Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus includes first and second telescopingly arranged members. A non-deformable ring is mounted on one end of one of the members and engages a plurality of projections extending from the side wall of the other member. The projections extend longitudinally along the other member and are provided in various lengths, widths, heights and numbers to provide selective force versus displacement characteristics during the telescoping collapse of the first and second members with respect to each other. Preferably, the first and second members form a steering column housing for a vehicle steering apparatus.

Abstract: A steering shaft is rotatably mounted within a steering column housing and is formed of two telescopingly engaged steering shaft members. A portion of one of the steering shaft members is deformed into a notch formed at one end of the other steering shaft member to mechanically and non-separably interconnect the two shaft members together during normal operating conditions, and allowing separation and telescoping collapse of the steering shaft members under axial force on the steering column shaft. A longitudinally extending projection is formed in the outer steering shaft members and engages the inner disposed steering shaft member to rigidly interconnect the two steering shaft members.