Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column including a tubular lower mast jacket anchored on a vehicle body, a tubular upper mast jacket telescoped inside the tubular lower mast jacket, a plurality of steel spheres interference fitted in an annulus defined an overlap between the mast jackets, and a plastic ball sleeve in the annulus having pockets loosely receiving respective ones of the steel spheres. The ball sleeve has a plurality of notches in an edge thereof exposed through an outboard end of the lower mast jacket. An anti-rotation bracket is welded to a stationary mounting bracket attached to the lower mast jacket and includes a plurality of tangs which project through the outboard end of the lower mast jacket into respective ones of the notches in the ball sleeve whereby rotation of the ball sleeve about a longitudinal centerline of the steering column is positively foreclosed.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a shift socket which is concentrically mounted on the steering column shaft, and includes a helical slot. A follower on a pivotable shift lever cooperates with the helical slot to pivot the shift lever as the shift socket is rotated. Accordingly, rotation of the shift socket causes movement of the shift lever, which translates the transmission shift cable for shifting the transmission. A single lock paw simultaneously locks both the shift socket and the steering column shaft from rotational movement.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a support structure (1) fixed to the rest of the vehicle and on which are fixed ends of a column body (2) in which a shaft (3) is disposed, and means for axially retracting the body and consequently the shaft in the event of impact. The retracting means (8) comprise a force generator actuatable upon impact for displacing the body (2) relative to the support structure. The force generator comprises two parts movable relative to each other, one part (9) being connected to the structure (1) and the other part (10) to the body in the vicinity of an end of the latter. This end of the body is connected to the structure (1) by means which are releasable upon actuation of the generator and comprise guide means adapted to cooperate with complementary means of the structure (1), and the means for fixing the other end of the body to the structure (1) comprise a bearing for guiding the body.

Abstract: A safety steering system for a motor vehicle which includes a steering shaft received in a steering column, with the steering column including axially extending elongate slots having each opposite end limiting edges and spaced substantially linear limiting edges extending between the opposite end limiting edges and with the end limiting edge remote from a steering wheel side of the steering column having a circular shape defining a circular opening having a diameter, which is greater than a distance between the spaced substantially linear limiting edges, corresponding to the diameter of said circular opening, and the steering column being secured to a vehicle body with circular connecting elements extending through spacer sleeves located in the circular openings and surrounded by bushes made of an easily deformable material.

Abstract: A telescopic shaft for use in a motor vehicle steering column. The telescopic shaft comprises at least two tubular members of circular cross section which fit one into the interior of the other. The tubular members have longitudinally grooved regions which define a set of longitudinal ribs and are meshed with one another. Such meshing prevents relative rotational movement between the tubular members and allows relative axial movement therebetween. At least one of the tubular members includes at least one projection directed toward the other tubular member(s) and engaging an end of at least one longitudinal rib. Sliding of the tubular members with respect to one another can only occur when deformation of the longitudinal rib(s) engaged by the projection(s) also occurs. The telescopic shaft therefore provides a braking action whenever it is forcefully collapsed.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for materially reducing steering column motion resulting from passenger compartment intrusion in an automotive vehicle when the powertrain impacts rearward vehicle portions in a frontal collision. The energy absorbing device comprises a bracket in the form of a generally box-shaped frame having side panels and a top panel. The side panels and top panel have openings defining upper and lower struts. The struts are made of a relatively stiff, bendable, flexible material capable of controlled deformation when the powertrain impacts-the rearward vehicle portions in a frontal collision.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a tiltable steering shaft includes: a fixed bracket A having a pair of fixing/supporting members A.sub.1 which are connected to each other by means of a U-shaped connecting member 5 so as to be arranged laterally symmetrically at an appropriate distance therebetween; a movable bracket B having a pair of side plates 6 which are arranged in face-to-face relation to each other at an appropriate distance therebetween, the side plates 6 of the movable bracket B being secured to a steering column 2, the movable bracket B being disposed between the fixing/supporting members A1 of the fixed bracket A in such a manner as to be capable of being raised or lowered and of being secured at an appropriate position by means of a tilt-adjusting bar 9. A pair of abutting ends 6a of the side plates 6 of the movable bracket B are capable of abutting against a pair of abutted ends 5a of the connecting member 5 only when an impact load has occurred.

Abstract: A steering column assembly including a clock spring connector having a groove formed on a movable member for receiving a ridge formed on an engaging member of a steering wheel. The engagement of the ridge and the groove provides a reduced-noise operation of the steering column apparatus. A resilient clip is provided between the groove and the ridge to further reduce operating noise. A pair of flanges are formed on an outer wall of the clock spring connector to secure the clock spring connector to a lock fixture. A short forked locking finger is provided on a back surface of the clock spring connector for preventing damage during assembly.

Abstract: A steering apparatus support structure includes a steering support member extending transversely in a vehicle body and secured to rigid side components of the vehicle body which are likely free from deformation during a frontal end collision and a support bracket device secured to and supported by the steering support member for supporting forward and rearward portions of the steering column. The support bracket device is releasably linked to a vehicle body part which can be deformed backward during a frontal end collision, and the vehicle body part is allowed to be disconnected from the support bracket device when backward deformation is caused in the vehicle body part.

Abstract: A crushing through-hole section is formed at an upper portion of a bracket adapted to move together with a steering column. An energy absorbing body is inserted in the crushing through-hole section. The energy absorbing body has a flat fixed portion and a crushable protruding strip portion continuing therefrom, and is mounted immovably. The crushing through-hole section is normally retained at an end portion of the crushable protruding strip portion.

Abstract: A variable length shaft assembly suitable for motor vehicle steering systems including a tubular outer shaft of non-circular cross section and a solid inner shaft of corresponding non-circular cross section telescoped inside of the outer shaft. A U-shaped metal spring is disposed over the solid shaft adjacent an outboard end of the tubular shaft with opposite legs of the spring in sliding engagement on corresponding flat sides of the solid shaft. A monolithic plastic sleeve is in situ molded on the tubular shaft and includes an integral lip closely surrounding the solid shaft. The integral lip captures the relative angular positions of the shafts about a longitudinal centerline of the assembly, i.e. delashes the shafts, defines a slide bearing between the shafts, and rigidly encases the spring. The surfaces of the legs of the spring which bear against the solid shaft are exposed after the sleeve is in situ molded and define wear plates on the integral plastic lip which protect the lip against abrasion.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle comprises an elongated steering column extending upwardly and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. The steering column is of a type which rises to a greater angle to the horizontal when the vehicle is involved in a head-on collision. The steering wheel/air bag assembly at the upper end of the steering column is placed at an unfavorable position with respect to the driver's chest when the steering column rises in a collision. The steering column is mounted so that it will incline further upwardly when the driver is thrown forwardly during the collision and his chest strikes the steering wheel/air bag assembly. An energy absorbing bracket is provided to resist and retard the further upward inclination of the steering column in order to ease and soften the impact on the driver. The steering column is composed of a lower section and an upper section arranged end-to-end.

Abstract: The bearing, intended to be interposed between a shaft with a median neck bordered by two ends, one of which is capped by a sleeve capable of sliding axially, and a support, includes an inner race, an outer race, a retaining ring, rolling members and a cage. At least one edge of the cage is provided with a resting element. The neck includes an abutment element such as a ramp to normally to hold the case axially fixed. Axial sliding of the cage is enabled after deformation of the resting element when the sleeve encounters particularly the cage.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a collapsible energy absorbing vehicle steering column includes a lower support bracket for pivotally attaching a lower portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure and an upper mounting mechanism for attaching an upper portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure, the lower support bracket having a structure for absorbing energy of the steering column and for guiding movement of the steering column a predetermined path during a collision.

Abstract: A support for the steering column of an automobile has capsules for dampening vibration while the automobile is in motion. A bracket on the steering column has flanges which are clamped between the capsules. The bracket flanges are frictionally held by the capsules but will break free of the frictional hold to permit collapse of the steering column in the event of a collision. The flanges and capsules are tapered so that when the driver is thrown forward against the steering wheel upon vehicle impact, the initial collapse of the steering column reduces the frictional hold to zero, thus eliminating frictional drag during further collapse of the steering column.

Abstract: A steering shaft wherein energy absorbers are formed by filling a synthetic resin between the shaft and an outer sleeve. This steering shaft comprises a plastic metal pipe including, in a region remote from the steering wheel, a flat portion for connection to the outer sleeve, and a plurality of annular grooves to be filled with the synthetic resin. In a region adjacent the steering wheel, the plastic metal pipe includes an upper bearing mount, a screw for engaging a bearing retaining nut, a serrated shaft for engaging the steering wheel, and a screw for engaging a retainer nut, all defined as integral parts of the plastic metal pipe and arranged in the stated order toward an extreme end of the pipe. This steering shaft is lightweight, and may be manufactured in a reduced shaping time and at low cost.

Abstract: Safety assembly for a separable coupling device, particularly for a motor vehicle steering column having two coaxially arranged shaft sections whose end portions are offset with respect to their common geometric axis and which overlap. Each shaft section carries a plate. Each plate is connected to the other plate by separable link pins.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column arrangement for a vehicle comprises a U-shaped deformable member connected to a fixed support for the steering column and a deforming member connected to the steering column itself. Under impact conditions caused by an accident the members move relative to one another thus allowing the steering column to collapse. This relative movement of the members enables the deforming member to contact the base of the `U` to deform the U-shaped deformable member to reduce its overall length thus absorbing the energy of the impact and allowing the column to collapse in a controlled manner. The members can be shaped and dimensioned to give the desired energy absorption characteristics.

Abstract: An elastic universal coupling is constructed with the inner peripheral portion of a housing member provided at the end of a shaft and the outer peripheral portion of a yoke mounted to a cross shaft, with the housing yoke connected with each other through an elastic member. Further, through-holes for receiving a pin projecting from the outer peripheral of the yoke are provided at the housing member, and the inside diameter of the through-holes is larger than the outside diameter of the pin.

Abstract: A device and method for the equiaxial connection of multiple-part linkages includes a bush whose inside contour has a serration and whose outside contour is constructed as a dihedral profile. A flange of a coupling is slipped over the bush which has been fitted onto an end of a rod, this rod end being provided with a surface toothing. The inside contour of the flange has a dihedral profile corresponding to the bush. The device allows automated connection of steering linkages in vehicle assembly.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for the steering column of a vehicle comprising a pair of U-shaped energy absorbing straps made of relatively stiff, bendable, flexible strip material. One leg of each strap is connected to fixed vehicle support structure. The other leg is connected to the steering column. If the steering column collapses as in a collision when the driver is thrown forward against the steering wheel, one leg of each strap will move with the steering column, resisting movement thereof and absorbing energy gradually to prevent excessive reaction forces of the steering wheel against the driver.

Abstract: A variable length shaft assembly including a first shaft having a tubular polygonal end, a second shaft having a correspondingly polygonal solid end telescopically disposed in the polygonal tubular end, an arched spring in a spring chamber in the solid polygonal end having a planar body portion bearing in sliding engagement on a planar wall of the polygonal tubular end and biasing the polygonal solid and tubular ends in opposite directions to a substantially zero clearance relationship in which linear clearances are reduced to substantially zero, and a monolithic plastic block injection molded in situ in the spring chamber behind the flat body portion.

Abstract: A vehicle crash energy absorbing mechanism incorporated in a steering column structure mountable to a breakaway mounting, the structure including an inner steering shaft which is drivably coupled by a splined arrangement to an outer shaft. The inner shaft has an energy absorption member in the form of a tube which surrounds a pin which is mounted diametrically through the inner shaft. A crash induced force on the column structure causes the outer shaft to be forced relatively towards the tube, thereby inducing an interaction between the pin and tube, the latter being deformed thereby to achieve the requisite energy absorption. In an alternative embodiment, the splined outer shaft itself acts as the absorption energy member, the pin deforming the splined arrangement.

Abstract: Two shaft sections have a common axis and overlapping end portions. Connecting pins on the end portions extend through sleeves on the end portions. A snap ring or similar device is releasably attached to the connecting pins to hold the connecting pins within the sleeves and to release the connecting pins when a predetermined force is applied. Alternatively, a deformable strap holds flanges on the end portions together and releases the flanges when a predetermined force is applied. Also disclosed is a sequential connecting device having a second mechanism to hold the two end portions together after the initial release and to provide a second release when a second predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a suspension fork assembly particularly for use with bicycles. The assembly comprises an outer steer tube which is adapted to be mounted in and extend through the head tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner steer tube telescopes within the outer steer tube. A shock absorbing system is provided within the tubes. The inner surface of the outer steer tube and the outer surface of the inner steer tube each have a plurality of axially arranged opposing longitudinal flat sections, such as four on each tube. A plurality of needle bearings are disposed between the tubes on these flat sections. This arrangement, with the needle bearings arranged on the flat sections between the inner and outer tubes, allows the two tubes to freely telescope in and out with respect to one another without any significant static friction, and also serves to transmit the torsional steering force from the outer tube to the inner tube.

Abstract: A structure for supporting a collapsible steering column of a vehicle is covered partially by a column cover between an instrument panel and a steering wheel. The steering column passes through an opening formed in the instrument panel and extends towards a driver's seat. The column includes a meter cover for covering meters installed in the instrument panel. The meter cover is shaped so as to define an upper portion of the opening and is integrally formed with a knee pad adapted to be hit and forced, by knees of a driver thrown out of the driver's seat upon a collision of the vehicle, to move the meter cover upwards. Such expands the opening sufficiently to eliminate crushing of the column cover against the meter panel.

Abstract: A steering simulation device provides torsional resistance and a "center urn" function to a remote control steering mechanism experiencing bidirectional (clockwise or counterclockwise) rotational movement. A compact design is provided by utilizing a series of rotationally elastic couplings that permit (1) an adjustable turning resistance, (torsional resistance), (2) an adjustable, bidirectional rotary range (clockwise or counterclockwise), and (3) a self-centering capability.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft comprising a shaft body including an axle portion and a portion having an approximately elliptic shape of cross section, both major and minor axes of the elliptical cross-section portion being longer than a diameter of the axle portion, and a ring-shaped member with a cross-sectional shape analogous to the elliptic cross-section portion. A method for assembling this shaft provides for a vibration damping member intervened between the housing member and elliptic cross-section portion for damping vibrations transmitted from the steering gear box. This method also ensures that the housing and the vibration damping members and the elliptic cross-section portion are fitted into an outer tubular envelope, and the ring-shaped member normally has a gap against the outer tubular envelope and transmits rotational torque from the outer tubular envelope to the elliptic cross-section portion when the ring-shaped member is contacted with the outer tubular envelope.

Abstract: Two shaft sections have a common axis and overlapping end portions. Connecting pins on the end portions extend through sleeves on the end portions. A snap ring or similar device is releasably attached to the connecting pins to hold the connecting pins within the sleeves and to release the connecting pins when a predetermined force is applied. Alternatively, a deformable strap holds flanges on the end portions together and releases the flanges when a predetermined force is applied. Also disclosed is a sequential connecting device having a second mechanism to hold the two end portions together after the initial release and to provide a second release when a second predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: A steering-column body tube for a motor vehicle is provided from a blank cut-out of a single metal sheet with which is formed two front fixing lugs, two rear fixing lugs, and a tube. The elements of the blank cut-out are rolled over in such a manner as to bring the edges of the tube together to form a tube possessing a front opening and a rear opening at the location of the front and rear fixing lugs. The fixing lugs, together with the tube, are a single part made as one piece. A linkage arm connects a front element of the tube with a rear element of the tube.

Abstract: An instrument panel structure includes a transversely extending support member to which a steering apparatus, a knee protector, or both a steering apparatus and a knee protector are attached for relieving a shock load applied to the knees of a driver upon a collision of an automotive vehicle. The instrument panel structure is provided with a reinforcement or retainer for rigidly reinforcing the support member so as to prevent upward deformation of the support member during a collision.

Abstract: A collapsible steering shaft apparatus includes first and second telescopingly arranged steering shaft members. A plurality of longitudinally extending projections are formed in one of the steering shaft members and engage a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves formed in the other steering shaft member. The mating projections and grooves join the steering shaft members together for longitudinal sliding movement under external forces exerted on the steering shaft apparatus. The mating projections and grooves also prevent rotation of the two steering shaft members relative to each other and insure that the two steering shaft member rotate together as a unit without backlash upon rotation of the vehicle steering wheel. A method of forming the projections and grooves in the tubular steering shaft members is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupler of a collapsible shaft for a steering device comprises a shaft member having a male serration formed at an end of an outer periphery thereof; a tube member having a female serration for engaging with the male serration groove formed at at least an end of an inner periphery thereof; synthetic resin intervened between the shaft member and the tube member in order to axially secure the shaft member and the tube member coupled through the engagement of the male serration and the female serration. Through-holes are formed at a plurality of positions around a circumference at the end of the tube member and a concave groove is formed around an entire circumference at the end of the outer periphery of the shaft member. A plurality of ribs are formed around a circumference on the bottom of the concave groove, and the synthetic resin filled into the groove through the through-hole is solidified between the female serration and the ribs.

Abstract: A steering column bracket assembly for a collapsible vehicle steering column includes at least one support bracket for attaching one portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure and a mounting bracket for attaching another portion of the steering column to vehicle support structure and including a structure for restraining movement of the steering column along its longitudinal axis. The steering column bracket assembly also includes a structure attached to the mounting bracket for absorbing energy of the steering column during a collision type impact of the vehicle.

Abstract: A resilient connector for a steering shaft connecting a wheel steering system and a steering handle, comprises a flange member connected to a first shaft member extending from the wheel steering system, particularly in such a manner that it can be shifted axially but not rotated with respect to the first shaft member; a yoke member connected through a universal joint to a second shaft member extending from the steering handle; a resilient member arranged between the flange member and the yoke member; a first connecting member for connecting the flange member to the resilient member; and a second connecting member for connecting the yoke member to the resilient member. Vibration from the wheel steering system is prevented from being transmitted to the steering handle by the resilient member, and the resilient member permits an axial movement of the first shaft member during a collision.

Abstract: A shaft retaining device having a shaft selectively retained as to translation and rotational movement. A sleeve coaxial with the shaft encloses a length of the shaft. The shaft has an outwardly projecting cam within the sleeve. A cam follower carried by the sleeve has a part thereof within the sleeve in a plane normal to the shaft axis and is cammed away from the shaft by the cam. The cam and cam follower have complementary profiles, one of which is a male profile and the other is a female profile, in which the cam and cam follower engage other effectively selectively immobilizing the shaft and sleeve as to relative translation movement when the cam and cam follower engage each other.

Abstract: An improved stem mechanism, comprises a vertical bar having an upper portion and a inclined lower portion, the inclined lower portion is capable of being inserted into a fork member and with an annular portion at its inclined lower end; a bar member, angularly connected to the upper portion of the vertical bar; a securing member with an inclined upper end and with an annular portion thereon, the securing members is capable of being engaged firmly within the fork member and having a threaded passage in its lower end; and a bolt member having a threaded portion, which can be inserted into the vertical bar and form a firm engagement with the securing member; characterized by further comprising a washer having its outer wall portion engaged with the inner wall of the inclined lower end of the vertical bar and having its lower surface in line with the annular portion of the of the vertical bar so as to enlarge the area of the annular portion and improve the rigidity of the vertical bar in the inclined lower end th

Abstract: In an impact absorbing type steering column device, edges of a flat plate portion provided at an end portion of an energy absorbing member are bent to form bent-over sides which are attached to the outer surface of a steering column to provide a space where the energy absorbing member can be guidingly displaced.

Abstract: This steering-wheel shaft, having a cylindrical tubular body (1) with a circular cross-section, has a profiled part (8) forming a lock element. In this part (8), longitudinal grooves (10), having a width which corresponds to that of a locking catch, have a depth at least equal to the thickness of the wall of the initial tube and are separated by solid ribs (12). On the inner face of the element (8), projections define between them V-shaped grooves whose peaks correspond substantially to the mid part of the ribs. Each rib (12) thus has a sufficient resistance to counteract the torque exerted when a theft is attempted. Each groove can receive the catch in a locking position. The shaft has at least two grooves (10).

Abstract: A steering shaft for motor vehicles includes at least two shaft portions which are movable relative to each other in order to reduce the length of the steering shaft in case of an axial load due to an accident. The end portions of the shaft portions face each other and are located next to each other and are preferably angled or bent. Overlapping flanges are mounted on the end portions. In the overlapping areas, one of the flanges has bores which are equipped with sleeves of macromolecular materials. Guide bolts fastened to another flange extend into the bores. The free ends of the guide bolts project beyond the flange with the bores. Tearable stops are provided at the free ends of the guide bolts. The stops may be in the form of disks.

Abstract: A steering column guide assembly for a collapsible vehicle steering column includes an upper support bracket fixed relative to one portion of vehicle support structure and a lower support bracket secured to another portion of vehicle support structure. The steering column guide assembly also includes a structure for attaching the steering column to the lower support bracket and a structure for guiding the lower support bracket in a substantially horizontal manner relative to the upper support bracket during a collision type impact which causes the portions of the vehicle support structure to move relative to each other.

Abstract: A device comprising a ring coupled on its inside surface to a steering column and coupled on its outside surface to a member such as the hub of a steering wheel, the ring being adapted to be displaced in translation by means of a control member, at least one of the couplings being adapted to determine in addition to translation of the ring angular displacement of the hub relative to the steering column, the control member comprising a screw with its axis parallel to the rotation axes of the members and which, by cooperation with the ring on the one hand and the hub on the other hand, is adapted to bring about translation of the ring by virtue of commanded rotation.

Abstract: An inexpensive damper adapted to the stress frequency in the form of a shock absorber, in particular for vehicle seats, consists of an abutment (8), in which an absorber sleeve (2) of a thermoplastic material with a piston (1) guided therein with expansion bead (10) is clamped, wherein the absorber sleeve (2) is composed of a thermoplastic material having a tensile strength .sigma..sub.R of at least 40 MPa, an elongation at break .epsilon..sub.R of at least 60%, a tensile stress at yield .sigma..sub.S of at least 40 MPa and an elongation at yield .epsilon..sub.S of at least 3.5% (according to ISO/R 527 or DIN 53 455 in each case).

Abstract: An anti-theft steering shaft lock on an automotive steering column including a first clutch element on a rotatable steering shaft and a second clutch element on a stationary part of the steering column. The first clutch element has notches accessible in the direction of the centerline of the steering shaft and the second clutch element has axial lugs for engagement in the notches. The second clutch element is mounted on the stationary part of the steering column for bodily movement in the direction of the centerline of the steering shaft between locked and unlocked positions relative to the first clutch element. An annular control element is rotatably supported on the stationary part of the steering column around the second clutch element and has a circumferential cam slot which receives a radial lug on the second clutch element such that rotation of the control element effects bodily shiftable movement of the second clutch element between its locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle having a body and a drive unit consisting of an engine and transmission provided with forwardly disposed support mounts secured forwardly thereof to the vehicle body, a drive unit rear end support assembly comprising a member mounted on the vehicle body providing a bearing surface and a support member rigidly secured to the drive unit, extending rearwardly therefrom and resting on the bearing surface.

Abstract: An intermediate shaft assembly including a first shaft element coupled to a center shaft element for rotation therewith and longitudinal bodily shiftable movement relative thereto, an elastomeric ring around the center shaft element, a second shaft element having a midsection around the center shaft element, attaching lugs on the center and the second shaft elements each connected to the elastomeric ring whereby a torque path is defined between the first and the second shaft elements through the elastomeric ring, and an elastomeric bushing between the center shaft element and the midsection of the second shaft element for reinforcing the intermediate shaft assembly against beam bending.

Abstract: A rod with an increased capacity for buckling under length-wise load has a central portion bent in the form of an omega with a central bend joined to end portions by elbows. The cross-section of the central portion is formed, for example by plastic deformation, into the shape of a bow-tie or the mathematical symbol "infinity" which consists of two lateral lobes connected by a thin central core and which is inscribed in a rectangle of which the length is equal to at least twice its width. Such rod is used as a shaft in a motor vehicle safety steering column.

Abstract: An automotive steering column having slip rings rotatable with a steering shaft and contact brushes on a housing of the steering column for transferring electrical signals between the steering column and a steering wheel rotatable with the steering shaft. The steering shaft is supported on the housing by a pair of longitudinally spaced bearings including an outboard bearing having an inner race on an adapter sleeve rotatable as a unit with the steering shaft. The slip ring is on the adapter sleeve between the spaced bearings and the adapter sleeve defines an annular spacer between the inner race of the outboard bearing and the steering shaft. A passage is defined in the portion of the adapter sleeve defining the annular spacer and a conductor connected to the slip ring traverses the plane of the outboard bearing in the passage.

Abstract: A mechanism for absorbing energy transmitted through a vehicle steering column in an impact situation having a steering column support bracket which houses a clamp bolt for positionally adjusting the steering column. The bolt is located by cam/spacers which are located in a slot; a slanted slot extension is provided which has a smaller width than the diameter of the bolt. Upon impact by the driver into the steering wheel, the bolt is forced into the slot extension, thereby deforming the slot which absorbs energy as it yields.

Abstract: This device for fixing a steering column to the bodywork of a motor vehicle, in which the column (1) is connected to an assembly member (2), and this member to the bodywork (3) of the vehicle via fixing means, is characterized in that the fixing means comprise means (4) for hooking the member to the bodywork and means (5, 6) suitable for producing a mechanical stress between this member and the bodywork in order to ensure that the member is fixed under stress to the bodywork. This device advantageously comprises, in proximity to one of the ends of the member (2), the hooking means (4), in proximity to the other end of this member, means (5) for clamping the member to the bodywork, and, between these hooking and clamping means, means (6) tending to distance this member from the bodywork.