Abstract: A position lock for a steering column comprises a rake lock bracket, a tooth lock and a driver. The rake lock bracket is fixed to the vehicle has a rake lock tooth wall that bounds a control slot and that defines a plurality of rake lock teeth. The tooth lock is coupled to the steering column for movement in a raking direction and supported for rotation about a tooth lock rotation axis. The driver, supported for translation with the tooth lock and for rotation about a driver rotation axis, is configured for contacting an actuation feature of the tooth lock so as to cause the tooth lock to rotate with the driver as the driver rotates within the active range of rotation of the driver.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a telescope stop assembly for a steering column having a jacket is provided. The assembly includes a cam having a cam surface, the cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a pin operatively associated with the cam. The cam surface acts on the pin to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, an end of the pin is configured to extend into a telescope channel formed in the jacket to facilitate limited telescoping movement of the steering column, and in the retracted position, the end of the pin is located outside the telescope channel.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a clip nut for shaft assembly having a tubular shaft is provided. The clip nut includes a first end having a first aperture, a second end having an inwardly extending projection portion with a second aperture extending therethrough, and a connecting portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first and second ends are configured to extend around the tubular shaft such that the projection portion extends into the tubular shaft, and the first and second apertures are configured to receive a fastener to couple the clip nut to the tubular shaft.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly is provided. The device includes a first strap coupled to the steering column assembly, the first strap configured to absorb energy of an impact event on the steering column assembly, a second strap coupled to the steering column assembly. The second strap is also configured to absorb energy of an impact event on the steering column. A coupling device connects the second strap to the first strap such that both the first strap and the second strap absorb energy of a first impact event. The coupling device selectively uncouples the second strap from the first strap such that the only the first strap absorbs energy of a second impact event.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a telescope stop assembly for a steering column having a jacket is provided. The assembly includes a cam having a cam surface, the cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a pin operatively associated with the cam. The cam surface acts on the pin to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, an end of the pin is configured to extend into a telescope channel formed in the jacket to facilitate limited telescoping movement of the steering column, and in the retracted position, the end of the pin is located outside the telescope channel.

Abstract: A position lock for a steering column assembly is provided. The position lock includes an outer cam. Also included is an inner cam defining a slotted aperture to receive a rake bolt operatively coupled to the outer cam, the slotted aperture facilitating shuttling movement of the rake bolt therein. Further included is a tooth lock operatively coupled to the inner cam, the tooth lock rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position. Yet further included is a pin extending through the inner cam and operatively coupled to the outer cam, and rotation of the outer cam facilitates movement of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake lock tooth wall when rotating between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: An intermediate steering shaft connection assembly for a steering column is provided. The intermediate steering shaft connection assembly comprises at least one shaft, a clamping yoke configured to be coupled to the shaft, and a connection assurance device interposed between the shaft and the clamping yoke. The connection assurance device is configured to ensure proper positioning of the clamping yoke on the shaft to allow for final assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a friction plate assembly is provided. The assembly includes a locking member having a toothed portion, a bolt extending through the locking member, and a friction plate configured for frictional engagement with the locking member. The friction plate receives the bolt therethrough and includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the bolt and the locking member in a first direction. When a predetermined force acts on the at least one biasing member, the friction plate is configured to force the locking member toothed portion into engagement with an object to facilitate preventing movement of the bolt in a second direction.

Abstract: A steering column assembly having a standard operating position and a collapsed position is provided. The steering column assembly includes a lower column jacket, an upper column jacket selectively slidable relative to the lower column jacket, a rake bracket, and a biasing member. The rake bracket is attached to one the lower column jacket and the upper column jacket, and has a bracket retaining feature. The biasing member selectively exerts a biasing force on the upper column jacket in the standard operating position. The biasing member has a biasing member retaining feature that engages with the bracket retaining feature in the standard operating position and disengages with the bracket retaining feature in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A locking device for a steering column and method of installing the locking device are provided. The locking device includes a spring body configured for installation on a rotatable bolt and comprising a biasing portion. The spring body is rotatable in one direction through a first range and second range. A lock body includes a body portion configured for mounting on the rotatable bolt and a locking portion configured to move between a first position and a second position. The biasing portion of the spring body contacts the lock body and causes the lock body to rotate with the spring body through the first range. The spring body is rotatable relative to the lock body through the second range such that at least a portion of the biasing portion is elastically deflected when the spring body is rotated through the second range.

Abstract: A steering column is configured for positional adjustments in first and second directions and comprises a position lock for selectively resisting movement of the steering column. The position lock comprises a stationary bracket disposed about the steering column. A control shaft is coupled to the steering column, approximately perpendicular to the first and second directions, so as to couple movement of the steering column with translation of the control shaft. Movable lock plates are arranged on the control shaft for rotation about a central axis of the control shaft and for translation with the control shaft. Each of the movable lock-plates is positioned adjacent at least one stationary lock-plate that is retained in a substantially fixed position with respect to the stationary bracket. The one or more stationary lock-plates are configured so as to selectively provide resistance to relative movement of the one or more movable lock-plates.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly for allowing or preventing adjustment of a component and an adjustable steering column are provided. A compression bracket is configured to support the steering column, a rake bracket is configured to support the compression bracket and an actuating lever is slidingly coupled to the compression bracket and slidable along a linear travel path. A linkage assembly is connected to the compression bracket and is coupled to one end of the actuating lever and a clamping assembly is coupled to the linkage assembly and configured to release a clamping force from the component upon movement of the actuating lever from a first position to a second position, and apply a clamping force to the component upon movement of the actuating lever from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent vehicle component, the mounting bracket having a first leg extending therefrom, a lower jacket having an axial opening extending along its length along a first axis, and an upper jacket extending along the first axis telescopically received in the axial opening of the lower jacket. A rake bolt extends along a second axis through the first leg from a first side to a second side of the first leg. The second axis intersects the upper jacket and at least a portion of the rake bolt is received within the lower jacket. A clamping mechanism is positioned on the rake bolt and is configured to apply a clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the upper jacket against telescope movement.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent portion of the vehicle, the mounting bracket including at least one arm having a rake slot. A column jacket is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, the column jacket extending along a first axis and pivotable relative to the mounting bracket for adjustment in a rake direction and movable along the first axis for adjustment in a telescope direction. The adjustable steering column also includes a shift assembly having a shift mechanism secured to the column jacket and a shift cable bracket extending from the shift mechanism. The shift cable bracket is supported firstly by the shift mechanism and supported secondly adjacent to the mounting bracket at a distal anchor point.

Abstract: An exemplary adjustable steering column comprises a gear positioned and configured to cause a shaft to rotate about its central axis as the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more telescoping friction plates arranged and configured so as to rotate with the shaft when the steering column telescopes. The position lock further comprises one or more raking friction plates, each raking friction plate being positioned in frictional contact with at least one of the one or more telescoping friction plates and configured to exhibit a different rotation than the one or more telescoping friction plates when the steering column telescopes. The shaft imposes a compressive load between the one or more telescoping friction plates and the one or more raking friction plates so as to induce friction between the telescoping friction plates and the raking friction plates and thereby resist their relative movement.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle and a bushing for the adjustable steering column are provided. The adjustable steering column includes a column jacket having a lower jacket extending along a first axis and an upper jacket telescopically coupled to and extending with the lower jacket. The lower and upper shafts are configured to selectively move telescopically relative to one another for telescope adjustment of the steering column. The adjustable steering column also includes a bushing positioned between the lower jacket and the upper jacket, the bushing including a support portion extending along a length between the lower jacket and upper jacket, the support portion including a first seating area, and a roller portion positioned in the first seating area, the roller portion configured to engage at least one of an outer surface of the lower jacket and an inner surface of the upper jacket.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent portion of the vehicle, the mounting bracket including at least one arm having a rake slot. A column jacket is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, the column jacket extending along a first axis and pivotable relative to the mounting bracket for adjustment in a rake direction and movable along the first axis for adjustment in a telescope direction. The adjustable steering column also includes a shift assembly having a shift mechanism secured to the column jacket and a shift cable bracket extending from the shift mechanism. The shift cable bracket is supported firstly by the shift mechanism and supported secondly adjacent to the mounting bracket at a distal anchor point.

Abstract: An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent vehicle component, the mounting bracket having a first leg extending therefrom, a lower jacket having an axial opening extending along its length along a first axis, and an upper jacket extending along the first axis telescopically received in the axial opening of the lower jacket. A rake bolt extends along a second axis through the first leg from a first side to a second side of the first leg. The second axis intersects the upper jacket and at least a portion of the rake bolt is received within the lower jacket. A clamping mechanism is positioned on the rake bolt and is configured to apply a clamping force to the upper jacket to secure the upper jacket against telescope movement.

Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a friction plate assembly is provided. The assembly includes a locking member having a toothed portion, a bolt extending through the locking member, and a friction plate configured for frictional engagement with the locking member. The friction plate receives the bolt therethrough and includes at least one biasing member configured to bias the bolt and the locking member in a first direction. When a predetermined force acts on the at least one biasing member, the friction plate is configured to force the locking member toothed portion into engagement with an object to facilitate preventing movement of the bolt in a second direction.