Abstract: A new type of steering wheel cover is designed for use with a steering wheel that has one or more spokes. The cover will include an upper portion and a lower portion. Generally, the lower portion is the region or portion of the steering wheel that is positioned at the junction between the spoke and the steering wheel rim. The upper portion and the lower portion are separated by at least one split line. The split line is designed such that during a crash or accident, the upper portion and the lower portion will collapse into each other and absorb some of the energy of the impact.

Abstract: A new type of steering wheel cover is described and disclosed herein. The steering wheel cover is designed for use with a steering wheel that has one or more spokes. The cover will include an upper portion and a lower portion. Generally, the lower portion is the region or portion of the steering wheel that is positioned at the junction between the spoke and the steering wheel rim. The upper portion and the lower portion are separated by at least one split line. The split line is designed such that during a crash or accident, the upper portion and the lower portion will collapse into each other and absorb some of the energy of the impact.

Abstract: A thermostat-containing assembly for use in a heated steering wheel assembly. The thermostat-containing assembly includes a retainer device having a shaped body including a thermostat retention aperture and at least one wiring retention channel. The body is shaped to conform to a retainer-accepting region in the peripheral portion of the steering wheel. A thermostat is disposed within the thermostat retention aperture and includes a thermostatically sensitive portion in thermal contact with a heating element. Electrical wiring is disposed within the wiring retention channel and operationally joins the thermostat with an electric power source and the heating element.