Land vehicles – Wheeled – Running gear
Reexamination Certificate
2007-02-20
2007-02-20
Dickson, Paul N. (Department: 3616)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Running gear
C074S492000
Reexamination Certificate
active
10840692
ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting a steering wheel in a vehicle during normal vehicle handling and is breakable in response to an impact situation. The apparatus includes a member attachable to a vehicle and a steering column connected to the member for sliding movement. The apparatus also includes a capsule for connecting the member and the steering column to one another to prevent the sliding movement during normal vehicle handling. The capsule maintains the member and the steering column relative to one another, overcoming forces urging movement between the member and the steering column relative to one another, up to a first predetermined level of force. When the forces reach the first predetermined level, such as in an impact situation, the capsule breaks and releases the member and the steering column relative to one another. The apparatus of the present invention also includes an adjusting device associated with the capsule for adjusting the capsule to break in response to a second predetermined level of force lower than the first predetermined level of force.
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Byers David M.
Li Xiao-yu
Riefe Richard K.
Schulz John F.
Zehnder Tracy L.
Brown Drew J.
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Dickson Paul N.
Smith Michael D.
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