Abstract: A steering wheel structure, comprising: an internal member provided inside a vehicle steering wheel; a covering member, adhered to a surface of the internal member and covering the internal member; a first concave-convex portion, provided at the surface of the internal member and disposed in a predetermined pattern thereon; and a second concave-convex portion, provided at surfaces of the first concave-convex portion, is provided.

Abstract: Rotary support bodies which support both ends of a rod penetrating a manipulating knob body are formed by joining a first rotary support member which is arranged at one side of the manipulating knob body and supports one end of the rod and a second rotary support member which is arranged at another side of the manipulating knob body and supports another end of the rod, and one end of the rod is fixed to the second rotary support member, and another end of the rod is engaged with the first rotary support member. Accordingly, a manipulating knob can be mounted on a casing in a state the manipulating knob is mounted on the rotary support body.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel assembly is provided with a fixed hub adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. A fixed ring member is mounted to the fixed hub offset from a center of the ring member. A rotating ring member is mounted to the fixed ring member and has a manual grip. The rotating ring member rotates about a center thereof. The rotating ring member is adapted to be operably connected to a steering linkage. The vehicle steering wheel assembly may be provided with an electronic motion sensor. The vehicle steering wheel assembly may be provided with a pinion and a ring gear.

Abstract: A steering wheel (1) has spokes (5) extending outwardly from a boss (3) to a rim (6). The rim has an inner frame (6) with an integrally moulded plastics coating (9) which has an internal cavity (11). The presence of the cavity minimises the overall weight of the steering wheel. The cavity is formed by initially injecting hot plastics material into a substantially vertical mould and subsequently blowing air into the lower part of the mould after some of the plastic adjacent the mould of walls has cooled.

Abstract: A heatable steering wheel includes a steering wheel blank, a heating mat wrapped around the steering wheel blank, a first, visible hard sheathing whose surface is refinished after having been installed, a second, visible softer sheathing, both of the sheathings abutting each other in an abutting area, and a coupling element in the abutting area. The coupling element, as seen from the outside, has a depression and that, starting from the first sheathing, extends under the abutting area all the way to an abutting edge of the second sheathing. The heating mat extends continuously under the first sheathing and under the coupling element all the way to under the second sheathing.

Abstract: A method for producing a steering wheel (10) including a multilayered decorative trim (16) comprises the following steps: providing a multilayered body composed of flat layers joined to each other, the body being bent transversely or perpendicular to the plane of the layers into a shape adapted to the geometry of a steering wheel body part (14), cutting off a thin arcuate decorative layer (26) from a lateral surface of the body, in particular essentially perpendicular to the bending axis, and adapting said decorative layer (26) to and applying it onto said steering wheel body part (14).

Abstract: The present invention is designed to lock a plurality of hooks integrally formed on ornaments to a plurality of locking projections integrally formed on a rim of an armature assembly, in order to provide a steering handle that allows the ornaments to be easily assembled by the locking projections formed on the rim and the hooks formed on the ornaments and detachably locked to the locking projections.

Abstract: A detachable steering wheel connection structure intended to be located between a removable steering wheel and a steering wheel hub. The structure comprises a first and a second connection part. One of the first and second connection parts is adapted to be rigidly connected to the steering wheel, while the other is adapted to be rigidly connected to the steering wheel hub. One of the connection parts comprises a release means, which is axially movable between a first and a second position. In the first position the release means prevents relative movement between the first and second connection parts, thereby keeping them in an interconnected state. In the second position the release means allows for relative rotational movement between the first and second connection parts, thereby allowing them to be moved to a rotational position, wherein they are detachable from each other by movement in an axial direction.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle includes a hollow shell with a first interior chamber. The steering wheel further includes an outer skin on an exterior of the hollow shell. An interior filler may be positioned in at least the first interior chamber. The hollow shell may be molded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering actuation device for a vehicle, in particular for an industrial truck, having an operating element for inputting steering commands by exerting torques on the operating element, having a sensor arrangement for monitoring the steering command input state of the operating element and having a control device for converting the steering command input data detected by the sensor arrangement into control information for a steering drive apparatus of a wheel, which can be steered, of the vehicle, the sensor arrangement detecting the respective steering command input state of the operating element by means of monitoring the elastic material deformation, in particular torsion, of an element, which is subjected to elastic deformation by means of a steering command input torque on the operating element and is coupled to or associated with the operating element.

Abstract: The present invention addresses a vehicle steering-wheel cover comprising a body and a support element having a predetermined profile, said support element being associated to said body. The characterizing feature of the present invention is that diffuser means for diffusing a light emitted from at least one light source, as well as electronic control means for controlling said light source to obtain a visual effect in response to data concerning the status of the vehicle are interposed between said body and said support element.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided with a pattern in which design expressiveness can be improved and a method for manufacturing the same. In one form, the steering wheel includes a core metal extending along a substantially ring-shaped rim, a pad, and a spoke provided radially inward of the rim; and a synthetic-resin upper shell and lower shell that are formed of synthetic resin, whose surfaces are given a pattern, and which are provided along the outer circumference of the rim of the core metal so as to engage with each other. In this case, a synthetic resin layer is provided which coats the whole of at least the rim of the core metal by molding is provided, and the upper shell and the lower shell cover the synthetic resin layer that constitutes part of the rim so as to sandwich it therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel (10) includes a hub (12) and an airbag module (26). The vehicle steering wheel (10) further includes a plurality of switches (18, 20, 22) being integrated in a common housing (16). The housing (16) is fitted on the airbag module (26) and includes at least one mount (32) cooperating with a cover (28) of the airbag module (26).

Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle includes a skeleton (10) and a rear-side covering part. The skeleton forms a hub (12), at least one spoke (14) and an upper part (16) of a steering wheel rim. The steering wheel also includes a rear-side covering part (18) made of plastic, which at least partially covers a lower area of the central part of the steering wheel and also constitutes a lower part of the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: A steering wheel including a rim, first heating members, second heating members, and a control section is provided. The rim has leather-covered portions and wood-grain portions. The surface of the leather-covered portions has a thermal conductivity different from the thermal conductivity of the surface of the wood-grain portions. Each first heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding leather-covered portion. When being energized, each first heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding leather-covered portion. Each second heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding wood-grain portion. When being energized, each second heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding wood-grain portion. The control section controls the energization of the first heating members and the energization of the second heating members independently from each other.

Abstract: A device is provided for mounting a module carrier on a rotatable steering wheel of a motor vehicle in such a manner that the angular position of the module carrier remains constant during a rotation of the steering wheel, with a first toothed ring connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the module carrier, a lever, which is mounted on the steering wheel via a bearing section in a manner such that it can pivot to and fro between two positions, a first toothed wheel, which is mounted rotatably on a first arm of the lever and meshes with the first toothed ring in a first position of the lever, and elastic means for pressing the first toothed wheel elastically against the first toothed ring so that rotation of the steering wheel in one direction causes a rotation of the module carrier in the opposite direction. For actuating the lever, the lever has a second arm which is connected via the bearing section to the first arm of the lever.

Abstract: A rim of a steering wheel for a vehicle may include polyurethane foam coupled onto an entire surface of an amateur constituting a frame of the rim, a hot wire pad adhering to an entire outer surface of the polyurethane foam, and a real wood and a leather cover respectively attached to an outer surface of the hot wire pad to be connected to each other, wherein a clip member is disposed between the hot wire pad and a connection portion of the real wood and the leather cover, and the connection portion is attached to an outer surface of the clip member and an inner surface of the clip member is attached to the hot wire pad.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a steering wheel for a vehicle, especially for a motor vehicle. The method according to one form of the invention comprises the following steps: producing a steering wheel frame having a hub base, a steering wheel rim and at least one spoke by providing a hub insert, injection-molding a plastic matrix around the hub insert to give the hub base, the hub base having a hollow shape forming the interior and reinforcing structures being arranged in the interior of the hub base, injection-molding and/or gas-assisted injection molding or water injection molding the at least one spoke and the steering wheel rim from the plastic matrix, the at least one spoke connecting the hub base to the steering wheel rim, and at least partially coating the steering wheel frame with a coating. The invention also relates to a steering wheel produced by this method.

Abstract: A steering shaft (12) has an end toward a driver of the vehicle and is arranged to turn about an axis (27) to steer a vehicle. A hub (14) of a steering wheel assembly (13) is fastened to that end of the shaft. A spoke pattern of one or more spokes (15) extends away from the hub to a rim (17) that when grasped by the driver and turned, turns the shaft to steer the vehicle. With the rim turned to a position that steers the vehicle in a straight line of travel, the spoke pattern assumes a position of at least approximate symmetry with respect to a vertical plane through the axis. An escutcheon (24, 26) covers the one or more spokes to prevent the driver from having an unobstructed view of the one or more spokes and is positionable within a range of positions relative to the one or more spokes.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided for a motor vehicle, having a hub area, a steering wheel rim, which is situated at least partially around this hub area, and a spoke for connecting the steering wheel rim to the hub area, the hub area, the spoke, and the steering wheel rim each being molded essentially from a high-strength plastic material and the steering wheel rim is implemented around the circumference of the steering wheel at least sectionally as a self-supporting hollow profile. Alternatively or additionally, the steering wheel rim is implemented around the circumference of the steering wheel at least sectionally as a self-supporting hollow profile made of a high-strength plastic material and is at least partially encapsulated with a steering wheel cover.

Abstract: A steering wheel adapter comprises a base having an opening, a plate with a plug formed, and a ring capable of sliding and rotating along the outer face of the base. In the steering wheel adapter, a guide hole penetrating the side face of the base from the outer face into the opening is disposed, a locking member capable of protruding into the opening is provided in the guide hole, and a cam face is provided facing the guide hole on the inner face of the ring. When the ring is slid and rotated in a state where the plate is mounted on the base to insert the plug into the opening, the cam face pushes and protrudes the locking member into the opening, and the locking member is pressed to contact the outer surface of the plug. Consequently, both easy attachment/detachment and prevention of rattle can be achieved.

Abstract: A technique for controlling vehicle functions is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as an apparatus for controlling vehicle functions. Such an apparatus may comprise a support member configured to attach to a steering wheel of a vehicle, a switch assembly fixedly attached to the support member for electrically controlling functions of the vehicle, and a prosthetic steering device rotatably attached to the support member for manually controlling steering of the vehicle. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, such an apparatus may comprise a support member configured to attach to a steering wheel of a vehicle, and a prosthetic device rotatably attached to the support member for manually controlling steering of the vehicle, wherein the prosthetic device has a switch assembly for electrically controlling functions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel comprises a steering wheel skeleton having a hub section, which has a bush extending around a central insertion opening and at least one separate reinforcement plate connected with the bush which is embedded into a die cast section of the steering wheel skeleton. The bush has a groove directed radially outwards, into which an edge of a recess in the reinforcement plate projects. The reinforcement plate is arranged on the bush through a joint connection by material conjunction.

Abstract: A folding tiller for boats including a central fixed part and two essentially-symmetrical, opposing lateral segments which are articulated to the central part by respective hinges which are provided on two diametrically-opposed spokes of the tiller. The two lateral segments are folded down and stacked on top of the fixed part, in order to pass from an open extended position to a folded or retracted position. Moreover, respective longitudinally-opposing spoke segments are held in position by locking elements, at least while the tiller is to be maintained in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A paddle shift member 20 is positioned to the rear surface side of a wheel lower cover 12 by engaging the paddle shift member 20 to the wheel lower cover 12. The wheel lower cover 12 to which the paddle shift member 20 has been positioned is installed to the rear surface side of a steering wheel main body. Then the paddle shift member 20 is connected to the steering wheel main body by screwing a tapping screw T into the paddle shift 20 via the steering wheel main body from the front surface side of the steering wheel main body to which the wheel lower cover 12 has been installed. According to this method, the paddle shift member 20 is assembled to the steering wheel main body without inverting the core 11.

Abstract: To provide an airbag device and a steering wheel capable of improving the operational feeling of horn. An airbag device comprises: an airbag unit 2 having an airbag, an inflator 12 for inflating the airbag, and a cover 13 which is disposed to cover said airbag in the folded state, wherein as the cover 13 is pressed, the airbag unit 2 is moved in the pressing direction; a supporting plate 3 which is fixed to a steering wheel; three springs 4a-4c for biasing the airbag unit 2 in a direction opposite to the pressing direction; and three horn switches 5a-5c which are located outside of the springs 4a-4c in the radial direction of the steering wheel and close to the surface of the cover 13 in relation to the springs 4a-4c.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle has a gap formed between a spoke and airbag cover that can be maintained as small as possible regardless of a hot blast process of a steering wheel. The steering wheel may include an armature member that connects a rim and a hub, an intermediate structure that overlaps and is fixed to the armature member and includes a groove at an end thereof facing an airbag cover, a reinforcement member that is fitted to the groove of the intermediate structure, and/or a cover that includes the reinforcement member, and is fixed to the intermediate structure and the reinforcement member so as to cover the intermediate structure.

Abstract: A steering wheel and steering wheel manufacturing method are provided in which misalignment of the relative position of the wood member and the metal core can be prevented or suppressed in the period until the elastic adhesive is cured. A wood member and a rim metal core portion are bonded by an elastic adhesive being present between the wood member and the rim metal core portion. Spacer members are disposed between the wood member and the rim metal core portion so as to position the wood member relative to the rim metal core portion. Consequently, misalignment of the relative position of the wood member and the rim metal core portion is suppressed by the spacer members during the period until the elastic adhesive is cured.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a boat rudder, which can be mounted on a rudder actuating shaft, comprising a substantially circular body (2) with an external peripheral edge (3) for gripping by a user and a central hub (4) defining an axis of rotation (L), characterized in that the body (2) is formed by a plurality of circle portions (5) which are movable with respect to each other, so as to pass selectively from an open operative configuration, where the circle portions (5) are adjacent and contained in a main plane of extension, to a closed rest configuration, where the circle portions (5) are at least partly superimposed so as to limit the volume in the main plane of extension, and vice versa. Owing to this particular arrangement it will be possible to increase the available space on-board the boat when the rudder is not used and, in so doing, facilitate the movements of the crew.

Abstract: A composite steering wheel for an automotive vehicle having a steering column is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite steering wheel includes a rim, a center hub, and a plurality of spokes connecting the rim to the center hub. The rim, the center hub, and the plurality of spokes are formed from a deformable thermoplastic material. The composite steering wheel also includes an attachment member embedded in the center hub. The attachment member is sized to couple to the steering column.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle includes a circular member operated by a driver of the vehicle to control a steering shaft mounted for rotation inside a steering column, the free end of which is fitted with a box body for housing an air bag and having at least one control lever.

Abstract: A sensor system for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle is provided, characterized in that, in one form, in and/or on a steering wheel rim at least one sensor device for recording the effects of an acceleration is arranged. Rapid and effective reactions can thus be made to impact events, for example.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for detecting an operation amount of or an operation state quantity by an operation force on each of two independent operation elements to thereby control a steering unit based on a difference between the operation state quantities so detected.

Abstract: A wrapped steering wheel in which a coating layer that has coated a cored bar of a gripping portion is wrapped with a covering, and both end portions of the covering are combined upon confronting on an inner peripheral surface side of the coating layer. The confronted both end portions are stitched together in such a way that seams of a thread that are in parallel with a confronting portion of both end portions are arranged in a manner so as to face each other at the confronted both end portions on a front side of the covering, and that seams of the thread crossing the front side seams are arranged at the confronted both end portions on a backside of the covering.

Abstract: Paddle levers protrude from lower sides of a center pad of a steering wheel into two lower spaces partitioned using a horizontal spoke and a vertical spoke of the steering wheel. The paddle lever is formed of a transparent photoconductor, and a periphery of the paddle lever is illuminated in a rimmed shape. Hence, the paddle lever can be visually recognized easily, and a finger touching the paddle lever can be visually recognized instantaneously. Therefore, operation almost nearly equivalent to complete blind touch operation can be attained, and the operability is improved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cover for a motor vehicle steering column (10), said motor vehicle comprising an instrument panel (12), said steering column (10) comprising a fixed portion (16) and a mobile portion (18), said fixed portion (16) being mounted in fixed position through said instrument panel (12), while said mobile part (18) is mounted sliding on the fixed part (16), said cover including a shell (14) for covering the steering column (10), said shell being adapted to be mounted secured in translation to the mobile portion (18), said cover further comprising means for guiding in translation (22, 24). The invention is characterized in that said guiding means (22, 24) are adapted to be installed between said fixed portion (16) and said shell (14) to guide said shell (14) in translation relative to said fixed portion (16).

Abstract: A steering wheel core forming a wheel frame of a steering wheel includes a boss portion to be connected to a steering shaft, a steering portion having a tubular cross section, and a spoke portion connecting the boss portion and the annular portion. The steering portion includes a first half made of metal and having a semicircular cross section, and a second half superimposed on the first half. The second half is made of resin and has a semicircular cross section. A plurality of extending pieces is disposed in a region defined by the first half and the second half to intersect with a plane in which the steering portion extends. Each of the extending pieces has a curved surface corresponding to inner curved surfaces of the first half and the second half.

Abstract: An example steering wheel assembly includes an upper rim and a lower rim secured to the upper rim to establish a flow path. Flow within the flow path heats or cools the steering wheel.

Abstract: A lockable steering wheel quick-release unit (10) for use in an automotive vehicle having a steering shaft and a steering wheel. The unit consists of a steering shaft hub (30) that attaches to an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vehicle steering shaft (28). An extending hub (42) attaches to the hub (30) with threaded fasteners (44), and an adapter (50), covered by a release sleeve (56), attaches the steering wheel to the unit (10) and interfaces directly with the extending hub (42). A plurality of balls (62) are locked between the extending hub (42) and the adapter (50), thereby maintaining a locked position until released by sliding the sleeve (56) into an unlocked ball position. An ejection compression spring (48) provides loading to assist in ejecting the adapter and attached steering wheel when released. A lock unit (24) is provided having a high-security push bolt lock (94) which is disposed upon the extending hub (42) for vehicle protection when the steering wheel with the adapter has been removed.

Abstract: An intermediate article of manufacture forming an outer wrap subassembly having a leather, simulated leather or leather equivalent pliable component and one or more decorative components adhered to or otherwise attached to said leather, simulated leather or leather equivalent pliable component and one or more securing components is disclosed. The one or more securing components adheres or attaches the one or more decorative components to form the subassembly. The subassembly creates a unique attachment capability such that the crevice formed between the leather and the decorative component is maintained at a minimal gap and the radius of curvature of the leather component when assembled to the underlying article to form the final assembly has a radius of curvature of less than 2 mm, preferably 1.5 mm or less.

Abstract: A steering wheel (30) includes a steering wheel armature (32) that includes a rim portion (34). A composite portion (14) is formed by a composite material (52) molded onto the rim portion (34). The composite material (52) comprises a cellulose-based material (56). The composite portion (14) has an outer surface (74) and wood grain impregnations (72) molded in the outer surface. The wood grain impregnations (72) are configured to have a natural wood grain appearance.

Abstract: A wooden member fabrication method which, by a simple process, can enable greater stability of shape subsequent to processing and uniformity of color tone. A wooden original piece with a long form has a hole thereinside which extends in the length direction. Corner portions are chamfered and radial direction thicknesses are substantially constrained to a certain range. An outer periphery of this wooden original piece is compression-deformed in directions toward an axial central portion and the outer periphery is thus made an arc surface. Because of the chamfering, radial direction thicknesses of the wooden original piece are constrained, and differences by location between compression ratios can be suppressed.

Abstract: The steering wheel includes a wheel body and an airbag apparatus disposed on top of a boss. The wheel body is divided into a shaft side division joined to the steering shaft, and a ring side division disposed proximate the ring. The ring side division is rotatable with respect to the shaft side division such that a ring plane is aligned generally vertically. The boss includes an actuator that rotates and moves the ring side division to align the ring plane generally vertically. The actuator completes its operation to align the ring plane generally vertically by the time a driver contacts the inflated airbag in the course of forward motion.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly, comprising: an insert comprising an armature, a rim portion and at least one spoke connecting the armature to the rim portion; a rim assembly comprising a first rim portion and a second rim portion, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being configured to be disposed around a periphery of the rim portion of the insert and the first rim portion and the second rim portion are configured to be secured to each other about the rim portion of the insert, the first rim portion and the second rim portion each being separately formed from a polymeric material prior to the securement of the rim assembly to the rim portion of the insert; and a decorative cover disposed about an exterior surface of the rim assembly.

Abstract: Motor-vehicle steering wheel with a module (13) that houses an airbag and a plurality of control knobs and that does not rotate together with the steering column thanks to a spring device (41, 43, 45), in which said spring device is inserted inside a plastic helical body that includes a groove 35 in its outer part for locating the cables (37) necessary for providing the electrical connection to the airbag and control knobs located in the module (13).

Abstract: An example steering wheel assembly includes an airbag module receiving surface generally defining a first plane. A lower portion includes a lower rim portion and the airbag module receiving surface. An upper portion includes an upper rim portion for covering the lower rim portion. The upper portion and the lower portion define a second plane spaced from said first plane.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has a steering wheel armature, a hub portion and spokes. The hub portion is fixable to a conventional steering column shaft. The steering wheel assembly has a first drum supported on the steering column shaft, to freely rotate about only the axis of the steering column shaft. A second drum is freely rotatable with respect to the first drum only about a second axis. The second axis is parallel to and spaced apart from or incident to of the steering column shaft. Stationary means are provided for supporting the second drum on the first drum. Both the first drum and the second drum are rotated around their respective axes by the spokes engaging their sidewalls. The support provides a stationary support member onto which an airbag module or other devices can be mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel (11) of an automotive vehicle including a framework (17), a foam filling (19) and a horn device (33) with an integrated airbag module (21) including an element (31) for actuating said horn device (33) once the airbag module (21) is positioned and fixed in the steering wheel (11) by pressing the cover (25) of the airbag module (21), and also including securing means for securing the cover (25) of the airbag module (21) in the foam filling (19) of the steering wheel (11) so that the airbag module (21) can pivot thereupon when the horn is actuated.

Abstract: The steering wheel adapter for a motor vehicle has, for connection to a steering wheel, a rotatable retaining plate (10) with at least three retaining elements (11, 12, 13) that are displaceable within a circular segment formed by the upper region of the steering wheel (50) and whereby the steering wheel (50) is frictionally connectable to said retaining plate (10). This upper circular segment is used as a free space for coupling the steering adapter to the steering wheel, with all retaining elements that serve to clamp the steering wheel to said retaining plate being disposed within this free space so that their retaining force is generated against the steering wheel from the inside. In the steering wheel plane outside the steering wheel rim, no components are therefore required that could come into conflict with other components of the motor vehicle in the vicinity of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel mounting assembly comprising first and second stationary rings, the second stationary ring being adapted for connection to a vehicle frame. The assembly further comprises a steering hub having a spindle with a radial flange extending therefrom. The spindle is adapted for connection with a steering shaft and the radial flange is adapted for connection with a steering wheel. The spindle has a first bearing raceway for engaging a bearing of the first stationary ring and a second bearing raceway for engaging a bearing of the second stationary ring. The steering hub has at least one opening that defines a bearing surface. A friction roller assembly, having a shaft with a third bearing thereabout, is positioned in the opening such that as the third bearing rotates relative to the bearing surface, the third bearing moves radially outward and the shaft engages the first and second cylindrical raceways.