Abstract: A steering wheel configured to rotate about a steering axis, comprising a rim formed of a body molded onto a frame, the body having a first mold release axis, a first groove arranged in the body in a demoldable manner relative to the first mold release axis, a sheathing reinforcement arranged to be inserted into the first groove of the body and at least partially form a second groove, wherein the second groove is arranged to receive an insert in an insertion direction separate from the first mold release axis, and in that the sheathing reinforcement comprises at least one portion which is undercut relative to the first mold release axis.

Abstract: A composite cover for a vehicle steering wheel, comprising at least two adjacent parts connected to one another by at least one stitched seam connection, wherein the seam between the two parts comprises at least two seam finishing stitches, and the connection being free of stitching between the two finishing stitches, so as to allow the cover to be incised between the two finishing stitches.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle steering wheel cover that is easy to be produced and that does not take much time to be attached to a steering wheel. The vehicle steering wheel cover is a ring-shape tube, and is provided with a slit formed so as to be fitted to the steering wheel along the inner circumference inside the ring-shaped tube. The hardness of material of a part of the tube is lower than the hardness of material of the other parts thereof.

Abstract: An electrical device of a motor vehicle component (1) such as a steering wheel, comprising: a first electrical circuit part (5) of the electrical device, —a second electrical circuit part (6) of the electrical device; and an insert (2) which is at least partially visible by an occupant of the vehicle, said device being characterized in that: the device comprises a fastening clip (7) which is permanently in electrical contact with the first and second electrical circuit parts (5, 6), and the insert (2) comprises a zone (21) that interfaces with the fastening clip (7), the interface zone (21) being arranged, so as to compress contact zones (51, 61, 511, 513, 611, 613) of the first and second electrical circuit parts (5, 6), when the insert (2) is in a mounted position on the vehicle component (1), such that a contact resistance between the fastening clip (7) and the first and second electrical circuit parts (5, 6) is improved.

Abstract: This steering device of a vehicle includes: a steering wheel with a rim portion connected to a spoke portion extending from a hub portion; and a capacitance type of contact sensor that detects a grip of the steering wheel by a driver on the basis of a change in capacitance, wherein the contact sensor includes a detection electrode which is installed in the rim portion to sense a change in capacitance of the rim portion, and a conductive member which is disposed in a region of the spoke portion on a side facing the driver and one end portion of which is in contact with the detection electrode of the rim portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover including a stretch fabric ring having a c-shaped cross-section forming a three-hundred-sixty angular degree circle, a first frictitious layer lining at least some of the inside of the stretch fabric ring excepting an angular fabric-only portion of the three-hundred-sixty degree circle, and a second frictitious layer covering some of the outside of the stretch fabric ring, but not covering the angular fabric-only portion.

Abstract: A vehicle system including one or more sensors, a steering wheel including a rim and an adjusting mechanism for adjusting a coefficient of friction between a surface of the rim and a driver's hand, and a controller configured to determine whether a deviation factor between a target path and an actual path based on the one or more sensors exceeds a threshold deviation, send a first signal to the adjusting mechanism for operating to a first state in response to determining that the deviation factor exceeds the threshold deviation, the coefficient of friction being decreased when the adjusting mechanism is in the first state, and send a second signal to the adjusting mechanism for operating to a second state in response to determining that the deviation factor does not exceed the threshold deviation, the coefficient of friction being increased when the adjusting mechanism is in the second state.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes one or more sensors, a steering wheel including a rim having a diameter, the steering wheel including an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the diameter of at least a portion of the rim, and a controller configured to determine whether a deviation factor between a target path and an actual path based on the one or more sensors exceeds a threshold deviation, send to the adjusting mechanism an instruction for adjusting the rim of the steering wheel to a first state in response to determining that the deviation factor exceeds the threshold deviation, and send to the adjusting mechanism an instruction for adjusting the rim of the steering wheel to a second state in response to determining that the deviation factor does not exceed the threshold deviation.

Abstract: Various implementations include a light bar system for a steering wheel of a vehicle that includes a high intensity light source, a light diffusing layer, and an outer lens. For example, in certain implementations, the light diffusing layer is disposed between a plurality of high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an outer lens, and the light diffusing layer causes the light from the LEDs to appear as a continuous stream of light across a length of the lens and provides sufficiently bright lighting to warn or communicate with the driver in various ambient lighting conditions. In certain implementations, the outer lens is colored to blend in with the rest of the steering wheel when the LEDs are not activated.

Abstract: A disposable steering wheel cover for protecting the driver from transfer of germs, viruses and/or bacteria on a steering wheel while also allowing the driver to safely operate the vehicle without risk of slipping of the cover, having an annular member of a water-impermeable, light weight and disposable material with at least one elastic element running along at least a portion of an edge of the annular member for securing the cover in place around the rim of the steering wheel, and one or more gripping elements on the inner surface of the member for providing a non-slip grip on the wheel.

Abstract: A conditioning system that includes (a) a plurality of conditioning modules, each conditioning module including: (i) one or more heat sinks and (ii) one or more thermoelectric devices in communication with the one or more heat sinks; (b) one or more air movers in fluid communication with the heat sink; the plurality of conditioning modules are located within a rim of a steering wheel and the thermo-electric device is in thermal contact with the rim so that when the plurality of conditioning modules are turned on, the plurality of conditioning modules change a temperature of the rim of the steering wheel; and the one or more air movers move fluid across the heat sink.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering wheel that can move between a driving position in which an occupant operates the steering wheel and a table position in which a wheel axis is oriented in a vehicle vertical direction. The steering wheel in the table position functions as a table or a part of a table for use by the occupant, who is sitting in a driver's seat.

Abstract: A steering wheel sheath includes a carbon fiber-comprising composite element and a leather element. The composite element forms a notch and a receiving space axially. Two ends of the composite element extend to form two connection portions bending by a predetermined angle. Inner walls of openings at two ends of the leather element form two engaging portions corresponding in position to the two connection portions of the composite element. An adhesive is applied to outer walls of the two connection portions of the composite element or inner walls of the two engaging portions of the leather element; hence, the composite element and the leather element are connected, coupled and fixed together. The customized manufacturing process allows the steering wheel sheath to be mounted by users and enhances overall feel.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering wheel assembly may include a ring-shaped member comprising a slot and an internal recess, wherein the slot and internal recess extend circumferentially about the ring-shaped member, the slot being provided in a surface of the ring-shaped member and forming an aperture into the internal recess; a support portion configured to be coupled to a vehicle support structure, the support portion extending through the slot; and a guide portion coupled to the support portion, the guide portion being slidably disposed in the internal recess such that the ring-shaped member is rotatable.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a steering wheel cover with inflatable bladders thereon that provide the driver with a comfortable place to position his or her hands on the steering wheel while preventing injuries associated with maintaining a tight grip on the steering wheel for long periods of time. Said inflatable bladders are placed at roughly the four o'clock and eight o'clock positions and at locations roughly equidistant between the ten and eleven o'clock positions and roughly equidistant between the one and two o'clock positions on the steering wheel, where drivers tend to rest their hands. The bladders are inflatable so that they fit comfortably within the driver's cupped hands, thus avoiding the need to grip the wheel. When the driver's hands are on the bladders, his or her wrists remain in line with the palm of his or her hand, thus relieving fatigue while reducing vibration from the wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a gripping formation including an armature substantially encapsulated by a cover of foamed material and a flexible outer skin provided over and around the cover. The flexible skin may be formed of leather or artificial leather. The steering wheel may include a plastic insert engaged within a fixing groove or recess formed in the cover. At least one edge of the outer skin may be positioned within the fixing groove or recess and fixed to the insert by ultrasonic welding, for example. In a preferred arrangement, two opposed edges of the outer skin may be both received within the fixing groove or recess and fixed to the insert therein by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A proximity and contact sensor device in motor vehicle steering wheels includes an extendable band, the length of which is slightly less than the circumference of the steering wheel and of which one surface has fixed to it at least one conductive track covered with a bi-adhesive layer, the conductive track consisting of a flat metal path obtained by treating a metal sheet applied to the extendable band, the conductive track being connected to a multi-channel capacitive sensor circuit connected by a field bus to the vehicle control unit.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly having an armature, a hub, a wheel rim skeleton, and at least one spoke connecting the hub with the wheel rim skeleton. The assembly may include a rim interface component attachable to the wheel rim skeleton. The assembly may further include an insert component, which is attachable to the wheel rim skeleton and/or the hub, and the rim interface component and the insert component being exchangeable independently of each other.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover that houses the sensor, indicator, power and communication elements of a driver safety system is disclosed. The objective is to discourage texting, eating, primping one's self and cell phone use that distract drivers and causes accidents. The steering wheel cover is light, easy to install and lock in place but strong and difficult to forcibly remove. The driver safety system senses the positions of the driver's hands on the wheel rewarding safe habits. When the system senses bad habits the driver is warned, incidence is recorded for third party information in addition to alerting and annoying dis-rewards are given.

Abstract: A reading rack for use with vehicles is proposed, comprising: a sheath member adapted to cover the steering wheel of a vehicle; a bottom member adapted to fasten to a surface of the sheath member; and a pressing member coupled with the sheath member and located at an upper surface of the sheath member, thereby allowing pages of an article/book to be placed above the bottom member and underneath the pressing member. The reading rack of the invention further comprises a holding member consisting of a clipping portion and a coupling portion, wherein the clipping portion is adapted to clip an article or book and couple with the surface of the bottom member by the coupling portion, thereby securely fastening a reading article or a piece of paper onto the steering wheel of a vehicle to provide for convenient reading while stopped or quick reference while driving.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim part having a rim cored bar, a low thermal conductive member that covers the rim cored bar, a planar heating element that is attached to the low thermal conductive member, and a decorative member that covers the planar heating element. The low thermal conductive member includes recesses which have an arc-shaped cross section forming an arc shape in a plane including an axis of the steering wheel and are formed in multiple sites that are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of an annular cross section of the steering wheel in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the steering wheel. The plurality of recesses are formed so that the end portions in the circumferential direction of the arc-shaped cross section are arranged linearly along the circumferential direction of the annular cross section.

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: A steering wheel includes a generally annular ring section to be hand held for steering a vehicle, and the ring section includes a core member and a cladding layer that covers an outer circumference of the core member all over. The hardness of the cladding layer is varied in a circumferential direction of a cross section of the ring section in which the core member is located at the center. An occupancy by a soft region is greater in a first region of the cladding layer located on a side facing toward a rotation center axis of the ring section than in a second region of the cladding layer located on a side facing away from the rotation center axis, such that the hardness in the first region is lower than that in the second region.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a grip core and a rim part. The grip core has a cross-sectional area substantially constant in a longitudinal direction of the grip core. The rim part is molded by foaming of a material liquid in a mold, and configured to cover the grip core. A first portion of the rim part is smaller in cross-sectional area than a second portion of the rim part, wherein the mold includes a vent opening facing the first portion of the rim part during the molding of the rim part, wherein the mold includes a material liquid infusion opening facing the second portion of the rim part during the molding of the rim part, and wherein the material liquid is infused into the mold through the material liquid infusion opening, and allowed to flow toward the vent opening.

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 cover that includes an outer cover layer and an inner core layer coupled to the outer cover layer is disclosed herein. The inner core layer includes an inner surface shaped to form and self-maintain an annular channel sized to receiving an automobile steering wheel therein. The inner core layer has a composition that includes ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and on or more hardening agents. The composition of the inner core layer may also include a flexibility agent, a de-molding agent, a flowing agent, an emollient, an oxidizing agent, a cross-linking agent, a coloring agent, a curing agent, and a foaming agent. The inner core layer may also include one or more ribs extending from an inner surface of the inner core layer.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a steering wheel for steering a vehicle, comprising: a steering wheel metal core that forms a wheel frame; and a covering portion that covers an area surrounding the steering wheel metal core; the steering wheel metal core having: a boss portion that connects the steering wheel metal core and a steering shaft; an annular portion; and a spoke portion that connects the boss portion and the annular portion; and the covering portion having: an annular covering portion that covers the annular portion of the steering wheel metal core; a harness housing groove portion that is configured to house an electric harness for an electrical structure arranged in the covering portion and is formed into a groove shape on a surface facing to an occupant of the annular covering portion; and a harness cover, that covers the electric harness housed in the harness housing groove portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a rim having an armature encapsulated by a cover of resilient material. The cover has a fixing groove or recess formed therein so as to extend around the rim generally circumferentially with respect to the steering wheel. An outer skin is formed from flexible material and is provided over and around the cover such that two opposed edges of the outer skin are both positioned within the fixing groove or recess and fixed therein. The outer skin includes at least one seam terminating in a seam-end located along one of the opposed edges of the outer skin such that each edge of the outer skin positioned within the fixing groove or recess has at least one seam-end, and wherein each seam-end formed along one of the edges is circumferentially offset around the rim from each seam-end formed along the other edge.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a gripping formation including an armature substantially encapsulated by a cover of foamed material and a flexible outer skin provided over and around the cover. The flexible skin may be formed of leather or artificial leather. The steering wheel may include a plastic insert engaged within a fixing groove or recess formed in the cover. At least one edge of the outer skin may be positioned within the fixing groove or recess and fixed to the insert by ultrasonic welding, for example. In a preferred arrangement, two opposed edges of the outer skin may be both received within the fixing groove or recess and fixed to the insert therein by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to automobile parts, particularly to a cover for a steering wheel, the cover comprising a main collar and an inner collar, wherein the inner collar is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate material and is attached to an inner side of the main collar. The steering wheel cover of the present disclosure provides several advantages: The inner collar of the cover is light, anti-slip, non-toxic, and odorless; it features good elasticity and low cost; and it is environmental friendly. Further, one or more anti-slip sheets which may be provided on the main collar can make the steering wheel cover better anti-slip and safer. One or more air holes may be further provided which can make drivers more comfortable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating paint coating method for steering wheel and a steering wheel made by the same. The heating paint coating method uniformly form a heating paint layer on an object having a waved surface like in a steering wheel, and also facilely control a thickness of the heat-patterns. In addition, since it is possible to facilely control a position forming the heating paint layer, and a shape and thickness of the heating paint layer, the resistance division by regions is facilitated, and the loss of the heating paint is reduced, and also the processing cost is reduced.

Abstract: A method for producing a steering wheel for a vehicle is provided with the method including the following steps: providing a steering wheel rim, providing a first and a second blank, in particular made of leather, for producing a covering of the steering wheel rim which covering is visible after the steering wheel is completed; producing the covering by connecting a first edge section of the first blank to a first edge section of the second blank via a seam; and finally covering the steering wheel rim with the covering in such a manner that the seam, which connects the first and the second blank to each other, continues essentially along an inner circumference of the steering wheel rim and is visible from the outside in the completed steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided that may include a central member, a rim, a structural member, a switch-frame and a switch assembly. The rim may be spaced apart from the central member. The structural member may extend between the central member and the rim. The switch-frame may be secured relative to the structural member and may include first, second, and third members cooperating to define an opening. The first member may be disposed between the central member and the rim and may extend laterally across the structural member. The second and third members may be spaced apart from each other and may extend from the first member toward the rim. The switch assembly may be mounted to the switch-frame and may at least partially extend through the opening.

Abstract: A conductive leather with high conductivity and durability and a steering wheel with such conductive leather. The conductive leather includes a coating layer formed of a base coat layer and a top coat layer, both made up of resin based materials. The top coat layer includes a first top coat layer formed on the base coat and a second top coat layer formed on the first top coat layer. The resin based material used in the second top coat layer is a crosslinked resin and the resin based material used in the first top coat layer is non-crosslinked resin. At least one of the first top coat layer and the second top coat layer includes carbon-based conductive particles.

Abstract: A system and method for relieving and preventing fatigue caused by extended gripping of a vehicle/vessel steering wheel. The system includes a first section that attaches to the rim of the steering wheel at a predetermined location and a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible second section that connects to, and extends outwardly from, the first section. The second section supports a portion of the body such as wrists, hands, and forearms.

Abstract: A system and method for relieving and preventing fatigue caused by extended gripping of a vehicle/vessel steering wheel. The system includes a first section that attaches to the rim of the steering wheel at a predetermined location and a deformable second section that connects to, and extends outwardly from, the first section. The deformable second section supports a portion of the body such as wrists, hands, and forearms.

Abstract: A steering wheel system can comprise: an armature comprising a rim comprising a plastic core, a covering between the plastic core and the protective outer layer, and a thermal management provision; a hub with a bush; and a spoke connecting the rim to the hub. A method for making a thermal management steering wheel can comprise: forming a plastic rim with a core having a channel with ribs, wherein during use, the ribs induce a change in direction and a change in velocity of a fluid flow through the channel; laser direct structuring electrically conductive material onto the core; disposing a foam material around the core; and disposing a protective material around the foam material.

Abstract: A vibration arrangement for a vehicle steering wheel includes at least one steering wheel vibrator assembly at or in the ring of the steering wheel, the steering wheel ring having a metallic part that is mechanically coupled to a steering wheel hub and where the at least one vibrator assembly is arranged to produce a frequency of vibration. The vibrator assembly includes a vibrator coupled to an elongate ring-shaped vibration body, arranged to lie around at least a majority of the steering wheel ring without being in contact with the metallic part of the steering wheel ring. The vibration body is arranged to be positioned close to an external surface cover of the steering wheel, which a driver grips while controlling the vehicle. The vibrator assembly can produce a vibration to alert the driver.

Abstract: An adjustable manual wheelchair handrim with a moveable elastomeric friction band. The position of the tubular handrim can be moved to a desired location relative to the wheel rim depending on the needs and limits of the user. The movable friction band is stretched around the drive surface of the handrim at a desired location preventing it from moving and providing increased frictional properties when gripped by the user during pushes. The friction band can be permanently affixed at a location to further prevent movement and slippage between the handrim and the friction band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved steering wheel rotating apparatus that utilizes magnetic forces to permit an individual with reduced strength and/or functioning of his/her arms to more easily control the steering of an automobile.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a gripping portion including an armature substantially encapsulated by a cover, and an outer skin provided over the cover. The outer skin comprises a layer of fabric material defining first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface of the fabric material has a polymeric coating. The first surface is attached to the outermost surface of the cover and the second surface defines a peripheral surface of the gripping portion. Preferably, the second surface of the fabric layer is substantially uncoated. In preferred arrangements, the second surface of the fabric layer has a surface relief pattern substantially defined by a weave of the fabric and thus defines a peripheral surface pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planar heat generating element for use on steering wheels of automotive vehicles and motorboats, and a problem of the invention is to adjust a temperature portion of a planar heat generating element which is attached to a steering wheel, so as to enhance the sensation of using the steering wheel by the user when he or she grips thereon.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steering wheel, comprising: forming a rim portion separately with a decorative outer coating via a first forming process; forming a hub separately from the rim portion via a second forming process, the hub having at least a pair of spoke portions; and securing the rim portion to the pair of spoke portions, wherein the decorative outer coating is applied to the rim portion prior to the rim portion being secured to the pair of spoke portions.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a steering wheel for steering a vehicle, comprising: a steering wheel metal core that forms a wheel frame; and a covering portion that covers an area surrounding the steering wheel metal core; the steering wheel metal core having: a boss portion that connects the steering wheel metal core and a steering shaft; an annular portion; and a spoke portion that connects the boss portion and the annular portion; and the covering portion having: an annular covering portion that covers the annular portion of the steering wheel metal core; a harness housing groove portion that is configured to house an electric harness for an electrical structure arranged in the covering portion and is formed into a groove shape on a surface facing to an occupant of the annular covering portion; and a harness cover, that covers the electric harness housed in the harness housing groove portion.

Abstract: Techniques utilizing a multi-region touch panel are described for implementing user interfaces in various types of devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering wheel and a method of manufacturing the wheel that includes: providing parts including a frame 112 that is composed of a rim 112a and spokes 112b, an upper foam member 114 that is fitted on the upper portion of the frame, a lower foam member 116 that is fitted on the lower portion of the frame and contacts upper foam member 114, and a leather cover 118 that covers upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116; assembling the foam members by fitting upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 onto the upper portion and the lower portion of frame 112; and attaching leather cover 118 by covering the outsides of upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 with the leather cover. According to the steering wheel, first circular grooves G11 where at least one of upper foam member 114 and lower foam member 116 is fitted are formed along the circumference of rim 112a of frame 112 to prevent rotation of the foam members and reduce the weight of the frame.

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: A grip sleeve assembly is adapted to be mounted on a grip portion of a steering wheel. The grip sleeve assembly includes an anti-slip sleeve, a resilient clamp, and a grip sleeve. The anti-slip sleeve is adapted to be sleeved on and in frictional contact with the grip portion, has a C-shaped cross-section, and is formed with a gap adapted for permitting the grip portion to be removed from the anti-slip sleeve therethrough. The resilient clamp has a C-shaped cross-section, and is mounted to the anti-slip sleeve to thereby bias the anti-slip sleeve to clamp the grip portion. The grip sleeve is mounted fixedly around the anti-slip sleeve.

Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim connected to spokes. A covering material is provided to enclose at least a portion of the rim and/or the spokes. The covering material includes an outer cover and a light element positioned under the outer cover. The light element is configured to emit light through at least a portion of the outer cover. The light element is positioned over a casing that is provided to give shape to the steering wheel so that a vehicle driver may easily grasp the steering wheel. The light element may provide continuous, pulsed, or non-continuous lighting.