Abstract: A pointer for a gauge or an instrument cluster assembly is provided. The pointer is formed of a light conducting material. In one form, indicia are disposed about the axis of rotation and/or on a surface, the plurality of indicia configured to be selectively illuminated by the pointer. A second end of the pointer may be configured to be selectively rotated adjacent to each indicium of the plurality of indicia and to illuminate the indicia when the light guide pointer is disposed adjacent to the indicia. The second end may be wider than a first end of the pointer. In some variations, the pointer may have a fan shape, and the indicia may be configured as tick marks defining a bar graph. In some forms, opaque material may be disposed on the pointer, the opaque material defining a plurality of indicia on the pointer.

Abstract: A pointer for a gauge or an instrument cluster assembly is provided. The pointer is formed of a light conducting material. In one form, indicia are disposed about the axis of rotation and/or on a surface, the plurality of indicia configured to be selectively illuminated by the pointer. A second end of the pointer may be configured to be selectively rotated adjacent to each indicium of the plurality of indicia and to illuminate the indicia when the light guide pointer is disposed adjacent to the indicia. The second end may be wider than a first end of the pointer. In some variations, the pointer may have a fan shape, and the indicia may be configured as tick marks defining a bar graph. In some forms, opaque material may be disposed on the pointer, the opaque material defining a plurality of indicia on the pointer.

Abstract: An integrated fastener for an instrument cluster assembly, where multiple integrated fasteners are used to connect the front cover of the assembly to the back cover. The instrument cluster assembly includes at least one fastener integrated into the back cover, a first recessed portion formed as part of the back cover, and a separation wall formed as part of the back cover in proximity to the first recessed portion. A first mounting aperture is formed as part of the separation wall, and the integrated fastener attached to the back cover and located in the first mounting aperture when the integrated fastener is in a first configuration. The integrated fastener is detached from the back cover and rotated such that the integrated fastener is placed in a second configuration, securing the front cover to the back cover.

Abstract: A display assembly for displaying vehicle operating information to an operator of a vehicle is provided. The display assembly includes at least two housing parts selected from the following: a mask, a light housing, and a back cover. The display assembly also includes at least one living hinge connecting the housing parts together. The housing parts and the living hinge(s) are unitarily formed as one piece. A method of forming a display assembly for displaying information to an operator of a vehicle is also provided, which includes unitarily forming the housing parts and hinges as one piece.

Abstract: An integrated fastener for an instrument cluster assembly, where multiple integrated fasteners are used to connect the front cover of the assembly to the back cover. The instrument cluster assembly includes at least one fastener integrated into the back cover, a first recessed portion formed as part of the back cover, and a separation wall formed as part of the back cover in proximity to the first recessed portion. A first mounting aperture is formed as part of the separation wall, and the integrated fastener attached to the back cover and located in the first mounting aperture when the integrated fastener is in a first configuration. The integrated fastener is detached from the back cover and rotated such that the integrated fastener is placed in a second configuration, securing the front cover to the back cover.

Abstract: A display assembly for displaying vehicle operating information to an operator of a vehicle is provided. The display assembly includes at least two housing parts selected from the following: a mask, a light housing, and a back cover. The display assembly also includes at least one living hinge connecting the housing parts together. The housing parts and the living hinge(s) are unitarily formed as one piece. A method of forming a display assembly for displaying information to an operator of a vehicle is also provided, which includes unitarily forming the housing parts and hinges as one piece.

Abstract: A pointer assembly for a gauge is disclosed and includes a pointer including a pointer arm extending from a pointer base and a crown attached to the pointer body including an illuminatable ring. A cap is mounted over the pointer and the crown and includes a first slot revealing the illuminatable ring and a second slot revealing a portion of the pointer arm.

Abstract: A pointer assembly for a gauge is disclosed and includes a pointer including a pointer arm extending from a pointer base and a crown attached to the pointer body including an illuminatable ring. A cap is mounted over the pointer and the crown and includes a first slot revealing the illuminatable ring and a second slot revealing a portion of the pointer arm.