Patents by Inventor James A. Mark

James A. Mark has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4951522
    Abstract: A support (26) for mounting an energy absorbing steering column is disclosed as including a metal strap (30) that extends transversely with respect to the steering axis A and has a central portion (32) that mounts the steering column as well as having opposite ends (38) each of which includes a mounting portion (40) for mounting on the vehicle. The strap includes a pair of U-shaped portions (42) located between the central portion (32) and the opposite ends (38) thereof with the open end of each U-shaped portion (42) opening in the same direction as each other along the steering axis. Movement of the steering column along the steering axis deforms the strap to straighten the U-shaped portions (42) and absorb energy. Clamping connections (44) mount the mounting portions (40) of the strap (30) on opposite sides of the U-shaped portions such that pivoting of the mounting portions cooperates with straightening of the U-shaped portions to increase the steering column movement that absorbs energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Dipak R. Chowdhury, James A. Mark