Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes first and second plates (44 and 84) extending parallel to each other and movable relative to each other. A locking mechanism (140) prevents movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84). The locking mechanism (140) has a first position applying a force to urge the first and second plates (44 and 84) toward each other to prevent movement between the first and second plates. The locking mechanism (140) has a second position to permit relative movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84). A surface treatment on one of the first and second plates (44 and 84) and between the first and second plates resists relative movement between the first and second plates when the locking mechanism (140) is in the first position. The surface treatment lubricates relative movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84) when the locking mechanism (140) is in the second position.

Abstract: A universal joint (10) includes a cross member (24) having a trunnion (26) with a radially outer surface (32). A cup (20) is connectable with the trunnion (26) and a yoke (18). The cup (20) has an open end (54) with a radially outer surface (58). A bearing (30) supports the cup (20) for rotation relative to the trunnion (26). A seal (48) engages the trunnion (26) and the cup (20). The seal (48) has a first axial end portion (50) engaging the radially outer surface (32) of the trunnion (26) and a second axial end portion (52) engaging the radially outer surface (58) of the cup (20). The first axial end portion (50) is stretched over the radially outer surface (32) of the trunnion (26) and the second axial end portion (52) is stretched over the radially outer surface (58) of the cup (20).

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a support (24), through which a steering column member (12) extends, connected with a mounting bracket (66). The support (24) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member. The support (24) is movable in a first direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member (12) relative to the mounting bracket (66). The support (24) is movable in a second direction extending transverse to the first direction and to the longitudinal axis (26) relative to the mounting bracket (66). The support (24) is also movable along the longitudinal axis (26) relative to the mounting bracket (66).

Abstract: A universal joint (10) includes a cross member (24) having a trunnion (26) with a radially outer surface (32). A cup (20) is connectable with the trunnion (26) and a yoke (18). The cup (20) has an open end (54) with a radially outer surface (58). A bearing (30) supports the cup (20) for rotation relative to the trunnion (26). A seal (48) engages the trunnion (26) and the cup (20). The seal (48) has a first axial end portion (50) engaging the radially outer surface (32) of the trunnion (26) and a second axial end portion (52) engaging the radially outer surface (58) of the cup (20). The first axial end portion (50) is stretched over the radially outer surface (32) of the trunnion (26) and the second axial end portion (52) is stretched over the radially outer surface (58) of the cup (20).

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a support (24), through which a steering column member (12) extends, connected with a mounting bracket (66). The support (24) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member. The support (24) is movable in a first direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member (12) relative to the mounting bracket (66). The support (24) is movable in a second direction extending transverse to the first direction and to the longitudinal axis (26) relative to the mounting bracket (66). The support (24) is also movable along the longitudinal axis (26) relative to the mounting bracket (66).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes first and second plates (44 and 84) extending parallel to each other and movable relative to each other. A locking mechanism (140) prevents movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84). The locking mechanism (140) has a first position applying a force to urge the first and second plates (44 and 84) toward each other to prevent movement between the first and second plates. The locking mechanism (140) has a second position to permit relative movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84). A surface treatment on one of the first and second plates (44 and 84) and between the first and second plates resists relative movement between the first and second plates when the locking mechanism (140) is in the first position. The surface treatment lubricates relative movement between the first and second plates (44 and 84) when the locking mechanism (140) is in the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a steering shaft (12) rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A steering wheel (14) has a hub (40) for connection to an axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12). The hub (40) has a tapered surface (50) defining an opening (42) into which the axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12) extends. A collet (60) has a tapered radially outer surface (64) engageable with the tapered surface (50) of the hub (40). The collet (60) also has a radially inner surface (62) engageable with the axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12). A fastener (80) connects the steering wheel (14) to the steering shaft (12). The fastener (80) applies force to the collet (60) to force the radially outer tapered surface (64) of the collet into engagement with the tapered surface (50) defining the opening (42) in the hub (40).

Abstract: A steering shaft (20) is supported in a steering column member (40). A bearing (50) supports the steering shaft (20) for rotation relative to the steering column member (40). An adhesive (70, 72, 74) fixes the bearing (50) in position between the steering shaft (20) and the steering column member (40). The adhesive (70, 72, 74) is cured in a non-elastic state.

Abstract: A steering shaft (20) is supported in a steering column member (40). A bearing (50) supports the steering shaft (20) for rotation relative to the steering column member (40). An adhesive (70, 72, 74) fixes the bearing (50) in position between the steering shaft (20) and the steering column member (40). The adhesive (70, 72, 74) is cured in a non-elastic state.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a steering shaft (12) rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A steering wheel (14) has a hub (40) for connection to an axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12). The hub (40) has a tapered surface (50) defining an opening (42) into which the axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12) extends. A collet (60) has a tapered radially outer surface (64) engageable with the tapered surface (50) of the hub (40). The collet (60) also has a radially inner surface (62) engageable with the axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12). A fastener (80) connects the steering wheel (14) to the steering shaft (12). The fastener (80) applies force to the collet (60) to force the radially outer tapered surface (64) of the collet into engagement with the tapered surface (50) defining the opening (42) in the hub (40).

Abstract: A shaft assembly (10) includes an outer shaft (12) having a plurality of grooves (64-72) which extend between opposite end portions of the outer shaft. An inner shaft (14) has a plurality of projections (82-90) which extend between opposite end portions of the inner shaft. A plurality of bearing assemblies (22-30) cooperate with the grooves (64-72) in the outer shaft (12) and the projections (82-90) on the inner shaft (14) to support the inner and outer shafts for axial movement relative to each other. The bearing assemblies (22-30) includes rotatable bearing members (42) which are disposed between longitudinally extending side surfaces of the grooves (64-72) in the outer (12) shaft and a longitudinally extending side surfaces of projections (82-90) on the inner shaft (14). The bearing members (42) are rotatably mounted in slots (108) disposed in retainer strips (100).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprising an outer tubular member (30) having an axis (32). An inner member (90) extends into the outer tubular member (30, 90) and is coaxial with the outer tubular member. The members (30) have surfaces (52a, 102a, 102b) which define a plurality of races (112) spaced circumferentially around one of the members (90). At least one rotatable element (140) is in each of the races (112). The rotatable elements (140) engage the outer tubular member (30) and the inner member (90) and guide relative axial movement of the outer tubular member and the inner member and transmit torque between the outer tubular member and the inner member. One of the members (30) applies radially directed force to the rotatable elements (140) urging the rotatable elements radially into contact with the other member (90) to provide for a no-lash torque transmission between the members.

Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. A member having a plurality of teeth is connected to the first steering column member and movable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. A support connects the steering column to a vehicle frame. A telescope locking member engages the plurality of teeth on the member connected to the first steering column member. The telescope locking member has a first position in which the telescope locking member engages at least one of the plurality of teeth on the member connected to the first steering column member to prevent movement of the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member.

Abstract: A steering column has a first steering column member movable axially relative to a second steering column member. A member having a plurality of teeth is connected to the first steering column member and movable with the first steering column member relative to the second steering column member. A support connects the steering column to a vehicle frame. A clamping member has a first position in which the clamping member clamps the member connected to the first steering column member to the support to prevent the first steering column member from moving relative to the second steering column member. The clamping member has a second position in which the clamping member permits the first steering column member to move relative to the second steering column member.

Abstract: A shaft assembly (10) has a first shaft (14) which extends along an axis (20) and a second shaft (16) which extends along the axis (20). The second shaft (16) extends into a hollow interior of the first shaft (14). The first and second shafts (14, 16) are axially movable relative to each other. A bushing (12) is located between the first and second shafts (14, 16) for allowing generally free axial movement between said first and second shafts (14, 16), and transmitting torque between the first and second shafts (14, 16). The bushing has flange segments (64) and tangs (66) for preventing axial movement of the bushing (12) relative to the first shaft (14). The bushing (12) also has wedge-shaped side portions (40) located in wedge-shaped gaps (138) defined by the first and second shafts (14, 16). The wedge-shaped side portions (40) are slidable under the influence of springs (38) radially along the gaps (138) to take up wear and to prevent lash between the first and second shafts (14, 16).