Patent US4512209A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4512209A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Steering column
Assignee: Timken US LLC
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Filing: 1983-03-18
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Granted: 1985-04-23
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Expires: 2003-03-18
Abstract
Abstract A support tube, included as a part of a collapsible steering column, makes the steering column much more stable and less prone to vibration without changing or hindering the collapsing characteristics of the steering column.
Inventors
- 👤 Elmer H. Linnemeier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:26
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/02; B62D1/16; B62D1/18; B62D1/19; B62D1/192
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A steering column for a steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle comprising: a rotatable outer tube having energy absorbing means along a longitudinal portion thereof separating relatively non-energy absorbing upper and lower sections; a support tube within the outer tube and rotatable with the outer tube, the support tube extending from the lower relatively non-energy absorbing section into the relatively non-energy absorbing upper section, the support tube contacting the relatively non-energy absorbing lower section with the longitudinal part of the support tube adjacent the energy absorbing means being radially spaced from the energy absorbing means; and an annular noise dampener separating the relatively non-energy absorbing upper section from the support tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A steering column for a steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle comprising: a rotatable outer tube having energy absorbing means along a longitudinal portion thereof separating relatively non-energy absorbing upper and lower sections; a support tube within the outer tube and rotatable with the outer tube, the support tube extending from the lower relatively non-energy absorbing section into the relatively non-energy absorbing upper section, the support tube contacting the relatively non-energy absorbing lower section with the longitudinal part of the support tube adjacent the energy absorbing means being radially spaced from the energy absorbing means; and an annular noise dampener separating the relatively non-energy absorbing upper section from the support tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
A steering column for a steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle in accordance with claim 1 wherein: the part of the support tube contacting the relatively non-energy absorbing lower section is a longitudinal part of the support tube press fit into the outer tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A steering column for a steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle in accordance with claim 2 wherein: the annular noise dampener is a plastic sleeve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A steering column for a steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle in accordance with claim 3 wherein: the energy absorbing means are convolutions is radially spaced from the convolutions.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-04-22 | 1988-10-22 | 1989-04-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-04-22 | 1992-10-22 | 1993-04-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-04-22 | 1996-10-22 | 1997-04-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |