US5666102A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle signals incorporated into steering wheel rim
Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn Inc
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Filing: 1996-07-24
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Granted: 1997-09-09
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Expires: 2016-07-24
Abstract
Abstract An improved display for steering wheels places display elements on the rim of the steering wheel. In this way, an operator of a vehicle is less likely to ignore display elements such as turn signals or warning lights. In one embodiment, lights are utilized to display the informational element. In a second embodiment a reconfigurable thin display, such as an LED, an LCD or an electro-luminescent display, is utilized. In either embodiment, the displayed information may change with rotation of the steering wheel.
Inventors
- 👤 John E. Lahiff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:41
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q3/00; B60Q3/10; B60Q3/14; B60K; B60K35/00; B60K35/20; B60K35/21; B60K35/212; B60K35/22; B60K35/28; B60K35/60; B60K35/80; B60K35/81
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
A vehicle steering wheel comprising: a hub and a rim surrounding said hub, at least one spoke connecting said hub and said rim; a control receiving an indication of an upcoming turn; and a display mounted on said rim, said display communicating with said control such that said display provides a turn signal on said rim.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
56 words
A vehicle steering wheel comprising: a hub and a rim surrounding said hub, at least one spoke connecting said hub and said rim; a control receiving an indication of an upcoming turn; and a display mounted on said rim, said display communicating with said control such that said display provides a turn signal on said rim.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A steering wheel as recited in claim 1, wherein said display is a light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A steering wheel as recited in claim 1, wherein said display is a reconfigurable thin display.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A steering wheel as recited in claim 1, wherein said display further displays warning signals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A display as recited in claim 1, wherein said control receives feedback of rotation of said steering wheel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A steering wheel as recited in claim 5, wherein said display is adjusted with rotation of said steering wheel to maintain display elements prominent to a vehicle operator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A steering wheel as recited in claim 6, wherein after a predetermined amount of turning, said control no longer adjusts said display.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A steering wheel as recited in claim 6, wherein said displayed elements move in opposition to rotation of said wheel such that it maintains a generally constant position in space.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A steering wheel as recited in claim 6, wherein said display is an LED display.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A steering wheel as recited in claim 6, wherein said display is an LCD display.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of displaying information on a vehicle comprising the steps of: (1) providing a steering wheel, and display on a rim of said steering wheel; (2) providing a control sensing an indication from the operator of an upcoming turn, said control controlling the display on said display on said rim; and (3) displaying a turn signal on said rim of said steering wheel when an operator has indicated an upcoming turn.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of displaying information on a vehicle comprising the steps of: (1) providing a steering wheel, and display on a rim of said steering wheel; (2) providing a control sensing an indication from the operator of an upcoming turn, said control controlling the display on said display on said rim; and (3) displaying a turn signal on said rim of said steering wheel when an operator has indicated an upcoming turn.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as recited in claim 11, further including the steps of monitoring rotation of said steering wheel, and moving the location of said displayed turn signal on said rim with a turn to maintain a generally constant location for said displayed turn signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as recited in claim 12, further comprising the step of setting an upper limit for adjustment of said display, and ceasing further adjustment of said display if said wheel turns beyond said limit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
83 words
A vehicle steering wheel comprising: a hub and a rim surrounding said hub, at least one spoke connecting said hub and said rim; a control receiving an indication of an upcoming turn; a sensor for sensing rotation of said wheel, said sensor providing a signal of amount of turn of said wheel to said control; and a reconfigurable thin display mounted on said rim, said display communicating with said control such that said display provides an indication of turn signals on said rim.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
83 words
A vehicle steering wheel comprising: a hub and a rim surrounding said hub, at least one spoke connecting said hub and said rim; a control receiving an indication of an upcoming turn; a sensor for sensing rotation of said wheel, said sensor providing a signal of amount of turn of said wheel to said control; and a reconfigurable thin display mounted on said rim, said display communicating with said control such that said display provides an indication of turn signals on said rim.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A vehicle steering wheel as recited in claim 14, wherein said display further displays warning signals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-03-10 | 2001-09-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-09-08 | 2005-03-10 | 2005-09-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-09-08 | 2009-03-10 | 2009-09-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |