Abstract: An electrically actuated steering column system that includes an electrically actuated steering column mechanism. A switch is interconnected with the electrically actuated steering column mechanism to allow for movement of a steering column housing relative to a driver. There is also included electrical control structure that regulates the electrically actuated steering column mechanism. The electrically actuated steering column system allows a driver to activate a switch and apply a force to initiate movement of the steering column housing and then deactivate the switch to halt movement and retain the steering column housing in a secure manner.

Abstract: An interactive energy absorbing system including a steering column housing that is moveable along a collapse stroke corresponding to a force of impact by an operator. The interactive energy absorbing system includes an energy absorbing component that exerts a resistant force for resisting the movement of the steering column housing along its collapse stroke. The energy absorbing component includes a deformable strap that engages a stationary reaction member and a moveable reaction member, The stationary and moveable reaction members have an adjustable total active surface area for engaging the deformable strap and generating the resistance force. The moveable reaction member moves to adjust the total active surface area due to mechanical translation corresponding to the force of impact by the operator.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column has a rake adjustment mechanism which includes a rake bracket having a rake slot provided with rake slot teeth. A tooth lock is supported in the rake slot with teeth opposing the rake slot teeth. A rake bolt is rotatable to a first rotative position to move the tooth lock to a retracted position with the teeth of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake slot teeth. The bolt is axially rotatable to a second rotative position permitting the tooth lock to be moved to a locking position by a spring in which the teeth of the tooth lock engage the rake slot teeth. The bolt, when in the second rotative position, is movable, in response to an application of an impact force on the steering column to collapse the steering column, into bearing engagement with the tooth lock to positively retain the tooth lock in the locking position. The steering column is also provided with a release mechanism having shear pins and an energy absorption mechanism.

Abstract: The telescoping steering column includes a fixed jacket, and telescoping a translating jacket, and an inner tubular member. A wedge, is moved by a screw, into wedging engagement with the inner tubular member to force the inner tubular member into engagement with the translating jacket and the translating jacket into the fixed jacket for preventing relative longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column has a rake adjustment mechanism which includes a rake bracket having a rake slot provided with rake slot teeth. A tooth lock is supported in the rake slot with teeth opposing the rake slot teeth. A rake bolt is rotatable to a first rotative position to move the tooth lock to a retracted position with the teeth of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake slot teeth. The bolt is axially rotatable to a second rotative position permitting the tooth lock to be moved to a locking position by a spring in which the teeth of the tooth lock engage the rake slot teeth. The bolt, when in the second rotative position, is movable, in response to an application of an impact force on the steering column to collapse the steering column, into bearing engagement with the tooth lock to positively retain the tooth lock in the locking position. The steering column is also provided with a release mechanism having shear pins and an energy absorption mechanism.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a collapsible steering column has a plurality of plastically deformable straps each with one end connected to the steering column and an opposite end bent around an anvil connected to stationary vehicle support structure. When the steering column collapses, the straps unwind from the anvils, thereby resisting steering column collapse and absorbing energy. One or more of the straps may be cut in two by a knife at the time of the collision, thereby removing it from the energy absorbing system. In another form of the invention, an energy absorbing strap extends around a piston which has two or more different size anvils. The piston is axially movable in a cylinder to positions surrounding one or another of the anvils. The strap is drawn over the anvil it surrounds when the steering column collapses, thereby resisting collapse of the steering column and absorbing a certain amount of energy depending on the size of the anvil.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column has a rake adjustment mechanism which includes a rake bracket having a rake slot provided with rake slot teeth. A tooth lock is supported in the rake slot with teeth opposing the rake slot teeth. A rake bolt is rotatable to a first rotative position to move the tooth lock to a retracted position with the teeth of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake slot teeth. The bolt is axially rotatable to a second rotative position permitting the tooth lock to be moved to a locking position by a spring in which the teeth of the tooth lock engage the rake slot teeth. The bolt, when in the second rotative position, is movable, in response to an application of an impact force on the steering column to collapse the steering column, into bearing engagement with the tooth lock to positively retain the tooth lock in the locking position. The steering column is also provided with a release mechanism having shear pins and an energy absorption mechanism.