Steering column
US6279951A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20636
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus includes a pivotable steering column member associated with a vehicle steering wheel. A rod member is pivotally attached to the steering column member. The rod member has a longitudinal axis. The rod member moves longitudinally upon pivotal movement of the steering column member. The rod member has a first plurality of teeth extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first plurality of teeth are centered relative to a plane extending through the longitudinal axis. A lever member has a second plurality of teeth for meshing engagement with the first plurality of teeth. The lever member is fixed against movement longitudinally with the rod member. The lever member is mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis between a release position in which the first and second plurality of teeth are out of meshing engagement permitting longitudinal movement of the rod member and an engaged portion in which the first and second plurality of teeth are in meshing engagement and block longitudinal movement of the rod member. The pivot axis is offset to one side of the plane a distance generally equal to one half the length of teeth…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.