Patent ID: 7437902
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: B60R,B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a steering column; a hinge; a steering post comprising a first opening and a second opening, the first opening parallel to the second opening, wherein the steering post is contained within the steering column, and wherein the steering post comprises a first post portion and a second post portion coupled by the hinge; a shaft latch coupled to the steering post, the shaft latch comprising a latch opening; and a locking mechanism coupled to the steering post and comprising; wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter, wherein the second member is to telescopically extend from the first member, wherein the second member is to substantially fit inside the first member when the second member is not extended, and wherein the second member is to extend through the second opening and the latch opening, wherein the first member is coupled to the first opening, wherein if the locking mechanism is in a locked position a circumference sized surface area of the first post portion is in contact with a circumference sized surface area of the second post portion and the latch opening is aligned with the second opening, wherein a diameter of the circumference sized surface area of first post portion is equal to a diameter of the circumference sized surface area of second post portion, and wherein if the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position the circumference sized surface area of the first post portion is not in contact with the circumference sized surface area of the second post portion and the shaft latch opening is not aligned with the second opening.