Abstract: A steering column comprises (a) an upper column assembly and (b) a bevel gear box assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly to form an integrated structure. The bevel gear box assembly also is operatively coupled to the upper column assembly such that rotational movement is transferred from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly.

Abstract: A steering column comprises (a) an upper column assembly and (b) a bevel gear box assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly to form an integrated structure. The bevel gear box assembly also is operatively coupled to the upper column assembly such that rotational movement is transferred from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering column (40) in a vehicle (50) adjacent an instrument panel of the vehicle includes a mounting assembly (30) that connects the steering column (40) to the vehicle (50). The mounting assembly (30) includes at least one holding element (170) that has a first condition that blocks pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50). The at least one holding element (170) has a second condition that permits pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50) in response to impact forces urging the steering column (40) to pivot relative to the vehicle (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a steering column (40) in a vehicle (50) adjacent an instrument panel of the vehicle includes a mounting assembly (30) that connects the steering column (40) to the vehicle (50). The mounting assembly (30) includes at least one holding element (170) that has a first condition that blocks pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50). The at least one holding element (170) has a second condition that permits pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50) in response to impact forces urging the steering column (40) to pivot relative to the vehicle (50).

Abstract: A vehicle steering column (10) comprises a one-piece steering column member (12) that includes a plurality of elongate wall portions (20-24) that extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis (28) of the steering column. The plurality of wall portions (20-24) at least partially define a chamber (26) in the member (12) for receiving an axially extending steering shaft (30) of the vehicle. The member (12) has a generally rectangular exterior configuration. The member (12) includes a vehicle mounting portion (90, 92) formed as one piece with the elongate wall portions (20-24). The vehicle mounting portion (90, 92) extends from the wall portions (20-24) and is adapted for fastening the steering column member (10) to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle steering column (10) comprises a one-piece steering column member (12) that includes a plurality of elongate wall portions (20-24) that extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis (28) of the steering column. The plurality of wall portions (20-24) at least partially define a chamber (26) in the member (12) for receiving an axially extending steering shaft (30) of the vehicle. The member (12) has a generally rectangular exterior configuration. The member (12) includes a vehicle mounting portion (90, 92) formed as one piece with the elongate wall portions (20-24). The vehicle mounting portion (90, 92) extends from the wall portions (20-24) and is adapted for fastening the steering column member (10) to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A steering column (10) includes a steering column member (12) rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A support tube (24) supports the steering column member (12) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (26) of the steering column member. The support tube (24) and the steering column member (12) extend between clamping members (32, 34) and are axially movable relative to the clamping members. The clamping members (32, 34) clamp the support tube (24) to prevent movement of the support tube and the steering column member (12) relative to the clamping members. A pivot shaft (38) pivotally connects the clamping members (32, 34) to a mounting bracket (42). A locking mechanism (78) presses the clamping members (32, 34) toward each other to clamp the support tube (24) to prevent axial movement of the support tube relative to the clamping members. The locking mechanism (18) also locks the clamping members (32, 34) in one of a plurality of pivot positions relative to the mounting bracket (42).

Abstract: A steering shaft (32) has a stress riser (70) which is inelastically deformable under stress induced by a predetermined vehicle crash force so as to initiate inelastic deflection of the shaft (32) under the crash force.