FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to automobile steering wheel covers. More specifically, the invention relates to such covers that form a complete circle and are stretched over the steering wheel for easy installation and removal.

BACKGROUND

Existing covers for automobile steering wheels include stretch-over covers which are simply stretched over the wheel for the easiest possible installation and removal. Such covers are made of stretchable fabric only and lack the frictionality to hold to the steering wheel securely, and lack rigidity, frictionality, and contouring to provide optimal grip by the user. There are also prior art steering wheel covers that are fabric with a sewn in rubberized membrane fully around the outside to provide grip, but these are difficult to apply to a steering wheel because the rubber which must be used to provide sufficient grip is not easily stretchable to reach over the steering wheel, especially when shaped to provide a contoured gripping surface. Still other prior art laminated covers have a layer of fabric on the outside and a stiff frictitious inner layer sewn together, both fully around the cover. These are difficult to install as well, for the reason explained above, even though they do hold on more securely than fabric alone because the fictitious inner layer holds the steering wheel securely after installation. As used herein, the term “frictitious” is meant to refer to something having a surface that is non-slippery.

There exists the need for a stretch-over steering wheel cover which is easy to install, securely grips the steering wheel, and provides secure grip and contour for the user, and such is an object of the invention. Further needs and objects exist which are addressed by the present invention will become apparent by the included disclosure of an exemplary embodiment thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention may be exemplified by or practiced using a steering wheel cover having a non-stretch frictional inner layer laminated to a stretch fabric base layer for much of its diameter, excepting at one or more stretch fabric only portions of its diameter. The cover may additionally have a non-stretch frictional outer layer laminated to the stretch fabric base layer for much of its diameter, excepting at the one or more stretch fabric only portions, for improving grip by the user.

The invention may be exemplified by a steering wheel cover including a stretch fabric ring having a c-shaped cross-section forming a three-hundred-sixty angular degree circle and a first frictitious layer lining at least some of the inside of the stretch fabric ring excepting an angular fabric-only portion of the three-hundred-sixty degree circle. A second frictitious layer may cover some of the outside of the stretch fabric ring, but not the angular fabric-only portion. The second fictitious layer may have outer surface contouring including one or both of convexities and concavities. The convexities may be one or both of bumps and ridges adapted to fit between gripping fingers. The concavities may be depressions for receiving one or both of gripping fingers and palms.

The stretch fabric may be from the group including spandex, elastane, stretch knit, jersey knit, woolen jersey fabric, sweater knit, rib knit, purl knit, bamboo jersey knit, double knit, rayon knit, rayon blend knit, interlock, interlock twist jersey, silk mesh Knit, silk jersey, lycra, cotton-spandex blend, slinky knit, polyester-spandex blend, stretch satin, stretch velvet, nylon-spandex blend, tricot, rayon-spandex blend, acetate-spandex blend, modal-spandex blend, tencel-spandex blend, linen-spandex blend, stretch denim, cotton-poplin blend, stretchable faux leather, stretchable vinyl fabric, stretch lace, powernet, elastane knit, scuba knit, nylon-lycra blend, lace knit, mesh knits, piled knit, terrycloth knit, fleece knit, stretch velvet, and velour. The first and/or second frictitious layers may be PVC. The at least five angular degrees may be less than approximately ninety angular degrees. The at least five angular degrees may be approximately forty angular degrees.

Further features and aspects of the invention are disclosed with more specificity in the detailed description and drawings provided herein.

