Steering column lower bracket

US6592148B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Delphi Technologies · US

Inventors

• David Michael Byers · Saginaw, US
• Richard K. Riefe · Saginaw, US
• James Salois · Midland, US
• Michael John Clayton · Saginaw, US
• Marc William Heinzman · Frankenmuth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 3, 2001
• Grant date: Jul 15, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 3, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D1/195
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The lower bracket assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a lower column support bracket with a central passage. A lower bearing adapter slides into the central passage from the rear. A pair of energy absorption straps engage the column support bracket and the lower bearing adapter and resist further forward movement of the lower bearing adapter. During a collision, the energy absorption straps absorb energy while permitting the lower bearing adapter to move forward and out of the central passage through the column support bracket.