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:
Sep. 26, 2006
Filed:
Jun. 03, 2003
Steven J. Dimig, Plymouth, WI (US);
Larry R. Grimmer, Sussex, WI (US);
Russell J. Winberg, Wauwatosa, WI (US);
Michael Malich, Greenfield, WI (US);
Michael P. Baker, Evanston, IL (US);
Cynthia M. Brey, Peoria, IL (US);
Brian M. Keller, Menasha, WI (US);
Steven J. Dimig, Plymouth, WI (US);
Larry R. Grimmer, Sussex, WI (US);
Russell J. Winberg, Wauwatosa, WI (US);
Michael Malich, Greenfield, WI (US);
Michael P. Baker, Evanston, IL (US);
Cynthia M. Brey, Peoria, IL (US);
Brian M. Keller, Menasha, WI (US);
Strattec Security Corporation, Milwaukee, MI (US);
Abstract
Highly preferred embodiments of the present invention have a lock bolt extendible and retractable by movement of a power transmission assembly driven by an actuator and having a cam thereon which cams against the lock bolt to retract the lock bolt and unlock the steering column. In some preferred embodiments, the cam has a curved surface with varying distance from the axis of rotation of the cam or pivot to produce smooth and controlled lock bolt camming action with little to no jarring motion. In order to significantly reduce manufacturing and assembly time and cost, some or all of the power transmission assembly can be assembled prior to installation in the lock assembly frame. More preferably, some or all of the power transmission assembly is integrally formed. Preferably, part or all of the lock assembly can be assembled without turning, flipping, or otherwise re-orienting the lock assembly during assembly.