Hand Wheels Patents (Class 74/552)
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Patent number: 8188406Abstract: The invention relates to a planar heat generating element for use on steering wheels of automotive vehicles and motorboats, and a problem of the invention is to adjust a temperature portion of a planar heat generating element which is attached to a steering wheel, so as to enhance the sensation of using the steering wheel by the user when he or she grips thereon.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naohito Asami, Yoshitaka Morikawa, Takehiko Shigeoka
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Patent number: 8171820Abstract: A biometric steering wheel, may include sensing members that are disposed along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel and exposed to the outside on a surface of the steering wheel, in at least two sectors of the steering wheel, wherein the sensing members have electric conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Kidong Song
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Patent number: 8166846Abstract: The present invention is designed to lock a plurality of hooks integrally formed on ornaments to a plurality of locking projections integrally formed on a rim of an armature assembly, in order to provide a steering handle that allows the ornaments to be easily assembled by the locking projections formed on the rim and the hooks formed on the ornaments and detachably locked to the locking projections.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Eungjoo Kim, Jaesoon Cho
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Publication number: 20120096980Abstract: A steering wheel is provided for a vehicle with a middle section. The middle section exhibits a front side facing the driver and a rear side facing away from the driver. An input device with at least one scroll wheel is arranged in the region of the middle section. At least one first region of the scroll wheel on the front side of the middle section and a second region of the scroll wheel on the rear side of the middle section are exposed for activation purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas Schramm, Ralf Rathmacher, Michael Schiebahn
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Publication number: 20120096979Abstract: A vehicle steering device is provided that has a rotatable vehicle steering wheel and at least one fixed display console in the field of vision of the driver. Control and display means are situated on the display console. A co-rotating right and the co-rotating left actuating console for selecting and operating the control and display means from the vehicle steering wheel are situated on the vehicle steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Sandra TRUJILLO LINKE
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Patent number: 8158692Abstract: The present invention provides a polyurethane foam for an automobile steering wheel. More particularly, the present invention relates to polyurethane foam formed by using a predetermined amount of a polyol having various functional groups and OH values and a predetermined amount of isocyanate having a certain function, along with water as a foaming agent, thereby preventing the environmental problems caused by use of the conventional fluorine-based or pentane-based foaming agent and also improving durability such as water resistance.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Seok Hwan Kim, Won Jin Seo, Joo Young Maeng, Han Sung Paik, Gi Man Kim
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Publication number: 20120073401Abstract: A steering wheel has a rim with an armature substantially encapsulated by foam. The foam includes a major foam member and a separate minor foam member. The major foam member has a cross-sectional profile effective to cover a major cross-sectional extent of the armature and define a gap in the foam member adjacent the armature. The gap has a maximum cross-sectional width which is equal to or less than the cross-sectional width of the armature, and is substantially filled by said minor foam member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Laurent Groleau, Olivier Bertrand
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Publication number: 20120067162Abstract: A steering wheel weight formed as a body and having a generally curvilinear shape in a plane that is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body. At least one indexer extends from the body and is oriented to align the body with respect to a steering wheel armature. At least one deformable tab extends from the body and is oriented relative to the steering wheel armature so that only deformation of the tab positionally secures the steering wheel weight relative to the steering wheel armature. Preferably, the steering wheel weight is crimped to the steering wheel armature thereby securely connecting the steering wheel weight to the steering wheel armature without extraneous fasteners/connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: STEVEN KOLLMANN, GIUSEPPE PETRILLO
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Patent number: 8136425Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: William E. Bostick
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Patent number: 8136424Abstract: Rotary support bodies which support both ends of a rod penetrating a manipulating knob body are formed by joining a first rotary support member which is arranged at one side of the manipulating knob body and supports one end of the rod and a second rotary support member which is arranged at another side of the manipulating knob body and supports another end of the rod, and one end of the rod is fixed to the second rotary support member, and another end of the rod is engaged with the first rotary support member. Accordingly, a manipulating knob can be mounted on a casing in a state the manipulating knob is mounted on the rotary support body.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Alps Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsuo Takahashi, Tatsuya Yokoyama
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Publication number: 20120048056Abstract: A steering wheel is provided and may include a central member, a rim spaced apart from the central member, and a spoke extending between the central member and the rim. The spoke may include a first portion attached to the central member, a second portion attached to the rim, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The intermediate portion may be attached to the central member and may disengage the central member in response to a force of a predetermined magnitude being applied to the steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Matsu, Matthew D. Sneary
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Patent number: 8096209Abstract: A vehicle control device including: a support; a steering member mounted mobile relative to the support; and at least one speed ratio shifting member including a base rigidly fixed to the support and having a single end, the at least one speed ratio shifting member including one part mounted mobile on the base and forming the end.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Jean-Jacques Rykaert, Didier Fandart
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Publication number: 20120006147Abstract: When the electrical condition of a driver who is an operator of a vehicle is acquired by providing an electrode part on a steering wheel or the like that comes into contact with the driver, the electrode part is formed on a steering-wheel structure and is covered with a protective member. Conductive parts that pass through the protective part are formed by way of holes that are formed in the protective member. The conductive parts make the hand of the driver touching the steering wheel be in electrical contact with the electrode part. This configuration enables detection of the electrical condition of the operator without losing the degree of freedom in design by increasing the durability and easing the restrictions on the material and shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Satoshi SANO
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Publication number: 20110292268Abstract: Techniques utilizing a multi-region touch panel are described for implementing user interfaces in various types of devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: T-MOBILE USA, INC.Inventors: Jonathan L. Mann, Richard Alan Ewing, JR., Parker Ralph Kuncl, Michael Kemery, Prarthana H. Panchal, Benoit F. Collette
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Patent number: 8051567Abstract: The present invention provides a steering wheel and a method of manufacturing the wheel that includes: providing parts including a frame 112 that is composed of a rim 112a and spokes 112b, an upper foam member 114 that is fitted on the upper portion of the frame, a lower foam member 116 that is fitted on the lower portion of the frame and contacts upper foam member 114, and a leather cover 118 that covers upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116; assembling the foam members by fitting upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 onto the upper portion and the lower portion of frame 112; and attaching leather cover 118 by covering the outsides of upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 with the leather cover. According to the steering wheel, first circular grooves G11 where at least one of upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 is fitted are formed along the circumference of rim 112a of frame 112 to prevent rotation of the foam members and reduce the weight of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Young-Hyuck Kwon, Bum-Jae Park, Man-Soo Lee
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Patent number: 8047097Abstract: A steering wheel assembly, comprising: an insert comprising an armature, a rim portion and at least one spoke connecting the armature to the rim portion; a rim assembly comprising a first rim portion and a second rim portion, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being configured to be disposed around a periphery of the rim portion of the insert and the first rim portion and the second rim portion are configured to be secured to each other about the rim portion of the insert, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being separately formed from a polymeric material prior to the securement of the rim assembly to the rim portion of the insert; and a decorative cover disposed about an exterior surface of the rim assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Barry C. Worrell, James J. Simpson, Philip W. Hopf, Frank G. Meyer
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Patent number: 8047098Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim that is rotatable around a steering shaft. The rim includes an armature; a first rim portion surrounding the armature; and a second rim portion, covering part of the surface of the first rim portion. A method of manufacturing a steering wheel includes providing an armature; injection molding a first rim portion such that the it surrounds the armature; injection molding a second rim portion; and attaching the first and second rim portions such that the second rim portion covers part of the surface of the first rim portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignees: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Joonmo Park
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Publication number: 20110259141Abstract: A horn switch (40) for a vehicle steering wheel (20) includes a frame (50) for mounting to the steering wheel (20). The frame (50) includes a horn switch housing (56). A plunger (80) is associated with the switch housing (56). The plunger (80) is movable relative to the switch housing (56) between a non-actuating position and an actuating position. An actuatable cable (150) has a portion positioned in the switch housing (56). The actuating cable (150) includes first and second conductors (156, 158) for electrical connection to a circuit that when closed actuates a vehicle horn (30). The actuatable cable (150) has an expanded condition in which the first and second conductors (156, 158) are insulated from each other when the plunger (80) is in the non-actuating position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: William P. Braun, Thomas J. Klena, II, Joseph J. Zwolinski, Gabriel Anaya
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Publication number: 20110245643Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle can include a sensor assembly mounted in the steering wheel. The sensor assembly can include an electrode configured to measure a biological parameter of a driver of the vehicle. In invention further relates to a sensor assembly for a steering wheel. The sensor assembly can include an electrode configured to measure a biological parameter of a driver of the vehicle. The sensor assembly can be configured to be mounted in the steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Tom Mogg
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Publication number: 20110241850Abstract: A sensor for installation on a steering wheel includes a pressure sensitive material mounted on a base material of the steering wheel. The pressure sensitive material is configured to provide an electrical signal to a controller when pressure is applied. The controller provides a command to a vehicle system based on the electrical signal. The pressure sensitive material has at least one of a variable resistance and a variable capacitance based on the amount or type of pressure that is applied to the material. The electrical signal is based on the at least one of a variable resistance and a variable capacitance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Jerome BOSCH, David ANDREWS, Jason LISSEMAN
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Publication number: 20110232414Abstract: A method for coating a steering wheel and a corresponding steering wheel having a steering wheel rim comprising a steering wheel skeleton having a foam layer applied thereto and intended to be encompassed by a cover layer made of leather or plastic are provided. In order to simplify production, the cover layer is positioned on the steering wheel rim as a strip and is fixed to the foam layer on one end. The cover layer strip is then glued onto the foam layer and the lateral edges of the cover layer strip are sewed together in a known manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2008Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Norbert Müller, Christian Haart, Martin Sauer, Jürgen Kolb, Daniel Henning, Albert Schlechter, Abdullah Yanginci
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Publication number: 20110226088Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle is provided. The steering wheel comprises a steering wheel rim, a hub body via which the steering wheel can be mounted rotarily around a steering axle on a motor vehicle and at least one spoke via which the hub body is connected to the steering wheel rim. The at least one spoke is designed to be adjustable with respect to the steering wheel rim.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2009Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Norbert Müller, Bernhard Kempf, Andreas Hans, Martin Sauer, Achim Hartlaub, Claus Rudolf, Sebastian Dienert, Stephanie Broos
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Patent number: 8024090Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes: a steeling operation member (20) that includes an auxiliary grip portion (154, 156) the position of which is changed between the expected grip position, in which the auxiliary grip portion is expected to be gripped by a driver during a steering operation, and the retracted position, which is reached when the auxiliary grip portion has been retracted from the expected grip position and in which the auxiliary grip portion is not expected to be gripped by the driver during the steering operation; an auxiliary-grip-portion position changing device that changes the position of the auxiliary grip portion between the expected grip position and the retracted position; an airbag device that deploys an airbag toward the driver; and a control unit that controls an operation of the auxiliary-grip-portion position changing device.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kenji Imamura
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Publication number: 20110197701Abstract: A steering wheel assembly having an armature, a hub, a wheel rim skeleton, and at least one spoke connecting the hub with the wheel rim skeleton. The assembly may include a rim interface component attachable to the wheel rim skeleton. The assembly may further include an insert component, which is attachable to the wheel rim skeleton and/or the hub, and the rim interface component and the insert component being exchangeable independently of each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel Bodebratt, Anders Sandberg
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Publication number: 20110187090Abstract: A steering wheel assembly (20) comprising a steering wheel (22) rotatably mounted to a support body (24) is provided. The support body, or console unit, is rotatable about an axis which is substantially transverse between a steering position for steering the vehicle and a table position in which one upward facing surface (28) of the support body provides a table. Advantageously, a surface of the support body to which the steering wheel is mounted is exploited to provide an additional surface for the driver (35) when the vehicle is not in operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2009Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: VALTRA OY ABInventor: Kimmo Wihinen
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Publication number: 20110167953Abstract: An automobile steering wheel includes an extension support, a plurality of support connecting portions and a detachable member, and a plurality of support connecting portions are formed at an external periphery of the extension support, and a connecting section is disposed separately at both ends of the support connecting portion, and an assembly positioning hole is formed at the center of the extension support, such that the two connecting sections at both ends of the detachable member and the two connecting sections at both ends of the support connecting portion are fixed to each other to provide a flexibly variable structure to meet user requirements while maintaining the safety of using the automobile steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: TAKAMORI ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.Inventor: JA-SHIN JAN
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Publication number: 20110146818Abstract: Torque indicator markings incorporated with handwheel devices connected to actuators or valve assemblies provide visual indication of the amount of torque being applied to an actuator or valve assembly by the handwheel device. Tattletale torque indicators incorporated with a handwheel device further provide a persistent indication of the maximum amount of torque applied to an actuator or valve assembly connected to the handwheel device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2006Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: William T. Dolenti, Daniel J. Morris, William C. Hooss, Byron A. Fleury
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Publication number: 20110132136Abstract: A steering wheel with a biometric sensor apparatus may include a plurality of sensing prominences having electric conductivity and protruding from an outer surface of the steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Kidong Song
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Patent number: 7954399Abstract: A steering control for vehicles, such as for automobiles or motorcycles in the form of a steering wheel or of a handlebar, with a gripping zone presenting an elastically variable geometry deformable under the action of the hand or the hands of the driver gripping the steering control fast and forcefully in case of danger. Thus, in the event of panic, an hydraulic or pneumatic sensor located inside the gripping zone is activated. The sensor extends over essentially the whole gripping zone of the steering control that can be gripped by at least one hand of the driver, and includes a tube of elastic material, filled with a liquid, and embedded entirely in a foamed plastic material. The steering control exhibits then high effectiveness and reliability of a safety device, in the elimination of potential danger caused by mistaken reactions of the driver, and in the economic feasibility of the inventive device.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Aphrodite Agencies LimitedInventor: Gian Mario Rubboli
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Patent number: 7950690Abstract: A steering wheel (13) for a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel module (1) supporting electrical/electronic subassemblies (18). The steering wheel module is inserted from a front side of the steering wheel into a center of the steering wheel in order to be attached to the steering wheel. A lower end of the steering wheel module forms a torsion module (8) of a torque detection device for a steering power-assist system. The torsion module is operable to receive and be attached to a steering spindle (14) of a steering column on the back side of the steering wheel in order to attach the steering wheel to the steering spindle when the steering wheel module is attached to the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Hirschfeld, Martin Deitmerg, Ralf Böbel, Klaus Nieding, Frank Bläsing, Holger Lettmann, Rüdiger Menz
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Publication number: 20110120258Abstract: A steering wheel in which a load exerted on an elastic member constituting a dynamic damper can be reduced, the life of the dynamic damper can be extended, and the assembly operation is readily performed. The steering wheel according to the present invention has a first horn plate (11), a second horn plate (21), guide pins (12), stoppers (13), bushes (14), elastic members (15), and coil springs (16); the bushes (14) are divided into first bushes (141) which have first flanges (14a), openings (14b), columnar parts (14c); and recessed parts (14d), and second bushes (142) which have second flanges (14e), openings (14f), and casings (14h); and the columnar parts (14c) are configured so as to be in contact with the second flanges (14e).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Takashi Kondo, Masashi Terada, Kunitomo Miyahara, Yukihiro Kunitake, Shogo Sakaguchi, Norihisa Okada, Keisuke Onohara
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Publication number: 20110100155Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a first cladding element that includes, but is not limited to a support material and a textile covering with cutting and/or joining points. The textile covering at least partially forms a visible surface of the first cladding element. The steering wheel has at least one constructive device for receiving the cutting and/or joining points and/or for screening the cutting and/or joining points.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Thomas JENNY, Ulrich RICK
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Publication number: 20110101650Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel with a steering wheel body, a movable element held movably on the steering wheel body, which element can be pressed down against the force of a restoring element against the steering wheel body, and with a horn contact which is closed by pressing down of the element. An economical design for constructing the horn contact is created in that the horn contact has two cable cores (44a, 44b) which are held in a holding element (32), and that a contact element (36a, 36b) which is likewise held by the holding element (32) extends into each of the cable cores (44a, 44b). The two contact elements (32a, 32b) come into electrical contact with each other here by the pressing down of the movable element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Raimund Nebel, Jürgen Mackensen, Oliver Adolph
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Patent number: 7934439Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: William E. Bostick
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Patent number: 7913586Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle has a gap formed between a spoke and airbag cover that can be maintained as small as possible regardless of a hot blast process of a steering wheel. The steering wheel may include an armature member that connects a rim and a hub, an intermediate structure that overlaps and is fixed to the armature member and includes a groove at an end thereof facing an airbag cover, a reinforcement member that is fitted to the groove of the intermediate structure, and/or a cover that includes the reinforcement member, and is fixed to the intermediate structure and the reinforcement member so as to cover the intermediate structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Changmoo Choi, Byungwoo Noh
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Patent number: 7908941Abstract: A steering wheel has a ring portion, spoke portions and a hub portion. The steering wheel is provided with a thermoelectric reversible heat pump to heat or cool a fluid. A closed hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump and at least one duct extending along the ring portion of the steering wheel. The fluid is heated or cooled by the thermoelectric heat pump and is circulated by the hydraulic pump within the ring portion of the steering wheel to heat or cool the ring portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lorenzo Menaldo, Giuseppe Testa, Alberto Muscio, Stefano Soragni
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Publication number: 20110061488Abstract: A steering wheel has at least one shift paddle which is coupled to the steering wheel in such a manner that the shift paddle is movable relative to the steering wheel in order in a contactless manner to trigger a shifting operation. In order to improve the ease of operation when actuating the shift paddle on the steering wheel, the steering wheel is distinguished by a slotted guide mechanism by which a shifting sensation is generated during movement of the shift paddle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: MARKUS WALTERS, MANFRED HARRER, GEORG WAHL
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Publication number: 20110048163Abstract: A biometric steering wheel, may include sensing members that are disposed along the circumferential direction of the steering wheel and exposed to the outside on a surface of the steering wheel, in at least two sectors of the steering wheel, wherein the sensing members have electric conductivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Kidong SONG
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Patent number: 7895917Abstract: A conformal grasp handle that molds itself to an applied load of an object, e.g., an end user's hands as they grip the conformal grasp handles. The conformal grasp handle retains the shape of the local deformation caused by the applied load until the handle is intentionally reshaped or the applied force of the object onto the handle is removed. As such, the grasp handles can advantageously be used to adapt to the individual user's anthropometric measurements, posture, hand position, and the like, among others. Suitable automotive applications include, but are not intended to be limited to, steering wheels, shift knobs, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: James T. Embach, John C. Ulicny
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Patent number: 7895918Abstract: The present invention pertains to an ergonomic steering wheel rim designed to promote a neutral position to the forearm, reducing stress and fatigue by discouraging fixed wrist positions, i.e., flexion and ulnar deviation. The steering wheel rim of the invention provides a more comfortable driving position, reduces injury associated with airbag deployment, and reduces stress on hands and wrists. The steering wheel rim has one or more hand grip portions that deviate from the XY plane away from the driver. The present invention further concerns steering wheels comprising the rim of the invention and vehicles comprising the steering wheel of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: University of South FloridaInventor: Robert J. Belsole
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Publication number: 20110030502Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a steering wheel and a touchpad integrated into the steering wheel, situated in a channel, and adapted to input commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventor: William Brian LATHROP
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Patent number: 7882764Abstract: A steering wheel includes (a) a core member having a boss portion, a spoke portion, and a rim portion, the spoke portion stretching between the boss portion and the rim portion; and (b) a polyurethane member covering at least the rim portion of the core member, the polyurethane member having a specific gravity of 0.7 to 0.9 and a Shore A hardness of 45 to 60. A steering wheel proper defined as being a combination of the core member and the polyurethane member has a weight of 1.0 to 2.5 kg. This steering wheel is satisfied in both of weight reduction and maintenance of moment of inertia necessary for steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuji Yamada, Takashi Tokita, Takeshi Fujimori
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Publication number: 20100319481Abstract: A steering arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a rotatable steering handle, in particular a steering wheel, and a steering spindle connected torsion-tight therewith. At least one generator device is provided for generating at least one haptic signal, and at least one rocker bar is fixed on a structural part of the steering arrangement in a fixing region. On the rocker bar, a pinging hammer is held such that it is deflectable with respect to the fixing region, and the rocker bar for the deflection of the pinging hammer is connected with the generator device. The pinging hammer can be brought into contact with a structural part of the steering arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Christian LUTZ
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Steering Wheel Assembly for a Motor Vehicle and Method for Operating a Portable Functional Component
Publication number: 20100321200Abstract: A steering wheel assembly is provided for a motor vehicle, comprising a steering wheel, at least one actuating element disposed on the steering wheel, the actuating element being mounted and provided for the actuation of at least one first functional component of the motor vehicle installed in the motor vehicle, and further comprising a control electronics unit cooperating with the actuating element for controlling the actuating element, wherein according to the invention the control electronics unit is configured to associate the actuating element with a portable second functional component, which is located in an effective environment of the control electronics unit such that the portable second functional component can be actuated instead of the first functional component by means of the actuating element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: TAKATA-PETRI AGInventors: Jürgen Bender, Michael Bischoff, Michael Germuth-Löffler -
Publication number: 20100288072Abstract: A control wheel for controlling at least one function of a system by a user includes a moveable engagement wheel for engagement by the user and an actuator coupled to the engagement wheel for providing force or haptic feedback to the engagement wheel in response to movement of the engagement wheel. A sensor for sensing movement of the engagement wheel is provided and a control system is coupled to the sensor for receiving information about positioning and movement of the engagement wheel, and is also coupled to the actuator for controlling force to the engagement wheel. The control system also provides control of the at least one function of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: Immersion CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Springer, Alexander Jasso, Steven P. Vassallo, Kenneth M. Martin, Bruce M. Schena
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Publication number: 20100288073Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a steering wheel for automobiles and a method of fabricating the same. The steering wheel is formed in multiple layers having a thickness difference of 2˜3 mm by multi-stage injection molding and has a pattern or picture between the layers to provide a luxurious and pleasant appearance. In the method, after being preheated in a dryer to remove moisture, a metal frame is subjected to primary to tertiary injection molding in a mold to form the multiple layers. Here, drying is performed to remove moisture from the surface of injection-molded parts to prevent deterioration in adherence and quality during the process. Here, the pattern or figure is inserted between the layers by pad printing or a combination of pad printing and vacuum deposition. The multi-stage injection molding allows various colors, patterns, and figures to be printed on injection-molded parts excluding the uppermost layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventors: Gi Ug SHIN, Mun Seok Choi, Young Jong Sung, Dong Hae Suh
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Patent number: 7819039Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steering apparatus of a small ship such as a motorboat, which prevents abrasion and noise caused by a gap between a rotary cover and a rotary plate and maximizes steering handle rotation prevention effect.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Young Choong Kim
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Publication number: 20100251849Abstract: A steering wheel of a vehicle includes a steering wheel main body. The steering wheel main body includes a rim part, a boss part, a core metal, and a resin layer. The core metal includes a ring part and an offset part such that a distance from a center of the boss part to the offset part is smaller than a distance from the center of the boss part to the ring part. The resin layer includes a ring part resin layer covering the ring part, and an offset part resin layer covering the offset part. A thickness of the offset part resin layer at an outer side of a radial direction with respect to the offset part is thicker than a thickness of the ring part resin layer at the outer side of the radial direction with respect to the ring part. The resin layer is a complete circle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Eisuke Kurata, Shinya Iijima
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Publication number: 20100236353Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel and to a method for producing a steering wheel having a dimensionally stable base body (10) that can be attached to a steering column of a motor vehicle and to which a plastic attachment (20) is attached. The plastic attachment (20) is embodied as a separate component that is mechanically attached to the base body (10) via fastening elements (31, 32, 33).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABInventors: Jacques Valentine, Michel Ricou
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Publication number: 20100218641Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle, having a steering wheel for steering the motor vehicle, wherein the steering wheel comprises a steering wheel rim, by means of which it can be actuated, and having a display device arranged on the steering wheel rim for displaying driving information, wherein the display device is fastened to the steering wheel rim by means of fastening means, wherein the steering wheel rim comprises a base body, that is at least partly surrounded by a material, that is particularly softer than the material of the base body, and wherein the display device is fastened to the base body by means of the fastening means, and wherein the fastening means comprise at least one fastening region formed on the base body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2008Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Delf Neumann, Christian Schreiber