Steering column angle
US5984355A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/203
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a steering device which has a steering column selectively moveable from a first position to a second position. The first position is a position angled upward conducive to driver use, and the second position is a more horizontal position which is conducive to vehicle crashing. The steering column has a front bracket and a locomotive device. Upon impact, the locomotive device drives the steering column, which rotates about the front bracket, and changes the resulting steering column angle. Thus, when the air bag inflates, it is positioned at a reduced angle and absorbs the impact of the driver more effectively.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.