Steering wheel rim horn blow mechanism
US4742192A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 1987 |
| Grant date | May 3, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H3/142
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle steering wheel includes an annular metal core with a molded plastic body and may include an outer molded layer of vinyl, wrap of leather or the like. A recess is provided extending along the inside rim of the wheel. An elastomeric cover, such as urethane rubber, covers the switch. Annular voids in the elastomeric cover may be selectively placed to provide the desired resilient characteristic. The strip switch preferably includes two outer strips and one inner strip of thin, flexible plastic. Electrically conductive, silver ink coatings are provided on the two outer strips facing each other to form strip contacts and having leads connected to the horn circuit. An inner strip or ribbon forms an insulator with openings to allow engagement of the two conductor strips under tactile pressure at any point around the rim. The inner ribbon is coated on both sides with adhesive to hold the strips together in an integral unit. The strips have sufficient memory to separate when pressure is released to open the contacts, and in this regard Mylar or other suitable plastic material is preferred. In an alternative embodiment, two resilient outer strips are also provided. One of the two s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.