US 7,597,028 B2
Integrally molded composite steering wheels
Steven Stoll, Macomb, Mich. (US)
Assigned to SABIC Innovative Plastics IP B.V., Bergen OP Zoom (Netherlands)
Filed on Aug. 26, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/213,544.
Prior Publication US 2007/0068334 A1, Mar. 29, 2007
Int. Cl. G05G 1/10 (2006.01); B62D 1/04 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 74—552  [280/779] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A composite steering wheel for an automotive vehicle, the automotive vehicle having a steering column, said composite steering wheel comprising:
a rim;
a center hub;
a plurality of spokes connecting said rim to said center hub, each said spoke comprising a hollow chamber extending through said spoke from said hub at least partially to said rim, each said hollow chamber having an access opening adjacent said center hub;
said rim, said center hub, and said plurality of spokes formed from a deformable thermoplastic material;
an attachment member embedded in said center hub, said attachment member sized to couple to the steering column; and
a vibration damper assembly positioned in each said hollow chamber, said vibration damper assembly comprising an end cap, said end cap closing said access opening.