Patent ID: 7293481
Filing Date: 2007-11-13
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for adjusting the position of a steering wheel in a vehicle comprising: a lower steering column jacket for attachment to the vehicle; an upper steering column jacket engaged telescopically with said lower steering column jacket for telescoping movement for supporting a steering wheel in a desired longitudinal position relative to said lower steering column jacket; a tilt housing engaged pivotally with said upper steering column jacket for tilting movement for supporting the steering wheel in a desired angular position relative to said upper steering column jacket; a single drive mechanism for controlling said telescoping movement and said tilting movement; wherein said single drive mechanism includes a first mode of operation for moving said tilt housing in said tilting movement relative to said upper steering column jacket and a second mode of operation for moving said upper steering column jacket in said telescoping movement relative to said lower steering column jacket; wherein said single drive mechanism includes a single locking device for locking said single drive mechanism in one of said first mode of operation and said second mode of operation; wherein said single drive mechanism includes a member pivotally connected to said tilt housing to direct said tilt housing in said tilting movement; wherein said locking device selectively engages said member to lock said single drive mechanism in said second mode of operation; wherein said locking device is further defined as being supported by and fixed to said upper steering column jacket; wherein said single drive mechanism includes a motor fixedly connected to said lower steering column jacket; wherein said motor includes a rotatable shaft and said member moves linearly in response to rotation of said shaft; and wherein said member encircles said shaft.