The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 17, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 19, 1998
Erik C Wilson, West Lafayette, IN (US);
Albert E Becker, Jr, West Lafayette, IN (US);
TRW Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
A steering column connectable to a frame of a vehicle includes a first steering column member pivotable relative to a second steering column member. A tilt lock bar has an end portion movable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. The tilt lock bar moves relative to the second steering column member upon pivoting of the first steering column member to any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steering column member. A locking member engages a plurality of teeth on the tilt lock bar to prevent movement of the tilt lock bar relative to the second steering column member and pivoting of the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. The locking member has a first position engaging the plurality of teeth on the tilt lock bar to prevent movement of the tilt lock bar relative to the second steering column member. The locking member has a second position spaced from the plurality of teeth on the tilt lock bar to enable movement of the tilt lock bar relative to the second steering column and pivoting of the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. A support tube for connecting the steering column to the frame of the vehicle rotatably supports the second steering column member.