Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim having a structural core, an outer casing, and a heating device for heating the outer casing. The core includes a frame and an insulating layer formed around the frame. The heating device includes a layer of electrically conductive plastic surrounding the core, and a pair of electrodes extending along the length of the conductive layer. The electrodes extend substantially along the entire peripheral length of the conductive layer, and the conductive layer encapsulates the insulating layer and the electrodes. The conductive layer heats the outer casing, which can be a decorative layer comprised of one or more of wood, leather, film, and lacquer, when current flows through the electrodes. The electrodes are positioned along the conductive layer to allow current to uniformly pass along the periphery of the steering wheel rim into the conductive layer.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim having a structural core, an outer casing, and a heating device for heating the outer casing. The core includes a frame and an insulating layer formed around the frame. The heating device includes a layer of electrically conductive plastic surrounding the core, and a pair of electrodes extending along the length of the conductive layer. The electrodes extend substantially along the entire peripheral length of the conductive layer, and the conductive layer encapsulates the insulating layer and the electrodes. The conductive layer heats the outer casing, which can be a decorative layer comprised of one or more wood, leather, film, and lacquer, when current flows through the electrodes. The electrodes are positioned along the conductive layer to allow current to uniformly pass along the periphery of the steering wheel rim into the conductive layer.

Abstract: An air bag module with a gas bag, at least one corresponding gas generator for inflating the gas bag, and a cover of the air bag module which is attached to a generator carrier in a simpler way. The cover includes bead-like profiles on resilient side walls which allow at least partial structural connection to the gas generator carrier by insertion into one side of corresponding grooves in the gas generator carrier. Profile strips with bead-like reinforcement are inserted into the other side of the grooves to lock the cover in place on the gas generator carrier.

Abstract: A covering device for air-bag-collision-safety systems, including a cap formed of a frame and a cover. The cover is provided with predetermined tear lines forming cover sections, whereby the cover sections are connected in a hinge manner with the frame. The covering device is injection molded of a foamed thermoplastic material, especially an elastomer. Areas of various layer thicknesses lying in the gripping area of the user, such that the surface layers lying in the gripping area of the user, as well as the areas of the covering device used for attachment have a lower pore volume and correspondingly a higher density and hardness between 50 Shore A and 75 Shore D. A layer having a characteristic foamed structure is formed under the surface layers lying in the gripping area of the user, whereby the thickness ratio between the thicker surface layer and the foamed structure is 1 at the most.