Trw Limited

Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

Sheller-globe Corporation

Michael E Heidorn

Glen P Margetak

Donna M Trojan

Eric W Wright

An apparatus includes a vehicle steering wheel (10) for attachment to a vehicle steering column (12). The steering wheel (10) is rotatable and has a hub (130) for non-rotatable attachment to an end (162) of the steering column (12) so that the steering column rotates about an axis (B) upon rotation of the steering wheel. The hub (130) has a first surface (138) defining a first passage (140) for receiving the end (162) of the steering column (12) and a second surface (152) defining a second passage (150) extending transverse to the first passage and partially intersecting the first passage. A hollow cylindrical member (200) blocks axial movement of the hub (130) relative to the steering column (12). The hollow cylindrical member (200) is radially contractible for insertion into the second passage (150) and is radially expandable into contact with the second surface (152) and the steering column (12).

Apparatus for attaching a vehicle steering wheel

An air bag module (22) is supported by a vehicle steering wheel (20) and includes an inflatable air bag (24). A rupturable cover (40) is supported by the steering wheel (20) to conceal the air bag (24) when the air bag is uninflated. A vehicle horn switch (60) is located between the cover (40) and the air bag (24) and includes a first conductor (80) connectable with one of a vehicle horn (62) and a source of electrical power (64). A second conductor (82) extends substantially parallel to and is spaced from the first conductor (80). The second conductor (82) is electrically connectable to the other of the source of electrical power (64) and the vehicle horn (62). The second conductor (82) is deflectable to contact the first conductor (80) to actuate the horn (62). A film structure (84, 86) encloses the first and second conductors (80, 82). First projections (100) are attached to the film structure (86). A plurality of force concentrators (120) on the cover (40) extend toward the switch (60) and cooperate with the first projections (100) to concentrate force applied to the cover (40) to an area of the film structure (86) to deflect the second conductor (82) into electrical contact with the first conductor (80).

Steering wheel with air bag cover and horn switch

A vehicle occupant restraint apparatus (10) includes a vehicle steering wheel unit (12) for use with a vehicle steering column (14). The steering wheel unit (12) has parts which are interconnected separately from the steering column (14). The interconnected parts of the steering wheel unit (12) include a steering wheel structure (40,190), an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (22), an inflator housing (160), and a cover (30) for covering the restraint (22) and the inflator housing (160) on the steering wheel structure (40,190). The steering wheel structure (40,190) includes a rim (42), at least one spoke (44), and a hub plate (190) which supports the rim (42) and the spoke (44) for rotation about an axis (45). The hub plate (190) further functions as a reaction plate for supporting the inflator housing (160) on the steering wheel structure (40). The cover (30) includes inner and outer cover parts (56,58) which respectively include inner and outer deployment door layers (80,82; 90,92) extending over the restraint. Each of the cover parts (56,58) is connected directly to the steering wheel structure (40,190).

Apparatus for restraining a driver of a vehicle

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.

Vehicle safety apparatus a housing assembly for an air bag and vehicle

An air bag module cover assembly incorporates a horn blowing switch. The air bag module comprises a container holding an inflator and a folded air bag. The cover assembly comprises a closure which closes the container, and a horn blowing switch subassembly which is attached to the container. Access to the horn blowing switch subassembly is possible without disturbing the container or removing the module from the vehicle. Moreover, the horn blowing switch subassembly is located for convenient operation by a vehicle operator. It is also adapted to remain integrally connected with a structural portion of the container during deployment of the air bag.

Air bag module cover assembly with horn blowing switch

A cover member for an air bag installation, includes a shaped cap-link member of soft urethane molded directly onto and in covering relation to a pair of thermoplastic, L-shaped, angle members, the urethane adhering to the thermoplastic and operating to prevent inadvertent release of the urethane during deployment of the bag.

Growing community of inventors

Mesa, AZ, United States of America

Michael E Heidorn