Readily rupturable membrane switch for airbag module

Claim 1

In a membrane switch for use as a horn actuation switch on a driver side airbag cover of an airbag module assembly housed in a vehicle steering column, the improvement comprising: the membrane switch having first and second electrically conductive membrane sheets said first and second electrically conductive membrane sheets in juxtaposed relationship for electrical contact with actuation pressure on said switch, and wherein each of said first and second electrically conductive membrane sheets comprises first and second relatively large electrically conductive areas integral with and joined together by at least one relatively small electrically conductive area bridging between said first and second relatively large conductive areas, the at least one relatively small electrically conductive area bridging said first and second relatively large electrically conductive areas of each membrane sheet being readily rupturable by a force provided by an inflating airbag in an airbag module assembly and wherein the at least one relatively small electrically conductive bridging area is locatable on an airbag cover in an airbag module assembly in a location generally aligned with and spanning a rupturable or tearable seam in said cover of said airbag module assembly.