Patent ID: 6616185
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A locking system for an adjustable steering column having adjustment components which are relatively movable to permit adjustment in the position of the column, said locking system comprising:a telescope tooth rack associated with relatively movable telescoping components of the column and a rake tooth rack associated with relatively movable rake components of the column; and a locking device having rake teeth and telescope teeth fixed relative to one another and said rake teeth supported during normal operation of the column out of locking engagement with said rake tooth rack to permit normal rake adjustments of the column, and said telescope teeth movable into and out of engagement with said telescope tooth rack to permit normal telescope adjustments of the column and said rake teeth supported for movement into said locking engagement with said rake tooth rack in response to application of an impact force on the column in a collision event in a direction of collapse of the column to positively lock the adjustment components of the column against relative adjustment movement during application of the impact force to enable controlled collapse of the column without relative movement of the adjustment components.