US4771147A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering wheel pad mounting structure and horn switch
Assignee: Tokai Rika Co Ltd
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Filing: 1986-09-11
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Granted: 1988-09-13
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Expires: 2006-09-11
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a mounting apparatus for a steering wheel pad of a motorcar. The pad is adapted to be detachably mounted on a lower cover member by cooperating snap members and retainer members. The engagement of the pad is ensured during the mounting operation so that the pad may be easily slid into position. The necessity of a connector connection of the horn switch before the engagement of the pad is not present since the horn button is positioned to engage a fixed contact on the retainer. The engagement and disengagement of the pad are simplified and a more accurate and positive mounting operation may be effected.
Inventors
- 👤 Kozi Buma
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 23:24
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q5/00; B60Q5/001; B60Q5/003; H; H01; H01H; H01H3/00; H01H3/02; H01H3/12; H01H3/122; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20576; Y10T74/20732; Y10T74/20834
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A steering wheel arrangement comprising: a wheel main body rotatable about a central axis and having an upper and a lower face, a lower cover, a pad, said lower cover being fixed to said lower face of said wheel main body, means for detachably fastening said pad to said lower cover upon movement of said pad at right angles to said axis, and said fastening means including a snap member in the form of a bent flat spring mounted on said lower cover and a retainer member having an opening therein mounted on said pad with said opening being positioned to engage said snap member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A steering wheel arrangement comprising: a wheel main body rotatable about a central axis and having an upper and a lower face, a lower cover, a pad, said lower cover being fixed to said lower face of said wheel main body, means for detachably fastening said pad to said lower cover upon movement of said pad at right angles to said axis, and said fastening means including a snap member in the form of a bent flat spring mounted on said lower cover and a retainer member having an opening therein mounted on said pad with said opening being positioned to engage said snap member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A steering wheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said retainer member is formed as an L-shaped metal member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A steering wheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a movable horn button is mounted on said pad, and a fixed contact is provided as part of said retainer and is positioned for engagement by movement of said horn button.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A steering wheel arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said lower cover includes an insertion support portion which backs up said retainer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
108 words
A steering wheel arrangement comprising a wheel main body rotatable about a central axis and having an upper and a lower face, a lower cover, a pad, said lower cover being fixed to said lower face of said wheel main body, means for detachably fastening said pad to said lower cover upon movement of said pad at right angles to said axis, and said fastening means including a snap member in the form of a bent flat spring mounted on said lower cover, said spring having a lock member secured thereto and said fastening means also including a retainer member having an opening therein mounted on said pad.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
108 words
A steering wheel arrangement comprising a wheel main body rotatable about a central axis and having an upper and a lower face, a lower cover, a pad, said lower cover being fixed to said lower face of said wheel main body, means for detachably fastening said pad to said lower cover upon movement of said pad at right angles to said axis, and said fastening means including a snap member in the form of a bent flat spring mounted on said lower cover, said spring having a lock member secured thereto and said fastening means also including a retainer member having an opening therein mounted on said pad.
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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) | 1991-09-13 | 1992-03-14 | 1992-09-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-13 | 1996-03-14 | 1996-09-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-13 | 2000-03-14 | 2000-09-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |