Patent ID: 7228754
Filing Date: 2007-06-12
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A telescopically adjustable steering column comprising: a steering column, elongated in an axial direction, to rotatably support a steering shaft therethrough, said steering column including a unitary tubular member, closed in lateral cross section, having a swollen portion hydroformed at an intermediate position thereof and elongated in the axial direction, said swollen portion including: a support mechanism to releaseably secure said steering column to a vehicle body, said support mechanism including a bracket member having an extended portion, fixed to the vehicle body, and a pair of flat plate portions extending in an orientation normal to said extended portion and opposed to each other to locate therebetween a portion of said steering column; and a clamp mechanism to clamp said steering column from both sides thereof, said clamp mechanism including a bolt inserted through said pair of slots of said steering column and a fastening mechanism to fasten said bolt to said flat plate portions of said bracket member and fix said bolt relative thereto; wherein, upon said bolt being unfastened, said steering column is movable in the axial direction to allow telescopic adjustment of said steering column relative to said bracket member; said bracket member includes at least one gear; and at least one of said pair of flat surface portions includes a plurality of integrally molded ribs to engage said gear, said plurality of ribs oriented in the axial direction.