Title: Energy absorbing steering column for vehicles, particularly motor vehicles

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.

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Inventors: Moos, Jakob (Rheingau, DT)

Application Number: 504193
Filing Date: 1974-09-09
Publication_date: 1976-01-27
Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Detroit, MI)
Primary Class(es): 280/777 74/492, 180/78, 280/750
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3396599	Aug, 1968	Altmann	74/492.
3482466	Dec, 1969	Orlich	280/87.
3771379	Nov, 1973	Rohrbach	74/492.
3813961	Jun, 1974	Hug	74/492.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Song, Robert R.
Assistant Examiner: Siemens, Terrance L.
Attorney: Schwartz; S.