of the acceleration is approximately reached during the further travel of the parts movable with respect to one anoth

Abstract: A steering wheel alignment system for a vehicle having a steering wheel and steering unit that includes a first shaft operatively connected to the steering unit, a second shaft operatively connected to the steering wheel, and a coupling disposed between the first and second shafts to couple the shafts so that rotation of the steering wheel operates the steering unit to steer the vehicle. The coupling includes: a bolt, one of the shafts is hollow to telescope over the other shaft, and each shaft has a radial extending hole therethrough for receiving the bolt to attach the first and second shafts together. The radial extending hole through one of the shafts is elongated in the radial direction so that when the bolt extends through the holes of the first and second shafts the elongation of the hole defines a range of radial adjusting movement of the shafts relative one another until tightening of the bolt clamps the first and second shafts together against further relative rotation.

Abstract: A steering column assembly has an outer jacket extending, an inner jacket is slideably disposed in the outer jacket for telescoping movement relative to the outer jacket, and a sleeve disposed between the inner and outer jackets. The sleeve exerts a predetermined frictional force on the inner jacket opposing the telescoping movement. A filler formed from a liquid thermosetting composition is disposed between the sleeve and the outer jacket for securing the sleeve to the outer jacket. Furthermore, a method of forming the steering column assembly includes disposing the inner jacket into the outer jacket and disposing the sleeve between the inner and outer jackets. The method further includes inserting the liquid thermosetting composition into the outer jacket between the outer jacket and the sleeve and curing the liquid thermosetting composition to form the filler.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The steering wheel assembly includes a chamfer or defines a space for viewing a portion of a grader blade of the motor grader.

Abstract: In a cab for construction machine, a support structure for a front console is provided with a first fixed member supporting a cover member and a second fixed member supporting the first fixed member from below the first fixed member. The first fixed member is fixed to a front plate at two locations directly below both ends of a front window. The second fixed member is fixed to a floor plate.

Abstract: There is provided a reinforcing structure for a steering support member, which is made up of a pipe part, and is set across in the vehicle width direction. In this reinforcing structure, a pin part is penetratingly arranged along the vehicle longitudinal direction in a location in which a steering bracket of the steering support member is fixed, and the end portions of the pin part are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe part.

Abstract: A method for the production of a steering spindle part is provided. The method includes forming a section of a steering spindle for a motor vehicle and which is implemented in the form of a hollow shaft and includes at least a connection section adjoining one of its ends. The connection section has at least over a portion of its length a wall thickness (D) which, compared to a section of the steering spindle part adjoining the connection section, is increased, for the production of the steering spindle part as the starting produce is utilized an initially hollow-cylindrical tube, which is at least section-wise reshaped. For the formation of the connection section, a sleeve is set into an end section of the tube and the end section of the tube and of sleeve are subsequently jointly reshaped.

Abstract: Steering control apparatuses and methods for a vehicle are provided. A steering control apparatus can include a steering shaft drivingly linked to a pair of front wheels of a vehicle. A movable steering handle can also be provided and disposed about the steering shaft, with the steering handle being capable of selectively turning the pair of front wheels to direct the movement of the vehicle. A first and second brake clutch mechanism for engaging and disengaging first and second drive wheels, respectively, can be provided. First and second brake clutch control levers can selectively control the first and second brake clutch mechanism, respectively, to engage and disengage the first and second drive wheels. The steering handle can include a coupling base.

Abstract: A device and method for steering mechanism breakaway are disclosed. In order to avoid harmful steering column intrusion into the passenger compartment of a vehicle in the event of vehicle collision, an intermediate link between the steering column and the steering gearbox is disposed. The intermediate link comprises of an inner shaft and an outer tube which are connected via longitudinal matching splines to facilitate rotational engagement. In normal operation the inner shaft may longitudinally move inside the tube. The outer tube has openings along it and detachment means at one end to facilitate detachment of the shaft from the tube through the openings when the shaft moves longitudinally into the tube beyond a certain point due to movement of the steering gearbox towards the steering column during a collision.

Abstract: An anti-theft device includes a first steering column, a second steering column, a clutch and an actuating unit. The first steering column is connected to a steering wheel. The second steering column is connected to a universal joint. The actuating unit moves the clutch between a first position for connecting the first steering column to the second steering column and a second position for disconnecting the first steering column from the second steering column.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering control provides two degrees of freedom with a one-handed operation that is simple and intuitive. The control is achieved with a joystick control movable from side to side (e.g. as in an aircraft) in combination with a yoke control which rotates on an axis (e.g. like the steering wheel of a car). The yoke control (giving one degree of freedom) is mounted to the joystick control, the latter of which adds a second degree of freedom. The steering of both the front and rear wheels of a variety of vehicles may be controlled, including vehicles where the operator rides with the vehicle and, as well, remote controlled vehicles where the operator is situated remote from the vehicle. The latter case contemplates remote controlled steering not only of full scale vehicles designed to move or haul some load but also model vehicles such as radio-controlled model cars and the like.

Abstract: The invention is a combination horn button and gear position indicator system for an automobile, the automobile having wire having a first end terminating at the steering wheel and a second end terminating at least partially down the steering column. In detail, the invention includes a housing movably mounted to the steering wheel, said housing movable from a first position to a second position, with a spring biasing the housing to the first position. horn actuation switch mounted in the housing, which is actuated to a closed position when the housing is moved from the first position to the second position. A gear position indicator is mounted on the housing. Processor circuits for sending the horn actuation switch signal to the horn relay and sending a gear position signal from the transmission to the gear position indicator via the one wire.

Abstract: An orifice cover is described that is selectively disposed within an orifice having a structural member adapted to extend through the orifice. The orifice includes an inner peripheral extent and both an inner surface and an outer surface. The orifice cover further includes an elastomeric main body having an outer periphery. The outer periphery selectively engages the inner peripheral extent of the orifice and the outer periphery includes a securing mechanism for securing the orifice cover to the orifice.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a stationary portion supporting a DAB or similar module, comprises an armature (1) having a hub (2, H) directly mounted to a vehicle steering shaft and provided with an opening (3) through which a coiled element (5) passes. A non-rotating housing (41) is assembled with the hub (2) and the coiled element (5) connects the non-rotating housing (41) to a fixed part (61) of the vehicle and carries one or more electric wires to the DAB. The coiled element (5) is screwing or unscrewing itself to or from the hub (2, H) via the opening (3) when the steering wheel is rotated. A gear assembly is provided for supporting the stationary portion (41) when the steering wheel is rotated.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has a steering wheel armature, a hub portion and spokes. The hub portion is fixable to a conventional steering column shaft. The steering wheel assembly has a first drum supported on the steering column shaft, to freely rotate about only the axis of the steering column shaft. A second drum is freely rotatable with respect to the first drum only about a second axis. The second axis is parallel to and spaced apart from or incident to of the steering column shaft. Stationary means are provided for supporting the second drum on the first drum. Both the first drum and the second drum are rotated around their respective axes by the spokes engaging their sidewalls. The support provides a stationary support member onto which an airbag module or other devices can be mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack and pinion steering device having a rack (1) which is arranged in a housing (4) and is connected at both ends to the steerable wheels via track rods (6) and steering arms, and having a pinion (2) which engages continuously in the rack (1) and is connected to the manual steering wheel via a steering column, and having stop means (10; 11; 12) which are integrated at both ends between the housing (4) and axially movable parts of the rack and pinion steering device and limit the axial movement of the rack (1) in both steering directions, the stop means (10; 11; 12) comprising elastically compliant material (12) which is completely enclosed in nonelastic parts (10; 11) of the stop means (10; 11; 12) which can move axially with respect to one another.

Abstract: A steering column assembly having a support structure, a tilt portion, and a switch module is provided. The support structure is securable to a vehicle. The tilt portion is pivotally secured to the support structure such that the tilt portion can pivot about a pivot axis through a selected range of motion with respect to the support structure. A first electrical connecting member is disposed on the tilt portion proximate the pivot axis. The switch module has a second electrical connecting member connected to the first electrical connecting member such that the switch module in electrical communication with a wiring harness.

Abstract: A fail-safe torque transducer, and automotive power steering system, utilizing a two-stage series coupled torsion bar system. A first stage torsion bar provides tuning of the steering system, and by reducing its diameter relative to the second stage, provides a lower torsional spring rate and higher operational stress level than that of the second stage. The second stage torsion bar provides the stress/strain indicia referenced by a torque-measuring device, and is stressed at a lower level than the first stage and therefore has a higher cycle life than that of the first stage bar. Hence, if stress related failure ever occurs, it will only occur in the first stage torsion bar, thereby preventing any torque from reaching the second stage, thereby causing a zero strain signal and thus rendering the system fail-safe and not subject to instability of vehicle steering if the torsion bar breaks.

Abstract: Steering equipment for a work vehicle includes a steering transmission shaft mounted so that the shaft can turn within a steering column, and with a control device for actuating a steering operating unit. The control device includes a reference member, which can move along the transmission shaft and a sensor device fixed to the steering column in a position substantially facing the reference member for detecting a position of the reference member along the transmission shaft. The sensor provides a displacement signal that is used to vary the steering ratio, such as steering speed.

Abstract: A device for effecting height and longitudinal adjustment of a steering column of a vehicle and including first and second adjustment devices for adjusting, respectively, height and length of the steering column, with the first adjusting devices including a lamella stack formed of alternating large and small lamellas through which a locking bolt extends, with the large lamellas being arranged in or on the bracket with a possibility of changing of spacing therebetween but without a possibility of displacement in a direction of the height adjustment of the steering column, the large lamellas having each an inner recess for enabling displacement of the locking bolt relative to the bracket in the open position of the first adjusting device to enable the height adjustment of the steering column, and with the small lamellas being arranged for displacement in an axial direction of the locking bolt but without a possibility of displacement relative to the locking bolt in the direction of the height adjustment of the

Abstract: Improvements to a motorized balancing personal transporter. An intelligent battery has a battery container sealed against moisture and a plurality of battery blocks housed within the battery container. Additionally, the battery pack has a plurality of sensors, each of which is for monitoring a characteristic of a distinct battery block. The battery pack has a processor that generates a fault flag for transmission to a circuit external to the battery container on occurrence of a critical fault and that transmits an identifying characteristic such as a battery serial number. Various mechanisms are provided for receiving rider input in order to direct steering of the vehicle. These include a rotatable grip for imparting rotary motion to a rotation sensor, a thumb-activated rotation sensor and a palm-activated sensor, each disposed on the handlebar of the vehicle.

Abstract: The snap-on steering column shroud assembly includes an upper shroud and a lower shroud. The upper shroud has an upper steering shaft passage portion that is positioned vertically, axially and angularly relative to the upper steering shaft. A front edge is moved toward the steering column to move upper shroud cantilever snap fasteners into engagement with the steering column. Force is applied manually to force the upper shroud snap fasteners into a retaining position. A lower shroud is aligned with the upper shroud by alignment posts and alignment post receivers and then raised into contact with the steering column. Lower shroud cantilevered snap fasteners are manually forced into a lower shroud retaining position on the steering column. Snap connectors and snap receivers connect the upper shroud to the lower shroud.