Patents by Inventor William K. Schneider

William K. Schneider has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5704633
    Abstract: A clock spring and steering wheel rear cover arrangement are particularly well-suited for a modular steering wheel and air bag sub-assembly. The clock spring is attached to the rear of a hub in the steering wheel assembly, and the rear cover snaps behind the clock spring. The clock spring and rear cover may be pre-assembled with the modular steering wheel and air bag such that the entire assembly is attached as a unit to a steering column. A tab from the rear cover may snap into an opening on the rear of the hub. The clock spring may include a hard connection into an air bag igniter, or may utilize a wire harness connection. A single opening in the rear of the hub for the steering column may receive an electrical connection for accessories on the steering wheel along with providing a connection to the air bag igniter. Also, the clock spring housing includes structure to be aligned on the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheryar Durrani, William K. Schneider