Patent ID: 8601889

Claim:
A linear drive having first and second ends, the linear drive comprising: a first element having a third end connectable to a first adjustable part, the third end defining the first end of the linear drive, the first element defining first spindle threads on a surface thereof; a second element having a fourth end connectable to a second adjustable part, the fourth end defining the second end of the linear drive, the second element defining second spindle threads on a surface thereof; a drivable connecting element comprising: a double nut having first and second nut threads engaging the first and second spindle threads on the first and second elements, respectively, such that the first and second elements are connected to the drivable connecting element by respective pairs of corresponding first and second spindle threads and first and second nut threads; and an actuating device to drive the drivable connecting element, the actuating device comprising an actuator at the third end of the first element, and a hollow tubular connecting part drivably coupled to the actuator and non-rotationally coupled to the drivable connecting element, the connecting part at least partially surrounding the first element; wherein the connecting part is engaged with the drivable connecting element to transfer a drive force from the actuator to the drivable connecting element, to cause rotation of the drivable connecting element, and wherein the pairs are oppositely threaded pairs, and the drivable connecting element is drivable by the actuator to rotate relative to the first and second elements to telescopically extend or withdraw the linear drive and adjust the distance between the first and second adjustable parts.