Abstract: An energy absorption device for a steering column for a vehicle includes a resilient device, preferably in the form of a coil spring, having turns that are wound in a clamping manner around a component such as a cylindrical rod connectable to the steering column. The coil spring and cylindrical rod are slidable relatively to each other to absorb energy in the event of a vehicle crash. An adjusting device is arranged to vary the clamping force of the turns of the coil spring on the rod by winding or unwinding the coils of the spring. The clamping force may be adjusted in accordance with data such as stature of the driver, vehicle speed and vehicle attitude.

Abstract: An over-mold lever in particular for use in a clamping mechanism for a vehicle steering column, is preferably made primarily of plastics material and includes a main portion (1) a head (5) and a hand grip (4). The head (5) is molded over an integrated camming surface (2), which is provided with one or more, preferably four, raised camming portions (2A). The camming surface (2) is arranged for engagement with a corresponding camming surface of another cam component to operate the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle includes an actuating lever for actuating a clamping device which is coupled to an operating lever to which is mounted an operating handle. The two levers are interconnected intermediate their ends such that one lever can pivot and slide in a slot relatively to the other and the lever having a moveable fulcrum to allow for adjustment of the steering column. The fulcrum of the lever is fixed and the geometry is such that the clamping device always returns to the same, fully locked position, regardless of the rake and/or reach adjustment position of the steering column.

Abstract: A clamp bolt assembly for a clamping mechanism, particularly for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle, includes a substantially cylindrical bolt or rod with one end threaded to receive a lock nut and with its other end having a reduced-diameter portion to form a shoulder against which a pack of disc springs can be held in place by a nut preened onto the end of the rod. When the rod is placed under tension between its ends, the disc springs provide a substantially constant secondary load function to compensate for any loss of tensile load in the rod. This is particularly applicable to an adjustable steering column clamping mechanism where the rod forms the bolt of a clamp bolt assembly and the primary load is applied at one end against the set of disc springs. Accordingly, during normal vehicle life of the steering column, compressive creep, surface-to-surface wear, etc. is compensated for by the substantially constant force provided by the clamp bolt assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly includes a steering column mounting bracket with a deformable component that is joined to the mounting bracket and that can collapse in the event of vehicle crash thereby to absorb energy. The deformable component is restrained in a normal position by locating means and is provided with regions of weakness to allow collapse. The provision of such deformable means actually in the mounting bracket itself eliminates the need for additional brackets, for example, to achieve the same purpose.

Abstract: A method of constructing a length-adjustable vehicle steering column assembly, comprises providing an inner steering column member and an outer steering column member, mounting the inner steering column member in the outer steering column member by use of a bush, the bush being fixed by adhesive in the outer steering column member and having the inner steering column member slidingly received therein such that the two steering column members are relatively axially adjustable.

Abstract: Vehicle steering column ride down apparatus to guide the direction of steering column collapse in the event of vehicle crash includes a first part for fixedly mounting to a support such as a cross car beam and a second part for coupling to a steering column assembly. At least one of the parts has one or more tracks to act as guides and the other part has structure that runs in the one or more tracks. The apparatus also includes a tightener to tighten the two parts, one upon the other, to provide a predetermined frictional resistance at least to initial relative break-away movement of the two parts in the event of vehicle crash. Each track may be constituted by at least one slot. Coated plates can be clamped between flanges of the parts, which are each in the form of brackets to provide further initial frictional resistance to the initial relative break-away movement of the two parts.

Abstract: A clamp bolt assembly for a clamping mechanism, particularly for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle, includes a substantially cylindrical bolt or rod with one end threaded to receive a lock nut and with its other end having a reduced-diameter portion to form a shoulder against which a pack of disc springs can be held in place by a nut peened onto the end of the rod. When the rod is placed under tension between its ends, the disc springs provide a substantially constant secondary load function to compensate for any loss of tensile load in the rod. This is particularly applicable to an adjustable steering column clamping mechanism where the rod forms the bolt of a clamp bolt assembly and the primary load is applied at one end against the set of disc springs. Accordingly, during normal vehicle life of, the steering column, compressive creep, surface-to-surface wear, etc. is compensated for by the substantially constant force provided by the clamp bolt assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle includes upper and lower steering column subassemblies that are slidable one within the other, the upper steering column subassembly being slidably mounted on a fixed mounting bracket mountable on a vehicle body part. The lower steering column subassembly includes, at its end remote from the upper subassembly, an intrusion bracket that is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket. Clamping means applies clamping force between the mounting bracket and the intrusion bracket to inhibit relative sliding movement of the mounting and intrusion brackets. In the event of vehicle crash, the intrusion bracket and the steering assembly accommodates collapse from the front by intrusion of a firewall acting on the intrusion bracket. The clamping means run down a slot in the fixed bracket and the intrusion bracket runs in guideways in the fixed mounting bracket to accommodate the intruding firewall.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for an adjustable steering column for a vehicle includes an actuating lever for actuating a clamping device which is coupled to an operating lever to which is mounted an operating handle. The two levers are interconnected intermediate their ends such that one lever can pivot and slide in a slot relatively to the other and the lever having a moveable fulcrum to allow for adjustment of the steering column. The fulcrum of the lever is fixed and the geometry is such that the clamping device always returns to the same, fully locked position, regardless of the rake and/or reach adjustment position of the steering column.

Abstract: An over mold lever in particular for use in a clamping mechanism for a vehicle steering column, is preferably made primarily of plastics material and includes a main portion (1) a head (5) and a hand grip (4). The head (5) is molded over an integrated camming surface (2), which is provided with one or more preferably four raised camming portions (2A) The camming surface (2) is arranged for engagement with a corresponding camming surface of another cam component to operate the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly has an arrangement to absorb energy upon steering column collapse. In a preferred form, the arrangement includes a skid member acting to deform a length of wire having arms to embrace at least one retaining pin. The or each pin is selectively extendable and retractable in order to vary the energy absorption capability.

Abstract: A method of constructing a length-adjustable vehicle steering column assembly, comprises providing an inner steering column member and an outer steering column member, mounting the inner steering column member in the outer steering column member by use of a bush, the bush being fixed by adhesive in the outer steering column member and having the inner steering column member slidingly received therein such that the two steering column members are relatively axially adjustable.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes upper and lower column assemblies and a central collapsible steering column drive shaft mounted in upper and lower bearings and a central bearing comprising a cylindrical plastics tube that surrounds the steering column and is slidably mounted in the upper column assembly and rotatably supports the central collapsible steering column at its lower end.

Abstract: A length-adjustable shaft for a vehicle steering column assembly includes an inner column member mounted in an outer column member, the two column members being relatively slidable to allow axial adjustment of the steering column. A bush is mounted with a sliding fit on the inner member inside the outer member, the bush being fixed within the outer member by means of adhesive injected through fill holes provided in the outer steering column member. The inner member has a stop near its free end to prevent removal of the bush from the inner member.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly includes a steering column mounting bracket with a deformable component that is joined to the mounting bracket and that can collapse in the event of vehicle crash thereby to absorb energy. The deformable component is restrained in a normal position by locating means and is provided with regions of weakness to allow collapse. The provision of such deformable means actually in the mounting bracket itself eliminates the need for additional brackets, for example, to achieve the same purpose.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly for a vehicle includes upper and lower steering column subassemblies that are slidable one within the other, the upper steering column subassembly being slidably mounted on a fixed mounting bracket mountable on a vehicle body part. The lower steering column subassembly includes, at its end remote from the upper subassembly, an intrusion bracket that is slidably mounted on the mounting bracket. Clamping means applies clamping force between the mounting bracket and the intrusion bracket to inhibit relative sliding movement of the mounting and intrusion brackets.

Abstract: Vehicle steering column ride down apparatus to guide the direction of steering column collapse in the event of vehicle crash includes a first part for fixedly mounting to a support such as a cross car beam and a second part for coupling to a steering column assembly. At least one of the parts is tracked to act as a guidance and the other part has first means to run in the or each track and there being second means to tighten the two parts, one upon the other, to provide a predetermined frictional resistance at least to initial relative break-away movement of the two parts in the event of vehicle crash. The or each track may be constituted by at least one slot. Coated plates can be clamped between flanges of the parts, which are each in the form of brackets to provide further initial frictional resistance to the initial relative break-away movement of the two parts.