US5369232A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Driver side airbag module cover and horn switch
Assignee: Autoliv ASP Inc
•
Filing: 1993-07-23
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Granted: 1994-11-29
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Expires: 2013-07-23
Abstract
Abstract An airbag cover is provided with a membrane horn switch which is more reliable than prior art switches. A portion of the cover is thinned to provide a flexible horn actuation area. The membrane switch is mounted against the inner surface of the horn actuation area and is backed by a rigid panel mounted to the cover.
Inventors
- 👤 F. Paul Leonelli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 23:23
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/20; B60R21/215; B60R21/2165; B60R21/21656; B60R21/21658; B60R21/203; B60Q; B60Q5/00; B60Q5/001; B60Q5/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A relatively flexible driver's side airbag module cover having a front outer surface and a rear inner surface which comprises: a horn actuation area defined by a thinned area on the rear inner surface of said cover and depressible from its front surface by a driver; a membrane type horn switch mounted behind said horn actuation area within and substantially filling said thinned area on the rear surface of said cover; and a substantially rigid back panel mounted to the rear surface of said cover, overlapping said thinned area and enclosing said horn switch therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A relatively flexible driver's side airbag module cover having a front outer surface and a rear inner surface which comprises: a horn actuation area defined by a thinned area on the rear inner surface of said cover and depressible from its front surface by a driver; a membrane type horn switch mounted behind said horn actuation area within and substantially filling said thinned area on the rear surface of said cover; and a substantially rigid back panel mounted to the rear surface of said cover, overlapping said thinned area and enclosing said horn switch therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The cover of claim 1 wherein said cover is a thermoplastic.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The cover of claim 2 wherein said back panel is mounted to said cover by heating said cover.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cover of claim 3 wherein said back panel is heat staked to said cover.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-11-28 | 1998-05-30 | 1998-11-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-28 | 2002-05-30 | 2002-11-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-28 | 2006-05-30 | 2006-11-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |