Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

Donna M Trojan

Michael E Heidorn

A vehicle safety apparatus includes a housing assembly (24) which is mounted on a steering wheel (22) of a vehicle. The housing assembly (24) encloses an air bag (38) and an inflator (44). In addition, the housing assembly (24) encloses a horn switch (58). The housing assembly (24) includes an inner cover (34) which is secured to a base (28) and an outer cover (36) which at least partially encloses the inner cover. The horn switch (58) is disposed between the inner and outer covers (34 and 36). The horn switch (58) is formed as a unit and includes a pair of electrically conductive layers (134 and 136) of material which are enclosed by an envelope (142) of electrically insulating material. The horn switch (58) has a unitary construction which facilitates installation of the horn switch between the inner and outer covers (34 and 36) and, if necessary, removal of a defective horn switch. To facilitate removal of a defective horn switch (58), the outer cover (36) is movable relative to the inner cover (34) to expose the horn switch (58) while the inner cover remains secured to the base (28) and the outer cover remains secured to the inner cover and the base.

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Clarkston, MI, United States of America

Donna M Trojan