IP Library › Granted Patent US 12709220
Granted Patent B2
US 12709220 · App. 19/061,015 · Granted Aug 18, 2026

Lighted steering wheel device

Inventor: Charles Norwood (Allen, TX)
B60Q3/283B60K35/21B60K35/28B60K2360/332B60K2360/782
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12709220
App. No.
19/061,015
Granted
Aug 18, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A lighted steering wheel device is provided. The device is comprised of a steering wheel that integrates customizable and functional lighting features to enhance both safety and aesthetics. The steering wheel comprises various materials and configurations, with embedded flexible LED strips encased in impact-resistant, UV-protected casings, capable of displaying a wide range of static or dynamic light patterns. These patterns can be synchronized with vehicle systems, such as flashing red for emergency braking or reacting to turn signals, and brightness can adjust based on vehicle speed. The device includes a control interface embedded in the wheel and offers further customization via a mobile app, which provides remote access to light settings and synchronization features. Additionally, the device can generate safety alerts, utilizing proximity sensors, GPS integration, and haptic feedback for a multisensory driver experience, with an illuminated emblem adding a complementary design element.

Claims (13)

1 . A lighted steering wheel device comprising:

a steering wheel;

an LED strip embedded within the steering wheel and enclosed in a casing, the LED strip being configured to operate in a lighting mode including a static, a dynamic, and a reactive mode in response to a vehicle safety sensor and a vehicle signaling system;

a vibration motor;

an emblem;

a control interface integrated into the steering wheel for selecting the lighting mode; and

a mobile application configured to wirelessly communicate with the steering wheel assembly for remotely customizing the lighting mode and synchronizing a lighting effect; and

wherein the emblem is an illuminated emblem that is adjustable in color and brightness via the control interface;

wherein the control interface comprises a selector dial integrated into the steering wheel; and

further wherein the LED strip is configured to emit yellow flashes synchronized with a vehicle's turn signal and provide a lighting cue as a lane departure warning.

2 . The lighted steering wheel device of claim 1 , wherein the vibration motor provides a haptic feedback for an emergency braking alert.

3 . The lighted steering wheel device of claim 1 , wherein the LED strip is positioned on an inner rim of the steering wheel.

4 . The lighted steering wheel device of claim 1 , wherein the LED strip is positioned on an outer rim of the steering wheel.