US4101147A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering column adjustment means
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
•
Filing: 1977-07-11
•
Granted: 1978-07-18
•
Expires: 1997-07-11
Abstract
Abstract A steering column structure permitting steered driving of a vehicle during the assembly thereof. The steering column structure includes a mounting plate which may be temporarily secured to the frame of the vehicle prior to the installation of the cab and final appointments thereof. The steering column is pivotally mounted to the mounting plate and a bracket is provided for holding the steering column in a preselected upright position in such temporary installation. The mounting plate is adapted to be subsequently secured to the floor structure of the cab when such is installed in the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard M. Ederati
- 👤 William J. Brown
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:41
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/02; B62D1/16; B62D1/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
In a steering column assembly for use in steering a vehicle having a frame, improved means for temporarily mounting the steering column to the vehicle frame during assembly of the vehicle to permit steered driving of the vehicle during such assembly, said mounting means comprising: a mounting plate; means pivotally mounting the steering column to said mounting plate; means for temporarily securing the mounting plate to the vehicle frame; and bracket means removably secured to said mounting plate for holding the steering column in a preselected upwardly extending position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a steering column assembly for use in steering a vehicle having a frame, improved means for temporarily mounting the steering column to the vehicle frame during assembly of the vehicle to permit steered driving of the vehicle during such assembly, said mounting means comprising: a mounting plate; means pivotally mounting the steering column to said mounting plate; means for temporarily securing the mounting plate to the vehicle frame; and bracket means removably secured to said mounting plate for holding the steering column in a preselected upwardly extending position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 wherein said means for temporarily securing the mounting plate to the vehicle frame comprises bolt means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 wherein said steering column is rigidly mounted to a mounting member pivotally mounted to said mounting plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 including a parking brake control attached to said steering column.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 wherein said bracket means includes a sector member fixedly secured to said steering column and a support removably connected to said sector and mounting plate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 wherein said bracket means comprises means fixedly secured to said steering column and removably secured to said vehicle frame.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 wherein said means pivotally mounting the steering column to said mounting plate comprises a pair of coaxial trunnions carried by said steering column and pivot members carried by said mounting plate and pivotally mounting said trunnions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 wherein said bracket means comprises a pair of uprights carried by said mounting plate and a bifurcated member fixed to said steering column and removably connected to said uprights.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 further including auxiliary controls carried by said steering column and connecting means for connecting said controls as desired.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 wherein said bracket means is welded to said steering column.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The steering column assembly of claim 1 wherein said steering column is rigidly mounted to a mounting member pivotally mounted to said mounting plate, said assembly further including a pump housing rigidly mounted to said mounting member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1148239A
Cited
US1230245A
Cited
US1623493A
Cited
GB777659A
Cited
US3003363A
Cited
US3533302A
Cited
US3628396A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-07-17 | 1982-01-16 | 1982-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-07-17 | 1986-01-16 | 1986-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-07-17 | 1990-01-16 | 1990-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |