Driver side air bag module with annular air bag and centrally disposed control module

• US 7,407,183 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2005
• Issued: 08/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc. (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc. (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Ford, Brian C., Langbeen, Lawrence R., Almasri, Hossam, Gosk, Randal, Burdock, John M., Murad, Mohannad F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ilan; Ruth
• Application Number:
  US11/071,943
• Publication Number:
  US 20050146119A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,250 Days
• Field of Search: 280/728.3, 280/728.2, 280/731, 280/771, 745/52, 200/61.54, 200/61.55, 200/61.57
• US Class Current: 280/731
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23576 Sewing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2035 using modules containing inflator, bag and cover attachable to the steering wheel as a complete sub-unit steering wheel covers with tear lines B60R21/21656; assembling of modules B60R21/217
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2037 the module or a major component thereof being yieldably mounted, e.g. for actuating the horn switch or for protecting the driver in a non-deployment situation horn switches integrated in steering wheel covers with tear lines B60R21/21658
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/216 comprising tether means for limitation of cover motion during deployment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21658 with integrated switches, e.g. horn switches
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/231 characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/00 Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles locks for vehicles E05B77/00-E05B85/00

Abstract

An air bag module (20) having a base plate (30) and a toroidal air bag (80) is disclosed. The toroidal air bag (80) defines a pocket (120). The toroidal air bag (80) is coupled to the base plate (30). A control module (40) having a base plate portion (82) and a generally cylindrical portion (86) is coupled to the base and located within the toroidal air bag (80). The control module (40) has a control module cover (90) coupled to said generally cylindrical portion (86) disposed within said pocket (120).

Claims

1. A steering wheel assembly comprising:

a base member (30) with at least one cover retaining flange (26);

a cover (140) defining at least one retaining flange aperture (34) configured to receive at least one cover retaining flange (26);

a steering wheel (14) having an armature (14), the steering wheel having at least one slot (24a) to receive the at least one cover retaining flange (26), wherein the cover (140) is disposed adjacent to the at least one cover retaining flange (26); and

a control module (40) having a generally cylindrical portion (86) with a grooved portion coupled to an opening of the cover, the control module (40) having a control module cover (90) coupled to said generally cylindrical portion (86).

2. The steering wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein the steering wheel (14) includes a plurality of slots (24a), each slot (24a) configured to receive one cover retaining flange (26).

3. A steering wheel assembly comprising:

a base member (30) having a plurality of retaining flanges (26);

a steering wheel (14) having an armature (24), the steering wheel defining a plurality of slots (24a) for receipt of the flanges (26);

a cover (140) including a plurality of retaining apertures (34), each retaining aperture receiving one retaining flange (26) therethrough; and

at least one fastener extending through the base member linking the base member to the steering wheel; and

a control module (40) having a base plate portion (82) and a generally cylindrical portion (86) coupled to the base plate portion (92), the control module (40) having a control module cover (90) coupled to said generally cylindrical portion (86);

wherein said cover (140) is at least partially between said base plate 30 and said steering wheel armature (14).

4. The steering wheel assembly of claim 3 wherein the plurality of slots (24a) is located in the steering wheel armature.