Abstract: A steering shaft assembly includes a shaft having an end region to be coupled to another component with a mechanical fastener, the shaft comprising a protrusion extending radially outwardly from the shaft within the end region of the shaft. The steering shaft assembly also includes a ring flag coupleable to the end region of the shaft, the ring flag comprising a recess positioned to receive the protrusion of the shaft at a desired relative axial position of the ring flag and the shaft to rotationally align the ring flag and the shaft at a desired rotational position.

Abstract: A no-back spring apparatus includes a body having an annular shape extending between an outer diameter and an inner diameter, the body comprising a first axial side and a second axial side, the second axial side including a flat portion extending from the inner diameter toward the outer diameter. The no-back spring apparatus also includes a plurality of retaining fingers circumferentially spaced from each other and integrally formed with the body and extending radially outwardly from the outer diameter. The no-back spring apparatus further includes a plurality of spring elements integrally formed with the body, each of the plurality of spring elements including a tab portion extending radially inwardly from the inner dimeter.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly includes a shaft having a first end region including a nose, a male spline region coupleable with a female spline region of a clamp yoke, a ring flag seat adjacent said nose, and a first ring flag locating feature between said ring flag seat and said male spline region. The steering shaft assembly also includes a ring flag having an annular band seated on said ring flag seat, a flag extending axially from said annular band in a first direction beyond said first end and radially outwardly from said annular band, and a second ring flag locating feature extending axially from said annular band in a second direction opposite said first direction, said second ring flag locating feature interacting with said first ring flag locating feature to orient said ring flag in a predetermined rotational orientation relative to said shaft.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column housing. The steering column assembly also includes a lower shaft disposed within the steering column housing and axially adjustable. The steering column assembly further includes a torque adjustment assembly operatively connected to the lower shaft to increase or decrease a steering shaft turning torque.

Abstract: A no-back spring apparatus includes a body having an annular shape extending between an outer diameter and an inner diameter, the body comprising a first axial side and a second axial side, the second axial side including a flat portion extending from the inner diameter toward the outer diameter. The no-back spring apparatus also includes a plurality of retaining fingers circumferentially spaced from each other and integrally formed with the body and extending radially outwardly from the outer diameter. The no-back spring apparatus further includes a plurality of spring elements integrally formed with the body, each of the plurality of spring elements including a tab portion extending radially inwardly from the inner dimeter.

Abstract: A lever assembly for a steering column includes a rotatable lock lever. The lever assembly also includes a bolt operatively coupled to the rotatable lock lever and rotated therewith. The lever assembly further includes a clamp load assembly operatively coupled to the bolt. The clamp load assembly includes an assist cam having a cam profile defined by at least one ramp. The clamp load assembly also includes an assist follower having a follower profile in contact with the cam profile. The clamp load assembly further includes an assist spring disposed between the assist follower and a column structure, the assist spring biasing the assist follower into contact with the assist cam.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column housing. The steering column assembly also includes a lower shaft disposed within the steering column housing and axially adjustable. The steering column assembly further includes a torque adjustment assembly operatively connected to the lower shaft to increase or decrease a steering shaft turning torque.

Abstract: A lever assembly for a steering column includes a rotatable lock lever. The lever assembly also includes a bolt operatively coupled to the rotatable lock lever and rotated therewith. The lever assembly further includes a clamp load assembly operatively coupled to the bolt. The clamp load assembly includes an assist cam having a cam profile defined by at least one ramp. The clamp load assembly also includes an assist follower having a follower profile in contact with the cam profile. The clamp load assembly further includes an assist spring disposed between the assist follower and a column structure, the assist spring biasing the assist follower into contact with the assist cam.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes an outer jacket, an inner shaft that is received in and rotatable relative to the outer jacket, and an energy absorbing bracket. The energy absorbing bracket includes a mounting portion rigid attached to the vehicle and a body portion extending from the mounting portion. The outer jacket is rigidly attached to the body portion and the body portion is deformable to absorb energy in response to movement of the outer jacket. A tab is connected to one of the body portion and the mounting portion and abuts the outer jacket for applying a resistive force against movement of the outer jacket. The tab releases the resistive force in response to a predetermined collapsing force to allow the outer jacket to move while the body portion of the energy absorbing bracket deforms to absorb energy from the outer jacket.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including a steering column jacket defining an interior. The invention also provides a bushing disposed in the interior of the steering column jacket. The bushing includes a radially outwardly facing bearing surface and a first channel. The first channel is radially adjacent to the bearing surface. The first channel is accessible from the interior of the steering column jacket. The invention also provides injected filler material disposed in the first channel between the bushing and the steering column jacket. The filler material supports the bearing surface against radial movement relative to the steering column jacket.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column jacket operable to support a steering shaft. The steering column assembly also includes a collar presenting a surface for guiding movement of the steering column jacket. The steering column assembly also includes a locking member operable to move in a first direction from an unlocked position to a locked position to increasingly urge the steering column jacket and the surface of the collar together to lock relative movement between the steering column jacket and the collar. The steering column assembly also includes a shaft operable to rotate in a first angular direction about a first axis to move the locking member in the first direction. The steering column assembly also includes a crank extending radially outwardly from the shaft. The steering column assembly also includes a lever operable to rotate in a second angular direction about a second axis spaced from the first axis.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes an outer jacket, an inner shaft that is received in and rotatable relative to the outer jacket, and an energy absorbing bracket. The energy absorbing bracket includes a mounting portion rigid attached to the vehicle and a body portion extending from the mounting portion. The outer jacket is rigidly attached to the body portion and the body portion is deformable to absorb energy in response to movement of the outer jacket. A tab is connected to one of the body portion and the mounting portion and abuts the outer jacket for applying a resistive force against movement of the outer jacket. The tab releases the resistive force in response to a predetermined collapsing force to allow the outer jacket to move while the body portion of the energy absorbing bracket deforms to absorb energy from the outer jacket.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for selectively preventing the collapse of a collapsible steering column of a vehicle. The invention includes a first steering column member defining first and second opposing surfaces that are fixedly spaced relative to one another. The invention also include a second steering column member connected to the first steering column member for sliding movement The second steering column member defines a third surface opposing and spaced from the first surface. The invention also includes a wedging member selectively moveable between the first and second surfaces for being selectively compressible between the first and third surfaces to limit the sliding movement. The invention selectively prevents the collapse of the steering column.

Abstract: A position control apparatus for an adjustable motor vehicle steering column including a clamp having a first jaw element and a second jaw element shiftable axially relative to each other, a control lever pivotable through an angular stroke between a clamping position and a releasing position, and means for converting pivotal movement of the control lever to a first axial stroke of the first jaw element and to an opposite second axial stroke of the second jaw element so that the total relative axial stroke between the first and the second jaw elements is the sum of the first and the second axial strokes.

Abstract: An adjustable motor vehicle steering column including a mast jacket moveable between a plurality of positions and a position control apparatus including a stationary bracket, a moveable bracket attached to the mast jacket parallel to the stationary bracket, a manually actuated primary clamp on the stationary bracket operative when closed to squeeze together the moveable and stationary brackets for frictional retention of the position of the mast jacket and when open to release the stationary and moveable brackets for adjustment of the position of the mast jacket, and a secondary clamp which automatically increases the clamping force on the stationary and moveable brackets in response to the onset of relative sliding movement between the stationary and moveable brackets in the closed position of the primary clamp.

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 modular anti-theft apparatus for mounting on a core or generic steering column having a tubular mast jacket, a steering shaft in the mast jacket, a steering shaft bearing support housing attached to an upper end of the mast jacket, a platform on the bearing support housing for attachment of accessory modules, and a peripherally notched lock plate rigidly attached to the steering shaft. The anti-theft apparatus includes a case bolted onto the bearing support housing on the platform thereon, a bolt carrier mounted on the case for back and forth bodily movement, a lock bolt mounted on the carrier for bodily movement as a unit therewith and for bodily movement relative thereto, a reversible electric motor in the case, and a gear reduction drive between the motor and the bolt carrier. The operation of the electric motor is synchronized with an ignition switch lock remote from the steering column.