Bayer Corporation

Bayer Polymers LLC

Christopher T Korson

Timothy A Palmer

Described is a shaft support structure ( ) comprising, (a) an elongated shell ( ) having interior surfaces ( ) which define a hollow interior ( ); and (b) a plurality of reinforcing ribs ( ) of plastic material located within the hollow interior ( ) of the shell ( ). At least a portion of the reinforcing ribs ( ) are in abutting relationship ( ) with the interior surfaces ( ) of the shell ( ). The reinforcing ribs ( ) define a longitudinal passage ( ) through the elongated shell ( ) for receiving and supporting a rotatable shaft ( ). The reinforcing ribs ( ) are fixedly attached to the elongated shell ( ). The reinforcing ribs ( ) are preferably formed by molding, e.g., injection molding, of plastic material onto the interior surfaces ( ) of the elongated shell ( ).

Shaft support structure

Described is a break-away bracket ( ) comprising a bracket shell ( ) having a central channel ( ) and sidewalls ( and ) having outwardly extending flanges ( and ), a clip ( and ) extending over at least a portion of each flange ( and ), and a plurality of exterior reinforcing plastic ribs ( ) attached to the exterior ( ) of the bracket shell ( ). Each clip/flange assembly of the break-away bracket has at least one shearable pin ( ), e.g., a shearable plastic pin, extending therethrough. The exterior ribs ( ) are preferably formed by the molding, e.g., injection molding, of plastic material onto the exterior surfaces ( ) of the bracket shell ( ). The exterior ribs ( ) are preferably attached to the bracket shell ( ) by means of molded on plastic extending through and embedding the edges of perforations in the bracket shell. Also described is a steering column assembly comprising the break-away bracket of the present invention, and a steering column residing within the central channel of the break-away bracket.

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Rochester, MI, United States of America

Christopher T Korson