Vehicle steering wheel having inflatable devices
US6382661B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 7, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20834
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision comprises a steering wheel (11) including a steering wheel armature (12). The steering wheel armature (12) has a centrally located hub portion (20), a circumferentially extending rim portion (22), and at least one spoke (24, 46) extending between the rim portion and the hub portion. At least one inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (122, 132, 134) is mounted on the steering wheel armature (12). An actuatable inflator (100), when actuated, inflates the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (122, 132, 134). The inflator (100) forms at least a portion of the at least one spoke (24, 46) of the steering wheel armature (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.