Abstract: According to the present embodiments, the lever handling and tilt handling of a driver can be improved by reducing noise caused by collisions between components, which can be generated if the driver manipulates a lever from a locking state into an unlocking state or if the driver adjusts the angle of a steering wheel.

Abstract: In one example, dispenser stages described herein may include a dispenser platform comprising: a stage coupled to a rail system to move the stage in a first plane and a second plane, an alignment feature coupled to the stage to align a substrate nest coupled to the stage with a dispenser positioned above the stage, and a releasable fastener to couple the substrate nest to the stage.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an axially adjustable steering column includes a lock cam including a cam portion and a hub portion, wherein the cam portion and the hub portion are independent, separately formed components. The locking mechanism also includes a pin extending through the cam portion to permit the cam portion to pivot. The locking mechanism further includes a toothed portion formed on the cam portion for pivoting into engagement with teeth associated with the axially adjustable steering column in a locked position and out of engagement with the teeth in an unlocked position. The locking mechanism yet further includes an interface surface on the hub portion that includes at least one angled surface that interfaces with an adjustable lever and biases the cam portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A motion control assembly for a steering column assembly includes a rake bracket having a first leg and a second leg. Also included is a clamping mechanism intersecting the upper jacket and positioned on the first leg of the rake bracket, the on-center, single-sided clamping mechanism moveable between a clamped condition and an unclamped condition, the clamped condition securing a lower jacket against telescoping movement relative to an upper jacket. Further included is a mechanical fastener extending through the second leg of the rake bracket and at least partially through the lower jacket and operatively coupled to the lower jacket.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a latch having multiple teeth configured to engage respective windows within a rail to selectively block movement of a vehicle seat relative to the rail. The latch includes a first tooth and a second tooth longitudinally separated from one another. The first tooth includes an inner surface configured to contact a longitudinal end of a first window while the first tooth is engaged with the first window to block movement of the latch relative to the rail along a first longitudinal direction, and the second tooth includes an inner surface configured to contact a longitudinal end of a second window while the second tooth is engaged with the second window to block movement of the latch relative to the rail along a second longitudinal direction, opposite the first longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In a parking brake system, a locking tooth of a ratchet plate includes a first area for contacting and retaining a locking claw of a ratchet pawl in an equilibrium state when a parking brake lever is pulled up; and a second area in which the locking claw remains in a state of halfway engagement of tooth tips when a pressing force of a release rod is released. When the locking claw comes into contact with a portion closer to a tip of the locking tooth beyond the first area, a line of force is maintained due to the pressing force of the release rod. The system is configured such that even if an occupant erroneously pulls up the parking brake lever while the release rod is pressed, it is possible to reliably prevent halfway engagement of tooth tips in a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle, comprising a brake operating lever, mounted to pivot on a lever bracket, a coupling unit, which couples a brake cable to the brake operating lever, a locking device with teeth and a locking bolt, tensioned against the teeth by means of a first spring element and a release unit, with at least one first lever, said locking bolt and the first lever having an articulation. A parking brake which permits a secure braking and release and also avoids making noise on operation and on releasing may be achieved, whereby the articulation for the locking bolt and the first lever is arranged on the lever bracket and the articulation is provided on the lever bracket in a displaceable manner.

Abstract: An indexing and braking mechanism for a manual transmission having a shifting mechanism and at least one rotatable drive shaft is disclosed. The mechanism includes an indexing mechanism for controlling movement of the shifting mechanism between at least a first position and a neutral position. The indexing mechanism has a plate having a plurality of notches formed thereon, wherein one notch corresponds to the first position and another notch corresponds to the neutral position. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively limiting movement of one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft. The locking mechanism is adapted to selectively engage the plurality of notches to selectively maintain the indexing mechanism in one of the first position and the neutral position. The locking mechanism includes an indexing lever having a contact surface for contacting the rotatable drive shaft.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a cable pull of a vehicle parking brake includes an actuating lever rotatable about a first axis, a pull element and a locking element. The pull element includes a pull rod and a guide housing, wherein the pull rod includes notches and is spring-loaded in an actuating direction of the cable pull. The guide housing is pivotably mounted about a second axis disposed outside a line defined by the actuating direction. The locking element includes a latch part releasably engaging the notches of the pull rod, wherein the locking element is mounted pivotably with respect to the guide housing, wherein a force acting in the actuating direction of the cable pull creates a torque on the pull element about the second axis that is proportional to the force.

Abstract: A ratchet mechanism for a surgical retractor blade having a dual ratchet holder. A pivot ratchet is mounted on the dual ratchet holder. A pawl key mounted on the dual ratchet holder. The pawl key is used to engage the teeth on the pivot ratchet. The mechanism also has a pivot thumb piece that is pivotally attached to the pawl key. The thumb piece is used to release the pawl key when it is activated. A rocker thumb piece is mounted on the dual ratchet holder. It is used to engage and disengage a tooth on the stem of a surgical retractor blade.

Abstract: A lock handle assembly for a casement window is provided. The lock handle assembly includes an escutcheon that includes an inner side and an outer side. The escutcheon is securable to the frame inside a cavity with at least a portion of the inner side of the escutcheon being disposed at the inside surface of the frame. The escutcheon also includes an upper wall and a lower wall with an elongated recess disposed therebetween for receiving a handle and defining the limits of rotation of the handle. The handle extends into the recess and is connected to a drive disk. The drive disk is pivotally connected to a fixed gear plate thereby providing a rotational axis for the handle. The fixed gear plate is secured to an inside surface of the frame. The fixed gear plate includes an arcuate gear segment.

Abstract: A parking brake system for a vehicle comprising a brake pedal vertically penetrating a floor of a vehicle, a first engaging member integrally provided on the brake pedal below the floor, a parking brake operating member disposed above the floor, a second engaging member for engaging with the catch pivoted on a chassis of the vehicle below the floor so as to be shifted between a locking position and an unlocking position in accordance with operation of the parking brake operating member, and an overcenter spring interposed between the second engaging member and the chassis so as to alternately bias the second engaging member toward the locking position and the unlocking position. The parking brake operating member is shifted so as to be retained at either a releasing position or a parking position. The second engaging member is retained at the locking position when the parking brake lever is located at the parking position, and if the brake pedal is lowered, engages with the first engaging member.

Abstract: A self-adjusting parking brake actuator for a vehicle is provided having an eccentrically-mounted self-adjust cam assembly. The cam assembly is mounted eccentrically to the lever axis to provide a variable mechanical advantage during actuator stroke. The eccentric offset for the self-adjusting cam is less than the outside radius of the cam to reduce the overall space requirements of the actuator.

Abstract: A locking winch includes a rotatable shaft coupled to a bracket adapted for connection to a structure such as a trailer, truck, hoist, etc. Wrapped around the shaft is a cable, rope or chain and connected to one end of the shaft is a hand operated crank for rotating the shaft in a first direction for retracting the cable about the shaft or for rotating the shaft in a second, opposed direction for removing the cable from the shaft, with the crank movable between first and second positions on the shaft. A sprocket fixedly mounted to the bracket includes a plurality of spaced teeth disposed about the periphery thereof. A torsion spring coupled to the hand operated crank urges the crank to the first position. A locking pin attached to the hand operated crank is disposed between adjacent teeth on the periphery of the sprocket when the crank is in the first position to prevent rotation of the shaft and either withdrawal of the cable from or take-up of the cable on the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A parking brake operating mechanism having a brake apply pedal arm module and a housing module pivotally mounted on a vehicle. The housing contains a linearly movable toothed rack operatively connected to one end of the pedal arm for movements by that arm and operatively connected at its other end to a front brake cable which is operatively connected to one or more vehicle parking brakes to be tensioned for parking brake application, a pawl member having a pawl tooth selectively engaged with a tooth of the rack to lock the rack in a brake applied position, and a pawl release mechanism which when activated moves the pawl tooth out of engagement with the rack tooth, permitting the rack and the pedal arm to be returned to the parking brake released position by the brake apply tension in the brake cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably locking the tilt steering column assembly of an automotive vehicle in an adjusted position. A rack on the steering column assembly is engaged by a pawl to lock the steering column assembly in the position selected by the driver. A bracket is provided to hold the pawl engaged with the rack and prevent it from becoming disengaged. The tilt of the steering column can be re-adjusted by moving the bracket so that the pawl can disengage the rack. A wedge is provided for retaining the bracket in its position holding the pawl engaged with the rack. The rack has an arcuate series of teeth engageable with an arcuate series of pawl teeth. The pawl teeth includes a group of intermediate teeth of full size for full engagement with the rack teeth and at each end of the group of intermediate teeth a group of truncated teeth of shorter length than the teeth of the intermediate group to enable engagement and disengagement of the pawl and rack teeth without interference or binding.

Abstract: A transmission shift control has a detent mechanism to provide a shift effort so that the operator has a sense of feel during shifting between ranges. During a manual shift between reverse and park, the shift effort or "detent feel" is normally higher than the effort occurring during manual shifts between other ranges. The detent mechanism providing the "detent feel" is comprised of a spring-biased roller in a notched detent plate comprised of rises and valleys. The spring urges the roller against the notched surface on the plate. The ramps or rises provide increased shift effort during movement of the plate from range to another. In each range, the spring-biased roller is disposed in the appropriate valley. A channel is formed in the plate to provide a path for the roller, such that the park to reverse shift effort is less than the reverse to park effort.

Abstract: A foot-operated parking brake actuator applies a parking brake by moving an input pedal lever between a brake-released position and a plurality of brake-applied positions to operate a cable to apply and release a vehicle parking brake. A mounting bracket pivotally mounts the pedal for pivotal movement about a first pivot. A sector gear is secured to the bracket with its center on the first pivot, and mounts a cable take-up reel. The cable is attached to the reel which is pivotally mounted on the pedal lever about a second pivot. A pinion is secured to the reel for engagement with the sector gear upon pedal lever movement to brake-apply positions to wind the cable on the reel. Cable winding occurs at a sequence of variable input/output force ratios of input pedal lever force to output cable force or load to apply the parking brake, the ratio varying with pedal movement because of the complex movement of the reel.

Abstract: Apparatus for tightly wrapping a package such as disposed on a pallet in a thin film such as for shipping or storage includes a rotating deck adapted to receive the pallet and package to be wrapped. The deck is directly coupled to and supported by a gear box driven by an electric motor. The apparatus further includes a film wrap supply in the form of a roll which lets out the film for wrapping around the package as the deck and package rotate. A manually adjustable tensioner allows for adjusting the stretch of the wrapping film on the package, while the film wrap supply may be adjusted vertically to permit wrapping the package over its entire vertical dimension regardless of the width of the roll of film wrap. A foot control allows an operator of the apparatus to rotate the deck and the package being wrapped while vertically moving the film wrap supply roll-to fully enclose the package within the wrapping film.

Abstract: A parking brake mechanism for vehicles includes a cam plate free to rotate about main shaft with respect to a foot operated parking brake pedal lever and having cam portions. When a brake control cable is connected with the wheel brake assembly, the cam plate is held in integral relation with the brake pedal lever by one of the cam portions, a cam follower and a tension spring so that the cable cam be easily connected with the cam plate regardless of the biasing force of the tension spring.

Abstract: The locking device for an adjustable vehicle seat with a snap-in bar extending parallel to an adjustment direction and having locking members and locking gaps arranged periodically. The locking device has a locking unit pertaining to said snap-in bar which is shiftable in the adjustment direction along said snap-in bar. The locking unit has more than two ratchet teeth, which:are independently movable in a locking direction extending across the snap-in bar,are elastically preloaded in the locking direction,can be disengaged simultaneously,are arranged one behind the other at equal distance in the adjustment direction,are of the same construction,each have two lateral flanks designated to be contacted with the lockings, with at least one of the two lateral flanks having a partial area located at the front in locking direction, which extends at an acute angle to the locking direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably locking the tilt steering column assembly of an automotive vehicle in adjusted position. A rack on the steering column assembly is engaged by a pawl to lock the steering column assembly in the position selected by the driver. A bracket is provided to hold the pawl engaged with the rack and prevent it from becoming disengaged. The tilt of the steering column can be re-adjusted by moving the bracket so that the pawl can disengage the rack. A latch is provided for latching the bracket in its position holding the pawl engaged with the rack.

Abstract: A parking brake mechanism having a spring pressed rotary assembly providing a cable connection movable in opposite directions within an arcuate path and a cylindrical surface movable in opposite directions within the plane of the cylindrical surface in conjunction with the movement of the cable connection.

Abstract: A cam, pawl and sector gear locking arrangement useful in vehicle seat adjusters is provided which maintains better engagement over a wider range of positioning of the cam and is more forgiving of misplacement of the cam or the sector gear with respect to the pawl due to build tolerances or wear conditions.

Abstract: A spring acts on an operating member of a parking brake control and, when the brake is released, not only reduces the flyback energy resulting from the release but also stores such energy for use as a power assist during the next application of the brake. The spring acts on the operating member through a cam which removes the spring force from the operating member when the brake is fully released while progressively amplifying the spring force as the brake is progressively applied.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably locking the tilt steering column assembly of an automotive vehicle in adjusted position. A rack on the steering column assembly is engaged by a pawl to lock the steering column assembly in the position selected by the driver. A bracket is provided to positively hold the pawl engaged with the rack and prevent it from becoming disengaged. The tilt of the steering column can only be re-adjusted by moving the bracket so that the pawl can disengage the rack.

Abstract: There is provided a lab-top work station which is designed for use in the manual application of liquid to a slide or microwell plate and consists of a slide holder, a bridge for support of manual liquid dispensers at a predetermined location with respect to the slide holder, and a manual incremental advance mechanism for manually moving the slide holder a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A multi-position ratchet mechanism for holding a surgical retractor blade which permits a retractor blade to be rotated into the wound and retracted at the same time to duplicate the natural "toe-in" method of retraction achieved with the hand. The ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet holder to which is pivotally attached a ratchet pivot housing. The retractor blade is mounted in an opening projecting through ratchet pivot housing and held in position by a retractor pawl attached to the ratchet pivot housing. The ratchet pivot housing also has a curved ratchet which depends into a cooperating slot in the ratchet holder and engages a ratchet release bar which is mounted on the ratchet holder and spring biased into the ratchet slot. One end of ratchet release bar is positioned under an actuating surface of the retractor pawl. The application of pressure on the actuating surface will release both ratchets to allow adjustment of the retractor blade.

Abstract: A bicycle speed control having a casing to hold a control mechanism being consisted of a sector ratchet wheel, a cable winch and a lever, an upper stop plate and a curved lower stop plate for controlling shifting of speeds of a bicycle, wherein moving the curved lower stop plate with the thumb toward the lever causes the bicycle controller to shift from a lower speed to a higher speed; moving the lever with the index finger toward the curved lower stop plate causes the bicycle controller to shift from a higher speed to a lower speed.

Abstract: A foot operated actuator is provided for actuating a cable operated vehicle parking brake. The actuator comprises an input lever pivotally mounted on a support for movement to a plurality of brake applied positions where it is held by a pawl-and-sector latch. The lever is standardized and is adapted to receive a plurality of different interchangeable sectors. The sectors have outer peripheral cable-receiving grooves which can have a variety of outer profiles which determine the constant or variable output/input ratio of output cable travel per unit of input lever travel. The lever has a hub having an arcuate surface which receives a mating arcuate surface on the sectors. The sectors each have a radially inwardly depending lobed tab that is axially received in an axially open mating slot on the hub to lock the sectors to the hub.

Abstract: A brake operator for a vehicle having a cable-operated park brake mechanism comprises a pedal lever pivotally mounted on a mounting bracket for movement between a brake-released position and a range of brake-applied positions, and a lever latch for selectively releasably latching the lever in any selected brake-applied position. The cable is attached to the lever by a reel having a circular cable-engaging surface, the reel being pivotally mounted on the lever eccentrically of the lever pivot and being pivotable to wrap the cable onto the circular surface to move the cable relative to the lever to remove slack. The eccentric mounting provides a predetermined ratio of cable travel per unit of lever movement. The cable tangentially engages the reel surface at the same location on the lever in all positions of the reel to provide the same predetermined variable ratio in all positions of the reel.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for operatively connecting an operating rod to a parking brake latch release lever when a vehicle instrument panel is installed to a vehicle support structure. A handle is mounted on one end of the operating rod that is pre-installed in the instrument panel prior to panel installation. The other end of the rod is provided with an elongated fitting having a series of spaced annular ridges comprising leading camming surfaces and trailing locking surfaces. The latch lever mounts a receptor fitting having an entry funnel that enters a central bore. A spring clip includes fingers which enter the bore through slots. The operating rod is initially pulled out to release position. When the instrument panel is later installed, the projector rod is guided into the receptor bore by the funnel. As the rod fitting is inserted, the spring fingers are cammed over the ridges by the camming surfaces until the rod fitting is fully inserted.

Abstract: A tilting type steering apparatus is constructed so that the steering column is positioned relative to the supporting bracket by allowing a first teeth provided in the steering column to engage second teeth provided pivotally in the supporting bracket. The tilting type steering apparatus is also provided with a shaft which presses the engaging member to allow the first teeth to engage the second teeth. Further a distance between the center of pivoting and the shaft pressing point is made to be more than 1.5 times as long as a distance between the center of pivoting and the center of engagement of the engaged.

Abstract: A tiltable marine steering helm assembly which includes a steering-wheel shaft mounted in a universal joint permitting the steering wheel shaft to be tilted at various angles and providing the full rotational movement of the wheel regardless of the tilt angle. The universal joint includes two pairs of yokes mounted perpendicularly to each other, and a coupling operatively engaged by these yokes. The wheel shaft is able to tilt vertically and to rotate freely due to the design of the universal joint. The components of tilt helm assembly may be reconfigured to permit mounting on either a vertical or a 20 degree tilt dashboard. Also provided in a flexible helm cover which can be installed to the helm assembly without hardware.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems for locking a brake in a brake actuated position. The invention is similar to other such systems in that the system comprises a brake, a pedal lever having a ratcheted edge and being connected via a linkage to the brake, a locking member such as a pawl with a tooth for engaging the ratcheted edge of the pedal lever in a brake actuated position, and a locking lever connected to the pawl for displacing the pawl between a first position at which the pawl is remote from the ratcheted edge of the pedal lever and a second position at which the pawl interfaces with the ratcheted edge of the pedal lever, the locking lever being hand manipulated by a handle connected to the locking lever via a linkage.

Abstract: A detent structure for a hydraulic automatic transmission system, in which a control shaft rotatably supported by a casing of the automatic transmission system carries a detent cam plate integrally attached thereto and radially extending therefrom. The free end of the detent cam plate is provided with a cam profile defining a plurality of depressions corresponding to different shift positions of the automatic transmission system in cooperation with a cam follower urged against the cam profile by a tension coil spring extending across the control shaft and a detent arm carrying the cam follower. Therefore, no extra radial load is applied to the opening of the transmission casing rotatably supporting the control shaft, and, therefore, the force required to rotate the control shaft is not affected by the force urging the cam follower against the cam profile of the detent cam plate securely attached to the control shaft.

Abstract: A tilt type steering apparatus comprising a support bracket fixed to a vehicle body, a steering column having one end thereof pivotally supported on the support bracket by a first cross member, a first engagement member having first engagement teeth formed on the underside thereof forming an arcuate convex surface centering around the first cross member, the first engagement member being fixed to the underside of the steering column, a second engagement member having one end forming an arcuate convex surface centering around the first cross member, the first engagement member being fixed to the underside of the steering column, a second engagement member having one end thereof pivotally supported on a second cross member provided in the support bracket, and having second engagement teeth formed on the upper edge portion of the other end thereof, the second engagement teeth being engageable and disengageable with the first engagement teeth, a third cross member having an eccentric cam portion on that portion t

Abstract: A cable-operated park brake actuator for a vehicle park brake is shiftable between engaged and disengaged positions; it includes an operating cable for shifting the park brake between positions, and a cable acutating pedal lever located in the vehicle operator compartment for operating the cable to shift the park brake from disengaged to engaged position upon pedal lever movement from deactuated to actuated position. The park brake actuator is provided with means for positioning the pedal lever in deactuated position, characterized by a stop member located adjacent the pedal lever for engagement thereby in deactuated position. The stop member is mounted for movement between a shipping position, enabling movement of the pedal lever from an operational condition to a non-operational condition to create slack in the cable, and an operating position for engagement by the pedal lever in deactuated position. A spring biases the stop member to its operating position.

Abstract: A tiltable steering device comprises a support bracket fixed to a vehicle body, a steering column having one end pivotally secured to the support bracket by means of first horizontal shafts, a first engaging member fixed to the underside of the steering column and having a lower surface projecting downward in an arcuate form centered at the axis of the first horizontal shafts and having first engaging teeth formed on the downwardly projecting lower surface thereof, a second engaging member pivotally supported at its one end on a second horizontal shaft provided on the support bracket and provided with second engaging teeth provided on the upper edge of the other end thereof and engageable with the first engaging teeth; and a hanger plate rockable to cause the first and second engaging teeth to be brought into and out of engagement with each other and having a slot formed in one end thereof.

Abstract: A tilt telescope steering column comprises a bracket pivotably supporting a housing between first and second pivot limits. The first and second pivot limits may be changed. A pair of screws attach the housing to the bracket and clearance between the screws and the housing is taken up. A tubular member is located within the housing and is axially movable relative to the housing. Axially spaced bearings engage the housing and the tubular member to take up clearance therebetween. A tilt blocking mechanism includes a lock member carried by the housing and movable to a position blocking relative pivotal movement between the housing and the bracket. The lock member is moved against a surface of the housing when the lock member is in its blocking position to take up clearance between the lock member and the housing. A telescope blocking mechanism includes a lock pin which is movable to a position blocking relative axial movement of the tubular member and the housing.

Abstract: A tilt telescope steering column comprises a bracket pivotably supporting a housing between first and second pivot limits. The first and second pivot limits may be changed. A pair of screws attach the housing to the bracket and clearance between the screws and the housing is taken up. A tubular member is located within the housing and is axially movable relative to the housing. Axially spaced bearings engage the housing and the tubular member to take up clearance therebetween. A tilt blocking mechanism includes a lock member carried by the housing and movable to a position blocking relative pivotal movement between the housing and the bracket. The lock member is moved against a surface of the housing when the lock member is in its blocking position to take up clearance between the lock member and the housing. A telescope blocking mechanism includes a lock pin which is movable to a position blocking relative axial movement of the tubular member and the housing.

Abstract: A pedal-operated parking brake for use in an automotive vehicle with a brake pedal lever mounted on a bracket which is secured to the vehicle body. The parking brake has a sector with teeth formed on its arcuate end portion, which is easily fixed to the brake pedal lever through a single connecting pin. A pawl having a tooth engageable with the teeth of the sector is pivotally mounted on the bracket and biased in a direction to urge the pawl to engage with the sector, and also pivotally mounted is a release lever for biasing the pawl in a direction to urge the pawl to disengage from the sector. The parking brake is provided with a damper for absorbing the shocks in stopping the rotation of the brake pedal lever and positioning the brake pedal lever. The damper includes a cylindrical resilient member which is easily mounted on a support pin which is fixed to the bracket perpendicularly to the pivoting plane of the brake pedal lever.

Abstract: A tilt steering column with memory mechanism for vehicles comprises a first member fixed to a supporting member and having a first gear portion, a second member having one end pivotally connected to a pivot shaft fixed to the fixed member and another end provided with second gear portion engageable with the first gear portion of the first member, third member mounted on the fixed member for movement in a predetermined direction and having a third gear portion engageable with the first gear portion of the first member, a control arrangement for preventing the second gear portion of the second member from engaging the first gear portion of the first member when the supporting member is lifted upwardly, and for permitting the engagement between the first and second gear portions when the supporting member is pushed down, and a shift preventing arrangement for preventing the third member from shifting beyond a certain limit relative to the second member.

Abstract: A tilting steering apparatus for a vehicle includes a fixed bracket secured to the vehicle chassis, a movable bracket pivotally supported on the fixed bracket, a ratchet provided on the movable bracket and having ratchet teeth, a pawl having pawl teeth meshing with the ratchet teeth and constraining the ratchet position, a tilt operating lever causing the pawl teeth and ratchet teeth to mesh and unmesh, means for biasing the movable bracket to a lifted position with respect to the fixed bracket, a main lever pivotally supporting the pawl and rotatably supported by a first pin about which the movable bracket is turned, a second pin secured to the fixed bracket so as to abut against the other end of the main lever to inhibit turning of the main lever in one direction, a hook lever supported by the fixed bracket so as to clamp the main lever in the inhibit position in cooperation with the second pin, a lifted-position lock member provided on the fixed bracket so as to engage at a lifted position a projection on

Abstract: A tilt steering apparatus for vehicles has a fixed bracket member fixed on a vehicle body and a rotatable bracket member pivoted on the fixed bracket member. A ratchet member and a pawl are disposed on the opposite bracket members. A lever for disengaging the pawl from the ratchet is rotatably disposed around the pivoting point between the fixed bracket and the rotatable bracket at one end thereof.

Abstract: A hand brake lever assembly includes a plunger mounted on a support for axial slidable movement and for rotation about its axis and being connected at its one end to a parking brake, a locking mechanism associated with the plunger to retain the plunger in a pulled out position against a returning effort of the parking brake acting thereon and being arranged to be released by rotation of the plunger, a sleeve member secured to the other end of the plunger and having an annular end wall formed with a first annular cam surface and an axial key groove, a handle having a shaft extending therefrom and inserted into the sleeve member, the handle shaft being formed with an axial guide groove and being integrally provided with a cam member which is formed with a second annular cam surface complementary with the first cam surface and is axially slidably coupled within the sleeve member, a first spring for pressing the annular cam surfaces in contact with each other, a release rod axially slidably coupled with the guide

Abstract: A tilt and telescope steering column is disclosed in which a single control member operates the lock and release of a tilt lock mechanism and a telescope lock mechanism. Both lock mechanisms include pivotally mounted pawls having teeth which interfit with teeth on an associated housing assembly to lock the column in its adjusted position. The pawls are movable in opposite directions from their respective locked positions to release positions in which adjustment of the steering column is permitted. A control member is mounted for movement in two directions and operates in one direction to release one lock system and in the opposite direction to release the other lock system. Spring means normally maintain the locking pawls in their locked position and also maintain the control member in its neutral position. In one embodiment, a single spring functions to normally maintain both lock mechanisms in their locked position and also normally maintains the control member in its neutral position.

Abstract: A tilt steering apparatus for vehicles includes a fixed bracket and a rotational bracket rotatably mounted on the fixed bracket and having a ratchet fixed on a side thereof. A pawl, pivotally mounted on the fixed bracket, engages the ratchet when the rotational bracket is in an upward position and in a downward driving position. Memory means memorizes a selected engagement relationship between the pawl and ratchet when the pawl and ratchet are engaged and the rotational bracket is in a downward position. When the rotational bracket is subsequently being rotated to the downward position, intermediate means maintain the ratchet and pawl in a disengaged state until the rotational bracket is in the downward driving position.

Abstract: A tiltable steering column for an automotive vehicle includes a main steering shaft made up from a lower steering shaft and an upper steering shaft tiltably rotationally connected to the lower steering shaft, and a column tube assembly which includes a lower tube which rotatably supports the lower steering shaft from the body of the automotive vehicle and an upper tube which rotatably supports the upper steering shaft and is pivotally mounted so as to be able to tilt relative to the lower tube. A tilt locking mechanism also included in the steering column includes a first side ratchet mechanism on one side of the column tube assembly and a second side ratchet mechanism on the other side of the column tube assembly.

Abstract: A tiltable steering column for an automotive vehicle includes a main steering shaft made up from a lower steering shaft and an upper steering shaft tiltably rotationally connected to the lower steering shaft, and a column tube assembly which includes a lower tube which rotatably supports the lower steering shaft from the body of the automotive vehicle and an upper tube which rotatably supports the upper steering shaft and is pivotally mounted so as to be able to tilt relative to the lower tube. A tilt locking mechanism also included in the steering column includes a first side ratchet mechanism on one side of the column tube assembly and a second side ratchet mechanism on the other side of the column tube assembly. Each such side ratchet mechanism includes a ratchet fixedly attached to one of the upper tube and the lower tube, a means which acts constantly for biasing the pawl so as to engage it with the ratchet, and a means for selectively biasing the pawl so as to release its engagement with the ratchet.