David L Welker

US Patent:

8382157, Feb 26, 2013

Filed:

Aug 18, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/858711

Inventors:

David L. Welker - Lafayette IN, US
Philip S. Peterson - Lafayette IN, US
Richard J. Eckhart - Buck Creek IN, US

Assignee:

TRW Automotive U.S. LLC - Livonia MI

International Classification:

B62D 1/16

US Classification:

280779

Abstract:

An apparatus for supporting a steering column () in a vehicle () adjacent an instrument panel of the vehicle includes a mounting assembly () that connects the steering column () to the vehicle (). The mounting assembly () includes at least one holding element () that has a first condition that blocks pivotal movement of the steering column () relative to the vehicle (). The at least one holding element () has a second condition that permits pivotal movement of the steering column () relative to the vehicle () in response to impact forces urging the steering column () to pivot relative to the vehicle ().