Patent ID: 7145102

Claim:
A steering wheel, comprising: a core formed of a substantially rigid member; an outer covering that at least partially covers the core; and a heater disposed at least partially between the core and the outer covering, the heater including: i) a cushion forming a first layer made of a first material that has an elongation characteristic permitting it to be elongated at least about 50% of its own length prior to failure; ii) a separator forming a second layer made of a second material different from the first material wherein the second material has an elongation characteristic permitting it to be elongated at least about 50% of its own length prior to failure; and iii) a conductor substantially entirely between the cushion and the separator, wherein the conductor is in a pattern configured for assisting the ability of the heater to elongate; wherein the heater can elongate about 15% of its own length prior to any significant damage; and wherein the cushion and the separator are laminated together and are substantially coextensive with each other.