Abstract: A tilt steering device has an upper bracket and a lower bracket. The upper bracket has downwardly extending side plates on the opposite sides thereof and overlapping portions of upwardly extending side plates on the lower bracket. An angle limiting device couples the upper bracket tiltably with the lower bracket, and a first spring urges the upper bracket toward an upper-most position. A rod is supported for rotation and axial movement by the side plates of one of the brackets. A connecting arm is fixed to the rod and extends adjacent to one of the side plates of the other bracket. An operating lever is connected to the rod so as to be capable of imparting to the rod rotation and axial movement resisting biasing force of a second spring which urges the connecting arm axially of the rod toward the one side plates. A selecting device is provided on said one bracket.

Abstract: A lift truck in which a steering column or pylon houses a steering post connected to a hydraulic steering component. A locking device which is manually operable by the operator is adapted to lock the steering column in an operative driving position, the steering column being adapted to be actuated forwardly in a pivotal motion to a non-operative position by a gas pressure spring when the locking device is released by the operator, thus moving it to a forward position wherein it provides an improved access path to the operator's compartment and wherein it does not obstruct the vertical path of movement of a drive component when the latter is deposited in or removed from its generally central mounting position in the lift truck.

Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle comprises a steering wheel having one spoke and supported by a steering shaft, a shock proof dished plate carrying operating controls, indicating instruments on an outer surface of the plate facing a driver of the vehicle and a construction element immovably attached to the vehicle. The steering device is provided with two displaceable coupling elements which couple the dished plate to the construction element so that when one of the coupling elements is in its coupling position by engaging in one of the passages formed in the dished plate, the other coupling element is allowed to come out from its coupling position by disengaging out of another one of the passages of the dished plate to thus prevent the dished plate from rotating with the steering wheel.

Abstract: A column shift type transmission control device used in a tilt steering system. A tilt joint for coupling the upper control rod and the lower control rod of the transmission control device is provided in cabin side and the lower control rod is supported by the mount bracket so as to make an opening in the mount bracket smaller to contribute for noise separation and for easy assembling.

Abstract: An improved adjustable control console for a vehicle or the like of the type including a base (16) for attachment to a vehicle (12), a head (18), rigid mounting links (30,38) pivotally interconnecting the base and the head in a manner like that of a parallelogram linkage (16,18,28,33,34,38,40,42) to allow fore and aft movement of the console, at least one control element (22) movably mounted on the console, a rigid control link (50) connected to the control element and extending therefrom towards the base and including the improvement wherein the links are selectively simultaneously extensible to allow adjustment of the spacing between the head and the base.

Abstract: The specification discloses an energy absorbing structure having a rod-like lateral cross section such as a hand rail, steering wheel or the like in which an inner structural member is made of a material capable of providing rigid structural strength, but being frangible upon sharp impact of the type encountered in vehicle accidents so as to absorb energy from the impact, and an exterior covering generally surrounding the inner member and being made of a somewhat stretchable, flexible, tough skinned and nonabrasive plastic material of sufficient thickness and strength that in the event the inner member does break, the covering prevents sharp ends or edges of the broken inner member from protruding and impaling an individual impacting the structure.

Abstract: A steering column switch mounting includes a sleeve which is insertable into the steering tube between the tube and the steering column which includes a portion which extends exteriorly of the tube forming a switch base plate and contact carrier. The interior sleeve portion includes a resilient strip which includes a locking stud which is biased against the steering tube and falls into a locking recess of the tube to hold the switch mounting in place.

Abstract: An offset type tractor having a driving assembly such as an engine and a transmission case, and a supporting frame therefor are eccentrically disposed at either side with respect to the center line of the tractor body width, while a control wheel and a driver's seat are disposed on the center line of the tractor body width. A control wheel, a supporting post of a turned structure for supporting the control wheel, and an adjusting structure for adjusting the control wheel in the direction close to and away from the driver.

Abstract: The energy absorbing steering assembly of this invention has a steering shaft collapsible as a vehicle impacts an obstacle, and the steering shaft consists of an upper and lower shafts, and the upper portion of the lower shaft and the lower portion of the upper shaft fit with each other. A spherical projection is provided on the surface of an unfitted portion of one of said shafts spaced a given distance from the end surface of the fitted portion, said one shaft being fitted into the inside of the other shaft. When the steering shaft is collapsed, said spherical projection of the one shaft enters into the inner surface of the other shaft so as to produce a plastic deformation on this inner surface to absorb the impact energy.

Abstract: A telescopic safety steering column for motor vehicles which includes a steering wheel displaceable from its normal operating position relative to the outer steering column under energy absorption by the steering wheel and an energy-absorbing support of the outer column at a fixed vehicle part; this support being provided by an undulated tubular member which is arranged parallel to the center longitudinal axis of the safety steering column and is stable as regards its position while the fixing of the outer column is provided in proximity to the steering wheel by a guide strap which becomes ineffectual when the body of a vehicle passenger impinges against the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering column for absorbing impact energy comprising a steering shaft mounted for rotation in a vehicle by an upper bearing. The steering shaft can be turned by a steering wheel operatively connected to the upper end of the shaft by first energy absorbing device which deforms in a controlled manner when impacted. The steering shaft also has an integral helical portion between the upper and lower ends which collapses under a predetermined load if the vehicle is impacted so that the steering wheel remains in position and so that impact energy is absorbed.