Abstract: An energy absorbing bolster (32) is provided for attachment to downward facing surfaces of an energy absorbing steering column support bracket (24). The bolster (32) includes longitudinally spaced mounting flanges (40, 42) for securement to the support bracket (24) and a energy absorbing linkage (44) arranged between the mounting flanges, the linkage taking the form of front and rear carrier portions (64, 46), depending from the support bracket and a bridge portion (66), and a load transfer portion (68) arranged between them.

Abstract: An impact absorbing vehicular device for cushioning an occupant's knees or other extremities, the device including a contacting interior panel member supported by one or more impact absorbing brackets in the form of a U-shaped channel member having non-parallel sides in three normal views (e.g., side view, plan view, front view) and with the contacting interior panel being supported by the base wall of the channel member. The side walls of the channel member including ribs or darts extending normal to the base wall to encourage the formation of a plurality of folds, rather than a single fold, in response to a high energy impact. The side walls, in one embodiment, each being bowed outwardly from one another.