With Steering Column Mount Or Support Patents (Class 280/779)
  • Patent number: 8826770
    Abstract: An objective is to provide an electric steering lock device capable of preventing a lock member from being falsely detected as being at an unlock position to unfailingly ensure that an engine is started with a steering wheel being unlocked. In the electric steering lock device, magnetic detection means placed at a position corresponding to an unlock position of the lock member is configured by including a Hall element (north-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the north pole of a magnet fixed to the lock member and a Hall element (south-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the south pole of the magnet. A microcomputer (control means) determines that the lock member has moved to the unlock position when the Hall elements (north-pole and south-pole magnetic detection elements) are both turned on, and then stops driving an electric motor (electric actuator).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: U-Shin Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Inoue, Hideki Norma
  • Publication number: 20140249720
    Abstract: A device adjusts the rotational damping of a steering device such that the rotational damping varies depending on whether the rotational motion about a steering axis is caused by a force acting on the steering device of the vehicle or a force acting on the part(s) of the vehicle contacting the ground. The flow of hydraulic fluid in the steering damper partly or wholly is adjusted by a main valve unit that is coupled together with both an attaching part and a steering device. The opening area of the main valve unit is determined by a relative motion between the attaching part and the steering device such that the flow of the hydraulic fluid in a direction from and to the respective damping chambers of the steering damper is controlled depending on the cause of the rotational movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Ohlins Racing AB
    Inventors: Torkel Sintorn, Johan Nilsson, Leif Gustafsson Vallander, Thorleif Hansen, Joakim Sundevall
  • Patent number: 8807265
    Abstract: A tractor includes: a driver's compartment; an engine compartment; a partitioning member that partitions the driver's compartment and engine compartment and has a through-hole; a steering wheel provided in the driver's compartment; a power steering unit disposed on the engine compartment side; a steering shaft that extends from the steering wheel and is connected to the power steering unit; an elastic sealing member provided in an inner circumferential portion of the through-hole; and an anti-vibration member. The elastic sealing member includes a supported portion supported to the inner circumferential portion and a ring-shaped lip portion protruding downward from one end of the supported portion. The power steering unit is mounted to the partitioning member via the anti-vibration member, the ring-shaped lip portion is elastically clamped to the upper face of the power steering unit, and the steering shaft is connected to the power steering unit while inserted in the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Asada, Yoshihisa Tahara, Kiyokazu Fujibayashi
  • Publication number: 20140225358
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion, a first seat portion, a second seat portion, a third seat portion, a steering wheel, and a grab bar. The first seat portion, the second seat portion and the third seat portion are supported by the frame portion and are disposed side by side in this order in a width direction of the vehicle. The steering wheel is in front of the first seat portion. The grab bar is on a side closer to the third seat portion in the width direction of the vehicle when viewed from the steering wheel. The grab bar includes a first grip portion in front of the second seat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahide SHINBORI, Masayuki KUBO
  • Patent number: 8777267
    Abstract: According to the disclosure, the steering column comprises a steering shaft rotatingly mounted in a tube-body provided on a side mount of a fixed bearing assembly via a lateral mechanism. The column can be adjusted in height and/or depth by an axis clamping system with a clamping rod (interacting with the lateral mechanism. The lateral mechanism comprises a bearing member provided between the side mount and a side member of the tube-body. A cross-section arranged between the bearing member and the side member enables counter-rotation. The lateral mechanism includes a system for adjusting the sliding clearance on the clamping rod using a bearing member and an adjustable clamping head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Systemes de Direction Nacam, S.A.S.
    Inventor: Laurent Fevre
  • Patent number: 8714047
    Abstract: A steering device is provided that prevents an inner column from coming out from an outer column even when the inner column is released from being telescopically clamped by the outer column in a state before mounting a vehicle body attaching bracket. Front ends of the telescopic position adjusting long grooves and are brought into contact with an outer peripheral face of a fastening rod at a rear end of a telescopically adjusting position. The fastening rod is moved to a rear side of the vehicle body and an engaging member outwardly fitted to the fastening rod is brought into contact with the collar. The fastening rod cannot be moved to a rear side of the vehicle body further, and the outer column and the vehicle body attaching bracket are prevented from coming out of the inner column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: NSK, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kou Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8714048
    Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure relate to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket which carries an upper jacket unit and a lower jacket unit, wherein the jacket units surround a steering shaft rotatably mounted therein, and wherein the jacket units comprise an inner jacket tube and an outer jacket tube which surrounds the inner jacket tube at least in some sections, said jacket tubes being mounted such that they can be displaced one inside the other in their axial direction by means of a plastic sleeve made of thermoplastic which is located therebetween. Freedom from play is achieved in that the plastic sleeve is inserted into the outer jacket tube with a press fit, and in that the outer jacket tube has at least one opening, in the region of which the plastic sleeve is pressed against the inner jacket tube by deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Rony Schnitzer
  • Publication number: 20140097605
    Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The steering column assembly may include a main steering column shaft; a first tubular member; a first attachment feature; and a second attachment feature. The first attachment feature and the second attachment feature may be formed of an injection moldable material such as nylon or polypropylene, having a load glass fiber component. The first and second attachment features are injection molded about the main steering column shaft. A method of constructing a steering column assembly for a motor vehicle is also provided, wherein the first attachment feature and the second attachment feature are injection molded and positioned about the main steering column shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Demerson A. Campos, Gino Ricardo Caso, Peter J. Judis
  • Patent number: 8690333
    Abstract: An adapter for a steering handle of a camera dolly includes a first part and a second part attached to the first part in a way that allows for angular adjustment between them. This allows the steering handle to be aligned or squared up relative to the dolly chassis. The first part may be an adapter base and the second part may be a riser. The adapter base may have a flange with slotted holes alignable with holes in the riser. When installed on a camera dolly, the adapter allows the steering handle to align as desired. The adapter also raises the steering handle up, to allow for ergonomic use by a taller dolly operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8684120
    Abstract: In a cab for construction machine, a support structure for a front console is provided with a first fixed member supporting a cover member and a second fixed member supporting the first fixed member from below the first fixed member. The first fixed member is fixed to a front plate at two locations directly below both ends of a front window. The second fixed member is fixed to a floor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Suneya, Shigeaki Usui
  • Patent number: 8678435
    Abstract: A steering column device includes: a bracket to be fixed to a vehicle body and including a first wall; a steering shaft; a steering column including one end supported by the vehicle body and an outer peripheral surface with a second wall, and configured to rotatably support the steering shaft; and a clamp shaft penetrating the first wall and configured to switch between a pressure and non-pressure contact states respectively where the first and second walls are and are not in pressure contact with each other. The first and second walls include: a pair of first protrusions disposed separately on both sides of the clamp shaft in a first direction parallel to an axial direction of the steering column, and extending in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering column; and a pair of second protrusions disposed separately in the second direction and extending in the first direction. Each of the first protrusions contacts both of the second protrusions in the pressure contact state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Kiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Sakata
  • Patent number: 8678437
    Abstract: Construction of an impact absorbing steering wheel apparatus that is capable of obtaining excellent performance at low cost while maintaining the freedom of design is achieved. An energy absorbing member 36a, 36b is provided between a tightening rod 27a that displaces in the forward direction together with an outer column 13a during a secondary collision and a housing 16 or support pin 63 that does not displace in the forward direction during a secondary collision, and being a member that plastically deforms as the outer column displaces in the forward direction during a secondary collision, absorbs part of the impact energy by the relative movement of the plastic deformation. Part of the energy absorbing member 36a, 36b is fastened to the tightening rod 27a, and plastic deformation of this member 36a, 36b is restricted in the width direction by a pair of held wall sections 11a of the outer column 13a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Noritomo Narita, Kou Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140062075
    Abstract: A work vehicle has a ground-work unit that is mounted under a frame supported by front wheels and rear wheels and disposed forwardly of the front wheels. The work vehicle includes a steering wheel supported to a steering post and consisting of spokes and a ring. A man-machine interface face formed in the steering post downwardly of the steering wheel and around a rotational axis of the steering wheel includes a display face having a flat panel display and an operation face having an operation input device. The steering wheel is greater in size than the flat panel display as seen in the direction of rotational axis of the steering wheel, and the operation face is greater in length than the flat panel display in the direction of vehicle width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kubota Corporation
  • Patent number: 8651527
    Abstract: A double wall dome seal seals between a steering gear and a dash panel of a vehicle. The dome seal includes a cover portion, a base portion, and a collapsible seal. The cover portion surrounds an axis and seals against the dash panel. The cover portion defines a first opening. The base portion surrounds axis and seals against the steering gear. The base portion defines a second opening. The collapsible seal surrounds the axis and is disposed between the cover portion and the base portion. The collapsible seal defines a cavity which opens between the first opening and the second opening such that the axis extends through each of the first opening, the cavity, and the second opening. The collapsible seal deforms between an extended position and a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Todd E. Allen
  • Patent number: 8622427
    Abstract: Provided is a steering column support apparatus that simplifies tuning for stabilizing the forward displacement of the steering wheel during a secondary collision, and suppresses the absolute value and variation of the break away load without strong rubbing between the bracket 11 on the vehicle side and the bracket 33 on the column side. By forming an extending section 57 on the top plate section 55 of the bracket 33 on the column side, and a convex curved surface 58 on the top surface of the front end section of that extending section 57, a rise in contact pressure at the area of contact that occurs when the edge on the front end of the top surface of the top plate section 55 is pressed against the bottom surface of the bracket 11 on the vehicle side by a moment that is applied from the steering column 6c to the bracket 33 on the column side during a secondary collision is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Minamigata, Minao Umeda, Takeshi Fujiwara, Osamu Tatewaki, Toru Segawa, Kiyoshi Sadakata
  • Patent number: 8616580
    Abstract: A steering apparatus has a steering shaft 7, an inner column 2 that supports the steering shaft 7 via a bearing 81, an outer column A that embraces the inner column 2, a fixing bracket 1 that sandwiches the outer column A from both sides in a width direction, and a tightener 6 that tightens and releases the outer column A together with the fixing bracket 1. The inner column 2 has an embraced cylindrical section 21 that is embraced by the outer column A. A relief section 212 having an outer diameter that is formed smaller than other portions of the embraced cylindrical section 21 is formed in a middle region of the embraced cylindrical section 21 in an axial direction, and the bearing 81 that pivotally supports the steering shaft 7 is fixed to an inner circumferential side of the relief section 212.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Maniwa, Norihiko Yokota
  • Patent number: 8596683
    Abstract: In a steering apparatus including a column 46, a column 42, a bracket 21 movable with respect to the column 42 upon a secondary collision, a member 81 attaching to the moving bracket 21 and absorbing impact energy with making plastic deformation, a guide bracket 61 fixed to the column 46 and having a guide groove 63 guiding movement of the column 42, and a guide pin 71 fixed to the bracket 21 and movable with the bracket 21 with being guided by the guide groove 63, the guide bracket 61 includes a gap forming portion 61e forming a gap 61d between the guide bracket 61 and the bracket 21, a member 81 is latched to the guide bracket 61 and includes an extending portion extending along the gap 61d, thereby providing a steering apparatus not necessary to fix an end of an impact-energy-absorption member to a vehicle-body-side bracket upon attaching the steering apparatus to the vehicle body, or not restricting a shape of a connecting member by the impact-energy-absorption member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Ishii
  • Patent number: 8590931
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a steering column cover skirt attachment bracket and steering column assemblies for a vehicle. One embodiment of a steering column assembly comprises a steering column having a steering column cover, an instrument panel and a lower driver panel forming a recess for receiving the steering column and steering column cover and having an interior surface and an attachment tower extending from the interior surface. The attachment tower is configured to couple the lower driver panel to the instrument panel. A steering column cover skirt extends between the steering column cover and the lower driver panel and has a first end attached to the steering column cover and a second end attached to the lower driver panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Brant, Thomas Mally
  • Patent number: 8579327
    Abstract: A steering column is provided for a motor vehicle, which can be moved within a predetermined adjustment range, and in the event of a crash can be shifted beyond the predetermined adjustment range into a crash position, with a steering column cladding and a latching device for locking the steering column into the respective position. The latching device has a manually activatable actuating element, and the steering column cladding and actuating element can be positioned relative to each other in such a way by moving the steering column into the crash position that the actuating element is or can be supported against the steering column cladding as it is being fixed in place with the steering column locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Martin Klos, Torsten Kerz, Eduard Mendzigall
  • Patent number: 8549953
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a bracket (1) which carries an upper jacket unit (3) and a lower jacket unit (5), wherein the jacket units (3, 5) surround a steering shaft (8) rotatably mounted therein, and wherein the jacket units (3, 5) comprise an inner jacket tube (10) and an outer jacket tube (11) which surrounds the inner jacket tube (10) at least in some sections, said jacket tubes being mounted such that they can be displaced one inside the other in their axial direction by means of a plastic sleeve (6) made of thermoplastic which is located therebetween. Freedom from play is achieved in that the plastic sleeve (6) is inserted into the outer jacket tube (11) with a press fit, and in that the outer jacket tube (11) has at least one opening (12), in the region of which the plastic sleeve (6) is pressed against the inner jacket tube (10) by deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
    Inventor: Rony Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 8544886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering system for a motor vehicle with electrical power assistance comprising: a steering-spindle bearing unit, in which the steering shaft is mounted rotatably and is guided in a slide, which can be connected to the vehicle body, wherein the steering-spindle bearing unit is adjustable at least in its inclination, an electric motor, which is coupled rotatably via reduction gearing to a steering spindle, wherein the reduction gearing is enclosed and mounted in a housing, wherein the housing has means for forming a swivelling axis, about which the steering-spindle bearing unit is adjustable in its inclination, wherein the steering system further comprises a retaining clamp for fastening the steering system to the motor vehicle, wherein the retaining clamp has a guideway that interacts with a counterstay arranged on the slide, wherein the slide is movable along the guideway after it overcomes a presettable releasing force, and in the case of displacement of the slide along the guidew
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
    Inventors: Christoph Klukowski, Johannes Schönlechner, Rolf Ackermann
  • Patent number: 8544887
    Abstract: Construction of a steering column support apparatus is achieved that is capable of simplifying tuning for stabilizing the forward displacement of the steering wheel 1 during a secondary collision, and lowering and stabilizing the break away load of the steering column 6c. A connecting bracket 30 is used that comprises an installation plate section 31 that connects and fastens to the portion on the top surface of the top plate section 23 of a bracket 12b on the column side which is exposed on the inside of a locking notch 28, a raised section 32 that rises upward from the installation plate section 31, and a restraining plate section 33 that is bent and extends outward from the edge on the top end of the raised section 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujiwara, Kiyoshi Sadakata, Toru Segawa, Takahiro Minamigata
  • Patent number: 8523228
    Abstract: Provided is construction of a steering column support apparatus that simplifies tuning for stabilizing the forward displacement of the steering wheel during a secondary collision, makes the apparatus more compact and low cost, and lowers and stabilizes the break away load. A bracket 12b on the column and a locking capsule 53 that are both made of metal plate are connected and fastened together by welding. A pair of left and right eave sections 56 are formed on both the left and right end sections of the locking capsule 53 by way of raised sections 55. The portion of the metal plate of a bracket 11 on the vehicle side on both sides of a locking hole 45 fits between the bottom surfaces of the eave sections 56 and the top surface of the bracket 12b on the column side so as to be able to break away during a secondary collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Minamigata, Minao Umeda, Osamu Tatewaki, Kiyoshi Sadakata, Toru Segawa, Takeshi Fujiwara, Nobuyuki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8523227
    Abstract: The steering column assembly has a base mounted to the machine and a steering column coupled to the base that pivots about the base at one end of the steering column. The steering column assembly has column plates and base plates with pinned ends and slotted ends. The pinned ends of the plates form pin openings. The column plates are pivotably coupled to the steering column with a column pin and the base plates are pivotably coupled to the base with a base pin. The column plates contact the base plates such that their respective slots intersect to form an opening through the slots. A locking pin fits in the opening and pushes the column plates against the base plates, creating friction between the plates that prevents the steering column from moving. When the locking pin is in an unlocked position the steering column is movable with at least two degrees of freedom. When the locking pin is in a locked position the steering column is not movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Keegan Roach
  • Publication number: 20130207370
    Abstract: A pencil brace is incorporated into a cross car assembly of an automotive vehicle as a secondary energy absorption device to assist in managing the energy and controlling the column stroke due to a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Grayson Gloden, Sarah Beth Certeza, Alvin Matti, Daniel Blaine Bollinger, Leonard Anthony Shaner, William Moore Sherwood
  • Patent number: 8474563
    Abstract: A frontal structure of a vehicle includes: a dashboard lower section; a dashboard lower cross member, positioned at a front surface of the dashboard lower section, and divided into a left part and a right part; a dashboard cross member integrally formed by connecting and welding the dashboard lower cross member to a steering joint cover; and an acceleration pedal bracket fixed to an overlapping part of the steering joint cover and the dashboard lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Naoi
  • Patent number: 8469399
    Abstract: An interlocking seal assembly includes a panel having a first side and a second side and defining a hole. The seal assembly also includes an outer seal and an inner seal. A shaft extends through the outer seal, the inner seal, and the hole. The outer seal is mounted with respect to the panel such that the outer seal contacts the first side of the panel and thereby forms a first face seal around the hole. The inner seal is mounted with respect to the panel such that the inner seal contacts the outer seal and thereby forms a second face seal around the hole. The inner seal contacts the second side of the panel and thereby forms a third face seal around the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Todd E. Allen
  • Patent number: 8465034
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rack bar supporting device of a rack and pinion type steering apparatus for a vehicle. The disclosed device can prevent free movement from increasing by automatically adjusting a predetermined free movement even when wear occurs in a support yoke after degradation of driving durability of the vehicle, and can prevent a noise from occurring caused by an increase of free movement when the support yoke collides with a yoke plug by an impact reversely input from an uneven road surface, etc. This can provide a comfortable steering feeling to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Sung-moo Heo
  • Patent number: 8459697
    Abstract: An arrangement for securing a steering column to a cross member, in particular to a cockpit carrying member, of a motor vehicle, includes a steering column with retaining means. This arrangement makes it possible on the one hand with simple means to secure the steering column to the cross member of the motor vehicle and, on the other hand, with a further reduction in costs and weight, to enable a high degree of flexibility in relation to the use of the cross member and the steering column for different motor vehicles, by including a cross member that has, for securing the steering column, at least one hole running transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cross member for at least one securing means, and retaining means of the steering column wherein the retaining means are secured by at least one securing means to the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: ThyssenKrupp Presta AG, Johnson Controls GmbH, Industriestr.
    Inventors: Markus Zörnack, Mark Hirt, Peter Seyfried, Christian Dornscheidt, Matthias Hein, Martin Hinz, Paul Angenheister, Thomas Beer, Alfred Mai, Klaus Kierspel, Norberto Silva, Jochen Zimmermann, Viktor Arbanas, Michael Maag, Carsten Manneck, Max Oertle
  • Patent number: 8448986
    Abstract: A device for adjusting a steering column includes a body and a cap assembled by a pivot and a connection element enabling the displacement of the body with respect to the cap under the action of a motor-reduction unit mounted on the body. The device is characterized in that the connection element includes at least one arm of which a first end is attached to the cap and a second end is connected to a threaded rod with vertical displacement cooperating in rotation with the drive shaft of a motor-reduction unit so that the arm forms a hinge enabling the reversible angular displacement of the body with respect to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Systemes de Direction Nacam SAS
    Inventors: Laurent Fevre, Eddy Dupont, Alexandre Sarandao
  • Patent number: 8430428
    Abstract: The instant invention includes a mounting capsule for a steering column assembly of a vehicle. The mounting capsule has a first capsule portion and a second capsule portion coupled together during normal operation. The first capsule portion includes a first arm and a second arm each having a first taper and a second taper. The second capsule portion includes a first groove and a second groove tapered in a complimentary configuration to the first and second arm for receiving the first and second arm. Frictional forces between the first and second capsule portions aid in coupling the first and second capsule portions and effectively reduce lateral and vertical movement in a steering column assembly during operation. Upon an impact event exerting a predetermined impact force the first and second capsule portions disengage allowing the steering column assembly to collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin Lee Tinnin
  • Patent number: 8408354
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft coupled to a handle; a power steering device including an input shaft coupled to the steering shaft, and an output shaft driven to rotate together with the input shaft, the power steering device being positioned between right and left front wheels in a rightward and leftward direction; a link unit for coupling the output shaft to each of the right and left front wheels, the link unit receiving a rotation of the output shaft and changing a direction of the front wheels; and a stopper disposed to face the output shaft with a clearance between the stopper and at least a left portion and a right portion of an end portion of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuma Nozaki, Kazumasa Hisada, Itsuo Takegami, Shusuke Minami
  • Publication number: 20130076016
    Abstract: A vehicle steering column support structure efficiently supports a steering column. A steering support bracket that supports a steering column is fixed to instrument panel reinforcement disposed along the vehicle width direction between left and right front pillars. A floor brace spans between a side portion of a first support member of the steering support bracket and a side wall portion of a floor tunnel portion. A steering brace spans between a side portion of the first support member and a lower portion of the front pillar. Up-down vibration of the steering column can accordingly be supported by axial force of the floor brace and the steering brace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takayuki Aoki
  • Patent number: 8382157
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering column (40) in a vehicle (50) adjacent an instrument panel of the vehicle includes a mounting assembly (30) that connects the steering column (40) to the vehicle (50). The mounting assembly (30) includes at least one holding element (170) that has a first condition that blocks pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50). The at least one holding element (170) has a second condition that permits pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50) in response to impact forces urging the steering column (40) to pivot relative to the vehicle (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: David L. Welker, Philip S. Peterson, Richard J. Eckhart
  • Patent number: 8382159
    Abstract: A steering-force transmitting apparatus including (a) an operating-member-side shaft; (b) a turning-device-side shaft offset from the operating-member-side shaft; and (c) a rotation transmitting mechanism having (c-1) an axially protruding portion provided in one of the two shafts and (c-2) a radially extending groove provided in the other of the two shafts such that the axially protruding portion is engaged in the radially extending groove. The rotation transmitting mechanism is configured to change a rotational phase difference between the two shafts while causing one of the two shafts to be rotated by rotation of the other of the two shafts. An axially end portion of a main body portion of one of the two shafts and an axially end portion of the other of the two shafts overlap with each other in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Tanaka, Tomonari Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8382158
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft to which a handle is coupled, a pair of right and left frame members extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, at both sides in a width direction of the vehicle body, a steering shaft support member provided over and coupled to the pair of right and left frame members, and a bearing configured to rotatably couple a lower portion of the steering shaft to the steering shaft support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumio Mizuta
  • Patent number: 8353533
    Abstract: A steering apparatus having a stationary bracket fixed to a vehicle body including a pair of first side plates; a receiving portion provided on the steering column for receiving one end of a conductive member; a pair of second side plates; a conductive cylindrical shaft secured between the pair of first side plates and inserted through the pair of the second side plates; and a plate-shaped conductive member interposed between the receiving portion and an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shaft. The conductive member includes first and second bow springs that fit the cylindrical shaft resiliently. The first bow spring is interposed between the second bow spring and the receiving portion, a first contact portion of the second bow spring is pressed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shaft, and a second contact portion of the first bow spring is pressed to the receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Aota, Yoshiaki Takagi, Akihisa Kawanabe
  • Patent number: 8328238
    Abstract: A steering wheel assembly (20) comprising a steering wheel (22) rotatably mounted to a support body (24) is provided. The support body, or console unit, is rotatable about an axis which is substantially transverse between a steering position for steering the vehicle and a table position in which one upward facing surface (28) of the support body provides a table. Advantageously, a surface of the support body to which the steering wheel is mounted is exploited to provide an additional surface for the driver (35) when the vehicle is not in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Valtra Oy Ab
    Inventor: Kimmo Wihinen
  • Patent number: 8328237
    Abstract: A damper for a steering column assembly includes a housing attached to and extending along an axis of the steering column assembly. A mass is attached to a distal end of the housing with a resilient member being disposed between the housing and the mass that permits movement of the mass along an axis that is substantially parallel to the axis of the steering column assembly relative to the housing to absorb vibrational forces exerted on the steering column assembly along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Jaehak Woo, Changil Lee
  • Patent number: 8322500
    Abstract: A shock absorber housing for a shock absorber of a vehicle comprises a tube, which has a tubular wall, and an attaching element joined onto the tubular wall, the attaching element determining a critical force introduction area of an introduction of a force into the tubular wall, the tube in a longitudinal direction being built up from a first tube section having a first tubular wall and at least a second tube section having a second tubular wall, the first tube section and the second tube section being joined together by their ends facing one another. The first tube section and the second tube section are joined together with a tubular wall overlap of the first and second tubular wall, which overlap extends in a longitudinal direction, the tubular wall overlap being situated in the critical force introduction area of the attaching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Progress-Werk Oberkirch AG
    Inventor: Johannes Obrecht
  • Publication number: 20120248752
    Abstract: A steering apparatus has a steering shaft 7, an inner column 2 that supports the steering shaft 7 via a bearing 81, an outer column A that embraces the inner column 2, a fixing bracket 1 that sandwiches the outer column A from both sides in a width direction, and a tightener 6 that tightens and releases the outer column A together with the fixing bracket 1. The inner column 2 has an embraced cylindrical section 21 that is embraced by the outer column A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro MANIWA, Norihiko Yokota
  • Patent number: 8235420
    Abstract: An intermediate shaft is provided which connects a steering shaft and a steering gear mechanism together via a universal joint, a shoulder bolt is provided which fastens one of yokes of the universal joint and a shaft portion of the intermediate shaft and on which a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion which are adapted to be brought into engagement with an outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion are formed sequentially from a distal end portion side, and the intermediate shaft has a bolt engagement recess portion which is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion in such a manner as to extend in a direction which intersects an axial direction and which is adapted to be brought into engagement with the large diameter portion of the shoulder bolt and a dislocation preventive projecting portion which is formed on an outer circumferential surface of an end portion thereof, whereby a temporary fastening is implemented by bringing the small diameter portion of the sh
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Moriyama, Hiromichi Komori, Tsuyoshi Itou, Masaharu Igarashi, Yoshiro Udo
  • Publication number: 20120146316
    Abstract: The steering column assembly has a base mounted to the machine and a steering column coupled to the base that pivots about the base at one end of the steering column. The steering column assembly has column plates and base plates with pinned ends and slotted ends. The pinned ends of the plates form pin openings. The column plates are pivotably coupled to the steering column with a column pin and the base plates are pivotably coupled to the base with a base pin. The column plates contact the base plates such that their respective slots intersect to form an opening through the slots. A locking pin fits in the opening and pushes the column plates against the base plates, creating friction between the plates that prevents the steering column from moving. When the locking pin is in an unlocked position the steering column is movable with at least two degrees of freedom. When the locking pin is in a locked position the steering column is not movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: KEEGAN ROACH
  • Publication number: 20120104738
    Abstract: An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft to which a handle is coupled, a pair of right and left frame members extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, at both sides in a width direction of the vehicle body, a steering shaft support member provided over and coupled to the pair of right and left frame members, and a bearing configured to rotatably couple a lower portion of the steering shaft to the steering shaft support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Fumio Mizuta
  • Patent number: 8141903
    Abstract: There is provided a reinforcing structure for a steering support member, which is made up of a pipe part, and is set across in the vehicle width direction. In this reinforcing structure, a pin part is penetratingly arranged along the vehicle longitudinal direction in a location in which a steering bracket of the steering support member is fixed, and the end portions of the pin part are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the pipe part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Atsumi, Shinei Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20120043746
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering column (40) in a vehicle (50) adjacent an instrument panel of the vehicle includes a mounting assembly (30) that connects the steering column (40) to the vehicle (50). The mounting assembly (30) includes at least one holding element (170) that has a first condition that blocks pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50). The at least one holding element (170) has a second condition that permits pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50) in response to impact forces urging the steering column (40) to pivot relative to the vehicle (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: DAVID L. WELKER, Philip S. Peterson, Richard J. Eckhart
  • Patent number: 8118328
    Abstract: A power steering device for a vehicle includes an input shaft (1) linked to a steering wheel, an output shaft (2) linked to a vehicle wheel, a torsion bar (3) that connects the input shaft (1) to the output shaft (2), and a cylindrical member (13) supported by a housing (12) that is fastened to a vehicle body. The input shaft (1) includes a first input shaft (4) that is inserted into the cylindrical member (13), supported rotatably by the cylindrical member (13), and linked to the steering wheel, and a second input shaft (5) that connects the first input shaft (4) to the torsion bar (3). A connection portion between the first input shaft (4) and the second input shaft (5) is constituted such that a rotation of the first input shaft (4) is transmitted to the second input shaft (5) and the first input shaft (4) is free to move in an axial direction relative to the second input shaft (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignees: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd., Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Uchihara, Yasuhiro Niwa, Hideki Tanaka, Masahide Shinbori
  • Patent number: 8118327
    Abstract: A structure of a steering support portion includes a steering support member (40), which is positioned within an instrument panel, a pair of front and back column brackets (22, 23), which are attached upon the lower portion of the steering support member (40), and a steering column (24), which is anchored, at two front and back locations, in a suspension support state, respectively, at front and back fastening points (25, 26) that are provided respectively upon the front and back column brackets (22, 23), wherein the steering support member (40) further has a shape of a triangular cross-section, which in turn further includes a horizontal upper surface portion (41), a forward facing incline surface portion (42), and a rear facing incline surface portion (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Teruhisa Motojima, You Matsutani
  • Patent number: 8074751
    Abstract: The powered hybrid vehicle is capable of being operative in either one of first and second distinct driving modes each including corresponding first and second directional systems. The hybrid vehicle has a control shaft operatively coupled to a steering device, a first steering member operatively coupled to the first directional system, a second steering member operatively coupled to the second directional system and a shaft coupler capable of selectively coupling the control shaft to either one of the first and second steering members. The hybrid vehicle may be steered by controlling the steering device notwithstanding which one of the first and second driving mode it is in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: RPM Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Bernard, Guy Gaudreau
  • Publication number: 20110278088
    Abstract: A self-powered ride-on apparatus includes a frame with two front fixed-axis wheels and a single rear steerable wheel, a functional component such as a blower on the front, a motor for powering the blower and for motivating the apparatus, a platform on the frame to support a riding operator, and a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes a control head pivoted to the frame by a support and includes a handle for operating the motor speed. By pivoting the control head from side to side, an operator standing on the frame and positioned immediately adjacent the support can steer the equipment by moving the control head laterally to steer the apparatus into the corner while simultaneously leaning into the corner for balance and also while continuing to control operation of the one functional component via the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Rick A. Weihl, Chris Robbins