| 摘要 |
A unique and simple method for attaching a steering wheel to a steering shaft includes a pair of securement members. The steering shaft is provided with a slot extending into an enlarged space. The first securement member extends across a bore in the steering wheel, and is threadably received in the second securement member. The steering wheel can be moved onto the steering shaft with the first securement member moving through the slot and into the space. The first securement member can then draw the second securement member into the space. Preferably, there is a tapered interface between the second securement member, the steering wheel, and the steering shaft. The tapered surface drives the steering wheel downwardly onto the steering shaft such that a wedge-lock is provided. In a further feature of this invention, an outer housing surrounds the steering shaft. The outer housing has a pair of spaced slots. The spaced slots selectively provide access to the securement members such that the steering wheel may be removable from the steering shaft, when desired. However, when the steering shaft is locked, the slots are not aligned with the securement members. This will deter theft of the steering wheel assembly. The present invention is particularly useful for modular steering wheel assemblies which incorporate an air bag into the steering wheel.
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