Abstract: Longitudinal members for motor vehicles may generally include a supporting element that is releasably connectable to an energy absorption mechanism. The supporting element may typically include a joining zone that can be used to secure the supporting element to one or more chassis or drive components of the motor vehicle. The supporting element and the energy absorption mechanism may be comprised of fiber-reinforced plastic. More specifically, the supporting element may be comprised of a plurality of length portions having different fiber orientations. For example, a first length portion may have fibers oriented substantially parallel to a horizontal longitudinal plane about which the supporting element is positioned, whereas a second length portion between the first length portion and the energy absorption mechanism may have intersecting fibers oriented oblique to the horizontal longitudinal plane.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member is fixed to an outer periphery of an inner column, extends in a front-rear direction and is introduced into a slit of an outer column. During a secondary collision, a tightening rod is displaced forward together with the outer column, so that the energy absorbing member is vertically restrained to the tightening rod and the inner column from a up-down direction, is crushed by the tightening rod and generates impact absorption load.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a column pipe, an outer column, a fixed bracket, a stopper bracket, and a clamping tool. The stopper bracket has a first suspending planar portion and a second suspending planar portion. A telescopic slot and an impact absorbing slot are formed in the first and second suspending planar portions. A first collapsing portion, which is configured as a protruding plate piece positioned between the telescopic slot and the impact absorbing slot of the first suspending planar portion and bent by colliding with a bolt shaft in an event of a secondary collision, is provided in the first and second suspending planar portions. A second collapsing portion, the height dimension of which decreases toward a trailing end is provided in the impact absorbing slot of one of the first suspending planar portion and the second suspending planar portion.

Abstract: A structure of an underrun protection bound to a plurality of brackets disposed at the front or rear portion of a frame of a vehicle is disclosed. The structure has a hollow having a closed section defined by a distal face of a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a proximal face of the longitudinal direction, an upper face, and a lower face. A plurality of lightening holes are formed in line along an extending direction of the underrun protection on at least one of the distal face and the proximal face. The plurality of lightening holes have diameters in vertical direction set larger as departing farther from binder parts each at which the underrun protection is bound to one of the plurality of brackets.

Abstract: An energy absorber according to various embodiments can include a structure having a predetermined cross-sectional profile. A hollow profile is formed within the structure. The pre-determined cross-sectional profile of the structure is configured based on a deceleration-time profile that includes a first period and a second period. The first period is defined by a substantially sharp and linear increase in magnitude of the deceleration of an impact until a maximum deceleration value is achieved. The second period is defined by a rapid decrease in the magnitude of the deceleration.

Abstract: A bead portion is provided at a compression-side wall portion to be recessed toward an inside of a main closed cross section. A first reinforcing member is provided in the closed cross section and joined to a tension-side wall portion so as to form a first sub cross section extending in a longitudinal direction between the tension-side wall portion and the first reinforcing member. A second reinforcing member is provided in the closed cross section and joined to a portion of the compression-side wall portion where the bead portion is provided so as to form a second sub cross section extending vertically between the portion of the compression-side wall portion and the second reinforcing member. The first and second reinforcing members are configured to be spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A first plate of a stationary bracket has long holes which extend parallel to a column movement direction, and through which large-diameter portions of suspension bolts are passed. The inner circumferences of the long holes include: recessed curved surface portions of end portions in a direction opposite to the column movement direction; first inner edge portions which are on the side of a middle position between the long holes; and second inner edge portions. In a secondary collision, when the one suspension bolt slides over the first inner edge portion of the long hole, for example, a gap is formed between the other suspension bolt and the second inner edge portion of the long hole.

Abstract: The impact absorber disposed between a vehicle panel and a trim has a hollow main body with a first wall disposed adjacent the trim and a second wall disposed adjacent the vehicle panel and opposed to the first wall. The hollow main body is defined by a first portion and a second portion. The impact absorber has at least one first concave rib formed in the second portion by recessing the first and second walls such that they approach each other and joining tips of recessed first and second walls each other, and at least one groove-like depression formed in the first portion by recessing the second wall. The first portion is greater than the second portion in a total thickness from the first wall to second wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for energy dissipation with a deformable, longitudinally extending material strip which comprises a longitudinal axis and is installed into a cable which can be subjected to tension; and with a deformation device which is also installed into the cable and cooperates with the material strip, characterized in that the material strip, upon application of a tension force to the cable along its longitudinal axis, can be guided in a straight line through the deformation device and in so doing can be deformed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crashbox for a bumper system of a motor vehicle, comprising an upper wall and a lower wall, wherein the crashbox is divided in the longitudinal extent thereof into a first length portion and an adjoining second length portion (4), wherein, in the first length portion, a longitudinal plane of the upper wall intersects a central longitudinal plane of the crashbox at an angle ?1, and a longitudinal plane of the lower wall intersects the central longitudinal plane of the crashbox at an angle ?2, wherein the following holds true: ?5°??1?5° and ?5°??2?5°, and wherein, in the second length portion, a longitudinal plane of the upper wall (1) intersects a longitudinal plane of the lower wall at an angle ?.

Abstract: A vehicle rear portion structure includes: a rear side member front-rear direction; a shock absorbing member that is placed at the rear side of the rear side member; and a lower bracket that has a reinforcement portion that is joined to a rear end portion of the rear side member, a load receiving portion that extends downward from a rear end portion of the reinforcement portion and to which the shock absorbing member is joined, and a load transmitting bead portion that is disposed spanning the distance between the load receiving portion and a lower wall portion of the reinforcement portion, with a length L to which the load transmitting bead portion projects in the vehicle front-rear direction becoming longer heading from the load receiving portion to the reinforcement portion.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a bumper assembly of a vehicle includes a plunger. A deformable wall extends along an axis and defines a cavity for receiving the plunger during relative movement between the plunger and the deformable wall resulting from impact between the bumper assembly and another object. A ledge is fixed to the deformable wall and extends between the cavity and the plunger for collapsing the deformable wall into the cavity. The deformable wall collapses inwardly to eliminate material stack up to accommodate packaging restraints in the design of the bumper assembly.

Abstract: Column moving direction is referred to as first direction, opposite direction to the first direction is referred to as second direction, and direction which is orthogonal to the first direction is referred to as third direction. First suspending bolt is in contact with cylindrical surface which is formed by end portion of first elongated slot in second direction to thereby be positioned in relation to the second direction and the third direction. Second suspending bolt is positioned only in relation to the second direction by inner surface of end portion of second elongated slot in the second direction. Positions of portions of the end portions of the elongated slots which are situated farthest in the second direction are made equal to each other with respect to the second direction, and both the suspending bolts are aligned in position with respect to the first direction.

Abstract: A cargo net including a body having a network of structural members, a first end and a second end, each end defining a sleeve and/or including an elongated strap engagement base. First and second straps, separately formed from the body, ends, sleeves and/or bases, are disposed through the respective sleeves, and/or over the respective bases at the ends. Where the ends include strap slots on opposite ends of the bases, the straps can be weaved through the slots and over the bases. The straps can be ratchet straps and can be generally slidably mounted through the sleeves and/or over the bases or through the strap slots. The ratchet straps can be tightened, thereby further securing cargo under the cargo net. The body, first end, second end, sleeves and/or bases can be monolithically formed as a single piece structure. A method of using the cargo net also is provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a rail extension comprises: an energy absorber comprising a polymer body, wherein the energy absorber comprises cells formed by cell walls extending a length of the energy absorber and forming cavities therethrough; each side of the energy absorber comprises an open channel wherein the channel is defined by walls of adjacent cells; a vehicle attachment tab extending from at least one of the cell walls at one end of the energy absorber; and a first vehicle attachment tab gusset extending between the vehicle attachment tab and the cell wall on one side of an opening in the vehicle attachment; wherein the energy absorber and the vehicle attachment tab were formed as one-piece.

Abstract: In a shift lever device, a width dimension of left ribs and right ribs is set larger than a diameter dimension of a left support shaft portion and a right support shaft portion. In the event of an impact load being imparted to a shift lever in different directions to a control lever axial direction, the left rib and the right rib are broken in this impact load direction since the left rib and the right rib are formed so as to face the whole diameter of the left support shaft portion and the right support shaft portion. Impact load can accordingly be absorbed even in the event that an impact load is imparted to the shift lever in different directions to a control lever axial direction. Namely, impact load can be absorbed for impact load directions within a range of a specific angle. Dependency on the impact load direction is accordingly suppressed when absorbing an impact load imparted to the shift lever.

Abstract: A fall detection device for a lifeline, intended to be mounted on an energy absorber which includes a static portion and a mobile portion secured together, wherein the mobile portion is shifted in the event of a force higher than a force threshold value and actuates an absorber. The fall detection device includes a sensor and trajectory tracking device secured to the end of the static portion or to the end of the mobile portion and able freely to move with the end of the mobile portion or the end of the static portion respectively. This trajectory tracking device is adapted to actuate the sensor when shifting of the mobile portion is data-generating.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a bumper, and a crush can that secures the bumper to the frame. The crush can includes a plurality of cells that are arranged in a fanned configuration relative to the frame such that walls of the cells deform during offset impact events to deflect objects away from the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle structural member includes an outer member and an inner member secured to the outer member with a hollow cavity defined between the inner member and the outer member. The vehicle structural member further includes a bracket disposed in the hollow cavity and fixedly secured to the inner member for mounting an auxiliary component to the inner member. The bracket includes a main portion and at least one leg fixedly connecting the main portion to the inner member. The at least one leg includes a bulging portion enabling deformation of the bracket when a force is applied to the main portion of the bracket.

Abstract: An energy absorbing assembly, sometimes referred to as a crush tip assembly, that is mounted to a body-on-frame vehicle, either behind a front or rear bumper, so that the assembly absorbs energy in during a collision. The energy absorbing member is a multi-piece assembly where adjoining segments are secured together with a welded joint that may include a non-linear portion having one or more junction features. The specific arrangement of the non-linear portion, along with other optional secondary features like strengthening ribs, holes, slots, etc., can be used to achieve more desirable energy profiles during a collision event.

Abstract: A vehicle component with at least two connection points, a structural component that extends between the connection points and rigidly connects them with one another. The structural component comprises at least one insert made of a ductile material and at least two connection zones that support or form the two connection points, at least one of the zones comprises plastic. The structural component comprises at least one intermediate section that connects the two connection zones rigidly to one another and comprises the insert or is formed by the insert, this section is more ductile than at least one of the two connection zones and, in relation to a mechanical overload of the structural component, forms a locally delimited weak-point or region.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a component for an underrun protection device can comprise: a housing member (10), comprising a main body (100) having a base plate (108) with a top wall (103), bottom wall (109), and optional side walls (104), extending from one side of the base plate (108) to form a housing (115); an arm (101) extending from another side of the base plate (108), wherein the arm (101) comprises a base (109) in contact with the base plate (108), arm sides (105) that extend from the base (109) toward a connection area (107), wherein the arm sides (105) form an arm channel (113); a body polymeric insert (200) comprising body insert ribs (202) and body insert channels (204); and an arm polymeric insert (300) comprising arm insert ribs (302) and arm insert channels (304), wherein the arm polymeric insert (300) is located in the arm channel (113).

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle comprising a steering spindle, which is mounted rotatably about its axis in a steering spindle bearing unit, a holding part, which is designed to connect the steering spindle bearing unit directly or indirectly to the body of the motor vehicle, wherein at least one of the components of the steering column is at least partially formed from a material that contains reinforcing fibers, wherein the reinforcing fibers are arranged along paths on a wall surface and, by means of multiple holding fibers, which run at an angle that is greater than 0° in relation to the paths of the reinforcing fibers and enclose the reinforcing fibers, are fixed on the wall surface.

Abstract: The deformation element has a profile part and may be of U-shaped profile with legs in cross section or may be of single-shear configuration. The deformation element has at least one side wall formed in the manner of an accordion with z-shaped deformation folds. The predefined deformation folds are provided in a direction transverse to an acting force and are arranged opposed to one another.

Abstract: An integrated belt retention apparatus for use with a vehicle seat having a seat part with a backrest and with a belt retention apparatus integrated with the vehicle seat, comprising a belt suspension having a fastener for fastening to the backrest, wherein the vehicle seat is characterized in that the fastener comprises a crash element with a deformation region for reducing kinetic energy in the event of activation of the belt retention apparatus as a result of an accident.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a mounting structure, the mounting structure comprising a first part for connecting to the body of a vehicle and a second part for connecting to part of a steering mechanism, the first and second parts being interconnected to permit relative movement therebetween as the assembly collapses, wherein: one of the first or second parts comprises a slot, the slot comprising a pocket and a channel defined by two opposing sidewalls, each sidewall being the outer edge of a deformable structure; the other of the first or second parts comprises a lug, the lug extending into the pocket when the assembly is in a non-collapsed state and being configured to be driven through the channel to cause plastic deformation of the deformable structure as the assembly collapses; and the assembly comprises a re-enforcement that limits the plastic deformation of the deformable structure during the collapsing stroke to regions of the deformable structure adjacent to regions of the channe

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an upper column for supporting a steering wheel and a position lock bracket disposed about the upper column. The position lock bracket is configured to be fixed to the upper column when the position lock bracket occupies a locked mode. The position lock bracket is further configured to be selectively fixed to a rigid structure of the vehicle when operating in a fixed mode and to be instantaneously released from the vehicle structure when operating in a release mode.

Abstract: A structure for absorbing energy from impacts thereon, the structure being plastically deformable by an impact, with, if appropriate, the possibility that it is at least to some extent disrupted. The structure can include a) ribs for reinforcement, the ribs arranged with respect to one another at an angle with respect to the axial direction such that on failure of a rib a force acting on the structure is immediately absorbed axially by another rib, b) ribs running axially, the ribs being in essence corrugated or of zigzag shape, c) at least one rib running axially in a first plane and connected to at least two ribs running axially in a second plane rotated with respect to the first plane. The structure includes, in the direction of impact, at least two layers, each of which has different compressibility properties and different failure properties.

Abstract: Force diversion apparatus, methods and devices including the same result in rotational motion being imparted to an impacting object.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, computer program product, and/or system are described that determine an event, actuate a cushioning element in response to the determining the event, the cushioning element including one or more tension-bearing members, and dissipate at least some of an energy associated with a collision based on deforming at least one of the tension-bearing members during the collision, the deforming including substantially inelastically stretching the at least one of the tension-bearing members. Other example embodiments are also provided relating to actuatable cushioning elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for energy dissipation with a deformable, longitudinally extending material strip which comprises a longitudinal axis and is installed into a cable which can be subjected to tension; and with a deformation device which is also installed into the cable and cooperates with the material strip, characterised in that the material strip, upon application of a tension force to the cable along its longitudinal axis, can be guided in a straight line through the deformation device and in so doing can be deformed.

Abstract: A polymeric crash box (10) for a motor vehicle, having a first open frontal extremity (12) and a second rear extremity (14), and besides it includes a substantially alveolar structure (20) having a plurality of channels (30) realized in just one piece which extends internally to the polymeric crash box (10), besides each channel (30) being internally tapered towards the second rear extremity (14). The substantially alveolar structure (20) includes a second plurality of channels (40) realized in just one piece with the plurality of channels (30), besides each channel (40) being internally tapered towards the first open frontal extremity (12). Besides each channel (40) internally tapered towards the first open frontal extremity (12) it is surrounded by channels (30) internally tapered towards the second rear extremity (14).

Abstract: The impact absorbing structure of the present invention is an impact absorbing structure for absorbing an impact in a case where the impact absorbing structure is subjected to the impact in a predetermined direction. The impact absorbing structure comprises a plurality of impact absorbing members, each of which is a tubular-shaped body whose longitudinal central axis is arranged along the impact direction and capable of absorbing the impact by being compressively collapsed when receiving the impact from the impact direction. At least one of the plurality of impact absorbing members being placed in such a way that a front end of the impact absorbing members is placed at a different position of ends of the other impact absorbing members in the impact direction, and the front end is an end closer to the direction which is forward in the impact direction.

Abstract: A shock absorption member which is lightweight, has a high degree of freedom in shape, and is capable of efficiently absorbing shock energy, is provided. A shock absorption member including a bottom surface part and an upright part provided on the bottom surface part, in which at least one of the bottom surface part and the upright part includes a carbon-fiber-reinforced composite material including a thermoplastic resin, and the other may include a thermoplastic resin, and in which the amount of the thermoplastic resin present therein is 30 to 1,000 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of carbon fibers, and the average fiber length of the carbon fibers is 3 to 100 mm.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an energy absorbing assembly comprises a foam stage having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises a recess; and a thermoplastic stage comprising a frame and crush lobes; wherein the crush lobes extend from the frame of the thermoplastic stage into the recess. In another embodiment, a method of making an energy absorbing assembly comprises forming a foam stage having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises recesses; forming a thermoplastic stage having a frame and crush lobes protruding from the frame; and engaging the recesses and the crush lobes to form the energy absorbing assembly.

Abstract: An energy management structure is adapted to absorb a force applied thereto. The structure includes a first component possessing a first compressive response profile, a second component possessing a second compressive response profile different from the first compressive response profile, and a third component connecting the first component to the second component. Upon application of a force, the second compressive response profile of the second component is additive to the first compressive response profile of the first component to result in an overall compressive response profile of the energy management structure that meets a design compressive response profile.

Abstract: A vehicular torque rod includes: a torque rod main body that has one end portion and the other end portion in a longitudinal direction of the torque rod main body, the one end portion being joined to a power unit, the other end portion being joined to a body-side joint portion, the torque rod main body coupling and supporting the power unit with the body-side joint portion; and a weight member disposed on an intermediate portion of the torque rod main body in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An impact absorbing unit for a vehicle which is subjected to an axial compressive force from the impact in the event of a traffic collision, which includes a columnar piece of wood and a metallic housing covering lateral faces of the piece of wood. The housing has an uneven configuration formed in an outer surface or an inner surface, and the housing bulges outwards when subjected to an axial compressive force.

Abstract: A shock absorbing system applicable to the bumper of a vehicle including a shock absorber with a deformable tube and a retaining device of the absorber including a mechanism susceptible to adopting at least one blocking position and one releasing position in which it prevents and allows, respectively, the displacement of a retaining portion of the absorber in an axial direction. The mechanism includes two rotating retaining connecting rods in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the deformable tube, linked to one another such that the rotation of any one of the connecting rods is transmitted to the other to achieve a similar movement but in the opposite direction; and an electromechanical transducer to displace the mechanism from the blocking position to the releasing position.

Abstract: A seatbelt anchor assembly includes a ferrule, a cable, and seatbelt buckle. The ferrule can be mounted at one end to a seat base or other mounted structure of the vehicle, and can further include an anti-rotation pin that is received in a locating hole of the seat base to limit rotation of the ferrule during mounting and during normal occupant use. The pin can be made from aluminum or other material that can shear off in response to a dynamic vehicle load, allowing the ferrule to pivot about its mounting location to align the loads. The ferrule can be in the form of a blank including a body portion and a head portion having a pair of ears, and can include a recess between the ear portions and the body portion to limit tension in the ferrule when the ferrule is crimped to mount a cable thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, computer program product, and/or system are described that determine an event, actuate a cushioning element in response to the determining the event, the cushioning element including one or more tension-bearing members, and dissipate at least some of an energy associated with a collision based on deforming at least one of the tension-bearing members during the collision, the deforming including substantially inelastically stretching the at least one of the tension-bearing members. Other example embodiments are also provided relating to actuatable cushioning elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element including at least one spring tongue for spring-loading a separate locking part of a steering column of a motor vehicle and at least one fastening part for fastening the spring element to a pin of the steering column. The spring element also has at least one carrier arm, preferably at least two carrier arms, arranged opposite each other for carrying along the locking part when the spring element moves.

Abstract: It is desired to make a shock absorbing structure small in size. The shock absorbing structure includes a beam-like structural member having a concave section; and a shock absorbing member, one end of which is arranged in the concave section to abut to the structural member and the other end of which is arranged outside the structural member. Even in a case of a dead stroke when the shock absorbing member is bottomed out, the concave section overlaps with the structural member supporting the structure, so that there is no wasteful space.

Abstract: A shock absorbing system has a nose assembly that is formed to inwardly collapse on impact and is guided by a sleeve that can slide with the nose as the nose collapses or can extend for a portion of the length of the nose while being held fixed. In the latter instance the nose can have a leading end that has a biasing member in a resilient material so that on impact some of the shock is taken up by compression of the biasing member with subsequent extension of the biasing member retracting the resilient covering so that it is less likely to bind in the surrounding tubular. The leading end of the sleeve or the resilient material encasing the biasing member also soften the blow to a closed ball when the tool is dropped so that the ball surface is less likely to mar.

Abstract: An object is to provide an impact-absorbing structure superior in impact-absorbing capacity. An impact-absorbing structure includes a pair of flat, plate-like face plates arranged to oppose each other with a predetermined distance therebetween; a core member arranged between the face plates and fixed to the face plates; and a composite-material tube arranged between the face plates, at the core member side, the impact-absorbing member extending in one direction and fracturing progressively due to an impact compression force acting in the one direction. The composite-material tube is fixed to the face plates at one portion constituting a bonded region and is allowed to move relative to the face plates at a remaining portion constituting a non-bonded region.

Abstract: There is provided a device for absorbing impact applied to a moving body that can exhibit high impact absorption performance in various collision aspects when a moving body collides with an obstacle or the like. A bladder 10 is provided on the back surface of a front portion of a high-strength frame 2 of an airplane M1. The bladder 10 includes first and second sealing members 11 and 12 that are formed of elastic bag bodies in which a lubricant is sealed. When an obstacle X collides with the bladder 10, the lubricant S generates pressure, which is substantially uniform and perpendicular to boundary surfaces of the first and second sealing members 11 and 12, on the basis of Pascal's principle, and transmits the pressure. Accordingly, when the airplane M1 collides with the obstacle X, high impact absorption performance is exhibited in various collision aspects.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and transmitting material comprising a framework of interconnected units comprising at least one unit having a base and a protrusion or cone extending from the base along an axis, and at least one connecting member or rod that connects the unit to at least one adjacent unit, the connecting members extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the unit from the base, where the framework is comprised of a single elastic material throughout, or configured so that when the framework is perturbed by tilting the unit towards the adjacent unit, the adjacent unit is tilted towards the unit.

Abstract: A post system for use in fall protection includes a connector to connect to a structure and a support in operative connection with a lifeline to maintain the lifeline at a first height above the structure. When a first threshold force is experienced on the lifeline, the support is operable to lower the lifeline to a second height which is lower than the first height. The ratio of a change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to a change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline (or the ?L/?H ratio) is less than 1. The ratio of the change in effective length of the lifeline resulting from the lowering of the lifeline to the change in height resulting from lowering of the lifeline may also be less than 0.5 or less than 0.4.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column having an energy-absorbing device that includes a first element and a second element which engages the first element and moves with respect thereto during a vehicle impact to carry out mechanical deformation that absorbs energy. The first element is an elongated metal plate which extends in the longitudinal direction of the steering column and the second element has at least one guide element which is guided along the first element during a relative movement of the first and second elements and in so doing deforms the first element. The guide element is guided along an outer side of one of the longitudinal edges of the metal plate and engages therewith, which longitudinal edges extend in the longitudinal direction of the steering column.

Abstract: Construction of an impact absorbing steering wheel apparatus that is capable of obtaining excellent performance at low cost while maintaining the freedom of design is achieved. An energy absorbing member 36a, 36b is provided between a tightening rod 27a that displaces in the forward direction together with an outer column 13a during a secondary collision and a housing 16 or support pin 63 that does not displace in the forward direction during a secondary collision, and being a member that plastically deforms as the outer column displaces in the forward direction during a secondary collision, absorbs part of the impact energy by the relative movement of the plastic deformation. Part of the energy absorbing member 36a, 36b is fastened to the tightening rod 27a, and plastic deformation of this member 36a, 36b is restricted in the width direction by a pair of held wall sections 11a of the outer column 13a.