Patent · US Expired

Separable connecting device for steering column

US5336013A · kind A · utility

6Cited by
13References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 21, 1992
Grant dateAug 9, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 21, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16B2200/63
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Two shaft sections have a common axis and overlapping end portions. Connecting pins on the end portions extend through sleeves on the end portions. A snap ring or similar device is releasably attached to the connecting pins to hold the connecting pins within the sleeves and to release the connecting pins when a predetermined force is applied. Alternatively, a deformable strap holds flanges on the end portions together and releases the flanges when a predetermined force is applied. Also disclosed is a sequential connecting device having a second mechanism to hold the two end portions together after the initial release and to provide a second release when a second predetermined force is applied.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.