Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Herbert D Clark

Stanley E Smith

Richard Allen Merrifield

Larry L Katz

Thomas L Knoepfle

Thomas R Kushmall

A modular occupant restraint system includes an inflator, a cushion, a container for the cushion, and a cover for the container assembled as a module to a support plate which is releasably mounted on a vehicle steering wheel. The support plate includes pairs of arms extending laterally to opposite edges thereof and a horn blowing switch which is releasably pivotally connected to one arm and releasably secured to the other arm, with the switch being exposed for repair or replacement without disassembly of any of the components of the system. The container includes spaced pairs of arms which engage respective support plate arms and support spoke extensions of the cover which enclose the container arms and support plate arms. The spoke extensions mount horn buttons which close the switch.

Modular occupant restraint system

A ball joint has an elastomeric spring for preloading the ball joint and automatic wear take-up. The elastomeric spring includes an integral conical nib which cooperates with an integral nipple portion of the housing cover to provide a grease fitting for admitting lubricant to the interior of the ball joint housing.

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Kettering, OH, United States of America

Herbert D Clark