Patent ID: 6640661
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
An articulated tiltable steering column comprising an upper steering wheel column member, a lower stationary steering column member, and a pivot connection between said upper and lower column members, whereby a steering wheel can be tiltably adjusted around said pivot connection to selected positions of adjustment; anda locking mechanism for retaining said column members in selected positions of adjustment, said locking mechanism comprising an externally threaded rod trained between said column members, and an internally threaded sleeve encircling said rod; said rod having a longitudinal axis, said rod having a first pivot connecting said rod to one of said column members, and a second pivot connecting said rod to said other column member; said second pivot comprising a pivot shaft carried by said other column member and an axial slot in said rod slidable on said pivot shaft; said sleeve having two circumferential slots embracing said pivot shaft; said rod comprising a first set of circumferentially discontinuous external teeth; said sleeve comprising a second set of circumferentially discontinuous internal teeth; said internal teeth being in mesh with said external teeth when said sleeve is rotated in one direction; said internal teeth being out of mesh with said external teeth when said sleeve is rotated in the opposite direction; and said sleeve having at least one circumferential slot with a major portion and a minor portion, the minor portion being narrower than said major portion, said minor portion capturing said pivot shaft to prevent relative movement of said rod with respect to said pivot shaft when said rod and said sleeve are meshed with one another.