US3822894A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering wheel with built-in air cushion
Assignee: Petri AG
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Filing: 1971-09-23
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Granted: 1974-07-09
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Expires: 1991-09-23
Abstract
Abstract It is known to provide a motor vehicle steering wheel with a central dish or cup containing a collapsed cushion which in the case of an accident is suddenly inflated. The cushion is normally enclosed by a cover, which on inflation of the cushion flies freely off. The present invention provides a strong hinge between the cover and the dish so that on inflation of the cushion the cover is pushed away from the driver, but not liberated.
Inventors
- 👤 R Mueller
- 👤 K Randelzhofer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:24
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/20; B60R21/203; B60R21/215; B60R21/216
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A steering-wheel assembly, comprising: a steering wheel for an automotive vehicle having a hub forming an upwardly open compartment; an inflatable bladder received within said compartment in a collapsed condition thereof and inflatable to emerge from said compartment and cushioned impact of a vehicle operator; a cover plate normally overlying said bladder in the collapsed state thereof and covering said compartment, said cover plate having one edge releasably engaging said hub; a flexible strip anchored to said hub and of contracted width received in said compartment, said strip being fixed to another edge of said cover plate and having a tear-resistance sufficient to resist rupture upon expansion of said bladder to dislodge said cover plate and expand the width of said strip, said strip flexibly attaching said cover plate to said hub upon expansion of said cushion; and rivet means for attaching said strip to said hub and to said plate, said strip being composed at least in part of polyamide fibers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
A steering-wheel assembly, comprising: a steering wheel for an automotive vehicle having a hub forming an upwardly open compartment; an inflatable bladder received within said compartment in a collapsed condition thereof and inflatable to emerge from said compartment and cushioned impact of a vehicle operator; a cover plate normally overlying said bladder in the collapsed state thereof and covering said compartment, said cover plate having one edge releasably engaging said hub; a flexible strip anchored to said hub and of contracted width received in said compartment, said strip being fixed to another edge of said cover plate and having a tear-resistance sufficient to resist rupture upon expansion of said bladder to dislodge said cover plate and expand the width of said strip, said strip flexibly attaching said cover plate to said hub upon expansion of said cushion; and rivet means for attaching said strip to said hub and to said plate, said strip being composed at least in part of polyamide fibers.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-08 | 1978-01-07 | 1978-07-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-08 | 1982-01-07 | 1982-07-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-08 | 1986-01-07 | 1986-07-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |