Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly for a vehicle has an integral rake pivot joint carried between a mounting structure generally attached to the vehicle chassis and a support bracket that pivots about a pivot axis. A preferably telescoping shaft extends along a centerline and connects to a steering wheel at one end and is rotationally supported near an opposite end by the support bracket. Preferably, the pivot axis is orientated substantially perpendicular to the centerline. The pivot joint has a boss preferably elongated with respect to the pivot axis and generally orientated concentrically to the pivot axis. The boss fits pivotally in a bore disposed concentrically to the pivot axis and carried by the other of the mounting structure and support bracket. Preferably, a web portion of the boss projects through a slit extending axially and communicating radially inward with the bore.

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 having an outer jacket mounted to a support structure of a vehicle. A steering shaft is movably supported within the jacket for rotation relative to the jacket. A retainer is mounted to the outer jacket and is disposed about the shaft. A dampener is non-rotatably mounted to the retainer and defines a passageway with the shaft extending through the passageway and rotatable within the passageway. The dampener has a portion abutting the shaft and applying a frictional force between the dampener and the shaft against rotation of the shaft within the passageway relative to the dampener.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering shaft assembly for a vehicle. The steering shaft assembly includes a first shaft extending along an axis of rotation for connection to one of a steering wheel and a steerable element of a vehicle. The steering shaft assembly also includes a second shaft extending along the axis of rotation for connection to the other of the steering wheel and the steerable element of the vehicle. The first shaft and the second shaft at least partially overlap one another along the axis of rotation for telescoping relative movement. The steering shaft assembly also includes a keyway formed in one of the first shaft and the second shaft and extending along and spaced from the axis of rotation. The steering shaft assembly also includes a key connected to the other of the first shaft and the second shaft and slidably positioned in the keyway.

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 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.