Telescoping vehicle steering column apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle driver
US6227571A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/203
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus (12) comprises a first steering column member (40) rotatable about a first axis (26) and a steering wheel (20) mounted on the first steering column member. A second steering column member (100) is connected with the first steering column member (40) so that rotation of the first steering column member about the first axis (26) causes rotation of the second steering column member. The first and second steering column members (40 and 100) have a telescoping relationship and have axially overlapped portions (70, 108). An air bag module (30) is mounted on the steering wheel (20) and includes an inflatable air bag (32). An actuatable device (90) emits gas which causes the first and second steering column members (40 and 100) to telescope together and causes at least a portion of the air bag module (30) to move away from the vehicle driver as the air bag (32) is inflated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.