Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus is provided for operatively connecting an operating rod to a parking brake latch release lever when a vehicle instrument panel is installed to a vehicle support structure. A handle is mounted on one end of the operating rod that is pre-installed in the instrument panel prior to panel installation. The other end of the rod is provided with an elongated fitting having a series of spaced annular ridges comprising leading camming surfaces and trailing locking surfaces. The latch lever mounts a receptor fitting having an entry funnel that enters a central bore. A spring clip includes fingers which enter the bore through slots. The operating rod is initially pulled out to release position. When the instrument panel is later installed, the projector rod is guided into the receptor bore by the funnel. As the rod fitting is inserted, the spring fingers are cammed over the ridges by the camming surfaces until the rod fitting is fully inserted. The fingers engage the rod locking shoulder in that position to prevent withdrawal of the rod fitting. This operatively connects the operating rod to the release lever to enable parking brake release by manually pulling out the handle. The spring clip has a connecting portion extending outside of the receptor to enable grasping and removal to permit withdrawal of the rod fitting to enable instrument panel removal.

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First Claim