Modular steering wheel and air bag combination
US5692769A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20834
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A combined steering wheel and air bag modular unit is ultimately assembled. A cover is first molded around a steering wheel insert. The cover is molded as a single piece over the wheel and the area where the air bag module will be placed. In the past, two separate covers were utilized since the air bag was generally attached to the steering wheel after the steering wheel had been attached to the vehicle. The modular unit is then attached from the side to the vehicle steering column shaft. The present invention results in increased flexibility in the location of where manufacturing steps occur, and improves the aesthetic appearance of the cover for the steering wheel and air bag.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.