Abstract: A simulated wood tone member having good gradation (shading) of a wood grain pattern, and a method of manufacturing the simulated wood tone member are provided. Recesses 11 of different depths (h1, h2, h3) are formed in a surface of a urethane based base member 16 which is molded in a mold 30 in which a wood grain pattern is formed by etching in plural stages. As a result, gradation of a pattern can be expressed by the recesses 11 in the surface of the urethane based base member 16. Then, by filling a wood filler 21, which is transparent and contains a coloring agent, into the recesses 11, the gradation can be varied in accordance with the depths of the recesses 11. A wood grain pattern having an attractive wood appearance can be obtained.

Abstract: In order to provide a steering wheel that can prevent chattering of a wooden member with respect to a metal core, a steering wheel comprising: an annular metal core, the metal core connecting to a vehicle; and a wooden member, the wooden member curving in a substantial arc corresponding to the metal core and having a passing hole formed therein, with the metal core passing through the passing hole; wherein a space is formed at, at least a portion of boundary between the metal core and an inner wall, forming the passing hole, of the wooden member, the space being for absorbing relative movement of the metal core and the wooden member, is provided.

Abstract: In a shift lever device of the present invention, when a lever is positioned at a “P” shift position and an ignition key is positioned at a “LOCK” position, a lock bar impedes swivel of a lock plate, and the lever cannot be shifted. If the lever is not positioned at the “P” shift position, the lock bar retains rotation of a cam, and the ignition key cannot be moved to the “LOCK” position. By forming a lock body integrally with the shift lever device, a shift lock mechanism can be used as an anti-theft device. Further, a key interlock mechanism serving as a safety device of the shift lever device can be provided easily.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus mounted in a vehicle in an immovable state comprises an inflator for expelling gas during a sudden deceleration of a vehicle, a bag disposed in a folded state on the occupant side of the inflator and a restricting member made of a soft material with both ends thereof being fastened to the inner circumferential surface of the bag so as to restrict the expansion height of the bag which expands in the form of a sphere toward the occupant by the gas expelled upon sudden deceleration of the vehicle. Thus, the fastening position of one end of the restricting member is defined in the vicinity of the inflator and the fastening position of the other end of the restricting member is displaced by a predetermined length on the upper side in the direction of the radius of the inflator with reference to the axis of the inflator. Therefore, the bag is able to ensure protection of the head of an occupant, without being caused to inflate upward more than necessary.