Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Hand operated
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-14
2001-10-16
Fenstermacher, David (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Hand operated
C074S492000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301990
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTOR
The present invention relates to a locking apparatus which prevents movement of a longitudinal member relative to a housing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a locking apparatus for use in a steering column in which a first steering column member is pivotable relative to a second steering column member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A known steering column includes a first steering column member which can be pivoted relative to a second steering column member. A longitudinal member has an end portion moveable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. The longitudinal member moves relative to the second steering column member upon pivoting of the first steering column member to any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steering column member.
A pair of coil springs are normally tightly wound around the periphery of the longitudinal member so that, when fully wound, they grip the longitudinal member and prevent relative movement between the longitudinal member and the second steering column member. Rotation of a lever about an axis of the longitudinal member causes the springs to become partially unwound and release their grip on the longitudinal member. When the springs become unwound, the first steering column member can be pivoted relative to the second steering column member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The locking apparatus of the present invention includes a housing and a longitudinal member movable in first and second opposite directions relative to the housing. First and second cams are pivotable relative to the housing. The first cam is engageable with the longitudinal member to prevent movement of the longitudinal member in the first direction relative to the housing. The second cam is engageable with the longitudinal member to prevent movement of the longitudinal member in the second direction. At least one spring biases the first and second cams into engagement with the longitudinal member. An actuator moves the first and second cams out of engagement with the longitudinal member to permit movement of the longitudinal member relative to the housing.
The longitudinal member has an end portion movable with a first steering column member relative to a second steering column member. The longitudinal member moves relative to the second steering column member upon pivoting of the first steering column member to any one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the second steering column member. The first and second cams are engageable with the longitudinal member to prevent movement of the longitudinal member relative to the second steering column member and prevent pivoting of the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. The longitudinal member is movable relative to the second steering column member and enables pivoting of the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member when the first and second cams are spaced from the longitudinal member.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 5761966 (1998-06-01), Cuiller et al.
patent: 5813289 (1998-09-01), Renick et al.
patent: 0443881A2 (1991-08-01), None
patent: 61-77564 (1986-04-01), None
Co-pending U.S. Patent Appln. Serial No. 09/196,018, filed Nov. 19, 1998 entitled, “Steering Column”.
Co-pending U.S. Patent Appln. Serial No. 09/275,715, filed Mar. 24, 1999 entitled, “Steering Column”.
Fenstermacher David
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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