Abstract: A steering control for vehicles, such as for automobiles or motorcycles in the form of a steering wheel or of a handlebar, with a gripping zone presenting an elastically variable geometry deformable under the action of the hand or the hands of the driver gripping the steering control fast and forcefully in case of danger. Thus, in the event of panic, an hydraulic or pneumatic sensor located inside the gripping zone is activated. The sensor extends over essentially the whole gripping zone of the steering control that can be gripped by at least one hand of the driver, and includes a tube of elastic material, filled with a liquid, and embedded entirely in a foamed plastic material. The steering control exhibits then high effectiveness and reliability of a safety device, in the elimination of potential danger caused by mistaken reactions of the driver, and in the economic feasibility of the inventive device.

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 steering wheel having a manually adjustable palm swell is disclosed. To accommodate vehicle operators of a wide range of grip sizes, an adjustable palm swell is desired. A steering wheel having a generally hoop shaped core material is covered in thermoplastic resin and then with an outer cover. A bladder assembly is provided within the outer cover. The bladder assembly includes a bladder, a bulb connected to the bladder, the bulb having check valves on its inlet and outlet. The bulb, if depressed successively, causes air to flow into the bladder, thereby increasing the diameter of the steering wheel in the vicinity of the bladder. The bladder assembly further has a relief check valve connected to the bladder, which is manually actuated to allow air to be released from the bladder and decrease the diameter of the steering wheel in the vicinity of the bladder.

Abstract: A vehicle steering device includes a rotatable steering handle including grips lying on left and right sides of the steering handle in a straight-ahead driving position with a non-grip space left on at least one of upper and lower sides of the steering handle; and an airbag provided in the steering handle that is deployed between the steering handle and a driver to restrain the driver in the event of a collision. The steering handle includes a support unit movable from a stowed position to an operative position on the vehicle's forward side from a reference plane including a rotating trajectory of a portion of the steering handle normally facing the driver. The support unit supports the rear surface of the airbag deployed in the non-grip space.

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: An enhancement apparatus for a steering wheel includes a front arcuate shell having first and second opposed ends and an interior area. The apparatus includes a rear arcuate shell having first and second opposed ends and an interior area, the rear arcuate shell having a configuration complementary to a configuration of the front arcuate shell for attachment thereto. The apparatus includes compressible foam in the front arcuate shell and compressible foam in the rear arcuate shell configured to jointly sandwich an exposed structural core of the steering wheel. At least one fastener couples the front arcuate shell to the rear arcuate shell while the compressible foam in the front and rear arcuate shells sandwich the exposed structural core of the steering wheel.

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: The present invention describes an automotive steering wheel having a frame, which includes a central hub portion; a ring radially spaced from the central hub portion and having a gripping section; and spokes or arms joining the ring to the central hub portion; the steering wheel is provided with an intermediate cork cover wrapping at least a segment of the ring of said frame; said intermediate cover being formed by two complementary halves joining each other. On this intermediate cork cover there is a decorative layer for the purpose giving the steering wheel an aesthetic appearance and a sense of comfort, preferably, such decorative layer is made of wood. A process for manufacturing this kind of steering wheel is also disclosed.

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 cover assembly for covering a steering column of a telescoping steering assembly is provided. The cover assembly includes a roller portion, a blind portion, and a clip portion. The roller portion is attached within a meter panel, and includes a rod mounted between a pair of tensioners. The blind portion includes a film that is attached at a proximal end to the rod, such that the film is wound and unwound around the rod. The rod is biased by the tensioners to pull the film in a wound direction. At a distal end, the film is attached to the clip portion. The clip portion engages a hook in the film and attaches the film to a steering base. As the steering column moves in a linear, telescoping manner, the film covers the steering column while remaining taut.

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: In a leather 5 for covering a shift knob 1, it has a folded portion 9 formed by folding a leather material 20 such that back sides of the leather material 20 are set in contact with each other, at a small rigidity portion at which a flexural rigidity is small and which is formed along an edge 21 of the leather material 20.

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: The invention relates to a method for producing a steering wheel, having the following steps: arranging and fastening at least one steering wheel covering element to the steering wheel skeleton after an outer layer of the steering wheel has been connected to the outside of the at least one steering wheel covering element. The invention also relates to a steering wheel, produced by means of the method, for a motor vehicle, in which it is provided according to the invention that the at least one steering wheel covering element is designed and provided to be arranged on and fastened to the steering wheel skeleton after the outer layer has been connected to the outside of the at least one steering wheel covering element.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover includes: a wheel sleeve having an inner wall that defines an inner space which is adapted to receive a steering wheel therein, the wheel sleeve further has a radial cross section that has first and second circumferential ends; and a plurality of anti-slip ribs formed on the inner wall of the wheel sleeve. Each of the anti-slip ribs extends from the first circumferential end to the second circumferential end of the radial cross section and radiates inwardly from the inner wall of the wheel sleeve into the inner space in the wheel sleeve.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover includes: an inner sleeve; an outer cover provided with a plurality of intersected stitching lines so as to form a plurality of recesses at intersections of the intersected stitching lines and a plurality of convex portions among the recesses, each of the convex portions protruding in a direction away from the inner sleeve; and a plurality of shape-retaining pieces, each of which is disposed securely in a respective one of the recesses in the outer cover and each of which engages the outer cover in such a manner so as to retain the shape of the respective one of the recesses.

Abstract: A steering system has a steering wheel with an opening configured to mount a steering knob. In one embodiment, the system includes a cover removably coupled to the steering wheel to at least partially cover the opening. In one embodiment, the steering knob has three protuberances equally spaced about the knob.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim assembly having a pair of preformed half-shells secured to the steering wheel skeleton. Each half-shell includes an annular rigid substrate having an outer surface bordered by an inner and an outer peripheral edge, and a cover that overlies both the substrate's outer surface and its peripheral edges. When the two half-shells are mounted to the skeleton, the covered peripheral edges abut one another to provide finished inner and outer peripheral seams on the rim. Nonfunctional stitching in the covers, advantageously provided prior to covering the substrates, cooperate to simulate a functionally-stitched seam on the finished rim assembly. A decorative trim element, such as a trim ring, is mechanically captured between the opposed peripheral edges of the two half-shells. An internal passage defined within the rim assembly is advantageously used in conjunction with a Peltier device to heat and cool the rim assembly.

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: This invention relates to a cover of steering wheel. The main body of the cover is a sleeve (2) made of elastic rubber or soft thermoplastic materials. A coat (3) covering the sleeve (2) is made of textile materials or leather materials. The cover (1) is provided with a cut (4) at its circumference, and a pair of connecting and securing components (5) are mounted at the two ends of the cut (4) respectively for tightening and locking the two ends of the cut (4).

Abstract: A steering wheel cover in the form of an elongated endless resilient member or band with an endless bungee cord secured along each lateral edge. The cover has a substantially flat relaxed state, for packaging and display purposes, from which state the member may be stretched to a limited extent to allow a central portion of the band to extend around the periphery of the steering wheel rim with the lateral edges extending inwardly beyond the cross-sectional center point of the rim with the bungee cord being placed in tension to retain the cover in place.

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: 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: A steering wheel cover in the form of an elongated endless resilient member or band with an endless bungee cord secured along each lateral edge. The cover has a substantially flat relaxed state, for packaging and display purposes, from which state the member may be stretched to a limited extent to allow a central portion of the band to extend around the periphery of the steering wheel rim with the lateral edges extending inwardly beyond the cross-sectional center point of the rim with the bungee cord being placed in tension to retain the cover in place.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for a machine or a vehicle includes a steering wheel and a pommel mounted on the steering wheel for rotation about an axis extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel to facilitate one-handed rotation of the steering wheel. The pommel carries control switches to control functions of the machine or vehicle in particular to allow shuttling between forward and reverse drive. A mechanism is connected to the pommel to rotate the pommel relative to the steering wheel in synchronism with the rotation of the steering wheel about its axis in such a manner as to maintain the same orientation of the pommel in all positions of the steering wheel.

Abstract: In a leathered steering wheel, a leather layer is so arranged as to cover a covered layer of a ring part, and the leather layer is formed by stitching, along the circumferential direction of the ring part, a plurality of leather materials to one another, and the end portions of the leather material are structured with thin portions formed by thinning the back sides of the end portions such that thickness around stitching portions is lowered, wherein a length L1 from the stitching portion to the end face of each leather material is set to be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than a thickness t1 of a main portion of the leather material, and the end face is brought into abutment to the covered layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to wheelchair wheels. More particularly, the invention relates to a more ergonomically designed wheelchair wheel, and also relates to a method of manufacturing such a wheelchair wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel or other component for motor vehicle interiors, is produced by pressure thermoforming an external layer of decorative material, together with an internal structural layer of support material that includes a matrix of thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers for the thermoplastic matrix. The matrix may be of polymer that impregnates the fabric or made of fabrics that are interwoven or mixed with the reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A bicycle shift control device includes a fixed member and a rotatable member rotatably coupled to the fixed member for rotation around a handlebar between at least two shift positions. The fixed member is adapted to be coupled to the handlebar adjacent a hand gripping area of the handlebar. The rotatable member has inner and outer axial ends with a tubular outer actuating surface extending between the inner and outer ends and around a center longitudinal axis of the hand gripping area. The actuating surface is configured to define a tubular hand grip with a finger operating projection extending outwardly relative to the tubular hand grip. The actuating surface includes a first portion constructed of a first material and a second portion constructed of a second material more rigid than the first material. The second portion has the finger operating projection.

Abstract: An adjustable extension lever to be attached to a control lever of a vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, motorcycle or personal watercraft to extend the lever surface available to be contacted during control of the vehicle and including a bendable lever extension that will bend under a bending force greater than the operating force required to operate the vehicle control lever to insure a comfortably located thumb and/or palm engagement surface on an extender connected to and pivot able with the control lever.

Abstract: A vehicle driver control input device includes a non-rotatable wheel having at least one track. First and second hand grips are movably engaged with the track so that the first and second hand grips are movable along the track to facilitate sending steering signals to a steer-by-wire system of a vehicle. At least one of the first and second hand grips has an accelerator demand input mechanism to facilitate sending acceleration signals to an energy conversion system of the vehicle. At least one of the first and second hand grips have a braking demand input mechanism to facilitate sending braking signals to a brake-by-wire system of the vehicle. Alternatively, the wheel and hand grips may rotate with respect to a support post to facilitate generating steering signals.

Abstract: An assembly operable to be used with a steering wheel of a vehicle and to suppress a vibration transmitted to the steering wheel includes a plurality of support flexures and an inertial ring attached to the support flexures. The support flexures are operable to be attached to the steering wheel and the support flexures and the inertial ring are tuned to suppress a vibration at a predetermined band of frequencies. The support flexures and the inertial ring are positioned in an annular cavity formed in the rim.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes 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: An automobile steering wheel and method of manufacturing a steering wheel are disclosed. The steering wheel comprises a hub core connected with rods of a hub via t-shaped connectors. A cover layer includes a hard part and a soft part around the periphery of the hub core and connectors. A vinyl layer and a leather layer encompass the cover layer. A coupling protruder is formed at the front end of the hard part and extends toward the soft part. A plurality of coupling ribs are mounted on the surface of the coupling protruder.

Abstract: A steering wheel including a core metal of a ring portion also includes a soft portion and a hard portion for covering circumferential portions of the core metal. Leather is disposed on a surface of the soft portion and overlaps edges of the hard portion. Extended portions extending from the soft portion surround the core metal and are covered by the hard portion. In this manner, a user of the steering wheel may experience comfort in the feel of the leather on the soft portion as well as an aesthetically appealing hard portion.

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: A tool having a hand gripping region for rotational attachment to an irrigation system with the tool having soft bumps thereon spaced from each other and affixed to the hand gripping region to cushion the user's hand as an irrigation component is field attached to an irrigation system.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes 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 includes 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: In a soft grip element for hand-operated electric machine tools which have a machine housing (10) with a molded-on or attached handle, which has a stiff shell body (18) which is detachably placed machine housing (10) and/or the handle (11), and a coating (19) of soft elastic material which covers the shell body, to form an air reservoir under the surface of the user's hand, in the free surface of the coating (19) a host of recesses (20) is made.

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: An accessory for a vehicle, such as a steering wheel cover, with at least one decorative design appliqué affixed to a covering material by a heat transfer method, such as ultrasonic welding. The accessory may be made by molding at least one design appliqué of a thermoplastic material of at least one first pre-selected color. The mold and thermoplastic material are baked in an oven to set or cure the thermoplastic material, removed from the oven, and pressed onto a covering material for the accessory. With the mold surrounding the design appliqué, it is affixed onto the covering material by a heat transfer method, such as ultrasonic welding, and the mold is removed. Alternatively, the accessory may be provided with at least one design appliqué initially applied to the covering material in a rough, unfinished, generally planar shape, and then shaped and cut to its final form when it is affixed to the covering material by the heat transfer method.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a production method of a steering wheel in which divided bodies are securely integrated into a single unit without using adhesive. In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a production method of a steering wheel comprising the steps of: a) providing a plurality of divided bodies 6, each of which comprises a surface material 3 and a plastic layer 4 provided on the inside of said surface material 3; b) forming an outer shell 2 by integrally welding said plastic layers 4 of said divided bodies 6; c) providing a core metal 1 to be arranged in said outer shell 2; and d) filling plastic between said outer shell 2 and said core metal 1.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover includes a body and a closure member which are configured so as to cover a steering wheel. The body can be configured to either reflect or to retain sunlight so as to either prevent a steering wheel from becoming too hot or to keep a steering wheel from becoming to cold. Additionally, the steering wheel cover can be configured in such a manner to be invertible to allow heat reflection or absorption depending on the weather. Additionally the steering wheel cover can be provided with heating elements to keep a steering wheel warm and can be provided with advertisements or other promotional displays.

Abstract: A steering wheel back cover is disclosed which is composed of multiple interlocking parts. Specifically, the invention provides a two-piece steering wheel back cover which may be securely assembled about a steering column and/or steering wheel of a vehicle. The steering wheel back cover of the invention may be configured to conform to the shape of the steering wheel and to provide an improved view of the control panel of the dashboard to a vehicle operator, and allow attachment of various multi-function switch accessories.

Abstract: The invention relates to steering wheel covers, of themselves known. Even covered steering wheels can be uncomfortable to touch in periods of cold weather and in predominantly cold climates. The invention seeks to remedy this, an objective met by a heatable cover comprising an elongate flexible laminated strip (1) of a length to encircle a steering wheel of a predetermined diameter, the strip having a width to encompass substantially the full periphery of the steering wheel, the laminated strip incorporating a flexible sheet (3) of electrically conductive and heatable material, and a number of spaced substantially parallel electrically conductive strips (4) on one side of the said flexible sheet and extending across the width thereof, said strips being connectable by live and return (8, 9) leads to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A steering wheel table that includes steering wheel connecting brackets that are securable to a tilt type steering wheel of a vehicle such as a motor home or the like which has a table surface portion connected by a hinge like device that is provided with a lockable angular adjustment mechanism for allowing the user to adjust the angle of the table portion to a substantially horizontal position and lock it in place so that the user can be seated at the driver's seat while parked and utilize the table portion for eating or performing other activities normally performed on a table.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes 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 includes 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 which the decorative element is directly attached to the shell.

Abstract: A vehicle handlebar grip for use in a bicycle or motorcycle is disclosed to include a plastic grip body peripherally covered with a flexible covering, the grip body having an axially extended mounting hole for mounting onto the vehicle handlebar, two annular end grooves at two ends, and two radial through holes in communication with the annular end grooves, two locating rings respectively fitted into the end grooves of the grip body, the locating rings each having a radial screw hole, and two tightening up screws respectively inserted through the through holes of the grip body and threaded into the screw holes of the locating rings to fix the locating rings and the grip body to the vehicle's handlebar.