Patent ID: 6979200
Filing Date: 2005-12-27
Classification: H01R

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for electrically connecting a first electrical conductor of at least one electrical circuit carried by a rotatable steering wheel of a vehicle to a second electrical conductor of an electrical circuit separated from the steering wheel of the vehicle, the apparatus comprising: first and second annular housing sections, the housing sections being assembled together so as to define a hollow interior chamber, the assembled housing sections defining a steering column receiving opening therethrough and through which a portion of the steering column is insertable; the first and second housing sections being rotatable relative to one another with the first housing section being coupled to the steering wheel for rotating with the rotation of the steering wheel and the second housing section being coupled to the steering column so as to remain stationary as the steering wheel is rotated; a first electrical contact carried by the first housing section for connection to the first electrical conductor and a second electrical contact carried by the second housing section for connection to the second electrical conductor; at least a first electrically conductive annulus carried by one of the first and second housing sections, at least a portion of the first annulus surrounding the steering column receiving opening, the first annulus being electrically coupled to one of said first and second electrical contacts; and at least a first electrically conductive elongated finger carried by the other of said first and second housing sections, the finger being electrically coupled to the said other of said first and second electrical contacts, the finger comprising a finger contact pad portion which is positioned to slide in contact with the first annulus when the housing sections are assembled and the steering wheel is rotated such that the first electrical contact is electrically connected to the second electrical contact and the first electrical conductor is electrically connected to the second electrical conductor when the first electrical conductor is connected to the first contact and the second electrical conductor is connected to the second contact: wherein the contact pad portion is positioned at one end portion of the finger and projects outwardly from a surface of the finger and being substantially cylindrical; and wherein the finger comprises a body, the body comprising a contact portion positioned at another end portion of the finger and extending in an exterior direction, the other of said first and second housing sections defining a contact portion receiving opening through which the contact portion projects, wherein the contact portion comprises the second electrical contact.