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

Abstract: A grip system for tools, instruments and other objects held or operated by hand includes a plurality of finger pieces, each having a concave surface to accommodate the convexity of finger palmar surfaces of the holding hand. Each of the finger pieces is connected to the outer wall of a discrete finger piece mount having ends suitable for interdigitation with the adjacent end of another such mount. Each finger piece has a cavity for housing a receiving stem. The receiving stem extends from the working portion of the hand tool or instrument and is telescopically received within the cavities of the discrete finger piece mount. Alternative mounting mechanisms are also described.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel cover of a resilient tubular member having an inner surface of a knurly configuration and an outer fabric covering is provided. A plurality of locking tab members can extend from either side of the edge of the inner surface to provide a complementary locking configuration. Preferably, the insulating characteristics of Neoprene are utilized for the resilient member.

Abstract: A reusable, recyclable, reversible steering wheel cover is formed of preferably corrugated cardboard of a flat box construction with an open lower end comprised of a one-piece die cut blank having a front or driver-facing panel with an arcuate lower end, a back panel and a horizontal middle panel attached therebetween along impressed fold lines. The front and back panels are oppositely attached to the middle panel by horizontal, parallel impressed fold lines. Similar impressed fold lines connect longitudinal flanges at the opposite sides of each panel. Each flange on the front panel is provided with a notched tab to insert into and interlock with a slot formed along the length of fold lines which attach the back panel and side flanges adjacent thereto. Cut notches separate rectangular tabs at each end of the horizontal top panel from the flanges adjacent thereto.

Abstract: An elastomeric cap fitted to a circular valve handle of a fluid shut-off valve comprises a polygonal solid ring structure having an open center and containing a plurality of radially directed sockets molded in the ring structure. The sockets are adapted to engage circumferentially spaced peripheral lobes of the circular valve handle.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover having an overlying front panel and a secondary rear panel attached thereto to form a pocket into which the associated steering wheel can be slidably and releasably received. The overlying front panel and seconary rear panel are each constructed from at least two sheets of metallized nylon having outer selvages bonded to each other to form at least one sealed air pocket. In the preferred embodiment, the overlying front panel also contains an intermediate insulating sheet completely contained within the two respective metallized sheets. The intermediate insulating sheet has a synthetic material base and an overlying layer bonded thereto. The overlying layer is attached to the base to form a plurality of individually sealed air pockets. The base of the intermediate insulating layer is attached to one sheet of metallized plastic, while the second sheet of metallized plastic overlays the intermediate insulating layer to form a large air pocket therebetween.

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

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

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

Abstract: A handle grip for resiliently attaching to a handle tube having a predetermined outer diameter includes a grip body formed of a resilient material and having a first end and a second end. An inner bore which has a diameter slightly smaller than the predetermined outer diameter of the handle tube extends from the first end of the grip body toward the second end of the grip body. An attaching portion is formed in an outer surface of the grip body adjacent to the second end of the grip body. The attaching portion includes at least one engaging groove formed therein. A cap member includes at least one engaging projection. The cap member is positioned on the attaching portion with the engaging projection being received within the engaging groove.

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

Abstract: A throttle mechanism for a vehicle employing a handle grip for steering where the throttle lever is controlled by manual actuation. A shield plate may be provided on the throttle lever to physically block the air flow against the vehicle from flowing directly over the operator's thumb actuating the throttle. Heating elements may be provided to heat a cover on the throttle lever which in turn heats the driver's hand. Heat controlling circuits to effectively reduce the heating input at high temperatures, multiple circuits for both rapid and slow heating and circuitry associated with the vehicle lighting switches may be employed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a leather-wrapped steering wheel which has a core-covering part of low hardness and high repulsion elasticity and, therefore, permits a leather wrap part to be formed through no medium of any rubber layer. This steering wheel comprises a core, a core-covering part made of semirigid urethane foam, and a leather wrap part covering the core-covering part. The semirigid urethane foam is produced by the reaction injection molding of a urethane foam material for water molding using a polyether tape compound and/or a polymer polyol type compound as a polyol moiety and a MDI type compound as a polyisocyanate moiety. This semirigid urethane foam possesses hardness in the range of 40 to 65 (Asker C), repulsion elasticity in the range of 15 to 60%, and density in the range of 0.3 to 0.5 g/cm.sup.3.

Abstract: A cover for an automobile steering wheel for improving the grip on the wheel. An endless annular member is defined by a plurality of discrete elements secured in end to end relation for the major extent of the annular member. These elements define stalls adapted to coact with the fingers of the user's hand for facilitating the gripping of the steering wheel. The elements forming the annular member preferably alternate between stretchable members and non-stretchable members although the annular member could be formed by only non-stretchable members secured in end to end relation.

Abstract: To manufacture a steering wheel rim, a sleeve 21 is formed by a braiding machine 12 by interlacing and braiding unidirectional fibers 10. A coil-shaped lightweight core 9 is then inserted by a covering apparatus 14 into the braided sleeve, and core rings are cut out from the coil. The ends of the cut rings are butted to form the rims, and after being joined with a spoke 2 are placed in a mold 31, where an outer molded layer 11 is formed by injecting a thermosetting resin into the mold and heat curing it.

Abstract: A cover for the steering wheel of a motor vehicle, a motor boat or another conveyance has an annular body of leather or the like with an annular slot. The marginal portions of the annular body along the slot are doubled so that they comprise inner and outer layers which are integral with one another adjacent the slot and are secured to each other by one or more rows of stitches. Rows of relatively long stitches are provided in regions where the overlapping layers of the marginal portions are integral with each other, and a lace is used to connect the long stitches on one marginal portion with the long stitches on the other marginal portion. The lace can be caused to assume an undulate shape, particularly a zig-zag formation, and can be tightened as strongly as desired to narrow the slot or to reduce the width of the slot to zero.

Abstract: A steering wheel is described, which comprises a core that is covered with a synthetic resin covering material which is overlaid with a coating film thereon, wherein said covering material is formed using an injection molding method by a resin composition that comprises 100 parts by weight of a polyvinyl chloride resin, 100 to 200 parts by weight of a phthalic acid ester based plasticizer represented by formula (I) and 10 to 40 parts by weight of an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each an alkyl group, provided that when the total number of mols of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is 100 mol, a monomethyloctyl group is present in an amount of 10 to 60 mols, while a dimethylheptyl group is present in an amount of 30 to 70 mols.

Abstract: A steering wheel is described, which comprises a core that is covered with a synthetic resin covering material, wherein said covering material is coated with a urethane-based paint that contains 2 to 10 wt % of nylon beads having an average particle size of 10 to 30 .mu.m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat repellent and heat resistant steering wheel cover comprising an annular band comprised of a layer of eel skin and a layer of a soft flexible material, such as leather, with reinforced rolled outer edges and perforations along the circumference of the reinforced edges providing means for interlacing the annular band to a steering wheel rim.

Abstract: A steering wheel having the hand wheel part thereof formed of an injection molded foam of thermoplastic synthetic resin, which injection molded foam has a substantially solid outer surface and is covered with a coating. This steering wheel is produced in attractive appearance without requiring use of any specially formulated resin material or exercise of rigid control of molding conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steering wheel for an automotive vehicle, comprising a light weight expandable hollow member which is capable of maintaining its predetermined shape and defining therein a gas-sealed space, and a reinforced plastic material covering and in contact with the hollow member, thereby providing a necessary large cross-sectional area of at least the rim section of a steering wheel of decreased weight at low production cost and high production efficiency.

Abstract: A covering assembly for the ring portion of a steering wheel which comprises a cover layer, a hooking member and a hooked member. The hooking and hooked members are fixed along opposing longitudinal sides of the cover layer and will fit together in a locking relationship with the cover stretched about the ring portion. The steering wheel is provided with a circumferential groove in which the hooked member is inserted and the hooking member is received by the hooking member after the cover material is wrapped and stretched around the steering wheel so that the cover fits tightly thereabout.

Abstract: A steering wheel for automobiles in which the coated part of the rim core bar comprises a soft foam with a skin layer. The soft foam with a skin layer result from expansion molding of a polyvinyl chloride plastisol. The polyvinyl choride plastisol is prepared by blending a paste resin with a plasticizer, a stabilizer, an expanding medium and other subsidiary materials.

Abstract: A steering wheel having cross spokes and mounted for rotation on a steering column is provided with an electric heating arrangement including a thin strip of metal foil adhesively bonded to and extending substantially about the entire outer periphery of the wheel. The outer surface of the foil strip is coated with an electrically insulating plastic film and a protective cover is disposed over the foil strip and steering wheel outer periphery and secured by lacing. A control switch mounted on one of the spokes is connected to the foil strip by power supply leads extending along the spoke. A current limiting resistance element is interposed intermediate the length of the metal foil strip to insure moderate current levels therethrough and is carried by another spoke of the wheel.

Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle formed from a molded polyurethane resin and a molded vinyl chloride resin which contains a heat stabilizer consisting of (I) 1 to 3 phr of the organo maleate, (II) 1 to 4 phr of zinc soap and 0.3 to 1.0 phr of an organo-phosphite, or (III) 1 to 3 phr of organotin maleate, 1 to 4 phr of zinc soap and 0.3 to 1.0 phr of an organo-phosphite.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel cover is disclosed formed of a continuous tubular member adapted to tightly conform and be maintained upon a steering wheel without the use of auxiliary fasteners or wrapping cords. The cover is fabricated having a semi-rigid, resilient inner tubular core which frictionally adheres to the circumference of the steering wheel and an outer fabric covering adapted to dissipate heat and cold and provide a substantially slip free hand gripping surface.

Abstract: A wheelchair hand rim that provides improved control and mobility has a cross-sectional contour that is configured to optimize the gripping surface and finger wrap over widely differing angles. The contour (taken at top dead center) is characterized by a lower curved portion of sufficient radius to provide a firm finger grip, a generally vertical inboard portion, an outboard gently curved portion that slopes inboard from bottom to top, and an upper curved portion that includes an outboard segment of a first radius sufficient to provide a firm upper palm grip and an inboard portion of a second, smaller radius that is still sufficient to provide a smooth rest for the thumb of the user. A hand rim suitable for users having extremely limited grip strength has a peripheral configuration that is not circular, but rather undulating.

Abstract: A steering wheel attachment has a foam cushion pad with a cylindrical outer surface, upper and lower flat parallel surfaces, and a linear diameter surface dimensioned to overlie the upper half of a steering wheel with a cover enclosing the pad and a pocket panel on the back of the cover matingly fitting over the steering wheel to hold the pad in position to permit a user to rest head and arms on the pad; a rigid stiffener panel inside the cover prevents actuation of the horn button of the steering wheel to which the pad is attached.

Abstract: A flexible steering wheel rim having an upper portion with a pair of arcuate leaf springs. Each leaf spring is mounted to a seat in the lower portion of the rim. The seat is interposed between the two leaf springs such that a gap is formed between the leaf springs which narrows as the leaf springs converge towards each other away from the seat.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover comprising an annular band of soft, flexible material having a length dimensioned for distension around a steering wheel rim and a width dimensioned for wrapping around said rim, juxtaposing opposite side edges of the band. The band is formed with hems at and extending longitudinally of the side edges and is perforated for interlacing the side edges. A flexible cord is mounted in and extends longitudinally of each of the hems between the perforations and the side edges. The cords and perforations are positioned for and the cords have tensile strength requisite for transmitting to the side edges the clamping action of the interlacing while relieving stress on the walls of the perforations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hand grip that is received over the hand gripping portion of a handle of a tool. The hand grip is formed of a spirally wrapped porous tape of a reticulated, open cell form having an uncompressed wall thickness no greater than about 5/16". The spiral wrap has a continuous open edge seam between adjacent tape wraps and is secured to the handle by an adhesive tape spiral wrap overlying the open edge seam and adjacent edges of the porous tape. This material, in contrast with sponge and sponge-like materials, has a low water holding capacity, less than about 20 volume percent. Preferably, the hand grip has a high degree of compressibility, typically with a compression resistance at about 80 percent deflection no greater than 1.5 to about 4 pounds per square inch. The low capillary and open-celled structure of the sleeve insures breathing of the sleeve under repeated compression which is adequate to expel most moisture during use.

Abstract: A cover formed of plastic material dimensioned and shaped to fit over a circular valve hand wheel having a ring of alternate ribs and recesses, the cover having an opening approximating the diameter of the recesses and yieldable to stretch over the ring of ribs for retension thereby; the cover being translucent to expose information appearing on the hand wheel, such as to indicate the direction in which to turn the hand wheel in order to open or close the valve; the cover also having areas for embossing or otherwise applying further information.

Abstract: An injection molding process for the manufacture of a sports type steering wheel rim cover having a soft feel and high wear resistance without exudation of plasticizer which could produce a slippery rim section or windshield fogging. The process includes the use of a novel soft rubber composition which achieves the above-described characteristics for a steering wheel and the invention also includes the steering wheel product made by this process and composition.

Abstract: The steering wheel covers for automobiles includes a band of foam material having a pair of road opposed surfaces, the inner surface of which is to face the steering wheel crown and the outer surface of which is to be gripped by the hand, in use. The band is perforated with a multiplicity of through-going holes passing through the band from one broad surface to the opposed broad surface. The inner broad surface of the cover comprises a carrier foil having an adhesive surface to face the steering wheel crown with the carrier foil being tear resistant, elastic and having been formed during the foaming process utilized to form the foam band. The outer surface of the cover preferably includes a surface finish and includes a closed outer skin which is produced during the foaming process utilized to produce the foam band. The peripheral walls of the through-going holes are sealed so that the foam core is completely enclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a removable hand grip that is received over the hand gripping portion of a handle of a tool, particularly of a tennis racket and the like. The hand grip comprises a tubular sleeve of an open-celled, noncapillary, porous material having an uncompressed wall thickness no greater than about 5/16 inch. Most preferably a material of a reticulated structure such as a non-woven fibrous material is used. This material, in contrast with sponge and sponge-like materials has a low water holding capacity, less than about 20 volume percent. Preferably, the hand grip has a high degree of compressibility, typically with a compression resistance at about 80 percent deflection no greater than 1.5 to about 4 pounds per square inch. The low capillary and open-celled structure of the sleeve insures breathing of the sleeve under repeated compression which is adequate to expel most moisture during use. This breathing action is accentuated by the high compressibility of the foam.

Abstract: The grip which incorporates the invention is designed for use with implements provided with elongate rigid handles and is particularly suitable for use with tennis rackets, golf clubs, and the like. It consists of an elongate strip of elastomeric material having a high degree of elastic memory and having a generally arcuate shape in cross section in unstressed condition. When applied to the handle of a tennis racket or golf club, for example, a first end is opened out and placed on the free end of the handle, concave side in, and the strip is wrapped in tension over its own first end and then helically along the handle with its concave inner surface in flat facewise contact with the handle without overlap. When it is fully wrapped, the second end is located under the adjacent wrap and secured by friction and elastic pressure.

Abstract: A cover for a steering wheel having a wire or other rigid circular member of fixed diameter greater than the inside diameter, but less than the outside diameter, of the steering wheel, and an annulus of elasticized fabric or other flexible elastic material secured to the wire. The annulus has an outside diameter corresponding to the diameter of the wire and a radial width corresponding to the axial circumference of the steering wheel. The wire is placed along the inside or lower surface of the steering wheel rim in abutting relationship, and the elastic material is stretched around the axial circumference of the steering wheel such that the elasticity of the material causes the material to grip the steering wheel and form a cover therefor.