Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.

Abstract: An airbag module integrates the components required for gas generation, thereby eliminating the need for a separate inflation component. The airbag module can comprise a cover with a pocket, a gas generant container, an inflatable cushion an upper and lower retainer housing, and an inflation gas generation system in fluid communication with the cushion. The airbag module does not comprise a discrete inflator that is functional outside the assembled airbag module. The gas generant container houses a package of solid gas generating compound. The energetic materials of the propellant do not become functional as a gas generation source until the cover is secured to the lower retainer housing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering wheel is provided that includes the steps of placing the steering wheel in a molding tool and injecting a flowable, curable composition therein. The molding tool has internal surfaces contoured to impart to articles molded therein the appearance of genuine leather. The parting line or splitline of the molding tool is positioned such that it is substantially aligned with a region of the molding tool contoured to impart to the article molded therein the appearance of a seam on a leather wrapped steering wheel. A method of forming a molding tool for injection molding a steering wheel having a covering is also provided. The method includes the step of forming a separable molding tool from a replica of a leather wrapped steering wheel, the molding tool having regions proximate an interface of the mold portions contoured according to the stitched leather around the outer periphery of the wrapped steering wheel core.

Abstract: A steering wheel (310) for a motor vehicle includes a core member with a circular rim (312). At least one dampening element (314) is attached to the rim (312) and is supported and sprung in a sleeve (318) by at least one spring element (316). A method of manufacturing a steering wheel (310) is also provided, the method including steps of providing a steering wheel core member (312), and securing a sleeve (318) having at least one dampening element (314) supported and sprung therein to the core member (312). A method of optimizing vibration in a vehicle steering wheel assembly is further provided.

Abstract: A steering wheel (10) for a motor vehicle includes a core member with a circular rim (12). At least one dampening element (14) is attached to the rim (12), preferably in a channel (11), the dampening element (14) having a density greater than the density of the core material, and preferably positioned substantially radially symmetrically around the rim (12). A method of manufacturing the steering wheel (10) is also provided, the method including steps of providing a steering wheel core member (12) having a circular rim section (12) with a channel (11), positioning at least one dampening element (14) in the channel (11), and delivering a flowable curable material around the rim section 12 to secure the dampening element therein.