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US 2004/0169028 A1Published application
Heated handle and method of forming same
AssigneeW.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
InventorsOgden Hadzizukic, Gabriella Z. Almasi, Corina Alionte
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is disclosed a heated handle (e.g. a steering wheel) and a method for forming the handle. The handle typically includes a core, an outer cover layer and a heater, which is preferably disposed at least partially between the outer cover layer and the core. The heater typically includes one or more of a conductor, a cushion and a separator.
Claims20
A handle, comprising:
- a core having a substantially rigid portion;
- an outer covering that at least partially covers the core;
- a heater disposed at least partially between the core and the outer covering, the heater including:
- i) a cushion configured as a layer;
- ii) a separator configured as a layer that is substantially coextensive with the cushion;
- and
- iii) a conductor at least partially between the cushion and the separator.
4 more elements
A steering handle for a transportation vehicle, comprising:
- a core formed of a rigid member that is at least partially covered with a polymeric material;
- an outer covering that substantially entirely covers the core;
- a heater disposed between the core and the outer covering, the heater including:
- i) a cushion, the cushion being provided as a layer of foamed polymeric material having at least one elastomer;
- ii) an separator, the separator being provided as a fabric layer that is substantially coextensive with the cushion;
- and
- iii) a conductor at least partially between the cushion and the separator
- wherein the heater can elongate about 15% of its own length prior to any significant damage.
5 more elements
A steering wheel for an automotive vehicle, comprising:
- a core formed of a rigid member that is at least partially covered with a polymeric material, the core having a substantially circular configuration;
- an outer covering that substantially entirely covers the core, the outer covering being formed of leather;
- a heater disposed substantially entirely between the core and the outer covering, the heater including:
- i) a cushion, the cushion being provided as a layer of polymeric material having at least one elastomer;
- ii) a separator, the separator being provided as a fleece layer that is substantially coextensive with the cushion, the separator being attached to the cushion with an adhesive;
- and
- iii) a conductor substantially entirely between the cushion and the separator, the conductor being formed of one singular continous conductive element wherein the conductive element is formed of a plurality of copper wire strands that that are woven together.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.