Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Elements
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-24
2002-06-25
Bonck, Rodney H. (Department: 3681)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Elements
Reexamination Certificate
active
06408715
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a steering wheel cover, more particularly to one with a replaceable lining layer.
2. Description of the Related Art
A steering wheel is optionally provided with a cover to improve handleability and enhance the aesthetic effect. Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, a conventional steering wheel cover
1
is shown to include an annular hollow core layer
13
and a flexible lining layer
14
. The core layer
13
has a generally C-shaped radial cross-section, and is formed from a shape-retaining resilient material, such as a rubber material. The core layer
13
confines an annular receiving space
11
for receiving a steering wheel (not shown) therein, and has an inner annular peripheral edge that is formed with a slot
12
therealong to permit access into the receiving space
11
, thereby permitting insertion of the steering wheel into the receiving space
11
. The lining layer
14
can be made of natural or synthetic leather or flannel, and has a covering portion
141
that lines an outer wall surface of the core layer
13
for enhanced comfort when gripping the steering wheel cover
1
. The lining layer
14
further has a pair of marginal portions
142
disposed respectively on opposing lateral sides of the covering portion
141
. The marginal portions
142
extend into the receiving space
11
via the slot
12
, and lie against an inner wall surface of the core layer
13
. With the use of a sewing tool, the lining layer
14
is secured to the core layer
13
by forming a pair of seams
15
that extend through the covering portion
141
, the core layer
13
and a respective one of the marginal portions
142
.
The following are some of the drawbacks of the aforesaid conventional steering wheel cover
1
:
1. The lining layer
14
easily gets soiled when the steering wheel cover
1
is in use. However, since the lining layer
14
is sewn to the core layer
13
, the lining layer
14
cannot be removed for washing. There is thus a need for frequent replacement of the steering wheel cover
1
, thereby resulting in waste and higher costs.
2. Since the seams
15
extend to the covering portion
141
, they are visible from the outside and can adversely affect the appearance of the steering wheel cover
1
.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a steering wheel cover with a replaceable lining layer that is clear of the aforesaid drawbacks.
According to this invention, a steering wheel cover includes an annular hollow core layer, a flexible lining layer, and a hook-and-loop fastening unit. The core layer has a generally C-shaped radial cross-section, and is formed from a shape-retaining resilient material. The core layer confines an annular receiving space, and has an inner annular peripheral edge that is formed with a slot therealong to permit access into the receiving space. The core layer further has an outer wall surface, and an inner wall surface with opposing edge parts disposed respectively adjacent to opposite lateral edges of the slot. The lining layer has a covering portion that lines the outer wall surface of the core layer, and a pair of marginal portions disposed respectively on opposing lateral sides of the covering portion. The marginal portions extend into the receiving space of the core layer via the slot, and overlap respectively the edge parts of the inner wall surface of the core layer. The fastening unit is provided on the edge parts of the inner wall surface of the core layer and on the marginal portions of the lining layer to fasten removably the lining layer to the core layer.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5743154 (1998-04-01), Jacinth
patent: 5848559 (1998-12-01), Harrill
Bonck Rodney H.
Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner L.L.P.
Williams Eric M.
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