US4123948A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Energy absorption element
Assignee: Petri AG
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Filing: 1977-03-31
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Granted: 1978-11-07
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Expires: 1997-03-31
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is an energy absorption element adapted for connecting a vehicular steering wheel to a steering wheel shaft, comprising a generally tubular body comprised of a plurality of support members extending axially between the steering wheel and the steering wheel shaft, and means incorporated in the support members for producing a radially outward collapse of said support members in response to an impact upon the steering wheel. Preferably each support member comprises an X-shaped configuration having an outward bend located in the area of intersection of the legs of the X-shaped configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Gregor Zeller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:42
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/02; B62D1/04; B62D1/11; F; F16; F16F; F16F7/00; F16F7/12; F16F7/123; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20576; Y10T74/20732; Y10T74/20834
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
An energy absorption element adapted for connecting a vehicular steering wheel to a steering wheel shaft spaced apart axially from the steering wheel, said element comprising: a generally tubular body comprised of a plurality of support members extending axially for placement between the steering wheel and the steering wheel shaft; and means comprising a radially outward bend in each of said support members for producing a radially outward collapse of said support members in response to an impact upon the steering wheel, each of said support members comprising a single X-shaped configuration with said radially outward bend being located in the area of intersection of the legs of the X-shaped configuration.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
An energy absorption element adapted for connecting a vehicular steering wheel to a steering wheel shaft spaced apart axially from the steering wheel, said element comprising: a generally tubular body comprised of a plurality of support members extending axially for placement between the steering wheel and the steering wheel shaft; and means comprising a radially outward bend in each of said support members for producing a radially outward collapse of said support members in response to an impact upon the steering wheel, each of said support members comprising a single X-shaped configuration with said radially outward bend being located in the area of intersection of the legs of the X-shaped configuration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The energy absorption element as defined by claim 1, wherein all of said support members comprise an integral piece formed into a tubular configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The energy absorption element as defined by claim 2, wherein said integral piece if formed by stamping from the wall of a tubular piece of metal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The energy absorption element as defined by claim 1, wherein all of said support members are individually formed and said element further includes means for fastening said support members together at their ends.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The energy absorption element as defined by claim 1, further comprising means, including a flange connecting the top ends of said support members, for connecting said element to the steering wheel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The energy absorption element as defined by claim 1, further comprising means, including a disc connected to the bottom ends of said support members and a hub fastened at the center of said disc, for connecting said element to the steering wheel shaft.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The energy absorption element as defined by claim 1, further comprising a generally tubular casing surrounding said element, said casing being yieldable in response to collapse of said support members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The energy absorption element as defined by claim 7, wherein said casing comprises a pair of truncated plastic cones abutting each other at their respective bases.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The energy absorption element as defined by claim 1, wherein said tubular body comprises three of said support members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
124 words
A steering wheel assembly, comprising: (a) a steering wheel; (b) a steering wheel shaft spaced apart axially from said steering wheel; and (c) an energy absorption element connecting said steering wheel to said shaft, said energy absorption element comprising a generally tubular body comprised of a plurality of support members extending axially for placement betweeen the steering wheel and the steering wheel shaft; and means comprising a radially outward bend in each of said support members for producing a radially outward collapse of said support members in response to an impact upon the steering wheel, each of said support members comprising a single X-shaped configuration with said radially outward bend being located in the area of intersection of the legs of the X-shaped configuration.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
124 words
A steering wheel assembly, comprising: (a) a steering wheel; (b) a steering wheel shaft spaced apart axially from said steering wheel; and (c) an energy absorption element connecting said steering wheel to said shaft, said energy absorption element comprising a generally tubular body comprised of a plurality of support members extending axially for placement betweeen the steering wheel and the steering wheel shaft; and means comprising a radially outward bend in each of said support members for producing a radially outward collapse of said support members in response to an impact upon the steering wheel, each of said support members comprising a single X-shaped configuration with said radially outward bend being located in the area of intersection of the legs of the X-shaped configuration.
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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) | 1981-11-06 | 1982-05-08 | 1982-11-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-11-06 | 1986-05-08 | 1986-11-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-11-06 | 1990-05-08 | 1990-11-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |