Patent ID: 7484430
Filing Date: 2009-02-03
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a steering column assembly having a pivot end and positionable in a vehicle, the steering column assembly having first and second steering column members engaged with respect to one another for telescoping movement; a connecting device having a lever and being releaseably attachable to the vehicle and moveable between locked and unlocked configurations to selectively lock said steering column assembly with respect to the vehicle and the first steering column member with respect to the second steering column member; a bracket extending from the first steering column member and defining a first slot having a plurality of teeth; a first locking member releasably attachable to the vehicle, the first locking member defining a second slot having a plurality of teeth, the connecting device further having a second locking member coupled to the lever and extending through the first and second slots, the second locking member having a first plurality of teeth positioned to engage the plurality of teeth on the first slot of the bracket when the connecting device is in the locked position, the second locking member having a second plurality of teeth positioned to engage the plurality of teeth on the second slot of the first locking member when the connecting device is in the locked position; and a first energy absorber disposed between said connecting device and said steering column assembly and engaged to dissipate energy in response to relative movement between said connecting device and said steering column assembly when said connecting device is in said locked configuration.