Abstract: In order to permit a steering wheel to be simply connected to a steering shaft having a frusto conical tapered portion, a serrated or splined portion and a threaded portion, in a manner which permits ready adjustment of the wheels' position which respect to the shaft, the central boss of the steering wheel is divided into separate upper and lower boss members. The lower boss member seats on the tapered portion and is rigidly connected with the steering wheel. The upper boss member fits on the serrated portion so that relative rotation is prevented. By tightening a nut on the threaded portion of the steering shaft, force can be applied through the upper boss member to the lower one in a manner which produces a frictional engagement between the lower boss member and the tapered portion which prevents relative rotation.

Abstract: A rotation transmitting mechanism for a steering wheel for use in an automobile. A rotational member of a coupling device has projections extending radially inwardly, while a cancel cam has corresponding U-shaped cutouts to receive the projections, respectively. Each projection has a tapered section tapering off to a bottom end thereof. A peripheral face forming each U-shaped cutout is rounded so that an outer surface of the cylindrical cancel cam is connected with an inner surface by a rounded perhipheral face forming the cutout.

Abstract: The frame comprises a rim (1) formed by a plurality of curved tubes (2,4) inwardly and downwardly bent at their ends so as to form spokes of the steering wheel. The end portions of two adjacent spokes (6, 8 - 7, 9) which pertain to two different tubes are moulded in a common lateral boss (14) of a hub (16). The boss (14) extends longitudinally and projects upwardly from the hub and the end portions of the spokes are vertical and progressively crushed with a curved cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a ring portion, a boss portion arranged at the center of the ring portion, and a spoke portion connecting the boss portion with the ring portion, and in which the boss portion includes a boss and a boss plate, the boss having non-circular surfaces formed on the outer peripheral surface of the boss, the boss plate being connected with the spoke portion and with the upper surface of the boss by resistance welding and having flexible portions and restricting projections located around the center of the boss. The flexible portions provide an energy absorbing function and non-circular surfaces of the boss and the restricting projections of the boss plate prevent rotation of the boss plate relative to the boss when the welding portion happens to break.

Abstract: In order to have a sufficiently large elongation at fracture in conjunction with high strength values, a pressure-diecast steering wheel skeleton consists of an aluminum alloy which is composed of______________________________________ 2.5 to 3.5 % by weight magnesium 0.10 to 0.30 % by weight silicon 0.40 to 0.60 % by weight iron 0.25 to 0.45 % by weight manganese 0.015 to 0.05 % by weight copper 0.035 to 0.085 % by weight zinc balance aluminum.

Abstract: The lock keeper intended to be mounted on the periphery (11) of a shaft (10) comprises discs (21), each pierced through with a central orifice (210) intended for receiving this shaft (10) in order to stack them on it, and is made integral in terms of rotation with this shaft (10) by means of an interlock (30) consisting of at least one projection (31)/notch (32) pair, of which one is formed in this central orifice (210) and the other is formed on the periphery (11) of this shaft (10), some of these discs (21) being equipped at their edge (211) with at least one indentation (212), these indentations (212) being intended to be aligned longitudinally so as to produce a receptacle (23) for receiving a bolt (12).The invention is used in the motor-vehicle industry.

Abstract: A self aligning steering wheel comprising a boss portion disposed at a middle of a steering wheel ring portion, a number of spokes extending radially outward from the boss portion and connecting to the ring portion, each of the spokes including an internal spoke core member, with a ring core member being disposed in the ring portion, a boss plate is disposed at the spoke core member, the boss plate is plastically deformable to cause a plane of the ring to be at substantially right angles to an impact force line of action whenever an impact force is exerted on the ring portion, each spoke core member includes a first parallel portion which is substantially parallel to the ring plane and extends from the ring core member toward the boss to a kinked portion, a tilting portion which extends from the kinked portion to a second parallel portion, with the second parallel portion being connected to an underside portion of the boss plate.

Abstract: A steering wheel core is disclosed which comprises a boss, a core piece of a ring part disposed around the boss, and core pieces of spoke parts interconnecting the boss and the core piece of the ring part. The core pieces of the spoke parts are formed by die casting an aluminum alloy containing magnesium, iron, manganese, silicon, and unavoidable impurities. The magnesium content in the aluminum alloy is not less than 1.5% by weight and less than 2.5% by weight.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a steering wheel core having a ring core piece, a boss disposed downwardly of the center of the ring core piece and spoke core pieces, extending upwardly from the boss in the radial outer directions, for connecting the ring core piece to the boss. Provided at the ends of spoke core pieces extending from the boss are connecting parts, each formed of die casting metal, for connecting the spoke core pieces to ring core piece. A plurality of ribs formed integrally with the connecting parts are protruded from the upper surfaces of the connecting parts on the side of spoke core pieces. A pad, the upper surface of which is made substantially horizontal, is stretched over the boss to vicinal portions to the connecting parts. The surfaces of ring core piece and also of connecting parts including the ribs are covered with coating layers formed of synthetic resin by the injection molding.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided in which an impact energy absorber composed of a deformation portion having a substantially inverted U-shape formed by bending sheet metal and a base portion connected at the lower end of the deformation portion is disposed between a boss in a boss portion and a pad. The deformation portion is provided with an upper wall portion which inclines to the front side, front and rear leg portions extending downward from front and rear edges of the upper wall portion, and a bending portion disposed at lower ends of the front and rear edges and connected to the base portion. The front and rear leg portions buckle inwardly at the middle. Also, the intersection of the front leg portion with the bending portion thereof is arranged at a position substantially under the intersection with the upper wall portion. The bending portion on the front leg side is bent frontward with an obtuse angle to a part below buckling point in the front leg portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a ring section, a boss section arranged at the center of the ring section, at least two spoke sections extending radially outward from the boss section and connected to the ring section, a ring core arranged in the ring section, a boss arranged in the boss section, and a unitary integral connecting plate connecting the ring core member and the boss, which connecting plate comprises a base part adjacent to the boss and a spoke part extending radially outward from the base part and connected to the ring core member, the connecting plate undergoing plastic deformation when subjected to a deforming force of impact, the deformation causing the ring section to become substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force of impact.

Abstract: A component which is to be installed for an absorption of energy with an ideal displacement-compressive force characteristic consists of a prismatic straight metal rod, which is long relative to its transverse dimensions and is adapted to inelastically buckle in the direction of the axis of its larger principal moment of inertia under an axially acting compressive load and is provided with spur teeth, which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction and are provided on at least one of the broadsides, which extend at right angles to the axis of the larger principal moment of inertia.

Abstract: An anti-theft steering wheel locking device which appearance and function are all the same with the one that in the market but has an anti-turning cylindric member hidding either underneath, on top of or in the steering wheel which is able to be pulled out and locked at fixed position when parking to prevent unauthorized driving the vehicle. When driving the car, driver only needs to unlock the locking device with a legal key then pushes the cylindric member back into a tube which is located in a trough and the steering wheel at this moment is able to turn freely without any disturbance. This device, furthermore, takes no extra space.

Abstract: A supplementary locking mechanism for a motor vehicle which mechanism is adapted to lock concurrently and simultaneously both the steering column and the transmission shift with the purpose of attempting to prevent theft or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, such device and apparatus comprising a locking mechanism based on a retractible trigger mechanism that reciprocally moves a longitudinally extending finger-like ratchet member that is adapted to be inserted simultaneously through both the steering column and the transmission shift column so as to lock two colums at the same time to the outer enclosing cylindrical frame.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the angular position of rotation of a steering wheel hub of a motor vehicle relative of a steering shaft utilizing a bushing which is located between these parts and connected to each of these by sets of teeth distributed uniformly over the inner and outer periphery of the bushing and wherein these teeth offer a large number of possibilities of angular adjustment as a result of the engagement of one set of teeth with the steering wheel hub for a coarse adjustment and as a result of the engagement of the other set of teeth with the steering shaft for an even larger possibility of minor angular adjustment.

Abstract: A control unit for a heating and ventilating installation for an automotive vehicle, with or without air conditioning, comprises a module in the form of a housing, with two coaxial rotatable control knobs projecting from the outside of the housing and two coaxial shafts coupled respectively with the two knobs, each shaft rotating with the corresponding knob. Each shaft is also coupled with one of two transmission members rotatable with the corresponding shaft, the transmission members being mounted within the housing and arranged to act respectively on temperature regulating means and air distribution means of the vehicle, for passing the air into the passenger compartment or cab. The control unit also has a fixed intermediate sleeve arranged between the two shafts so as to prevent any interaction between the two control knobs.

Abstract: The steering wheel comprises a central hub (10), a peripheral rim (20), and at least one substantially radial branch (30) interconnecting the hub (10) and the rim (20). The hub (10) and the rim (20) are metallic, the rim (20) is circular or substantially circular and the branch (30) comprises a sleeve (31) which surrounds the hub (10) and a sheath (32) which at least locally covers the rim (20) and is made from at least one synthetic material in the state of a semi-manufactured product moulded onto the hub (10) and rim (20).

Abstract: Process for producing a light steering wheel having a central hub, a peripheral rim and radial arms interconnecting the hub and the rim. The process is carried out by using a mould including a punch and a matrix having an impression in the shape of the steering wheel to be produced. The impression is at least partially filled with blanks of synthetic material charged with long fibers which are uninterrupted in each blank. The steering wheel, in the shape of the impression, is directly produced in one operation by stamping the blanks in the mould with the punch to shape the blanks into the steering wheel. The blanks are placed edgewise in the mould and are unshaped relative to the shape of the produced steering wheel.

Abstract: An impact energy steering wheel comprising a ring portion, at least one plastically deformable spoke core member, a boss portion, and a plastically deformable support member supporting an impact energy absorber and a pad. The support member is fixed to each of the spoke core members such that the support member, the energy absorber, and the pad are positioned so as to be spaced apart from and between the ring and the boss portions. When a generally horizontally acting impact force acts on the ring portion, the spoke core members are subjected to plastic deformation and the ring portion reorients so as to have an imaginary frontal plane extending in the vertical direction. The support member, being attached to each of the spoke core members, is affected by the deformation of these spoke core members and reorients so as to cause the impact energy absorber and the pad to have upper surfaces which extend in the vertical direction parallel to the ring portion imaginary frontal plane.

Abstract: A motor vehicle security system prevents unauthorized removal of a foot pedal-steering wheel lock by means of structural reinforcement of the steering wheel to prevent destructive severing of the wheel rim which would enable removal of the lock. A cut-resistant steel cable is embedded in the steering wheel rim to enhance the resistance of the wheel to severing.

Abstract: To effectively absorb shocks applied to both a rim and a cover pad of a steering wheel simultaneously or separately in spite of a simple construction, the steering wheel comprises a shock absorbing member disposed under the cover pad and sandwiched between upper and lower plates, and a spoke fixing plate for connecting radially inner ends of spokes to a middle peripheral surface of the shock absorbing member. A shock applied to the rim is mainly absorbed by the lower portion of the absorbing member by shearing deformation thereof and a shock applied to the cover pad is mainly absorbed by the upper portion of the absorbing member by compressive deformation thereof. Further, to uniformly absorb shocks applied to the cover pad at various points and in different directions, a support base having a projection is disposed under the lower plate (on which the shock absorbing member is arranged) to reduce the rigidity of the shock absorbing member.

Abstract: A steering wheel having an operating portion, a hub portion, a spoke portion, an impact energy absorbing member located on the hub portion for absorbing impact energy, and a pad including a hard insert and a soft cover member integrally covering the insert for covering at least an impact energy absorbing member and a spoke portion. The insert has a plurality of divided parts or a thin wall sectioning portion or portions to improve an impact energy absorbing effect of the impact energy absorbing member independently of rigidity of the pad without the deterioration of the pad.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a steering wheel construction which comprises a circular rim; a hub adapted to connect to a steering shaft; at least one spoke connecting the circular rim and the hub; a center pad supported by the spoke and located at a generally center portion of the circular rim; and an energy absorbing structure positioned between the hub and the center pad, wherein the energy absorbing structure is so arranged as to be deformed when the spoke is subjected to deformation.

Abstract: An impact absorbing structure for use in steering wheels and the like is formed by slitting a blank and pressing the same in a manner to define a plurality of L-shaped members which are alternatively and mutually inverted with respect to one another. The vertically extending leg portions of the L-shaped members are bent in a manner which facilitates buckling during collisions and the like.

Abstract: A device for effecting fine adjustment of the orientation of a steering wheel on a shaft (10), which are joined together by a fastener (30), has a sleeve (40) interposed between the end (11) of the shaft (10) and the hub (20) of the steering wheel. The sleeve and the shaft define between them an annular chamber (42) in which is housed a friction member (50) opposing their spontaneous relative rotation. The fine adjustment, limited to a value of about 9.degree., is made with the aid of an arrangement including a control mechanism, amplitude limiters, and stops. These stops ensure continuity of transmission of the torque exerted on the steering wheel to the shaft in the event of slackening of the fastener or failure of the amplitude limiters.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for retaining a pad or hub of a rotatable steering wheel of a motor vehicle in a non-rotating state, relative to the driver of the vehicle, irrespective of the rotation of the steering wheel provides for two retaining collars supporting a pair of rollers for retaining an endless belt. The endless belt is biased by an idler roller using a three point pressure applying flat spring with two of the pressure points located on the retaining collar.

Abstract: A steering wheel for an automobile including a impact energy absorber, a retainer, a bottom plate, a mounting portion and a clip disposed on a boss plate of the steering wheel body. The clip is engaged with the front edge of a boss plate, and the mounting portion with a boss plate of the steering wheel body. The clip is made of spring steel and formed in L-like shape, and fixed to the retainer extended from the bottom plate along a front wall of the energy absorber by means of burring caulking. Consequently, labor is not required for the machining of the clips, and the fixing position of the clip to the bottom plate may be taken arbitrarily, and further the mounting stability of the clip is made high.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle includes spokes made of a flexible casing alloy by a molding process so that they integrally connect a boss and a steering wheel rim. Accordingly, the production of the steering wheel is facilitated.

Abstract: In a leather-covered steering wheel comprising, a metal core including a ring core section and a plurality of spoke core sections, an elastic member for covering the ring core section and the end portions of the spoke core sections thereof at the side of the ring core section, a plurality of plates for maintaining the configuration of the elastic member which are higher in hardness than the elastic cover layer and are formed in correspondence with the peripheral configurations of the end faces of the portions of the elastic cover layer which cover the metal cores in the spoke section are arranged between the leather and the end faces, whereby the number of manufacturing steps and the manufacturing cost are reduced accordingly, and the steering wheel is maintained fine in external appearance.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly including a motor/stator mechanism prevented from unwanted relative rotation by a spring clip which is released from the lock relation upon assembly with the hub of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A hub (10) of a steering wheel and a terminal element (20) of a shaft are adapted to be interconnected by a wedging locking device (100) employing male and female cones and an axial clamping mechanism (200) employing a screw and a nut. A fine adjustment device includes at least one couple of pair of a groove (31) and a tongue (32) which extend longitudinally, are cooperative and complementary and adapted to be engaged one inside the other with confronting radial faces (301, 302) spaced apart from each other by a predetermined clearance, a toothed sector (33) and a confronting cavity (34) adapted to act as a semi-bearing for a gear pinion (35) capable of meshing with the toothed sector.

Abstract: The steering wheel is of the type comprising a rim (2), at least one connecting arm (3), an impact energy absorbing element (4) and a hub (5). The energy absorbing element is a tubular element (4) of a composite material interposed between the at least one arm (3) and the hub 5, one of the ends of the tubular element being fixed to the corresponding end of the at least one arm (3), while the other end of the tubular element (4) is fixed on the hub (5).

Abstract: A manual agricultural implement, having a shaft with an axis and two ends, a handle arranged at one of the ends of the shaft and a tool arranged at the other end of the shaft having a plurality of tines arranged at radial distances from the shaft, the tines extending around the shaft axis in a curved manner and along the surface of an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial to the shaft axis.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly being composed of an upper part and a lower part. The lower part is cylindrical in shape and is rotatably received by a cylindrical outer housing with the upper part fixedly secured thereabove on the outer housing. The lower part is integral with a steering shaft. An engaging block assembly is freely rotatable and is longitudinally slidable within the steering shaft assembly between an upper limit position and a lower limit position. The engaging block assembly comprises an engaging block and an actuating block. A number of balls are disposed between the steering shaft assembly and the engaging block assembly as well as between the engaging block and the actuating block for transmitting rotational movement. A steering wheel is fixedly mounted on the engaging block assembly by a lock assembly which further controls releasing and engaging between the engaging block assembly and the steering shaft assembly.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly with an air bag unit, which comprises a hub releasably secured onto a steering shaft, one or more connecting members attached to the hub, a steering wheel connected to the hub by the one or more connecting members, the air bag unit including a casing substantially centrally arranged on the hub, a gas generator mounted in the casing and having a squib protecting substantially centrally downwardly from its lower surface, an air bag attached to the casing and communicating with the gas generator, the air bag being inflated by gas fed from the gas generator, and a cover adapted to cover the casing. Each of the gas generator and the squib has a central axis offset from an axis of rotation of the steering shaft, and the steering wheel has a center of gravity diametrically opposite to a center of gravity of the gas generator with respect to the axis of rotation of said steering shaft.

Abstract: A metallic hub of a steering wheel is formed by upper and lower hub members secured together with a portion of a spoke core held therebetween. The hub members have a protrusion and a recess which are press fitted to secure the two hub members together with the spoke core gripped by the two hub members. The portion of the spoke core is welded to the upper and lower hub members so that the three members are rigidly fixed together.

Abstract: A steering wheel having an operating portion, a hub portion, a spoke portion, an impact energy absorbing member located on the hub portion for absorbing impact energy, and a pad including a hard insert and a soft cover member integrally covering the insert for covering at least an impact energy absorbing member and a spoke portion. The insert has a plurality of divided parts or a portion or portions of thin wall section to improve an impact energy absorbing effect of the impact energy absorbing member independently of the rigidity of the pad, without the deterioration of the pad.

Abstract: An annular rim core of a steering wheel is made from an elongated blank which has, as viewed in cross-section taken in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof, a pair of opposite sides, a first recess formed in one of the sides and sized to fittingly receive a first type of spoke core, and a second recess formed in either one of a bottom of the first recess and the other side and sized to fittingly receive a second type of spoke core. The annular rim core is formed by bending the elongated blank into a circular shape such that the one or the other side of the blank is directed radially inwardly of the circle.

Abstract: A dog clutch includes complementary cooperative male and female connection parts, one of which parts is defined by a hub integral with a wheel while the other part is carried by an end part of a shaft and which have such configuration as to define a series of cylindrical peripheral bearing surfaces and to provide between two successive bearing surfaces radial abutments which define therebetween projections engaged in cavities. A centrifugal expansion device is disposed directly and at least partly in the end part so as to produce a radial expansion of the series of male bearing surfaces and normally achieve an immobilization by the effect of friction of the hub on the end part, and exceptionally achieve a locking against rotation by contact of the abutments.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly including a detachable rim part and a central hub which are connected through linking mechanisms. Both the rim part and the hub are hollow and have integral spokes which have respective oblique ends and elongate slots thereon. The elongate slots on the spokes of the rim part further extend to form a receiving hole. The linking mechanism includes a sliding block, a fixing plate and a spring. The spring is interconnected between the central hub and one end of the sliding block. The fixing plate is hinged to another end of the sliding block and has a protuberance on it. The sliding block is slidable within hollow portions of the spokes with the protuberance of the fixing plate engageable to the receiving hole on the spokes of the rim part so that the rim part is releasably securable to the central hub which forms part of a steering shaft or is fixedly engaged thereto.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has a steering shaft, a wheel ring, a support supporting the wheel ring on the steering shaft, and an air bag device supported on the support means radially inwardly of the wheel ring. The wheel ring has an upper half and a lower half which are positioned above and below, respectively, a transverse line passing through the steering shaft when the steering wheel is in a neutral position thereof. The support has a first support member supporting the upper half of the wheel ring and a second support member supporting the lower half of the wheel ring, the first support member having a greater rigidity than that of the second support member.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprising a one-piece plastic body including a hub portion, an annular rim portion and a plurality of spokes extending from the hub portion to the rim portion. A sheet metal insert is molded in situ in the hub portion to define the opening for a steering shaft. The metal insert includes a central generally circular portion and ends which abut one another and extend radially outwardly in the hub. Aligned openings in the circular portion and hub portion are adapted to receive a locking pin for locking the wheel to the steering shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-theft devices for automobile vehicles in which such devices are fixed on the steering column of the vehicle. The invention provides an anti-theft device which can render the steering mechanism unserviceable by a special lock system which makes it easy to mount and remove the steering wheel when the vehicle is parked.The device comprises a fastening cylinder secured firmly to the steering column, a lock casing which passes through the steering wheel, and by means of a cylinder lock, secures the steering wheel firmly to the fastening cylinder and the steering column.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided with a core of a ring portion, a boss disposed at the center of the core of the ring portion, and cores of a spoke portion disposed between the core of the ring portion and the boss. A first deformable member is interposed between the boss and cores of the spoke portion so as to couple the boss with the cores of the spoke portion, and is provided with a plurality of arm portions which extend radially from the boss and can be plastically deformed. Further, a second deformable member is fixed to the boss at the upper side or lower side of the first deformable member, and abuts on the first deformable member in the deformed state of the first deformable member and then is plastically deformed.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle having a covering material of synthetic resin injection-molded around a core metal and resinous inserts, characterized in that positioning protrusions in contact with or located close to the surfaces of injection molding dies are provided on each of the resinous inserts.

Abstract: The steering wheel, except for its central metallic hub (11), is made from a synthetic material charged with long fibres which is used in the semi-manufactured product state in the form of blanks shaped by stamping in a mould where the blanks are preferably charged edgewise.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a fiber reinforced plastic structure, comprising the steps of winding a continuous long-staple fiber impregnated with a liquid resin around a plurality of winding jigs until the resultant bundle of resin impregnated fibers attains a predetermined thickness; setting rings tightly in place on the linear portions of the resin impregnated fiber bundle between the jigs; and moving the tightly set rings relative to the linear portions thereby wringing the resin impregnated fiber bundle and expelling bubbles entrapped within the fiber bundle.

Abstract: A steering device for a vehicle which comprises steering column members fixed to a body of the vehicle, a steering shaft rotatably mounted on the steering column members, a steering wheel fixedly connected to an upper end of the steering shaft, the steering wheel having first and second recesses, a receiving case member disposed coaxially with the steering shaft, the receiving case member being provided with first and third projections and rotatable together with the steering wheel by an engagement of the first projections and the first recess in the steering wheel, and a cancelling cam member disposed coaxially with respect to the steering shaft, the cancelling cam member being provided with a second projection that is engageable with the second recess in the steering wheel and with a third recess that is engageable with the third projection formed in the receiving case member, whereby the cancelling cam member is rotatable together with the steering wheel by the engagement between the second recess and the

Abstract: A solvent tank is provided for enclosing an organic liquid solvent and an organic solvent vapor layer therein, an adhesive tank for enclosing an adhesive, a means for shifting a steering wheel metal core from the solvent tank to the adhesive tank. The steering wheel metal core is washed in the vapor of an organic solvent. Adhesive is applied to the ring part core bar of the steering wheel metal core thus washed.

Abstract: An energy absorbing apparatus for a steering wheel includes an energy absorbing portion or member disposed between a steering shaft and a steering wheel rim. The energy absorbing member is constituted by an annular relatively thin plate which surrounds the axis of the steering shaft. A portion of the energy absorbing member is bent in the plane orthogonal to the axis of the steering shaft, whereby the bent portion is deformed when a collision occurs, and the kinetic energy is thereby absorbed. The deformable bent portion is provided with a plurality of slits extending radially of the steering shaft and has embossed portions each defined between a pair of adjacent slits, whereby it is possible to control the absorption of any impact load and adjust the amount of kinetic energy which it is intended should be absorbed.