Abstract: An energy absorbing steering wheel is provided which reduces a vehicle occupant's injury in a collision. The energy absorbing steering wheel includes an armature, an inner foam member, a first plurality of exterior layers, and optionally a second plurality of exterior layers. The armature is mounted onto a steering column and is operative to provide a rigid steering wheel structure. The inner foam member surrounds the armature and has a first side and a second side. The first plurality of exterior layers is disposed on the first side of the inner foam member. The second plurality of exterior layers disposed on the second side of the inner foam member. The second plurality of exterior layers may be slidably engaged to the first plurality of exterior layers. Moreover, the first and second plurality of exterior layers define a plurality of apertures for disengaging the exterior layers upon impact with a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering wheel is provided which reduces a vehicle occupant's injury in a collision. The energy absorbing steering wheel includes an armature, an inner foam member, a first plurality of exterior layers, and optionally a second plurality of exterior layers. The armature is mounted onto a steering column and is operative to provide a rigid steering wheel structure. The inner foam member surrounds the armature and has a first side and a second side. The first plurality of exterior layers is disposed on the first side of the inner foam member. The second plurality of exterior layers disposed on the second side of the inner foam member. The second plurality of exterior layers may be slidably engaged to the first plurality of exterior layers. Moreover, the first and second plurality of exterior layers define a plurality of apertures for disengaging the exterior layers upon impact with a vehicle occupant.