Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column extending between a pivot end and a steering wheel supporting end. The steering wheel supporting end is operable to engage a steering wheel. The steering column is moveable along a collapse path in response to an impacting force acting on the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column includes a cam-follower surface in fixed relation to the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column assembly also includes a cam surface spaced from the steering column and slidably engaging the cam-follower surface. The cam surface and the cam-follower surface cooperate during movement of the steering column along the collapse path to guide the steering column in rotation upwardly about the pivot end.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column extending between a pivot end and a steering wheel supporting end. The steering wheel supporting end is operable to engage a steering wheel. The steering column is moveable along a collapse path in response to an impacting force acting on the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column includes a cam-follower surface in fixed relation to the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column assembly also includes a cam surface spaced from the steering column and slidably engaging the cam-follower surface. The cam surface and the cam-follower surface cooperate during movement of the steering column along the collapse path to guide the steering column in rotation upwardly about the pivot end.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly having a steering column extending between a pivot end and a steering wheel supporting end. The steering wheel supporting end is operable to engage a steering wheel. The steering column is moveable along a collapse path in response to an impacting force acting on the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column includes a cam-follower surface in fixed relation to the steering wheel supporting end. The steering column assembly also includes a cam surface spaced from the steering column and slidably engaging the cam-follower surface. The cam surface and the cam-follower surface cooperate during movement of the steering column along the collapse path to guide the steering column in rotation upwardly about the pivot end.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a collapsible steering column assembly having a rake adjustment is provided. The steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket and a column jacket pivotably attached to the mounting bracket for rotation about a rake axis. The support mechanism includes a rod pivotably coupled to the column jacket and a clamp pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket and interconnecting the rod and the mounting bracket. The clamp permits movement of the rod therethrough during collapse of the steering column assembly in only one direction, and is offset from the rake axis. Accordingly, the clamp prevents backward movement of the rod therethrough, thereby preventing rotation of the column jacket about the rake axis post collapse of the steering column assembly to support the column jacket in an elevated position.

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 support mechanism for a collapsible steering column assembly having a rake adjustment is provided. The steering column assembly includes a mounting bracket and a column jacket pivotably attached to the mounting bracket for rotation about a rake axis. The support mechanism includes a rod pivotably coupled to the column jacket and a clamp pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket and interconnecting the rod and the mounting bracket. The clamp permits movement of the rod therethrough during collapse of the steering column assembly in only one direction, and is offset from the rake axis. Accordingly, the clamp prevents backward movement of the rod therethrough, thereby preventing rotation of the column jacket about the rake axis post collapse of the steering column assembly to support the column jacket in an elevated position.

Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle having a steering column for providing tilting movement and telescoping movement is disclosed. A first locking device is coupled to the steering column and movable between a first locked position and a first unlocked position for preventing the telescoping movement and for allowing the telescoping movement, respectively. The first locking device further defines a predetermined mid-position between the first locked position and the first unlocked position. A second locking device is coupled to the steering column and moveable between a second locked position and a second unlocked position for preventing the tilting movement and for allowing the tilting movement, respectively. A cable extends between the first locking device and the second locking device. A mechanism is coupled to the cable for delaying release of the second locking device from the steering column until the first locking device moves to the predetermined mid-position.

Abstract: An automotive foot pedal assembly including a first member with a foot pedal pivotally supported on an automotive structure, a second member operably coupled to the brake system and a frictional coupling. During normal operation, a force applied to the foot pedal pivotally moves the first member and the frictional coupling transmits this force to the second member to thereby controllably operate the brake system. Upon the application of a force exceeding a threshold value, the frictional coupling permits relative movement between the first and second members and at least partially dissipates the force. Upon diminution of the force below a second value, the frictional coupling operably re-couples the first and second members in a post-event configuration which allows the foot pedal assembly to control the operation of the brake system. The operational range of the first member is smaller in the post-event configuration than in the original configuration.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (10) of the collapsible type includes a mounting plate (30) for rigid attachment to a vehicle body structure. The mounting plate (30) supports the steering column (12) during normal operation through interconnecting release capsules (24) which allow the steering column (12) to collapse, away from the rigidly attached mounting plate (30), during a frontal collision. An energy absorbing tear strip (44) in formed integrally in the mounting plate (30) and is connected via tab (43) to a fixed connection (42) which adjoins a portion of the column bracket (18). The column bracket (18) moves together with the steering column (12) during a collapse situation. The tear strip (44) simultaneously bends and tears in a peeling fashion as the steering column (12) collapses to provide energy absorption for the assembly (10).