Video game control unit with self-centering steering wheel

A video game control unit comprising:

• a removable console section including:
• a console housing;
• a steering wheel video game input device having a rotation axis, a neutral position, a right-turn direction and a left-turn direction, said steering wheel video game input device including:
• a steering wheel;
• a rod-shaped steering shaft that is secured to and supported by said console housing, said steering shaft extending parallel to and surrounding said rotation axis, with a first end of said steering shaft being affixed to said steering wheel;
• and
• means for providing a restorative force to return said steering wheel video came input device to the neutral position, said means for providing a restorative force including a cylindrically-shaped centering cam having a V-shaped first face and a flat second face disposed normal to said rotation axis, said centering cam being attached to and retained on said steering shaft;
• means for limiting rotation of said steering wheel video game input device about said rotation axis in both the left-turn and right-turn directions;
• means for electrically interfacing said console section with a digital computer;
• and
• means for providing electrical right-turn and left-turn indication signals to said digital computer interfacing means;
• and
• a base section including:
• a baseplate having a top surface and a bottom surface;
• a tray having a top surface, a bottom surface and means for retaining said removable console section on said top surface of said tray;
• a pedestal interposed between said top surface of said baseplate and said bottom surface of said tray, securing said tray to said baseplate, for supporting said tray at a predetermined height above said baseplate.