Abstract: A steering column restraining device for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes a steering column mounted to a steering column support bracket. The steering column restraining device comprises a first bracket mounted to the steering column support bracket and a second bracket mounted to a floorboard of the vehicle. The first bracket and the second bracket are interconnected using a strap extending therebetween. The device thereby minimizes upward translation of the steering column during impact, which maximizes the effectiveness of the airbag and further minimizes potential injury to the driver.

Abstract: An energy absorbing occupant restraint system for a motor vehicle includes a load-limiting buckle assembly. The buckle assembly includes a first elongated member adapted to be secured to the floor of the motor vehicle and a second elongated member. The buckle assembly further includes a buckle attached to the first elongated member. The buckle is adapted to releasably engage a tongue assembly carried by a seat belt webbing. A connector member interconnects the first and second elongated members. The second elongated member is configured so as to incrementally allow the second elongated member to translate relative to the first elongated member when the first elongated member is acted upon by a load which exceeds a predetermined level. In the preferred embodiment, the second elongated member is a sleeve member which telescopically receives the first elongated member.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably locking a tilt steering wheel assembly in adjusted position comprises a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart plates affixed to the jacket of the steering shaft, and a pawl between the plates pivoted to the steering wheel assembly. Each plate has a hole and the holes are aligned. The pawl has a series of spaced holes. The pawl has a cam track. A cam on the bracket is engageable with the cam track to cause the pawl holes to align successively with the bracket holes when the steering wheel assembly is pivoted to various different positions. A lock pin is engageable in the aligned bracket and pawl holes to lock the steering wheel assembly in a desired position of adjustment.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a steering column of a vehicle includes a first bracket fixedly attached to a sleeve of the steering column and a second bracket pivotally attached to the first bracket and operatively connected to a rotatable steering wheel of the steering column. The tilt mechanism also includes a latching member pivotally attached to the second bracket and having a plurality of apertures. The tilt mechanism has a release lever pivotally attached to the first bracket. A latch pin is disposed between the release lever and the latching member for engaging the latching member to restrain the second bracket from rotational movement and for disengaging the latching member to allow rotational movement of the second bracket.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a motor vehicle comprises an elongated steering column extending upwardly and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. The steering column is of a type which rises to a greater angle to the horizontal when the vehicle is involved in a head-on collision. The steering wheel/air bag assembly at the upper end of the steering column is placed at an unfavorable position with respect to the driver's chest when the steering column rises in a collision. The steering column is mounted so that it will incline further upwardly when the driver is thrown forwardly during the collision and his chest strikes the steering wheel/air bag assembly. An energy absorbing bracket is provided to resist and retard the further upward inclination of the steering column in order to ease and soften the impact on the driver. The steering column is composed of a lower section and an upper section arranged end-to-end.

Abstract: A steering column guide assembly for a collapsible vehicle steering column includes an upper support bracket fixed relative to one portion of vehicle support structure and a lower support bracket secured to another portion of vehicle support structure. The steering column guide assembly also includes a structure for attaching the steering column to the lower support bracket and a structure for guiding the lower support bracket in a substantially horizontal manner relative to the upper support bracket during a collision type impact which causes the portions of the vehicle support structure to move relative to each other.

Abstract: A steering column guide structure is provided for a collapsible vehicle steering column. The guide structure includes triangular guide members adjacent to and above the upper portion of the steering column which prevent upward movement of the upper portion of the steering column upon collapse thereof. A guide collar is provided around the lower portion of the steering column to axially guide the lower portion of the steering column upon collapse thereof.