Patent ID: 6170862
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: B60R,B62D

Abstract:
A steering column safety device for use in a motor vehicle having a steering wheel for communicating steering torque to a steering mechanism, and having collision sensing means for sensing a collision, the steering column safety device comprising:a hollow cylinder having a top end and a bottom end, the top end being sized and configured for fixed, torque-transmitting connection to a steering wheel;a piston residing within the cylinder for sliding, telescopic reciprocation between an extended position and a collapsed position;an elongated rod with first and second ends, the first end being secured to the piston and the second end being sized and configured for fixed, torque-transmitting connection to the steering mechanism;means for transmitting torque between said cylinder and said rod;sealing means for sealing the hollow cylinder to define a fluid-tight cavity within the hollow cylinder between said piston and the top end of said cylinder, the fluid-tight cavity containing prior-to-collision pressurized gas; and,opening means to rapidly open the sealing means in response to a signal generated by the collision sensing means, thereby permitting movement of the hollow cylinder from the extended position to the collapsed position.