Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a pair of guide receiving portions that are integrally formed in both sides of a boss plate. A horn plate is integrally formed as a frame shape and is integrally provided with a pair of guide portions projecting from both sides of an upper side. Each of the guide portions is engaged with each of the guide receiving portions through an insulating upper side spacer to be supported to move in a vertical direction. A lower side portion of the horn plate is supported by a stepped bolt through an insulating lower side spacer in such a manner as to move in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A driver side air bag module (50, 50', 50") formed of an air bag cover (2), mounting plate (10), inflator (22), and cushion (12). The driver side air bag module cover (2) includes a relatively flexible horn actuation area (4) which is depressible from its upper surface (6) by a driver. A primarily airtight chamber (18) can be found inside the air bag module (50) being coupled to a sensor (14) for sensing changes in pressure and actuating a horn (32).

Abstract: A structure for mounting a bracket for a horn pad on a metal core of a steering wheel has a simplified construction. Further, the number of upper contacts is reduced by controlling a movement of the horn pad. The mounting structure and arrangement result in a low cost of production. Generally, the mounting structure includes a plurality of leg parts formed on the metal core of the steering wheel. The leg parts extend generally parallel to a steering shaft. A cross bar is formed on a tip of each leg part. The horn pad's bracket is disposed between the metal core and the cross bars. Biasing devices, for biasing the bracket towards the cross bars are installed between the bracket and the metal core. Positioning devices, for positioning the bracket relative to an axis of the steering shaft are provided on the cross bars and the bracket. The biasing devices are installed at two locations on a lower side of the pad, and at two locations on an upper side of the pad.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel body having a hole and a flexible outer cover. The cover and steering wheel body defines an air chamber. A diaphragm is disposed in line with the hole and includes an electrically conductive film on an opposed face. In an off position, the electrically conductive material is spaced from a pair of circuit traces in the clockspring. The circuit traces control a horn function. An operator may apply a force to the outer cover which drives the diaphragm and the electrically conductive material into contact with the circuit traces. An electrical circuit is closed and actuates the horn function. When the force is removed from the outer cover, the electrically conductive material moves out of contact with the circuit traces and into an off position.

Abstract: A kit for locating on the steering wheel of a watercraft a switch assembly for operating actuating mechanisms for tilting upwardly or downwardly the outdrive of a motor associated with the watercraft to enable the operator of the watercraft to keep both hands on the steering wheel especially when the watercraft is travelling at a high rate of speed. The kit comprises a switch assembly for mounting on the steering wheel; a cable reel assembly having a rotary housing and a stationary housing mounted to the vehicle; and a wiring harness having a first end electrically connected to the switch assembly, an intermediate section fixed to the rotary housing and coiled into a plurality of convolutions within a chamber in the stationary housing for expansion within the chamber if the steering wheel is turned in one direction and contraction within the chamber if the steering wheel is turned in the other direction, and being operatively connected to the actuating mechanisms which causing the tilting of the motor.

Abstract: A steering wheel hub includes a mounting plate which mounts the base of an air bag module on a pair of spaced posts. In one embodiment a pair of horn actuation switches in the form of spring contacts are mounted on the mounting plate between the posts and the upper edge of the plate. The spring contacts are insulated and bias the plates apart. Depressing the upper portion of the air bag module rocks the module on the posts, which deflects the spring contacts into electrical contact with the mounting plate and blows the horn. In another embodiment, the base plate is mounted on the mounting plate by two spaced posts which mount compression springs biasing the plates apart. Modular horn actuation switches are mounted between the posts and the plate upper edge. Depressing the upper portion of the air bag module rocks the base plate into engagement with the switches to blow the horn.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a horn switch in a horn pad. An insert is attached integrally to the backside of a pad cover to form the horn pad while defining a space therebetween. The insert is made of a hard electrical insulating material while the pad cover is made of a soft synthetic resin. A sheet member is disposed in the space between the insert and the pad cover. A resilient member such as a coil spring urges the sheet member toward the pad cover while supporting it movably in the space. A fixing frame made of a sheet metal secures the insert. A moving contact is arranged on the sheet member while a fixed contact is fitted on the fixing frame so as to face the moving contact. These contacts operate as switching elements.

Abstract: A lighting device for illuminating operation switches installed on a steering wheel inlcudes a light-emitting diode and an instrument light. The light-emitting diode is turned on by means of a constant-voltage generator which is connected to a power source via a light switch to apply voltage that is less than a predetermined value to said light-emitting diode via a slip ring in response to turning ON of the light switch. The instrument light is connected to the power source via the light switch and is turned on in response to turning ON of the light switch.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a steering wheel body and a horn pad disposed above a boss section and held by the steering wheel body. The back side of the horn pad is provided with a plurality of hook legs, and the steering wheel body is provided with a plurality of latch portions corresponding to the hook legs. Disposed between the horn pad and the steering wheel body are a spring for urging the horn pad upward and a horn switch unit for actuating a horn in depressing a horn pad. A control portion for actuating the horn switch unit upon depression of the horn pad is arranged in a rear section of the horn pad. Laterally provided in a front section of the horn pad is a center-of-pivot portion which acts as the center of pivot when the horn pad is depressed.

Abstract: A modular occupant restraint system includes an inflator, a cushion, a container for the cushion, and a cover for the container assembled as a module to a support plate which is releasably mounted on a vehicle steering wheel. The support plate includes pairs of arms extending laterally to opposite edges thereof and a horn blowing switch which is releasably pivotally connected to one arm and releasably secured to the other arm, with the switch being exposed for repair or replacement without disassembly of any of the components of the system. The container includes spaced pairs of arms which engage respective support plate arms and support spoke extensions of the cover which enclose the container arms and support plate arms. The spoke extensions mount horn buttons which close the switch.