Patent ID: 6457743
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: B60R,B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in a vehicle that uses a key to energize the vehicle's electrical system, said apparatus comprising:a steering shaft rotatable about a first axis; an activatable lock operatively coupled with said steering shaft for preventing rotation of said steering shaft, said lock being deactivated by the key; a vehicle steering wheel including a hub portion, said steering wheel being non-rotatably connected to said steering shaft by said hub portion for joint rotation with said steering shaft; an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device for helping to protect the driver of the vehicle in a vehicle collision, said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device being attached to said steering wheel; a movable member for blocking axial movement of said steering wheel relative to said steering shaft; and a housing encircling a portion of said steering shaft and said hub portion of said steering wheel, said housing including at least one transversely extending opening; said movable member, upon rotation of said steering wheel relative to said housing, moving from a first position in which said movable member is not aligned with said opening in said housing to a second position in which said movable member is aligned with said opening to permit access to said movable member.