Abstract: A locking nut includes a nut top, a nut middle, and a slip section. The nut top includes an integrally-formed bushing. The nut middle includes a threaded central bore suitable for threaded engagement on a threaded installation bolt, as well as a plurality of ratchet gears on an outer surface where each gear has a respective first slip surface and a first drive surface. The slip section includes a plurality of cantilevered posts having a respective free end, wherein on each post are formed a respective second slip surface and a second drive surface. When the slip section is rotated in a tightening direction, the slip section and the nut middle rotate together until a torque threshold is reached, where the second slip surfaces override the first slip surfaces to limit the applied torque. The locking nut includes structure to produce sound when the torque threshold has been reached.

Abstract: A locking nut includes a nut cap, a nut middle, and a slip section. The nut cap includes a series of projections suitable for user engagement for turning and/or holding the locking nut. The nut middle includes a threaded central bore suitable for threaded engagement on a threaded installation bolt, as well as a plurality of ratchet gears on an outer surface where each gear has a respective first slip surface and a first drive surface. The slip section includes a plurality of cantilevered posts having a respective free end, wherein on each post are formed a respective second slip surface and a second drive surface. When the slip section is rotated in a tightening direction, the slip section and the nut middle rotate together until a torque threshold is reached, where the second slip surfaces override the first slip surfaces to limit the applied torque.

Abstract: A toilet seat hinge includes a lock feature to releasably attach the hinge to a bolt head fastened to a toilet bowl. The hinge includes a hinge base, a key plate, and a grip. The hinge base includes a mounting structure to which a toilet seat can be pivotally mounted, as well as an aperture in a bottom surface thereof through which the bolt head can pass. The key plate includes a keyway having a large end that can be aligned with the aperture for insertion of the bolt head and can be slid into a locking position where the small end is aligned with the aperture to retain the bolt head within the hinge base. The user-movable grip includes a guide which travels in an L-shaped slot to restrain movement of the grip to an L-shape (two-movement) for moving the keyway into and out of locking position.

Abstract: A locking nut includes a nut top, a nut middle, and a slip section. The nut top includes an integrally-formed bushing. The nut middle includes a threaded central bore suitable for threaded engagement on a threaded installation bolt, as well as a plurality of ratchet gears on an outer surface where each gear has a respective first slip surface and a first drive surface. The slip section includes a plurality of cantilevered posts having a respective free end, wherein on each post are formed a respective second slip surface and a second drive surface. When the slip section is rotated in a tightening direction, the slip section and the nut middle rotate together until a torque threshold is reached, where the second slip surfaces override the first slip surfaces to limit the applied torque. The locking nut includes structure to produce sound when the torque threshold has been reached.

Abstract: A toilet seat hinge includes a lock feature to releasably attach the hinge to a bolt head fastened to a toilet bowl. The hinge includes a hinge base, a key plate, and a grip. The hinge base includes a mounting structure to which a toilet seat can be pivotally mounted, as well as an aperture in a bottom surface thereof through which the bolt head can pass. The key plate includes a keyway having a large end that can be aligned with the aperture for insertion of the bolt head and can be slid into a locking position where the small end is aligned with the aperture to retain the bolt head within the hinge base. The user-movable grip includes a guide which travels in an L-shaped slot to restrain movement of the grip to an L-shape (two-movement) for moving the keyway into and out of locking position.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a hybrid steering wheel is provided that may integrate the overmolding of a polymeric layer with the formation of the rim to simplify the manufacturing process. The improved method for fabricating the hybrid steering wheel includes: forming a metallic skeleton which includes a hub and a plurality of fixed spokes extending from the hub; injection molding a first polymeric material to form a core, wherein the core arcuately connects the ends of the spokes; and injection molding a second polymeric material to form a skin over the core, wherein the core and skin form a rim of said steering wheel.

Abstract: An improved decorative shell covering for steering wheels is provided that enables the seams between the shells to be out of the driver's line of sight and in a position less noticeable to the touch of a driver's fingers, ensures proper placement of the shells on the wheel, and prevents movement of the shells after placement. The use of the improved covering further reduces the cost of decoration and wheel processing scrap, manufacturing costs, and transportation costs. The improved covering includes a first shell for covering a first portion of an outer surface of the wheel. The first shell may have an outer surface comprising an arc that subtends generally more than about 180° and an inner surface configured to correspond with the first portion of the outer surface of the wheel. The covering may further include a second shell for covering a second portion of the outer surface of the wheel.

Abstract: A method of preparing an air bag module for final process positioning includes the step of providing an air bag module, the air bag module having unformed locating features for guiding the air bag module into a mountable position on a vehicle component. The method next includes the step of shaping the locating features to a predetermined size. The method may also include the step of providing a vehicle support, such as a steering wheel, with unformed locating features for guiding the air bag module into a mountable position on the vehicle support. The method may further include shaping the unformed locating features of the vehicle support to a predetermined size. The method ensures that the air bag module will consistently fit with the vehicle support and reduce an accumulation of dimensional tolerances in the components of the air bag module and vehicle support.

Abstract: A method of preparing an air bag module for final process positioning includes the step of providing an air bag module, the air bag module having unformed locating features for guiding the air bag module into a mountable position on a vehicle component. The method next includes the step of shaping the locating features to a predetermined size. The method may also include the step of providing a vehicle support, such as a steering wheel, with unformed locating features for guiding the air bag module into a mountable position on the vehicle support. The method may further include shaping the unformed locating features of the vehicle support to a predetermined size. The method ensures that the air bag module will consistently fit with the vehicle support and reduce an accumulation of dimensional tolerances in the components of the air bag module and vehicle support.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a rigid skeleton with a central hub, a rim encircling the hub and a plurality of spokes disposed therebetween. An air bag module is mounted to the skeleton. A continuous plastic coating is disposed over the skeleton and the air bag module presenting a continuous surface to a vehicle operator when the steering wheel is mounted in a vehicle.