Abstract: The device for shifting an automatic transmission for motor vehicles has a selector lever, which makes possible an automatic uplifting and downshifting of the transmission in a first position as well as an additional arrangement on the steering wheel for manual downshifting or upshifting; this additional arrangement 2 is integrated within the steering wheel rim 1.

Abstract: A horn actuating device for a motor-vehicle steering-wheel comprises a plurality of spring which resiliently support an actuating element constituted by the housing of the air-bag associated with the steering-wheel or a covering element for the steering-wheel hub. The springs define movable electric contacts adapted for co-operation with fixed electric contacts for actuation of the horn. All these contacts are connected to electric conductive strips embedded in a flexible strip of plastic material which is connected to supports also made of plastic material, on which the above mentioned springs rest. The actuating element is provided with studs guided within bushes forming part of said supports of plastic material. The studs are held at the lower end by elastically deformable stop means which enable a rapid installation of the air-bag unit or the hub covering element on the steering-wheel frame.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in a vehicle comprises a steering shaft (12) rotatable about a first axis (B) and an activatable lock (18) operatively coupled with the steering shaft for preventing rotation of the steering shaft. The lock (18) is deactivated by a key (19). A vehicle steering wheel (20) includes a hub portion (130) and is non-rotatably connected to the steering shaft (12) by the hub portion for joint rotation with the steering shaft. The apparatus (10) further comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (70) attached to the steering wheel (20). A movable member (200) blocks axial movement of the steering wheel (20) relative to the steering shaft (12). A housing (160) encircles a portion of the steering shaft (12) and the hub portion (130). The housing (16) includes at least one opening (194).

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a ring, a plurality of spokes extending from the ring toward the middle of the steering wheel, and a pad encompassed by the ring. An accessory panel having a switch is secured to the spokes. A support member supports the accessory panel with respect to the spokes. A fastening member fastens the accessory panel to the spokes. The support member is located separately from the fastening member.

Abstract: A one-piece steering wheel skeleton is produced by die casting an aluminum alloy of the Al—Mg—Mn type. Such a steering wheel skeleton has a high strength in combination with a high ductility. An object is to further increase the ductility of such a steering wheel skeleton, so that severe deformation of the steering wheel skeleton without breakage of the steering wheel spokes occurs under the influence of a very high acting force. To achieve this, the steering wheel skeleton undergoes a heat treatment in age hardening at elevated temperatures and then is cooled in stationary air. A steering wheel skeleton heat treated in this way can endure at least 30% greater deformation without breakage of the spokes in comparison with an untreated workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the detachable fastening of a steering wheel on a steering shaft having an axis. The steering wheel has a hub provided with a through-bore arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the steering shaft and the through-bore intersects a groove arranged in the steering shaft. The device comprises a fastening member arranged in the through-bore. The fastening member has a bolt with a head and a shaft provided at least partially with an external thread and has a nut able to be screwed onto the shaft of the bolt. The nut is able to engage into the groove and the through-bore has two oppositely directed radial support surfaces arranged between the bolt head and the nut. One support surface is arranged on the bolt head side and the other support surface is arranged on the nut side. A spring element is provided which engages one of the bolt and the nut and exerts a force onto one of the bolt and the nut. The force aims for an increase of a distance between the bolt head and the nut.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized driving of vehicle including providing a steering column and a steering wheel; connecting the steering wheel with the steering column for driving; disconnecting the steering wheel from the steering column when a driving is no longer needed and a driver wants to remove the steering wheel so that it can not be used by an unauthorized person; and forming a connecting unit for connecting the steering wheel to the steering column so that the connecting unit is designed individually for each vehicle, and once the steering wheel of a vehicle is removed from the steering column, any different steering wheel can not be connected with the steering column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shock-absorbed vehicle steering wheel which comprises a hub with a steering wheel mounting and a handling region for a driver. The handling region is, in particular, a steering wheel rim. A vibration damper is provided in a path of the flux of force between the steering wheel mounting and the handling region. The vibration damper has damping characteristics which are adjustable via one of an electrical and magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising a skeleton embedded in a foam casing and a covering cap having an edge. The covering cap, for actuation of a horn, is mounted so as to be displaceable in an axial direction, the foam casing of the skeleton adjoining the edge of the covering cap. Guides for the covering cap are provided in a region of the edge of the covering cap. The guides are arranged such and elastically mounted such that upon laterally pressing down the covering cap for actuating the horn, the guides are tilted allowed by a yielding of the foam casing.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a steering shaft (12) rotatable to turn steerable vehicle wheels. A steering wheel (14) has a hub (40) for connection to an axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12). The hub (40) has a tapered surface (50) defining an opening (42) into which the axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12) extends. A collet (60) has a tapered radially outer surface (64) engageable with the tapered surface (50) of the hub (40). The collet (60) also has a radially inner surface (62) engageable with the axial end (20) of the steering shaft (12). A fastener (80) connects the steering wheel (14) to the steering shaft (12). The fastener (80) applies force to the collet (60) to force the radially outer tapered surface (64) of the collet into engagement with the tapered surface (50) defining the opening (42) in the hub (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel including a steering wheel hub which has an axial direction and a steering wheel rim which has an inner and an outer face and is provided with a foam casing. The steering wheel further includes at least one spoke connecting the steering wheel hub with the steering wheel rim, and an insert which is visible from the exterior on at least one of the inner face facing the steering wheel hub and the outer face facing away therefrom. The insert is a surrounding ring which has first segment sections on a periphery of the steering wheel rim and which are visible from the exterior. The insert further has second segment sections alternating with the first sections. The second sections are not visible from the exterior and are embedded in the foam casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement to be secured to a base part of a vehicle. The arrangement comprises first and second parts to be secured to the base part in sequence and adjacent and aligned to each other, and a device for aligning the first and second parts to each other. The first part is to be secured to the base part before the second part. The device has at least one protuberance on the first part extending toward the second part. The protuberance features an alignment bevel configured relative to the second part such that it is contacted by the second part during assembling of the first and second parts to the base part.

Abstract: A method of preventing unauthorized driving of vehicle including providing a steering column and a steering wheel; connecting the steering wheel with the steering column for driving; disconnecting the steering wheel from the steering column when a driving is no longer needed and a driver wants to remove the steering wheel so that it can not be used by an unauthorized person; and forming a connecting unit for connecting the steering wheel to the steering column so that the connecting unit is designed individually for each vehicle, and once the steering wheel of a vehicle is removed from the steering column, any different steering wheel can not be connected with the steering column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising a skeleton made of die cast material, a reinforcement being embedded in the die cast material.

Abstract: A steering wheel incorporates a hard portion bonded to the overall circumference in the cross-sectional circumferential direction of a ring portion and a soft portion molded to cover the core metal of the ring portion and softer than the hard portion, the hard portion and the soft portion being disposed in the planar circumferential direction of the ring portion. An extended portion extending from the soft portion is disposed on the surface of the core metal of the ring portion at a position on the inside of the hard portion. The steering wheel enables the hard portion and the soft portion to be formed around the core metal of the ring portion by collective injection molding. The core metal of the ring portion has an inverted U-shape cross sectional shape and made of die-cast metal formed by die-casting.

Abstract: An bag apparatus of which the entire body or the module cover moves smoothly and is easily positioned with high accuracy is provided. The air bag apparatus is disposed at the central region of the steering wheel, and includes a module cover having three attaching portions. In addition, horn switches are disposed under the attaching portions. Each of the horn switches includes a movable terminal having a guide hole. The three horn switches are disposed at vertexes of a triangle. The opening of each of the horn switches extends perpendicularly to the line which passes through between the other two horn switches.

Abstract: A steering wheel has at least one covering part affixed to a steering wheel rim. At least one mechanical connecting element, in particular a clip-type connecting part, is placed between the steering wheel rim and the covering part.

Abstract: A unique and simple method for attaching a steering wheel to a steering shaft includes a pair of securement members. The steering shaft is provided with a slot extending into an enlarged space. The first securement member extends across a bore in the steering wheel, and is threadably received in the second securement member. The steering wheel can be moved onto the steering shaft with the first securement member moving through the slot and into the space. The first securement member can then draw the second securement member into the space. Preferably, there is a tapered interface between the second securement member, the steering wheel, and the steering shaft. The tapered surface drives the steering wheel downwardly onto the steering shaft such that a wedge-lock is provided. In a further feature of this invention, an outer housing surrounds the steering shaft. The outer housing has a pair of spaced slots.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a boss for fastening the steering wheel to a steering shaft. Among other features, the steering wheel has a pair of lower spokes that are deformable to absorb energy in a collision. The boss conserves space and has relatively long splines for engaging the steering shaft. The boss includes a plate that facilitates insert molding and conserves space. The spokes include integrally formed airbag supports. A bolt retainer is included in the steering wheel. The bolt retainer holds a bolt for tightening the boss on the steering shaft, and the bolt retainer permits one-handed attachment.

Abstract: A heater for a steering wheel includes a heater main body arranged on a rim of the steering wheel and formed like a net. The heater main body comprises a plurality of heater wires for generating heat upon energization and side edges arranged along longitudinal edges of the heater main body and fixed at an inner periphery of the rim.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim skeleton and a rim casing. At least one vibration-damping element is provided which is arranged between the rim skeleton and the rim casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a skeleton for a steering wheel rim made of sheet metal, the method comprising the following steps: a flat metal blank is cut in such a way that it has a ring-shaped section, the ring-shaped section is deformed in such a way that it acquires a hollow profile which in cross-section encloses an angle of more than 180°, and the deformation is carried out at least partially in that the ring-shaped section is moved between two rotatable rollers. The invention further relates to a steering wheel produced by the method proposed. Such a steering wheel has a hollow steering wheel rim including a center channel for delivering cooling air. The channel is defined by the open hollow profile and by a shell part placed onto the profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a vehicle steering wheel. The method comprises the following steps: a) a one-piece steering wheel skeleton having a hub, at least one spoke and a steering wheel rim is produced by one of casting and injection-molding, b) an intermediate layer made of soft foam is glued directly onto the steering wheel rim and c) the intermediate layer is covered with leather in that the leather is glued directly onto the intermediate layer. As an alternative working step, a cover consisting of an inner intermediate layer made of soft foam with an outer covering made of leather is glued with an inside directly onto the steering wheel rim. The invention further relates to a vehicle steering wheel produced by one of the methods.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a fixing device for a steering wheel that is mounted to a boss of the steering wheel to press the boss in a first direction of engaging the steering wheel with a steering shaft and is engaged with an annular groove of the steering shaft. A pressing device is mounted to the boss to press the steering shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to release the steering wheel from the steering shaft.

Abstract: A steering wheel incorporates a hard portion bonded to the overall circumference in the cross-sectional circumferential direction of a ring portion and a soft portion molded to cover the core metal of the ring portion. The hard portion and the soft portion can be formed around the core metal of the ring portion by collective injection molding. A coating layer can be provided for the surface of the hard portion, and leather can be bonded to the surface of the soft portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel is produced from injection molding of a foamed thermoplastic elastomer. The thermoplastic foam material can produce desirable characteristics for both the rim and the airbag cover. The rim of the steering wheel has good wear characteristics and a targeted compressibility or “feel” while the airbag cover has the sought-after strength across a large temperature range and exhibits very little compliance. The thermoplastic foam material is also beneficial because it has a non-olefinic foam carrier, such as polyvinyl acetate, which does not degrade the adhesive used to attach a cushion and/or a outside wrap to the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision comprises a steering wheel (11) including a steering wheel armature (12). The steering wheel armature (12) has a centrally located hub portion (20), a circumferentially extending rim portion (22), and at least one spoke (24, 46) extending between the rim portion and the hub portion. At least one inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (122, 132, 134) is mounted on the steering wheel armature (12). An actuatable inflator (100), when actuated, inflates the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (122, 132, 134). The inflator (100) forms at least a portion of the at least one spoke (24, 46) of the steering wheel armature (12).

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. The structure includes a worm gear and complementary gear. The complementary gear may be a helical gear.

Abstract: First and second spoke cores are arranged linearly through the boss plate so that most of the lower ends of the first and second spoke cores are located above a middle line. A third spoke core is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first and second spoke cores. A pair of tine portions are provided in the third spoke core so as to be connected to the first and second spoke cores, thereby the tine portions and the first and second spoke cores intersect each other obliquely. In the tine portions, through holes and reception seats are provided so that the air bag module is fixed with screws and the through holes while the air bag module abuts on the reception seats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a hub, a steering wheel rim, at least one spoke connecting the hub and the steering wheel rim, and at least one decorative element. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke have a skeleton and a sheathing surrounding the skeleton. The skeleton has a recess and the decorative element has a fastening element which projects into the recess.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a boss for fastening the steering wheel to a steering shaft. Among other features, the steering wheel has a pair of lower spokes that are deformable to absorb energy in a collision. The boss conserves space and has relatively long splines for engaging the steering shaft. The boss includes a plate that facilitates insert molding and conserves space. The spokes include integrally formed airbag supports. A bolt retainer is included in the steering wheel. The bolt retainer holds a bolt for tightening the boss on the steering shaft, and the bolt retainer permits one-handed attachment.

Abstract: A heatable steering wheel with electric heating wires on a wheel rim is provided. The heating, wires are covered by a casing. The casing consists of a support layer that has good thermal conductivity and of an externally applied layer of veneer wood.

Abstract: This assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a steering column comprising a steering shaft capable of turning about a longitudinal axis, a steering wheel (3) comprising an outer rim (6) and at least one spoke (8) connected by a first end (20) to the rim and by a second end (21) to the rear end of the steering shaft to drive it in rotation about its longitudinal axis, a fixed central pad (4) placed substantially at the center of the steering wheel at the rear of the second end of the or of each spoke and connected to the rear end of the steering column so as to be fixed in terms of rotation when the steering shaft is turning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel comprising a hub, a steering wheel rim, and at least one spoke having at least one spoke section. An vibration-decoupling means is provided on the spoke which acts in all directions and at least largely isolates the steering wheel rim in terms of vibrations from the at least one section of the spoke.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel (10) comprises a steering wheel armature (14) having adjoining first and second portions (20 and 60) and a decorative layer (30) covering the first portion (20) of the armature. The decorative layer (30) has an annular groove (44). A band (80) is disposed in the groove (44) in the decorative layer (30). A wrapable material (90) covers the second portion (60) of the armature (14). The wrapable material (90) includes an end portion (92) folded around the band (80) and disposed in the groove (44) to form a junction of the wrapable material and the decorative layer (30).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching as well as removing a steering wheel to and from a steering shaft. The steering wheel includes a pair of threadably mated, first and second securement members which are movable relative to one another. One of the securement members is received within a preformed, keyed slot on the top of the steering shaft. When the securement members are tighten the second securement member is moved into the slot thereby securing the steering, wheel to the steering shaft. The apparatus further includes a movable wedge which is positionable between the top of the steering shaft and a part of the steering wheel. Inward movement of the wedge urges the steering wheel and the steering shaft apart facilitating separation and removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel with at least one covering element, which is preferably affixed above an insert of the steering wheel rim (3). According to the invention, at least one mechanical connecting element (11), in particular a clip-type connecting part, is placed between the steering wheel (1) and the covering element (5, 6).

Abstract: A steering wheel has an airbag module and a separate cap covering the airbag module. The airbag module is connected to a skeleton or hub of the steering wheel using a plurality of vibration damping elements to isolate the airbag module from the hub. The cap, on the other hand has no vibration damping element. As the cap is directly linked to the hub, it oscillates with the hub and the components attached thereto so that no relative movement therebetween exists.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a hub, a steering wheel rim and at least one spoke connecting the hub and the steering wheel rim. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke has a skeleton and a sheathing surrounding the skeleton. The steering wheel further comprises at least one decorative element and at least one clamp element at which the decorative element is latched. The clamp element at least partly encompasses the sheathing.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a core metal, a receptacle, and a weight. The core metal has a boss core metal connected to a steering shaft; a rim core metal; and a spoke core metal connecting the boss core metal and the rim core metal. The receptacle is disposed in the rim core metal. The receptacle is hollow and has an internal wall portion. The weight is movably received in the receptacle, and is allowed to impinge on the internal wall portion of the receptacle.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool suitable for opening a number of different valve structures such as commonly found in public service domains such as fire hydrants, natural gas, fire trucks, etc. The tool is compact and is designed to grip a number of different size valve stems.

Abstract: A steering system mounted wherein a plurality of switch knobs are vertically movably inserted in a housing provided within a steering wheel, and a self-function detecting switch actuated by the pushing operation of each of the switch knobs is mounted on a printed circuit board located on the underside of said housing. The self-function detecting switch is comprised of four push switches having one driving pin. A driving portion is formed on the underside of each of the switch knobs to simultaneously press one or a plurality of driving pins. The shape of the driving portion varies with the switch knob to be used. The switch knob is restricted, by the holding cover openably provided on the steering wheel, so as not to fall out of the housing. When the operator presses any arbitrary switch knob projecting out of the holding cover, a specific identifying signal is outputted from the self-function detecting switch in accordance with the shape of the projection of the driving portion provided on the switch knob.

Abstract: In a steering wheel (10) for motor vehicles, of the kind coated by materials, such as hide, leather and the like, the spokes (20, 22) thereof are coated by means of hide flaps (40) whose ends (42, 44) are forcedly inserted into cuts (50) made along radial axes of the spokes (20, 22) themselves, or symmetrically arranged with respect to the radial axes and thereon incident.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a steering wheel rim, a hub and at least one spoke connecting the steering wheel rim and the hub. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke comprises a skeleton, a sheathing surrounding the skeleton as well as a shell arranged around the sheathing, and at least one decorative element. At least one latching element is provided by means of which the decorative element is directly attached to the shell.

Abstract: In order to provide a steering wheel that can prevent chattering of a wooden member with respect to a metal core, a steering wheel comprising: an annular metal core, the metal core connecting to a vehicle; and a wooden member, the wooden member curving in a substantial arc corresponding to the metal core and having a passing hole formed therein, with the metal core passing through the passing hole; wherein a space is formed at, at least a portion of boundary between the metal core and an inner wall, forming the passing hole, of the wooden member, the space being for absorbing relative movement of the metal core and the wooden member, is provided.

Abstract: In order to provide a steering wheel in which the strength of a wooden member is enhanced and the appearance of the wooden member is improved, a steering wheel comprising: a substantially annular metal core; and a wooden member comprising a plurality of wooden pieces, the wooden pieces being formed from a pure wooden material and bonded together to surround a part or the whole of the metal core when mounted on the metal core; wherein the wooden pieces are formed from a single pure wooden material, and the wooden pieces that are bonded together are formed from adjacent sites of the single pure wooden material, is provided.

Abstract: A steering apparatus capable of accurately recognizing operations of an operation section and of reducing the number of parts and simplifying its structure. The steering apparatus is composed of a steering wheel for controlling movements, operation sections mounted on the steering wheel for operating equipment, and a vibration section for giving vibrations to at least a portion of the steering wheel in relation to the operations of said operation sections.

Abstract: There is provided a steering wheel having a ring portion which is constituted by a core bar and decorative portions which are disposed along the core bar partially to so cover an external surface of the core bar. The decorative portions are disposed to cover the external surface of the core bar along the full circumference thereof in a transversely circumferential direction of the ring portion when an upper decorative portion having a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section and a lower decorative portion having a substantially U-shaped cross section which constitute each of the decorative portions are combined together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel attachment for detachably arresting a vehicle steering wheel on a vehicle steering shaft. The steering wheel attachment comprises a free end of a steering shaft which has a multiple-cornered profile, the free end further having a radial groove including a wedge surface. The attachment further comprises a hub portion on the side of the steering wheel, the hub portion including a recess corresponding to the multiple-cornered profile of the steering shaft and a radial guiding surface. A wedge is provided which can be moved along the radial guiding surface so as to be moved in and out of engagement with the groove. A drive screw is provided which is seated in a threaded bore in the hub portion and is rotatably coupled with the wedge.

Abstract: A vehicle interior hand grip material for mounting on an existing gear shift lever arm, on a portion of a steering wheel and other items operated by hand inside a vehicle. The hand grip material includes a plurality of flexible “string like” elastomeric members extending outwardly from an attachment member. The attachment member may be a thin wire wrapped around a portion of the elastomeric members and tightened thereon. Also, the attachment member may be a liner with one end of the elastomeric members attached to the liner. The wire attachment member can be secured around a gear shift threaded housing threaded on an end of the vehicle's gear shift lever arm. Also, the wire attachment member can be attached to other hand operated items inside the vehicle. Further, the steering wheel liner attachment member can be placed around a portion of the vehicle's steering wheel.