Other

Douglas Autotech Corporation

Patrick D Gaukel

Brian C Bowerman

Joseph C Spencer

Corbin G Glidden

A support assembly for a steering column includes a housing interconnected to a lower end of the steering column by a first linkage member. The lower end of the steering column is also interconnected to one end of the housing by a second linkage member. A third linkage member interconnects the upper end of the steering column to the same end of the housing as is connected to the second linkage member. The relative positions of the second and third linkage members, and as a result, the orientation of the steering column, is maintained by a releasable lock assembly extending through the end of said housing as well as the end portions of the second and third linkage members.

Steering column support assembly

A shifter assembly for use on tilting and/or telescoping steering columns includes a cam connected to the steering column, and a crank spaced from the cam and connected to a fixed portion of the vehicle such as the lower portion of the steering column. A gear shift lever is provided which is connected to the cam. A parallel cable linkage assembly interconnects the cam and crank.

Steering column shifter assembly

A steering column assembly for a vehicle wherein the steering column may be adjustable in a tilt direction, telescoping direction or both. The steering column includes a first housing, a second housing pivotally coupled to one end of the first housing, and a locking assembly interconnecting the first and second housings. The locking assembly includes a clutch having one end attached to the first housing, and an opposite end in sliding engagement with the second housing. A caliper member is provided on the second housing, and extending through the clutch to selectively fix the clutch in place and thus fix the relative position of the first housing in relation to the second.

Steering wheel impact positioning system

A steering column assembly comprising an outer isolator tube closed at one end and open at an opposite end; at least one tubular resilient member concentrically disposed within and adhered to an inner wall of the outer isolator tube; and an inner isolator tube concentrically disposed within and adhered to an inner wall of the resilient member, the inner isolator tube member having one end extending from the open end of the outer isolator tube. A telescoping shaft insert assembly is provided having a first end concentrically received within an inner wall of the inner isolator tube and with an opposite end of the telescoping shaft assembly from the open end of the outer isolator tube. The tubular resilient member disposed between the outer and inner isolator tubes is preferably made from a polymeric material and absorbs or dampens transient noise and vibration produced by the road and sensed at the steering wheel. This results in reduced fatigue for the operator. The steering characteristics of the vehicle can also be altered by changing the hardness and elasticity of the resilient members. Additional structure is provided to absorb crash energy and reduce the risk of injury to the operator from impacts with the steering wheel.

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Bronson, MI, United States of America

Patrick D Gaukel