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:
Mar. 19, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 16, 2000
David Koellisch, Lafayette, IN (US);
Michael W. Wilson, Attica, IN (US);
Richard J. Eckhart, Buck Creek, IN (US);
TRW Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
A steering column ( ) includes a steering column member ( ) rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A support tube ( ) supports the steering column member ( ) for rotation about a longitudinal axis ( ) of the steering column member. The support tube ( ) and the steering column member ( ) extend between clamping members ( ) and are axially movable relative to the clamping members. The clamping members ( ) clamp the support tube ( ) to prevent movement of the support tube and the steering column member ( ) relative to the clamping members. A pivot shaft ( ) pivotally connects the clamping members ( ) to a mounting bracket ( ). A locking mechanism ( ) presses the clamping members ( ) toward each other to clamp the support tube ( ) to prevent axial movement of the support tube relative to the clamping members. The locking mechanism ( ) also locks the clamping members ( ) in one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the mounting bracket ( ). The locking mechanism ( ) has a locking shaft ( ) extending through the clamping members ( ) and through side walls ( ) of the mounting bracket ( ).