Isolator pad for a steering column

Apparatus for supporting an elongated steering column of an automotive vehicle having a vehicle frame, said apparatus dampening vibration of the steering column when the vehicle is in motion and also permitting axial collapse of the steering column in a collision, comprising,

• support structure secured to the vehicle frame and having a central support body and laterally spaced, first and second support flanges on opposite sides of said support body,
• a bracket secured to the steering column and having a central bracket body and laterally spaced, first and second bracket flanges on opposite sides of said bracket body,
• said first bracket flange having a rear edge provided with a first recess and said second bracket flange having a rear edge provided with a second recess,
• said bracket body being opposed to said support body and said bracket flanges being opposed to said respective support flanges,
• means securing said bracket to said support structure comprising fastener assemblies connecting said first bracket flange to said first support flange and said second bracket flange to said second support flange,
• said fastener assemblies including spacers between said bracket flanges and said support flanges,
• said fastener assemblies being rearwardly slidable out of said recesses, thereby enabling forward movement of said bracket flanges relative to said support flanges and longitudinal collapse of the steering column in the event that the vehicle is subjected to a frontal impact,
• an isolator pad between said bracket body and said support body, said isolator pad being secured to said bracket body,
• said bodies having opposed, transversely extending front portions located forwardly of said fastener assemblies and opposed, laterally spaced, longitudinally extending side portions which extend from opposite ends of said front portion rearwardly beyond said fastener assemblies,
• said isolator pad being in sheet form and generally U-shaped having an elongated transverse strip between and in surface-to-surface contact with the front portions of said bodies and laterally spaced, elongated side strips between and in surface-to-surface contact with the side portions of said bodies extending from opposite ends of said transverse strip rearwardly beyond said fastener assemblies to dampen steering column vibration and rocking of said steering column about a transverse axis through said fastener assemblies.