The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 09, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 29, 1999
Mirjana Jurik, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Rodney L. Eaton, Clarkston, MI (US);
Kurt E. Hofmeister, Holland, OH (US);
Scott D. Laney, Toledo, OH (US);
David S. Miller, Toledo, OH (US);
DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for supporting a steering column of an automotive vehicle includes a mounting bracket secured to the steering column. Upper fasteners rigidly secured to vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending upper slots in the mounting bracket. Lower fasteners rigidly secured to the vehicle support structure extend through longitudinally extending lower slots in the mounting bracket. The connection of the fasteners in the slots of the mounting bracket releases in response to longitudinal collapse of the steering column in a frontal impact. The vehicle support structure overlies the mounting bracket to resist upward displacement of the mounting bracket when the steering column collapses. Pull loop assemblies are associated with the lower fasteners. Each pull loop assembly includes a generally U-shaped strap of flexible, bendable material having a first leg connected to one of the lower fasteners. Each strap has a second leg which is unattached. Each strap has a return bent intermediate portion extending over a fixed support frame on the mounting bracket so that when the bracket collapses with the steering column, the straps will unwind around and be pulled over the fixed support frame and thereby resist such collapse and absorb energy.