Abstract: A steering wheel made according to the present disclosure has a composite rim core construction that is secured to a pair of radially extending steering wheel spokes. The lower half of the steering wheel rim is relatively rigid and the upper half of the steering wheel rim has a leaf spring core which bends upon impact whereby a portion of the load of the impact is absorbed.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle made according to the present disclosure has a resiliently flexible rim core that is formed by a flat spring wire wound in a helical manner to provide a multiple leaf construction. A steering wheel rim having this core structure is resiliently deflectable in response to an impact load imposed upon the rim in a direction parallel to the axis of the wheel and resistant to deflection by a generally tangential force exerted by a vehicle operator while turning the wheel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering wheel according to the present disclosure comprising the steps of forming an arcuate first rim core member having a substantially rigid body portion, forming a second rim core member by winding a spring member into a helix, severing the helical spring member to form an arcuate spring section, to the arcuate first rim core member to form an annular rim core assembly, securing the ends of a pair of spokes to the first rim core member, and covering the first rim core member and the arcuate spring section with a material providing a hand gripping surface.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle made according to the present disclosure has a resiliently flexible rim core that is formed by a flat spring wire wound in a helical manner to provide a multiple leaf construction. A steering wheel rim having this core structure is resiliently deflectable in response to an impact load imposed upon the rim in a direction parallel to the axis of the wheel and resistant to deflection by a generally tangential force exerted by a vehicle operator while turning the wheel.