Patent ID: 8931363
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An adjustable steering column comprising a position lock for selectively resisting movement of the steering column, the steering column being configured and arranged for positional adjustments in a first direction and a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction, the position lock comprising: a stationary bracket fixed to a vehicle and disposed about the steering column, the stationary bracket defining a lock channel; a control shaft coupled to the steering column so as to couple movement of the steering column and translation of the control shaft, the control shaft being oriented approximately perpendicular to the first direction, the control shaft being oriented approximately perpendicular to the second direction; one or more stationary lock plates, each being retained in a substantially fixed position within the lock channel defined by the stationary bracket; and one or more movable lock plates, the movable lock plates being arranged on the control shaft for rotation about a central axis of the control shaft and for translation with the control shaft, each of the one or more movable lock-plates being positioned adjacent at least one stationary lock-plate; the lock channel configured to house the one or more stationary lock plates so as to prevent relative movement between the one or more stationary lock plates and the stationary bracket along the first direction and the second direction; and the one or more stationary lock-plates being configured so as to fit within the lock channel defined by the stationary bracket and to selectively provide resistance to relative movement of the one or more movable lock-plates; wherein the control shaft is disposed so as to pass through the lock channel and wherein the lock channel is disposed about a portion of the control shaft and along said portion of the control shaft.