Patents by Inventor Michael P. Anspaugh

Michael P. Anspaugh has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210403074
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescoping steering column includes an energy absorption strap having a plurality of teeth disposed therealong. Also included is a clamp bolt rotatably driven by an adjustment lever. Further included is an actuator body coupled to the clamp bolt and rotated therewith. Yet further included is a first lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a first direction. Also included is a second lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a second direction different than the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael W. Clark, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Patent number: 11203374
    Abstract: Technical solutions are described for a clamp mechanism of an adjustable steering column assembly. The clamp mechanism comprises a fixed bracket configured for rigid attachment to a vehicle, and a movable bracket configured to hold a steering shaft. An adjustment nut threadedly engages an adjustment bolt, the adjustment nut or the adjustment bolt moves between an adjustment position and a holding position, selectively coupling the movable bracket to the fixed bracket in the holding position. The fixed bracket defines a first slotted aperture to guide the adjustment bolt in a linear path for adjusting a position of the steering shaft. A positive locking member moves to a locked position, blocking the adjustment bolt from moving along the first slotted aperture in a crash event. A friction plate is pivotably coupled to the fixed bracket to pivot as the positive locking member moves between an unlocked position and the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Ethan S. Jacobs, Albert C. Huber, Jarrod C. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 11142236
    Abstract: A rake lever assembly for a steering column is provided. The steering column is adjustable in an unlocked position of the rake lever assembly and is in a fixed position in a locked position of the rake lever assembly. The rake lever assembly includes a rake lever, the lever being rotatable for moving the clamping arrangement between the locked position and the unlocked position. The rake lever assembly also includes a metal stamping press fit to the rake lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Randy W. Jones, Michael P. Anspaugh, Robert W. Dubay
  • Patent number: 11104370
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket assembly extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and having an energy absorption (EA) plate. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket assembly at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly. The steering column assembly further includes an energy absorption strap integrally formed with the lower jacket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Tyler M. Reno, John F. Schulz, Joen C. Bodtker
  • Publication number: 20210245792
    Abstract: A rake lever assembly for a steering column is provided. The steering column is adjustable in an unlocked position of the rake lever assembly and is in a fixed position in a locked position of the rake lever assembly. The rake lever assembly includes a rake lever, the lever being rotatable for moving the clamping arrangement between the locked position and the unlocked position. The rake lever assembly also includes a metal stamping press fit to the rake lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Randy W. Jones, Michael P. Anspaugh, Robert W. Dubay
  • Patent number: 11066093
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly and a locking assembly. The jacket assembly is operatively connected to a mounting bracket. The jacket assembly is locking assembly operatively connected to at least one of the jacket assembly and the mounting bracket. The locking assembly includes a first member defining a first plurality of engagement members and a second member defining a second plurality of engagement members. Responsive to the locking assembly moving between an unlock position and a lock position, at least one of the first member and the second member moves along an arcuate path relative to the other of at least one of the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Zachery P. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20210206420
    Abstract: Technical solutions are described for a clamp mechanism of an adjustable steering column assembly. The clamp mechanism comprises a fixed bracket configured for rigid attachment to a vehicle, and a movable bracket configured to hold a steering shaft. An adjustment nut threadedly engages an adjustment bolt, the adjustment nut or the adjustment bolt moves between an adjustment position and a holding position, selectively coupling the movable bracket to the fixed bracket in the holding position. The fixed bracket defines a first slotted aperture to guide the adjustment bolt in a linear path for adjusting a position of the steering shaft. A positive locking member moves to a locked position, blocking the adjustment bolt from moving along the first slotted aperture in a crash event. A friction plate is pivotably coupled to the fixed bracket to pivot as the positive locking member moves between an unlocked position and the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Michael P. ANSPAUGH, Ethan S. JACOBS, Albert C. HUBER, Jarrod C. SHERWOOD
  • Publication number: 20210061342
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket assembly extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and having an energy absorption (EA) plate. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket assembly at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly. The steering column assembly further includes an energy absorption strap integrally formed with the lower jacket assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Tyler M. Reno, John F. Schulz, Joen C. Bodtker
  • Patent number: 10913483
    Abstract: A steering column assembly including a column assembly, a follower assembly, and a cam assembly is provided. The column assembly may be secured to a mount bracket defining a cavity and may include a column housing and a translatable steering column disposed within the column housing. The follower assembly may include a follower mechanically coupled to a lever for rotational movement. The cam assembly may include a cam mechanically coupled to the steering column and arranged for mechanical communication with the follower. The follower and the cam may be arranged with one another upon a shaft such that actuating the lever in a first direction spaces the follower and the cam from one another relative to a shaft axis to generate a clamp load to retain the translatable steering column in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Albert C. Huber, Zachery P. Schultz, Tyler M. Reno, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 10875566
    Abstract: A stow release assembly for a manually translatable steering column assembly includes an upper jacket. The stow release assembly also includes a lower jacket, the upper jacket translatable relative to the lower jacket, the upper jacket translatable between a retracted range and a stowed range. The stow release assembly further includes an electromechanical blocking element coupled to a stationary component of the steering column assembly and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position, the electromechanical blocking element selectively preventing translation of the upper jacket at a plurality of translation positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, John F. Schulz, Robert C. Derocher
  • Patent number: 10807630
    Abstract: A steering column assembly that includes an upper jacket, a drive bracket, and an energy absorption assembly. The drive bracket is coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorption assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a first member body extending between a first member first end and a first member second end. The second member has a second member body extending between a second member first end and a second member second end. A receiving area is defined between the first member body and the second member body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob A. Caverly, Scott A. Stinebring, Michael P. Anspaugh, Robert D. Maida
  • Publication number: 20200324802
    Abstract: A rake assembly for a steering column includes a pin adapted to move along a first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The rake assembly also includes a first tray fixed to a support structure, the first tray having a plurality of teeth. The rake assembly further includes a rocker tray having a plurality of teeth adapted to mesh with the plurality of teeth of the first tray when in the locked position and un-mesh when in the unlocked position, the rocker tray being adapted to rock about a second axis from an un-tilted state when in the locked position and to a tilted state when in the unlocked position to provide a degree of motion to facilitate meshing of the plurality of teeth of the first tray and the plurality of teeth of the rocker tray, the second axis being transverse to the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Joen C. Bodtker
  • Publication number: 20200317253
    Abstract: A steering column assembly including a column assembly, a follower assembly, and a cam assembly is provided. The column assembly may be secured to a mount bracket defining a cavity and may include a column housing and a translatable steering column disposed within the column housing. The follower assembly may include a follower mechanically coupled to a lever for rotational movement. The cam assembly may include a cam mechanically coupled to the steering column and arranged for mechanical communication with the follower. The follower and the cam may be arranged with one another upon a shaft such that actuating the lever in a first direction spaces the follower and the cam from one another relative to a shaft axis to generate a clamp load to retain the translatable steering column in position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Albert C. Huber, Zachery P. Schultz, Tyler M. Reno, Michael P. Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 10793179
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly, a locking assembly, and an adjustment lever. The jacket assembly extends along a steering column axis and is connected to a support bracket. The locking assembly is movable between a locked position that inhibits movement of the jacket assembly relative to the steering column axis and an unlocked position that facilitates movement of the jacket assembly relative to the steering column axis. The adjustment lever is arranged to pivot about a lever axis to move the locking assembly between the locked position and the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard, John C. Maxwell, John F. Schulz, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Patent number: 10703403
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket assembly extending along a steering column axis. Also included is an upper jacket assembly at least partially received within the lower jacket assembly, the upper jacket assembly translatable along the steering column axis relative to the lower jacket assembly. Further included is an energy absorption strap operatively coupled to the upper jacket, the energy absorption strap having an aperture defined therein. Yet further included is a rake bolt extending through the lower jacket and through the aperture of the energy absorption strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler M. Reno, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Randy Jones
  • Publication number: 20200198685
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The steering column assembly also includes an upper jacket at least partially received within the lower jacket. The steering column assembly further includes a jacket wall integrally formed with the lower jacket, the jacket wall extending longitudinally form a first end to a second end and having a first side and a second side. The steering column assembly yet further includes an energy absorption strap offset from the first side of the jacket wall to form a recess extending along the jacket wall, the energy absorption strap having a first end and a second end, the energy absorption strap having at least one tear line at an interface with the jacket wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Joen C. Bodtker, Donald A. Buzzard, Tyler M. Reno
  • Publication number: 20200172147
    Abstract: A steering column assembly that includes an upper jacket, a drive bracket, and an energy absorption assembly. The drive bracket is coupled to the upper jacket. The energy absorption assembly includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a first member body extending between a first member first end and a first member second end. The second member has a second member body extending between a second member first end and a second member second end. A receiving area is defined between the first member body and the second member body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Jacob A. Caverly, Scott A. Stinebring, Michael P. Anspaugh, Robert D. Maida
  • Publication number: 20200062290
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a telescoping steering column includes an energy absorption strap having a plurality of teeth disposed therealong. Also included is a clamp bolt rotatably driven by an adjustment lever. Further included is an actuator body coupled to the clamp bolt and rotated therewith. Yet further included is a first lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a first direction. Also included is a second lock cam coupled to the actuator body and engageable with the teeth of the energy absorption strap to lock the telescoping steering column in a second direction different than the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard, Michael W. Clark, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Publication number: 20200039564
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly, a locking assembly, and an adjustment lever. The jacket assembly extends along a steering column axis and is connected to a support bracket. The locking assembly is movable between a locked position that inhibits movement of the jacket assembly relative to the steering column axis and an unlocked position that facilitates movement of the jacket assembly relative to the steering column axis. The adjustment lever is arranged to pivot about a lever axis to move the locking assembly between the locked position and the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard, John C. Maxwell, John F. Schulz, Melvin L. Tinnin
  • Patent number: 10518797
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a first jacket. Also included is a second jacket operatively coupled to the first jacket, the first jacket manually telescopingly moveable relative to the second jacket between an extended position and a retracted position. Further included is a clamp lever moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the first jacket manually moveable from the retracted position to the extended position when the clamp lever is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Justin D. Mills