Patent ID: 8123242
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: B62K,B62M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A foldable steering column of vehicle including a steering member with a steering fork, comprising: a base coupleable to the steering fork; a steering tube pivotally coupled to the base between at least a first position aligned with the base and second position not aligned with the base; and a sleeve operably associated with the base and the steering tube for axial slidable movement between a fully down position where the steering tube is secured to and aligned with the base and a up position where the steering tube is free to pivot relative to the base, a safety catch system coupled to the base and the sleeve including in the fully down position at least a locked position and an unlocked position, each of which are effected with rotation of the sleeve without axial movement of the sleeve, such that when the sleeve is oriented relative to the base in the locked position, the sleeve is prevented from disengaging from the base and when the sleeve is oriented in the unlocked position, the sleeve can be easily disengaged with the base, wherein the sleeve includes at least one clamp area with at least one clamping mechanism operable to securely hold the sleeve to the steering tube when tightened, eliminating any play between the base and the steering tube that may affect steering performance.