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Apparatus for use in assembling a steering wheel cover, an air bag device and a retainer plate into a single unit

  • US 5,875,537 A
  • Filed: 11/22/1996
  • Issued: 03/02/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for use in assembling a steering wheel cover, an air bag device and a retainer plate into a single unit, said air bag device including an inflatable cushion portion and a base plate portion, said steering wheel cover including a central portion and a plurality of side portions which extend out from said central portion to define with said central portion a pocket for receiving said air bag device, and at least one of said side portions having a tab for lockingly engaging said retainer plate, said apparatus comprising:

  • a receiving nest adapted to receive said steering wheel cover;

    a first expanding device for engaging a first side portion of said steering wheel cover and moving said first side portion outwardly to permit said air bag device to be placed within said pocket; and

    engagement apparatus including first engagement structure for engaging said base plate portion and moving said base plate portion toward said central portion of said steering wheel cover to set a predetermined height of said base plate portion within said pocket and second engagement structure for moving at least one of said first side portion and another of said side portions inwardly toward said central portion of said steering wheel cover, and after said retainer plate has been positioned on said moved base plate portion, said first engagement structure further effecting engagement of said tab with said retainer plate.

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