The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 30, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 24, 1996
Brian T Seymour, Bloomfield, MI (US);
Takata, Inc., Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A supplemental restraint sub-module configured for integral use with a vehicle steering wheel comprising an air bag and an inflator enclosed in a fabric envelope. The sub-module is designed to be incorporated into a well in the central hub section of a steering wheel and is configured to use the well walls and steering wheel mounting plate as reaction surfaces during air bag deployment. The sub-module design eliminates the need for a module housing and thus is smaller and lighter than traditional modules. A membrane horn switch and backing plate can also be incorporated into the sub-module design. The reduced number of parts needed to manufacture the sub-module of the present invention allows the sub-module to be manufactured at a cost reduction. The reduced size and weight of the sub-module allows room for turn signal, light controls, wiper controls and redundant accessory switches to be attached by allowing extra room for the electronics needed to operate these functions.