Steering wheel construction
US5144861A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7033
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In order to permit a steering wheel to be simply connected to a steering shaft having a frusto conical tapered portion, a serrated or splined portion and a threaded portion, in a manner which permits ready adjustment of the wheels' position which respect to the shaft, the central boss of the steering wheel is divided into separate upper and lower boss members. The lower boss member seats on the tapered portion and is rigidly connected with the steering wheel. The upper boss member fits on the serrated portion so that relative rotation is prevented. By tightening a nut on the threaded portion of the steering shaft, force can be applied through the upper boss member to the lower one in a manner which produces a frictional engagement between the lower boss member and the tapered portion which prevents relative rotation. Various mechanical arrangements are provided between the upper and lower boss members to either limit the amount of relative rotation which can occur therebetween prior the tightening of the nut or control the relative rotation to the degree that accidental relative rotation which is not deliberately induced cannot take place, even in the absence of the nut applying su…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.