Abstract: Advantageously, the present invention is directed to a membrane horn switch assembly designed so that a steering wheel cover can expand or contract due to extremes in temperature without the unintentional closing of a circuit used to activate a remote horn. Also the membrane horn switch is designed so that a space between concentrators on either the steering wheel cover or a reaction plate is minimized thereby requiring less exerted pressure on the steering wheel cover to actuate the switch. Additionally, the steering wheel cover is designed so that a greater deflection in the cover results when using the same amount of pressure as was previously exerted on the cover.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has a mounting plate which secures a molded steering wheel to a steering shaft in a vehicle. The mounting plate has a pair of slots having respective longitudinal axes which intersect the plane of the steering wheel at a six o'clock position with an included angle of approximately ninety (90) degrees. The longitudinal axis of one of the slots intersects a transverse axis of the steering wheel at a forty-five (45) degree angle at a three o'clock position and the longitudinal axes of the other slot similarly intersects the transverse axis at the nine o'clock position. The slots are effective to control energy absorption and deflection of the steering wheel when it is impacted at a position other then the twelve o'clock position.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for an air bag module mounted to a steering wheel. The air bag module includes an inflator and an air bag mounted to a base plate. The electrical connector assembly includes a first connector and second connector for interconnecting the inflator to an actuation control circuit. The first connector is attached to the air bag module and the second connector is attached to the steering wheel. Each of the connectors include a channel and a throughbore extending longitudinally therethrough. An electrical terminal is disposed in each of the channels to provide an electrical connection between the connectors when mated together. The electrical connector assembly further includes a fastener, preferably a stud, extending through the throughbores for locking the first and second connectors together and attaching the air bag module to the steering wheel.

Abstract: An air bag module and membrane horn switch assembly includes an air bag cover, a membrane horn switch, a backing plate fixedly mounted on the cover in spaced relation to the cover, and a switch containment portion disposed on the backing plate. The switch containment portion releasably captures the membrane horn switch within the switch containment portion such that the membrane horn switch is normally positioned in spaced relation to the cover and such that the membrane horn switch is activated by downward movement of the cover towards the membrane horn switch. In addition, the switch containment portion also permits release and removal of the membrane horn switch from the switch containment portion while the backing plate remains fixed to the cover. Advantageously, the membrane horn switch can be removed and replaced while the cover and the backing plate remain stationary and undamaged.