Abstract: A foam resin panel is formed with one or more high-density reinforcing sections which are of higher density than the rest of the panel and which, therefore, are more stiff. The reinforcing section is densified by compression during fabrication. The reinforcing section is compressed until the outer faces of the reinforcing section lie flush to the panel surface. Fabrication of an invention foam resin panel includes a compression step for fabricating the high-density reinforcing section following a prefabricating step in which a resin precursor is induced to foam and expand to a desired extent within a mold. The resulting uniform foam resin element has a number of projections at the points at which the reinforcing sections of the finished panel will lie. The projections are then compressed into conformity with the rest of the panel and cured. The extent of the projections determines the density of finished reinforcing sections.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel has a reinforcement member extending through a resin core. The reinforcement member is provided in a central connecting portion where the steering wheel is engaged with a steering shaft, a spoke portion or portions extending radially from the central portion, and at least the parts of the grip portion where the grip portion is connected with the spoke portion. The reinforcement member is made of metal of thin cross-section so that the weight thereof does not seriously interfere with formation of a light-weight steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering lock arrangement for a vehicle with a tilt steering wheel includes a stationary instrument panel, a key-receiving member, and a shielding member. The instrument panel has an aperture. The key-receiving member is associated with the steering wheel and moves with tilt of the steering wheel. The key-receiving member has a slot for an operating key and is located at the back of the instrument panel in such a manner that the slot faces the aperture. The shielding member is connected to the key-receiving member and engages the instrument panel in such a manner to cover the gap between the key-receiving member and the instrument panel. The shielding member is movable to permit movement of the key-receiving member.