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Tilt lever for adjustable steering columns

a technology of tilting lever and steering column, which is applied in the direction of mechanical control devices, process and machine control, instruments, etc., can solve the problems of operator's inability to complete repositioning, operator's hand positioning column, and inability to adjust the position of the steering column

Inactive Publication Date: 2001-10-18
DOUGLAS AUTOTECH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

A problem sometimes associated with biased lever assemblies is the operator may require the use of both hands in positioning the column.
In the case of the biased levers, when the lever was released, the column was fixed in position and the operator was unable to complete the repositioning without maintaining one hand on the lever and the other hand on the steering column or wheel.
A major disadvantage with the prior positioning systems is that adjustment of the steering column position was not possible when the hand was removed from the lever as they were all spring biased to lock when the pressure was released.

Method used

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  • Tilt lever for adjustable steering columns
  • Tilt lever for adjustable steering columns
  • Tilt lever for adjustable steering columns

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Embodiment Construction

[0012] For purposes of the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal" and derivatives of such terms shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It should also to be understood the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, an adjustable steering column 10 is shown, including an upper housing 12 pivotally coupled to a lower housing 14 between flanges 16. In the embodiment shown, bolts 18 pass through flang...

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PUM

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Abstract

An lever assembly for an adjustable steering column, comprising a bracket assembly extending from the adjustable steering column, the bracket having a first and a second bracket arms, a lever arm having an intermediate portion pivotally coupled between the first and second bracket arms such that opposite ends of the lever arm are movable between a first and a second positions; and a lever pin extending from one of the first and second bracket arms and biased into frictional engagement with the lever arm when one of the ends is in said first position. An adjustment member is provided adjacent the biasing member for adjusting the biasing force of the lever pin against the lever arm.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The instant invention relates generally to actuator levers, particularly mechanisms for adjusting vehicle steering columns, and more particularly to a mechanism which temporarily maintains a lever in a first or open position so an operator can use two hands to complete adjustment of a tilting and / or telescoping steering column.[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art[0004] Traditionally, actuator levers used to adjust steering columns were biased by a spring mechanism such that the operator pulled or pushed on the lever to change the relative position of the steering column and then released the lever to lock the position of the column. A problem sometimes associated with biased lever assemblies is the operator may require the use of both hands in positioning the column. In the case of the biased levers, when the lever was released, the column was fixed in position and the operator was unable to complete the repositioning without maintain...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B62D1/18B62D1/184
CPCY10T74/2066B62D1/184
Inventor BOWERMAN, BRIAN C.KUBASIAK, DUANE
Owner DOUGLAS AUTOTECH