Collapsible steering column
US5946977A · kind A · utility
15Cited by
18References
6Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/4958
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A collapsible steering column includes a bellows tube with a corrugated portion in which the radius varies regularly along the length of the tube. A connective portion is located at both ends of the bellows tube, and transfer portions are located between each of the connective portions and the corrugated portion. By inserting a reinforcement into the end portion of the bellows tube, the strength and rigidity of the connective portion increases. Press forming, stamp forming, rivet forming, and/or adhesive methods are applied to connect the end portion of the bellows tube and the reinforcement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.