Steering column support assembly
OwnerPatrick D. Gaukelinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A support assembly for a steering column includes a housing interconnected to a lower end of the steering column by a first linkage member. The lower end of the steering column is also interconnected to one end of the housing by a second linkage member. A third linkage member interconnects the upper end of the steering column to the same end of the housing as is connected to the second linkage member. The relative positions of the second and third linkage members, and as a result, the orientation of the steering column, is maintained by a releasable lock assembly extending through the end of said housing as well as the end portions of the second and third linkage members.
Claims20
A multi-bar linkage for a steering column, comprising:
- a stationary housing;
- a first link interconnecting a lower end of the steering column to a distal point on said stationary housing relative to the steering column;
- a second link interconnecting the lower end of the steering column to a proximal point on said stationary housing relative to the steering column;
- and
- a third link interconnecting an upper end of the steering column to said proximal point on said stationary housing.
A support assembly for a steering column, comprising in combination:
- a housing having a first and second ends;
- a first plurality of linkage plates interconnecting a lower end of the steering column to a point intermediate said first and second ends of said housing;
- a second plurality of linkage plates interconnecting the lower end of the steering column to said first end of said housing;
- a third plurality of linkage plates interconnecting an upper end of the steering column to said first end of said housing;
- and
- a lock assembly extending through said first end of said housing and temporarily fixing a relative position between said first, second and third linkages so as to hold the steering column in position.
An steering column adjustment and support assembly, comprising:
- a stationary bracket assembly having spaced apart and parallel arms expending from a first end;
- a locking assembly interconnecting said spaced apart and parallel arms;
- a first link interconnecting an intermediate portion of said stationary bracket assembly to a lower portion of a steering column housing;
- a second link assembly interconnecting said lower portion of said steering column housing to said locking assembly, said second link assembly having an elongate slot at one end through which said locking assembly extends;
- a third link assembly interconnecting an upper portion of said steering column housing to said locking assembly, said second link assembly having an elongate slot at one end through which said locking assembly extends;
- and
- a control plate attached to at least one of said second and third link assemblies.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.