US3916720A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy absorbing steering column
Assignee: Old Carco LLC
•
Filing: 1973-05-14
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Granted: 1975-11-04
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Expires: 1993-05-14
Abstract
Abstract Collapsible steering column for an automotive vehicle including a polygonal shaped jacket having a plurality of rows of elongated slots therein, and a movable die member attached to the vehicle floorboard for folding the jacket walls back upon themselves upon impact.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert J Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 10:39
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/02; B62D1/16; B62D1/18; B62D1/19; B62D1/192
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A die device for a tubular energy absorbing steering column jacket comprising a movable die means connected to a floorboard of a vehicle and movable with respect thereto, said die means moving toward said floorboard when a force of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the upper end thereof, said die means comprising a tubular member having a forward tubular portion and a rearward tubular portion, and a curved die portion between said tubular portions, said die portion being formed by the wall of said tubular member being folded upon itself.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
A die device for a tubular energy absorbing steering column jacket comprising a movable die means connected to a floorboard of a vehicle and movable with respect thereto, said die means moving toward said floorboard when a force of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the upper end thereof, said die means comprising a tubular member having a forward tubular portion and a rearward tubular portion, and a curved die portion between said tubular portions, said die portion being formed by the wall of said tubular member being folded upon itself.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A die device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said die portion is spaced rearwardly of said floorboard, and a resilient bushing located between said forward tubular portion and said floorboard in said opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
A die device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said resilient bushing is annular and has a tubular portion, a radially extending flange on one end of said tubular portion and a bead on the other end of said tubular portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
78 words
A die device for an energy absorbing steering column adapted to extend through an opening in a wall, comprising a tubular die member located at the lower end of said column, means mounting said die member for limited movement relative to said wall, said die member having a portion thereof curved outwardly for deforming said column outwardly as the latter is forced thereover, said portion of said die member being formed by folding the wall thereof upon itself.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
A die device for an energy absorbing steering column adapted to extend through an opening in a wall, comprising a tubular die member located at the lower end of said column, means mounting said die member for limited movement relative to said wall, said die member having a portion thereof curved outwardly for deforming said column outwardly as the latter is forced thereover, said portion of said die member being formed by folding the wall thereof upon itself.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-03 | 1979-05-05 | 1979-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-03 | 1983-05-05 | 1983-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-03 | 1987-05-05 | 1987-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |