Trw Limited

Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

Gregory D Rizzo

David G Magoteaux

Frank Paul Leonelli, Jr

An apparatus (10) for covering an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) includes a cover (70) including a portion (82) movable upon inflation of the inflatable device from a closed condition to an open condition. A retainer (50) supports the inflatable device (40) on a portion of the vehicle. A membrane switch (100) in an electric circuit for actuating an electrically actuatable device (102) of the vehicle is movable with the movable portion (82) of the cover (70) from the closed condition to the open condition. The cover (70) has a portion engageable by the vehicle occupant to operate the membrane switch (100) and thereby to actuate the electrically actuatable device (102). The apparatus (10) includes a rigid back plate (110) for the membrane switch (100), and fasteners (90, 120) for connecting the back plate with the movable portion of the cover (70). A flexible tether (130) connects the back plate (110) with the retainer (50) resist movement of the back plate away from the retainer beyond a predetermined amount.

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Washington, MI, United States of America

Gregory D Rizzo