Patent Description:
Further patent documents related to the subject-matter of the present invention are <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, or <CIT>.

The present invention relates to a multi-piece spoked steering wheel assembly and an electronic gaming device for vehicle racing simulation as defined in the appended claims, namely in respective independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. Use of the term "exemplary" means illustrative or by way of example only, and any reference herein to "the invention" is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to "exemplary embodiment," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various embodiments," and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

It is also noted that terms like "preferably", "commonly", and "typically" are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a multi-piece spoked steering wheel assembly. The exemplary steering wheel assembly incorporates a spoked universal hub adapter and an exchangeable spoked steering wheel. The hub adapter is configured to attach (directly or indirectly) to a central steering column, and includes a center plate and a plurality of spaced apart hub spokes. Each hub spoke has a proximal end integrally formed with the center plate and a distal end extending outwardly from the center plate. The exchangeable steering wheel includes an outer rim and a plurality of spaced interior wheel spokes. Each wheel spoke has a proximal end integrally formed with the outer rim and a distal end extending inwardly from the outer rim and in a direction of the spoked hub adapter. The distal ends of the hub spokes operatively align with distal ends of the wheel spokes. A plurality of fasteners removably attach together the aligned distal ends of the hub spokes and the wheel spokes, thereby interconnecting the spoked hub adapter and the steering wheel in the multi-piece spoked steering wheel assembly. Exemplary fasteners may comprise threaded bolts, screws, rivets, studs, clamps, clips, latches, pins, sockets, nuts, washers, nails, friction-fitting parts, complementary male and female parts, and others.

As used herein, the term "steering column" refers broadly and generally to the part, device or assembly of the vehicle, electronic gaming device or simulator intended primarily for operatively connecting (or mounting) the steering wheel to the vehicle or device. In the case of vehicles, such as automobiles, ATVs, golf carts, watercraft, farming and construction equipment and others, the steering column may incorporate a steering shaft, outer housing, universal joints and couplings and other such parts. In the case of electronic gaming devices and simulators, the steering column may comprise any wheel-mounting part, area or structure on or within the device, and may function in response to movement of the steering wheel using electronic components, sensors, firmware and software. In one example, the steering column incorporates a hall-effect steering sensor which uses magnetic fields to sense the position of the wheel.

The term "integrally formed" means one or more components assembled together as an integrated unit, wherein the assembled components are not intended for disassembly by an end user. For example, the welding of one metal part to another is considered an integrally formed assembly.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of wheel spokes includes first and second opposing wheel spokes located in respective <NUM> o'clock and <NUM> o'clock positions relative to the outer rim.

According to another exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second wheel spokes has an inwardly-pointed controller surround configured to border a portion of a game controller located adjacent the steering column.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of hub spokes includes first and second opposing hub spokes extending outwardly towards respective <NUM> o'clock and <NUM> o'clock positions on the outer rim of the steering wheel.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of hub spokes further includes a third hub spoke extending downwardly towards a <NUM> o'clock position on the outer rim of the steering wheel.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the third hub spoke defines a game button cutout.

According to another exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of wheel spokes has an elongated thin planar (flat) structure.

According to another exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of hub spokes has an elongated thin planar (flat) structure.

According to another exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of hub spokes is bent at the proximal end formed with the center plate such that the distal end angles in a forward direction relative to the steering column.

According to another exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of wheel spokes is bent such that the distal end angles inwardly in a direction towards the steering column.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the spoked hub adapter has a generally T-shaped structure with an arcuate top.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the outer rim of the spoked steering wheel is substantially annular.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the outer rim of the spoked steering wheel is substantially oval.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure comprises an electronic gaming device for vehicle racing simulation. The gaming device incorporates a central steering column, a spoked universal hub adapter and an exchangeable spoked steering wheel. The spoked hub adapter is attached (directly or indirectly) to the central steering column, and includes a center plate and a plurality of spaced apart hub spokes. Each hub spoke has a proximal end integrally formed with the center plate and a distal end extending outwardly from the center plate. The exchangeable steering wheel includes an outer rim and a plurality of spaced interior wheel spokes. Each wheel spoke has a proximal end integrally formed with the outer rim and a distal end extending inwardly from the outer rim and in a direction of the spoked hub adapter. Distal ends of the hub spokes operatively align with distal ends of the wheel spokes. A plurality of fasteners removably attach together the aligned distal ends of the hub spokes and the wheel spokes, thereby interconnecting the spoked hub adapter and the steering wheel in the spoked steering wheel assembly.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:.

The present invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. Like numbers used herein refer to like elements throughout. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be operative, enabling, and complete. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Where only one item is intended, the term "one", "single", or similar language is used. When used herein to join a list of items, the term "or" denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

For exemplary methods or processes of the invention, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal arrangement, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or arrangement, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, any references to advantages, benefits, unexpected results, or operability of the present invention are not intended as an affirmation that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed. Likewise, unless stated otherwise, use of verbs in the past tense (present perfect or preterit) is not intended to indicate or imply that the invention has been previously reduced to practice or that any testing has been performed.

Referring now specifically to the drawings, an electronic gaming device incorporating a two-piece spoked steering wheel assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in <FIG> and shown generally at broad reference numeral <NUM>. The steering wheel assembly is illustrated at broad reference numeral <NUM>. Like related gaming devices of the prior art, the present gaming device <NUM> comprises a game console <NUM> that outputs a video signal to a display unit (not shown) to display a racing game or other simulation that a user can play through an integrated game controller <NUM>. The game controller <NUM> may include a directional pad <NUM>, a variety of different control buttons <NUM>, a multi-point selection dial <NUM>, and +/- buttons <NUM>, and LED indicator lights <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the gaming device <NUM> mounts directly to a table and features a hall-effect steering sensor (not shown), stainless steel paddle shifters <NUM> and floor pedals (not shown) with anti-backlash. Dual-motor force feedback and other mechanical and electromechanical components are configured to create a realistic immersive racing experience. In other exemplary embodiments, the present spoked wheel assembly <NUM> may be utilized in racing automobiles, ATVs, golf carts, watercraft, farming and construction equipment and other vehicles.

Referring to the embodiment of <FIG>, the exemplary wheel assembly <NUM> incorporates a generally T-shaped universal hub adapter <NUM> and an exchangeable spoked steering wheel <NUM>. The hub adapter <NUM> is configured to attach directly or indirectly to a central steering column "C" of the gaming device <NUM> (See <FIG>), and includes a metal center plate <NUM> forming an arcuate top <NUM> and a number of spaced apart stainless steel hub spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG> and10, each spoke <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub adapter <NUM> has an elongated thin planar structure with a proximal end integrally formed with the center plate <NUM> and a distal end extending outwardly from the center plate <NUM>. In the exemplary adapter, the hub spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are bent at respective proximal ends such that the distal ends angle in a forward direction relative to the steering column "C" of the gaming device <NUM>. The forward angle (α) of each hub spoke <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be between <NUM> - <NUM> degrees. Shaped cutouts <NUM>, <NUM> are formed in the spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to accommodate various control buttons of the gaming device <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the exchangeable steering wheel <NUM> includes an outer rim <NUM> and a number of spaced apart, stainless steel wheel spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each wheel spoke <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has a proximal end integrally formed (e.g., welded) with the outer rim <NUM> and a distal end extending inwardly from the outer rim <NUM> in a direction of the spoked hub adapter <NUM>. Like hub spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, each wheel spoke <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has an elongated thin planar structure. In the exemplary steering wheel <NUM>, the wheel spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are located at respective <NUM>-o'clock, <NUM>-o'clock, and <NUM>-o'clock positions on the wheel rim <NUM>. Each wheel spoke <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is bent at its proximal end such that the distal end operatively matches the angle of an adjacent corresponding hub spoke <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, side spokes <NUM>,<NUM> may comprise integrally formed inwardly-pointed controller surrounds <NUM>, <NUM> configured to border portions of the game controller <NUM> (See <FIG>) located adjacent the steering column "C" of gaming device <NUM>. The steering wheel rim <NUM> may be constructed in any industry-recognized design or style in order to suit a particular racecar or type of racing, and may be covered with an ergonomic grip fabricated of leather, suede, vinyl or other suitable material. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the outer rim <NUM> of the steering wheel <NUM> is substantially oval and is of a type and style conventionally used in sports car racing.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the universal hub adapter <NUM> has a series of preformed annularly-arranged bolt holes <NUM> formed in its center plate <NUM>. These bolt holes <NUM> align with corresponding countersunk holes <NUM> formed in an outer fastener ring <NUM> and internally-threaded holes <NUM> located at the steering column "C" of the gaming device <NUM>. Threaded bolts <NUM> insert through the aligned holes <NUM>, <NUM> of the center plate <NUM> and fastener ring <NUM>, and into the internally-threaded holes <NUM> at the steering column "C" to securely mount the hub adapter <NUM> to the gaming device <NUM>. With the hub adapter <NUM> mounted to the gaming device <NUM> the exchangeable steering wheel <NUM> is positioned such that distal ends of the hub spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend towards respective <NUM>-o'clock, <NUM>-o'clock, and <NUM>-o'clock positions on the wheel rim <NUM> to align with corresponding distal ends of the wheel spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Distal ends of the hub and wheel spokes have preformed fastener holes <NUM>, <NUM> configured to receive respective fasteners 64A, 64B (e.g., threaded bolts and nuts) which securely interconnect the hub adapter <NUM> and exchangeable steering wheel <NUM> together in the exemplary two-piece assembly <NUM>. See <FIG>, <FIG>.

A further exemplary embodiment of the present two-piece spoked steering wheel assembly <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. Like assembly <NUM> previously described, the steering wheel assembly <NUM> incorporates a generally T-shaped universal hub adapter <NUM> and an exchangeable spoked steering wheel <NUM>. The hub adapter <NUM> is configured to attach to the central steering column "C" of the gaming device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and includes a metal center plate <NUM> forming an arcuate top <NUM> and a number of spaced apart stainless steel hub spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The exemplary hub adapter <NUM> may be identical to the hub adapter <NUM> described above - in each of structure, material construction and function.

The exchangeable steering wheel <NUM> includes an outer rim <NUM> and a number of spaced apart, stainless steel wheel spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each wheel spoke <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has a proximal end integrally formed (e.g., welded) with the outer rim <NUM> and a distal end extending inwardly from the outer rim <NUM> in a direction of the spoked hub adapter <NUM>. The wheel spokes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are located at respective <NUM>-o'clock, <NUM>-o'clock, and <NUM>-o'clock positions on the wheel rim <NUM>, as previously described. Each wheel spoke <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is bent at its proximal end such that the distal end operatively matches the angle of an adjacent corresponding hub spoke <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Side spokes <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise integrally formed inwardly-pointed controller surrounds <NUM>, <NUM> configured to border portions of the game controller <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, the outer rim <NUM> of the exchangeable steering wheel <NUM> is substantially round and is of a type and style conventionally used in dirt track racing. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the steering wheel of the present assembly may be readily and conveniently exchanged with one of a type and style conventionally used in stockcar racing. In the stockcar steering wheel, the diameter of the round outer rim may reduced and the rearward angle of the wheel spokes slightly increased.

In each of the various embodiments discussed above, the spoked hub adapter comprises a universal component which enables ready and convenient interchanging of different types and styles of steering wheels. The steering wheel can be exchanged in the vehicle or gaming device without requiring multiple tools, or complicated and time-consuming disassembly and reassembly.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the use of relative terms, such as "substantially", "generally", "approximately", and the like, are utilized herein to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Claim 1:
A multi-piece spoked steering wheel assembly, comprising:
a spoked hub adapter configured for attachment to a central steering column, and comprising a center plate and a plurality of spaced apart hub spokes, each hub spoke having a proximal end integrally formed with said center plate and a distal end extending outwardly from said center plate;
an exchangeable spoked steering wheel comprising an outer rim and a plurality of spaced interior wheel spokes, each wheel spoke having a proximal end integrally formed with said outer rim and a distal end extending inwardly from said outer rim and in a direction of said spoked hub adapter, such that distal ends of said hub spokes align with distal ends of said wheel spokes, and wherein said plurality of wheel spokes comprises first and second opposing wheel spokes located in respective <NUM> o'clock and <NUM> o'clock positions relative to said outer rim, and wherein each of said first and second wheel spokes comprises an inwardly-pointed controller surround configured to border a portion of a game controller located adjacent the steering column; and
a plurality of fasteners removably attaching together the aligned distal ends of said hub spokes and said wheel spokes, thereby interconnecting said spoked hub adapter and said steering wheel in said multi-piece spoked steering wheel assembly.