Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for attaching a steering wheel to a steering column. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment apparatus comprises a steering wheel armature having a collar for receiving a steering column. Preferably, the steering column includes a tapered portion adjacent a slotted portion, which is located between a flange and the tapered portion. The steering wheel armature is placed on the steering column with the flange and slot portion extending through the collar and above the steering wheel armature. A wedge having a ramped portion that surrounds a slot, which has a width adapted to accommodate the slotted portion of the steering column, is driven in a direction which forces the ramped portion underneath the flange of the steering column. The driving of the wedge forces the steering wheel armature against the tapered portion of the steering column and forms a wedge lock between the steering wheel armature collar and the steering column tapered portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel for motor vehicles provided with an air bag protection device comprises a central part including a hub for connecting to a steering wheel coupling and a cavity for housing an air bag protection device, an external crown and a plurality of substantially radial spokes for connecting the external crown to the central part of the steering wheel. The hub is constructed as a structural part distinct from said spokes and is releasably fastened to them and has at least one pair of ears for the releasable fastening of the air bag device.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle has a steering wheel rim which is closed on all sides and which is connected with a central steering wheel hub by way of radially projecting spokes. The steering wheel rim includes sections which are connected with one another in the cross-section, one forming a decorative section which has a different material at least on the exterior side. In the gripping area of the steering wheel rim which is predominantly gripped by the hands in the driving operation, the decorative section is reduced in its grippable width by the pulled-around other rim section.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a vehicle steering wheel (10) for attachment to a vehicle steering column (12). The steering wheel (10) is rotatable and has a hub (130) for non-rotatable attachment to an end (162) of the steering column (12) so that the steering column rotates about an axis (B) upon rotation of the steering wheel. The hub (130) has a first surface (138) defining a first passage (140) for receiving the end (162) of the steering column (12) and a second surface (152) defining a second passage (150) extending transverse to the first passage and partially intersecting the first passage. A hollow cylindrical member (200) blocks axial movement of the hub (130) relative to the steering column (12). The hollow cylindrical member (200) is radially contractible for insertion into the second passage (150) and is radially expandable into contact with the second surface (152) and the steering column (12).

Abstract: A steering wheel having a collapsible hub, the steering wheel comprising a wheel 100 having a rim 140, a plurality of spokes 130 connected with the rim 140 and a lower plate 150 having edges and connected with the spokes 130 at the middle of the wheel 100, the edges of the lower plate forming a shape of an open box; a back plate 200 fixed to the said plurality of spokes 130 of the wheel 100 and having an escape hole 220 opened from the middle to one side of the plate 200; an upper plate 300 having first and second vertical surfaces 320 and 330 fixed to the back plate 200 and a horizontal surface 340 connecting the vertical surfaces 320 and 330 to form a space between the back plate 200 and the upper plate 300; and a hub cover 400 installed on the wheel 100 for covering the upper plate 300, so the upper plate 300 collapses to absorb impact of a driver in a car accident.

Abstract: A steering-wheel skeleton has a hub, spokes, and a rim made in one piece out of a single sheet-metal blank and provided with its final shape by separation and bending without machining. The hub is provided with a cone facing the vehicle. The spokes, which extend up and out, are provided with unthreaded bores, cutouts, or threaded bore for attaching an airbag module. A nut can, if necessary, be forced into one cutout. The hub can be reinforced by using two layers of the material.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel for equipment with an integrated gas bag restraint system includes a foam-sheathed steering wheel body. The hub part of which comprises a rear-side cavity for receiving a folded gas bag together with a pressurized gas source. A face cover which is a component of the foamed sheathing of the steering wheel body comprises a foam-sheated strengthening structure integrally connected to the hub part.

Abstract: An armature for a motor-vehicle steering wheel. The hub, spokes, and rim are at least partly made out of a single sheet of metal. The metal is folded at the edge to produce a cross-section in the form of a U or L. The base of the section is essentially perpendicular to the axis of the steering wheel. The sides of the section essentially parallel that axis. The sides of the U or L are provided with an undulation as viewed longitudinally, that is almost non-existent in the vicinity of the base, and that increases continuously to a maximum as it approaches the edge.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a pair of guide receiving portions that are integrally formed in both sides of a boss plate. A horn plate is integrally formed as a frame shape and is integrally provided with a pair of guide portions projecting from both sides of an upper side. Each of the guide portions is engaged with each of the guide receiving portions through an insulating upper side spacer to be supported to move in a vertical direction. A lower side portion of the horn plate is supported by a stepped bolt through an insulating lower side spacer in such a manner as to move in a vertical direction.

Abstract: The steering wheel assembly disclosed herein is mountable on a steering shaft and includes at least a bolt, a boss, and a steering wheel body. The boss is adapted to be fitted on the steering shaft and includes a cylindrical portion and a yoke portion formed integrally with the cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion has a boss serration corresponding to a serration of the steering shaft. The yoke portion has through holes formed near both ends thereof. The steering wheel body includes a ring core bar, spoke core bars coupled to the ring core bar, sheaths covering the ring core bar and spoke core bars, and a pad formed integrally with the sheaths. Part of the spoke core bars are connected to the boss. The bolt has and external thread that is receivable by the through holes and engageable with internal threads of at least one of the through holes so as to permit the boss, to which the steering wheel body is connected, to be fixed on the steering shaft.

Abstract: A device for attaching a steering wheel on a steering shaft by a connecting sleeve, which is attached to the hub of the steering wheel. At its end, the steering shaft has a section with exterior splines, which are complementary to interior splines in the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve has an axial slot and is clamped by a clamping screw against the section of the steering shaft which has the splines. The steering wheel constitutes a sub-assembly with an integrated air bag module and may be supplied for the final assembly of the vehicle.

Abstract: For automatic steering control by simultaneously turning a steering shaft and a steering wheel, an apparatus prevents automatic turning torque from being transmitted to the steering wheel when a driver operates the steering wheel and allows the steering wheel to turn freely. A V-shaped recess is formed on the side of the steering wheel, and a ball is provided on the side of the steering shaft. The ball is pushed by a spring toward the steering wheel and positioned within the V-shaped recess during automatic steering to connect the steering wheel with the steering shaft, thereby transmitting the turning torque. When torque which is equal to or exceeding a prescribed value is applied to the steering wheel, the ball is separated from the V-shaped recess to interrupt the transmission of the turning torque, and the steering wheel can be turned freely.

Abstract: A steering wheel body has covering materials for covering a ring core and spoke cores and a pad member integrally formed with the covering materials. An adaptor is fitted to the tip of a steering shaft, the adaptor having an inside serration engaging with the serration of the steering shaft and an outside serration engaging with the serration of a boss member. Moreover, the boss member of a boss plate is provided with a through-hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the steering shaft. A bolt for fastening the adaptor of the steering shaft is screwed into the through-hole.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering wheel comprises an external handling rim having a core and a central unit with an air bag device. The central unit has radial spokes extending therefrom. The radial spokes are provided with T-shaped ends housed and fixed in an internal throat of the core of the handling rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment device for connecting a steering wheel to a steering shaft. The steering wheel comprises a hub and the steering shaft comprises an end to be associated with the hub and provided with a circumferential groove. The attachment device comprises a locking element which is rotatably mounted on the hub. The locking element is movable between a locking position, in which it engages in the circumferential groove and forms an interlocking connection between the hub and the steering shaft, this interlocking connection being effective in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the steering shaft, and a release position where the end assigned to the hub can be withdrawn from the latter.

Abstract: A steering wheel for motor vehicles which is composed of a steering wheel base covered with a skin material of: (I) 10-50 parts by weight of a polyethylene resin (A); and (II) 90-50 parts by weight of a block copolymer (B) including a polymer block (a) of styrene or a derivative thereof and an isoprene polymer block or an isoprene-butadiene copolymer block (b), the polymer or copolymer block containing 40% or higher of isoprene units bonded at 3,4- position relative to the total isoprene units and 97% or more of the double bonds having been hydrogenated, (the total amount of the components (A) and (B) is 100 parts by weight). The skin material for the steering wheel is a soft, injection-moldable thermoplastic olefin elastomer composition having a low specific gravity and good wear resistance, which is capable of recycling and gives excellent feel of touch.

Abstract: To provide a steering wheel which is lightweight, and which has adequate strength and shock resistance, a carbon fiber prepreg 13 is wound on a mandrel 11 or a lightweight foam core 40 so as to obtain a preformer 14. By heating this preformer 14 in a mold 18, a steering wheel is obtained wherein the rim is formed from a fiber-reinforced synthetic resin joined to a metal skeleton 23.

Abstract: A method of making a steering hand wheel for a motor vehicle having a metal spider, a molded plastic rim, and a plurality of molded plastic spokes integral with the rim and mechanically interlocked with the spider. The method according to this invention includes the steps of extruding a billet having a cross sectional shape matching the profile of the spider, forming the spider by cutting off a flat section of the extruded billet from an end thereof, and insert molding a plastic rim and a plurality of integral plastic spokes around the spider. Each of the plastic spokes has an inboard end molded around a corresponding one of a plurality of spoke bases on the spider with a plurality of integral plastic pins captured in respective ones of a plurality of perforations in the spoke bases to mechanically interlock the spider and the molded plastic spokes.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly provides improved installation of a steering wheel assembly onto a steering column assembly. The steering wheel assembly includes a first mating cylinder having a key formed on its inner surface. A steering column assembly includes a second mating cylinder having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the first mating cylinder includes an axial guide on its outer surface. During installation, the second mating cylinder is inserted partially into the first mating cylinder. The steering wheel assembly is then rotated until the key is aligned with the axial guide. The second mating cylinder is then inserted into the first mating cylinder to a second position in which a first electrical connector on the steering wheel assembly engages a second electrical connector on the steering column assembly.

Abstract: An attaching system for a steering wheel assembly including a ring portion, a plurality of spokes, as well as integrally formed ring and spoke covering layers, and a pad portion. A steering shaft is formed at its distal end with external screw threads, a portion of which project beyond the upper surface of a boss plate. A nut includes a wheel gear having a plurality of teeth that are engagable with screw threads as a fastening tool. The nut is screwed onto or off from the steering shaft by the fastening tool that engages and rotates the nut, relative to steering shaft.

Abstract: An air bag equipped steering wheel that absorbs impact energy of a forward impact, even if applied to the rear side of a ring portion thereof. The steering wheel comprises core bars for connecting its ring portion, boss portion and spoke portions to each other. The spoke portions are composed of two front spoke portions arranged at the right and left of the front side, and a rear spoke portion arranged at the rear side. The air bag unit is securely mounted on the core bars of the front spoke portions and the rear spoke portion. Twistable torsional portions are formed at the core bars of the front spoke portions at positions closer to the core bar of the ring portion than the mounting portion for the air bag unit. A first deformable bent portion is formed at the core bar of the rear spoke portion at the side closer to the boss core bar than the mounting portion for the air bag unit.

Abstract: A steering which reduces vibration and is shock absorbing and deformable. The steering wheel comprises a rim and a boss with a plurality of spokes, the rim, boss and spokes having a core metal. A reinforced spoke-core metal has a spoke deformation region which is a part of the reinforced portion and is thinner than the remaining part of the reinforced portion. A raised portion is included on the driver-side of each spoke deformation region which increases the strength of core metals and restricts vibration of the core metals. The configuration creates a weak point for collapsing the steering wheel in a collision and impact with the steering wheel by the driver, that is, the raised portions receives tensile forces and break, thereby smoothly bending core metal bodies.

Abstract: A steering wheel body 1 comprises sheaths 7a, 7b which covers a ring core bar 5 and spoke core bars 6A-6C, and a pad 3 formed integrally with the sheaths. A boss 8, 51, 28 is integral with the spoke core bars. A steering shaft 30 is formed at a distal end thereof with a serration 31 and an annular groove 32. The boss 8, 51, 28 includes a boss plate 33, a cylindrical portion 34, 74 with a serration 38, 68, 78, and a yoke portion 35 with through holes 36, 37, 66, 67, 76, 77. The cylindrical portion 34, 64, 74 is fitted on the end of the steering shaft 30 such that the serrations 31, 38, 68, 78 mesh with each other, and a bolt 41, 81, 91 is inserted and screwed into the through holes 36, 37, 66, 67, 76, 77. A collar 47 fitted on the bolt 41, 81, 91 is fitted in the annular groove 32. Strain stress is never transmitted directly to the bolt 41, 81, 91.

Abstract: A coupling between a motor vehicle steering shaft and a motor vehicle steering wheel including a first coupling element on the steering wheel having a cavity therein, a second coupling element on the steering shaft plugged into the cavity in the first coupling element, and a latch responsive to relative rotation between the first and the second coupling elements to couple together for unitary rotation the first and the second coupling elements with substantially zero lash therebetween. The latch includes a plurality of lugs on the second coupling element seated in extensions of the cavity in the first coupling element, a plurality of ramps in the cavity extensions operative to eject the lugs from the cavity extensions concurrent with relative rotation between the first and the second coupling elements, a plurality of sockets in the first coupling element, and a plurality of springs operative to thrust the lugs into corresponding ones of the sockets.

Abstract: A steering wheel of a transportation device includes controls positioned on the wheel. The controls are operable by operator's fingers and may be connected to the various electrical and electronic devices of the transportation device. Further, in one of the embodiments, controls are positioned on a circular grip member of the wheel. In one of the embodiments, the steering wheel includes a display positioned on the hub-like connecting member of the wheel, which can show radio frequency, time, temperature, etc.

Abstract: A coupling between a motor vehicle steering shaft and a motor vehicle steering wheel including a primary socket on the steering wheel, a hub on the steering shaft plugged into the primary socket, a pair of V-shaped notches in the plug and in the primary socket cooperating in defining a polygonal chamber, and a cylindrical coil spring wedged in the polygonal chamber. The cylindrical coil spring thrusts the plug laterally against the primary socket to eliminate dimensional clearance, i.e., lash, therebetween. Lugs on the primary socket seat in notches in the plug and cooperate with the coil spring in transferring torque between the hub and the primary socket. A retractor on the steering wheel twists the coil spring to a smaller diameter concurrent with linear translation of the retractor in an arc around the primary socket thereby to reduce the diameter of the coil spring for installation and/or removal of the hub from the primary socket.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a metal ring mounted on a steering shaft with a boss plate and at least one spoke. An adaptor is provided in the boss plate for securing the boss plate to the steering shaft. The adaptor includes a cylindrical portion into which the steering shaft is inserted and a yoke formed integrally with the cylindrical portion for holding the steering shaft. The yoke has flexible ends constituting a pair of clamping pieces. One of the clamping pieces is provided with a bolt hole while the other is provided with a through hole. A bolt is inserted through the through hole and then screwed into the bolt hole for holding the steering shaft with the yoke. A lower cover, which is made from a synthetic resin, surrounds the steering shaft and covers a lower part of the steering wheel. A holder is provided in the lower cover for supporting the bolt in a ready position to prevent the bolt from falling off the yoke. The bolt is accessible from the side of the steering wheel.

Abstract: An attachment device for a vehicle steering wheel to a steering shaft is provided, the steering wheel comprising a hub for connection to an end of the steering shaft, the hub and the steering shaft being connected with each other in a non-rotatable manner. The attachment device further comprises a bolt or a threaded nut accomodated rotatably at the hub but being held in an axial direction. The bolt and the nut, respectively, engage the end of the steering shaft in order to interlock the hub and the steering shaft. The attachment device furthermore comprises an engaging element cooperating with the bolt and the nut, respectively, and being provided with an engaging configuration for a clamping tool, the engaging configuration being accessible from outside of the hub.

Abstract: A steering wheel for motor vehicles comprising a metal framework formed by a rim and by substantially cylindrical wire rods interconnecting the rim with a central hub. For connecting the wire rods and the rim substantially V-shaped metal sleeves are provided, each having a first tubular branch for attachment on the rim and a second tubular branch for attachment of the corresponding wire rod, which is rigidly joined to the first branch through a double integral bracing wall.

Abstract: A device for attaching a steering wheel on a steering shaft by a connecting sleeve, which is attached to the hub of the steering wheel. At its end, the steering shaft has a section with exterior splines, which are complementary to interior splines in the connecting sleeve. The connecting sleeve has an axial slot and is clamped by a clamping screw against the section of the steering shaft which has the splines. The steering wheel constitutes a sub-assembly with an integrated air bag module and may be supplied for the final assembly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly having a slidably mounted locking system of the boss plate to connect the steering wheel onto a steering shaft. The lock system comprises a fixing device slidably mounted on an upper surface of a boss plate. The fixing device includes an inwardly directed, tapered tongue or flange that when slid will engage and interact with the steering shaft. When the boss plate is mounted on the steering shaft provided about the circumference of a nut mounted on the steering shaft, the fixing device can then be moved with a screw bolt thereby interlocking the locking tongue or flange in the groove thereby locking the steering wheel on the steering shaft.

Abstract: In a safety steering wheel, the ring and spokes are jacketed in a polyurethane integral foam of which the cap covering the integrated air bag unit is also made. To improve appearances the jacketing and the cap merge materially with one another.

Abstract: A steering column cover is provided with a closeable opening through which the connecting and releasing of a connection between a column side terminal block and a column side connector can be easily accomplished. The opening is closed by a door having a projection for preventing an error in establishing a proper connection.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand wheel for use on a hand brake system on a railway car in which a hand wheel includes a planetary gear system to provides a mechanical advantage to significantly reduce the effort and force required to turn the hand wheel. The planetary gear system includes a sun gear rigidly interconnected to the hand wheel and a hub member rotatably interconnected to the hand wheel which is independently rotatable relative to the hand wheel. The hub member further including a socket at the axis for attaching the hub member to a rotatable drive member of a hand brake system on a railway car, as well as a plurality of planetary gears rotatably secured thereto to mesh with and engage the sun gear. A fixed ring gear attached to a structural element independent of the hand wheel and the hub member, encircles, meshes with and engages the planetary gears.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a steering wheel hub, a rim, the rim being pivotally connected with the hub for rotation of the rim relative to the hub about an axis of rotation disposed inwardly from the rim. The rim is rotatable about the axis between a first position permitting normal steerage of the vehicle and a second position impairing normal steerage of the vehicle. The rim may be engaged and locked in the second position at a point of engagement at or the perimeter of the rim. Futher, the rim may be releasably held in the first position.

Abstract: A pad module is attached to a steering wheel according to the attaching method of the invention in the following manner. First, a lower cover is formed to have a bolt hole and a temporary bolt holder. The bolt holder is integral with the lower cover via a hinge portion and an arm portion. The arm portion is turned around the hinge portion to position the bolt holder in registration with the bolt hole, and is fixedly held. Then, the lower cover is secured to the steering wheel main body, and a bolt is inserted through the temporary bolt holder from the bolt hole and temporarily held by the holder. Thereafter, the pad module is set in place, and a nut is engaged with the bolt. By fastening the bolt with a fastening jig, the pad module is attached to the steering wheel main body. Because the temporary bolt holder is provided integrally with the lower cover, separate parts for temporarily holding a bolt is unnecessary and accordingly, it is not required to fix such parts by screw fasteners or the like.

Abstract: Pins are arranged on the upper surface of a rotary case of a rotary connector for electrically connecting the steering wheel and the steering column of a vehicle by a flexible flat cable, while the steering wheel is provided on the lower surface thereof with coupling holes for respectively receiving a corresponding pin in order to securely hold the rotary case. Each of the pins is provided with an elastic silicon rubber cap. The elastic cap comprises a cylindrical main body and a plurality of elastic members extending longitudinally along the axis of the cylindrical section. When viewed from above, the elastic members show an arcuately curved and tapered profile projecting from the base toward the tip.

Abstract: A steering wheel core metal unit comprising a boss section, a boss/spoke connecting section, spoke sections and a ring section integrally die-cast, with the boss section serving as an insert. Before trimming and after being released from a die caster, the boss/spoke connecting section of the core metal unit is provided with a gate section and the ring section comprises a pair of inside and outside ribs. Overflow sections are provided along the outer periphery of the ring section at substantially the intermediate positions among the spoke sections, respectively. The sectional area of the outside rib is made larger than that of the inside rib so that a final molten metal merging portion comes to lie at the outer periphery of the ring section. Accordingly, even when the molten metal moves in the cavity of the die caster as it entrains air, the air can escape from the overflow sections and no blowhole is formed in the core metal as a die cast product.

Abstract: An upper cover (12) and a lower cover (14) are fastened to each other on their front faces by a hexagon socket head cap screw (40). While a cover supporting column (34) is received on a column seat (38) of each fixation tongue (30) projected from the upper cover (12), the end face of the cover supporting column (34) is brought into contact with a column contact surface (36) of the fixation tongue (30). The hexagon socket head cap screw (40) is inserted through a spot facing slot (60) and a through slot (58) of the lower cover (14) and a through hole (48) of the upper cover (12) and eventually screwed into a tapped hole (42) of the cover supporting column (34). The cover supporting column (34) and the fixation tongue (30) of the upper cover (12) are positioned and fixed to each other via the hexagon socket head cap screw (40), which goes through the positioning through hole (48) of the fixation tongue (30) and is screwed into the tapped hole (42).

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly in which a main body is slidably connected to a boss for connecting the steering wheel onto a steering shaft. The steering wheel main body has a connecting plate with a pair of tapered guide rails that will slidably receive a hooking portion therein. When the hooking portion is inserted into the guide rails, the position of the steering wheel main body is defined at a desired position relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A steering wheel "after-market" overlay, having a unitary, integral, relatively stiff, thin-walled construction, is adapted to be adhesively applied to and closely conform to the surface of the upper portion of an original equipment steering wheel. The overlay covers not only the upper portion of the steering wheel grip but also the upper portions of the steering wheel spokes up to the center pad of the steering wheel. The portion of the overlay covering each spoke has an radially inner terminus including a flange that is adapted to extend into the small space that typically exists between the inner end surface of the spoke and the side peripheral surface of the center pad. By also covering the upper portions of the spokes, not only is the appearance of the overlaid steering wheel enhanced, but the bonded surface area is substantially increased thereby assuring the long term positional stability and peel resistance of the overlay.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a vehicle having a steering shaft includes an elongated crank having a first end operably fixedly connected to an end of the steering shaft and a steering plate rotatably connected to a second end of the elongated crank and having a pair of laterally displaced handles connected thereto, such that the steering plate is rotatable about the steering shaft and may further include at least one idler crank having a first end rotatably connected to a portion of the vehicle and a second end rotatably connected to the steering plate.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly generally comprises a hub having a bore for receiving an outer end of a steering column shaft. A gear having circumferentially spaced teeth is disposed within an upper end of the bore. The gear includes threads complementary to threads on an outer end of the steering column shaft. A hub cap is threadably secured over an outer end of the bore in the hub, thereby retaining the gear within the hub. A hub plate is secured to the hub and provides structure to which an airbag inflator is secured above the hub and hub cap. During removal of the steering wheel assembly from the steering column shaft, the gear impinges upon the hub cap and directly transmits force to the hub to separate the hub from the steering column shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel body having a hole and a flexible outer cover. The cover and steering wheel body defines an air chamber. A diaphragm is disposed in line with the hole and includes an electrically conductive film on an opposed face. In an off position, the electrically conductive material is spaced from a pair of circuit traces in the clockspring. The circuit traces control a horn function. An operator may apply a force to the outer cover which drives the diaphragm and the electrically conductive material into contact with the circuit traces. An electrical circuit is closed and actuates the horn function. When the force is removed from the outer cover, the electrically conductive material moves out of contact with the circuit traces and into an off position.

Abstract: A steering wheel is assembled with an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint before the steering wheel is mounted on a steering shaft. The steering wheel is assembled with a steering shaft by sliding the steering shaft into a bore in the hub of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is secured to the steering shaft by a retaining nut disposed on the side of the hub of the steering wheel which is distal from the rim of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A composite steering wheel assembly comprises a molded armature frame including a central hub, a plurality of spokes radiating from the hub, and an annular rim encircling the spokes. An elastomeric material is molded around the spokes and the rim to provide a comfortable grip and aesthetically appealing appearance. The two bottom spokes each include a first stabilizer and a second stabilizer encased within the elastomeric material. The first stabilizer includes left and right fin surfaces extending from opposite lateral sides of the spokes and disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the steering axis. The second stabilizer also includes left and right fin surfaces extending from opposite lateral sides of the spokes, but disposed in a plane generally parallel to the steering axis. The first and second stabilizers prevent sagging and dimples in the elastomeric material resulting from material shrinkage during the elastomeric material solidification process.

Abstract: A combined steering wheel and air bag modular unit is ultimately assembled. A cover is first molded around a steering wheel insert. The cover is molded as a single piece over the wheel and the area where the air bag module will be placed. In the past, two separate covers were utilized since the air bag was generally attached to the steering wheel after the steering wheel had been attached to the vehicle. The modular unit is then attached from the side to the vehicle steering column shaft. The present invention results in increased flexibility in the location of where manufacturing steps occur, and improves the aesthetic appearance of the cover for the steering wheel and air bag.

Abstract: A modular steering wheel and airbag combination includes an airbag assembly, a steering wheel assembly and a separate hub plate. The combination is preassembled as a unitary component which can easily be attached to a steering column shaft. A taper or wedge lock is formed between the steering wheel armature and hub plate. The steering wheel assembly includes a plurality of ribs or spokes extending from an upper rim portion of the steering wheel assembly and a ring portion connecting the spokes to provide structural integrity and support to the steering wheel assembly. The airbag assembly includes a retaining ring as part of an airbag component which provides easy and secure attachment of the airbag component to the hub plate. The inventive steering wheel and airbag combination comprises a structure for securing the combination to a steering column shaft. One embodiment of the structure includes a worm gear and complementary gear. The complementary gear may be a helical gear.

Abstract: A safety device for a steering wheel unit. The safety device includes a one-piece metal core having: a rim; a plurality of spokes extending from the rim; a hub structure being disposed such that the spokes extend from the rim to the hub structure; and a mounting structure disposed adjacent the hub structure. The safety device further includes an air-bag assembly having: a gas generator directly connected to the mounting structure; an air-bag adapted to be in gas communication with the gas generator and being directly connected to the mounting structure; and an air-bag cover adapted to cover the air-bag and being directly connected to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly (20) includes an air bag module (24) connected with a frame (42) of a vehicle steering wheel (22). The module (24) includes an inflator (62), an air bag (64), and a mounting hub (66). An internal groove (184) in the mounting hub (66) receives resiliently deflectable tabs (208) on the inflator (62) to secure the inflator to the mounting hub. A mounting portion (240) of the air bag (64) is received in one section of an external groove (182) on the mounting hub (66). A base portion (262) of a guide ring (260) is received in another section of the external groove (182). A wall portion (266) of the guide ring retains the mounting portion (240) of the air bag (64) in the groove, to secure the air bag to the mounting hub. The steering wheel frame (42) has a plurality of tabs (164) which are deformed into slots (162) in the mounting hub to secure the module (24) to the frame.