Steering wheel construction question..

[jocko]

What's THIS metal ring that's embedded on the inside of the steering wheel inner opening there for? Doesn't seem to be big or thick enough to really add any strength (it's removed in a different wheel not pictured, pretty flimsy, it's about 1/16" thick). It has nothing to do with the horn working. Anyone know why it's there? My only guess is it's where the horn contact ring/cup thingy (sorry, can't think of the name..) would possibly rub against the inside of the wheel if one really whanged on the horn button. Like for a year. But it just doesn't seem necessary.