Abstract: The present invention teaches an integrated steering system for use with a directional control system and an electronic control system for controlling an engine and a first and a second feature. The integrated steering system comprises an integrated ignition system and a multifunction switch. The integrated ignition system comprises a lock having a key, an ignition, and a microcomputer for coupling the ignition with the electronic control system if the lock is enabled by the key, and for preventing the ignition from being coupled with the electronic control system if the lock is disabled by the key. Moreover, the multifunction switch is coupled with the microcomputer for enabling and disabling the first and second features such that the microcomputer controls the first and second features in response to the multifunction switch.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel assembly includes an integrated switch housing that includes the stalk switch for the vehicle, and further provides the fixed housing for a clock spring. The integrated switch housing reduces the overall size and length of the switches adjacent the steering wheel. Moreover, the integrated switch housing is preferably used with a modular steering wheel and air bag combination that is attached to the wheel after pre-assembly of the modular units. Locking structure ensures there is no relative rotation between the clock spring rotating plate, the clock spring fixed housing, and the modular steering wheel combination until the entire assembly is mounted to the steering column. The combined integrated modular assembly allows testing of all electrical connections prior to mounting the combined assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel assembly includes an integrated switch housing that includes the stalk switch for the vehicle, and further provides the fixed housing for a clock spring. The integrated switch housing reduces the overall size and length of the switches adjacent the steering wheel. Moreover, the integrated switch housing is preferably used with a modular steering wheel and air bag combination that is attached to the wheel after pre-assembly of the modular units. Locking structure ensures there is no relative rotation between the clock spring rotating plate, the clock spring fixed housing, and the modular steering wheel combination until the entire assembly is mounted to the steering column. The combined integrated modular assembly allows testing of all electrical connections prior to mounting the combined assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular steering wheel and airbag combination includes an airbag assembly, a steering wheel assembly and a separate hub plate. The combination is preassembled as a unitary component which can easily be attached to a steering column shaft. A taper or wedge lock is formed between the steering wheel armature and hub plate. The steering wheel assembly includes a plurality of ribs or spokes extending from an upper rim portion of the steering wheel assembly and a ring portion connecting the spokes to provide structural integrity and support to the steering wheel assembly. The airbag assembly includes a retaining ring as part of an airbag component which provides easy and secure attachment of the airbag component to the hub plate. The inventive steering wheel and airbag combination comprises a structure for securing the combination to a steering column shaft. One embodiment of the structure includes a worm gear and complementary gear. The complementary gear may be a helical gear.

Abstract: A lamp assembly of the present invention is used in the interior of an automotive vehicle and comprises a lens, an illumination source, and a shield. The shield has at least a pair of arms oppositely extending therefrom and each has at least a pair of fingers which engage the top and bottom sides of a headliner panel. The illumination source is affixed upon a mounting portion of the shield and the lens is at least partially attached to the shield. The lamp assembly may be a dome lamp or may alternately be a reading/courtesy lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in forming an air bag assembly 20 including a receptacle 28, an air bag 26, a continuous frame 62, and fastening elements 150. The receptacle 28 has walls 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44 defining an internal cavity 46 in which the air bag 26 is disposed in a folded form and a front opening 48 through which the air bag 26 is deployed. At least some of the walls of the receptacle 28 have a series of holes 142 adjacent the front opening 48. The air bag 26 has a mouth which forms a gas inlet opening and the continuous frame 62 is incorporated into the air bag mouth and secures the air bag 26 to the receptacle 28. The continuous frame 62 is disposed inside the front opening 48 within the internal cavity 46 and includes a series of holes 140 positioned to align with the series of holes 142 in the walls of the receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag module comprises a container, a folded air bag disposed substantially inside the container, and an inflator coupled to the container. The container comprises a reaction device and a cover fastened to the reaction device. A retainer frame is located outside the container. A segment of the air bag material is disposed between the cover and the reaction device, and is connected to the retainer frame. The segment of the air bag is captured between the cover and the reaction device as the cover and reaction device are fastened together. Thus, the same structure which fastens the cover to the reaction device also fastens the air bag to the container. Since the retainer is disposed outside of the container, the volume of the container is relatively small, and the module is relatively compact.

Abstract: An air bag module construction, and several new and useful components are provided for forming an air bag module. One of the new components comprises a receptacle with a specially designed reaction device which (i) is adapted physically to separate the receptacle into distinct compartments for an inflator and an air bag, and (ii) reinforces an open end of the receptacle in the areas most prone to deformation during deployment of the air bag. Another new and useful component comprises a prepackaged air bag unit which is loaded into and fastened to the receptacle as a prepackaged unit. The prepackaged air bag unit maintains the air bag in a predetermined folded configuration (i) before the air bag is coupled to the receptacle, (ii) while the air bag is being coupled to the receptacle, (iii) while the remainder of the module is being assembled, and (iv) after the module is installed in a vehicle.

Abstract: An air bag module structure comprises a pair of subassemblies which are coupled together to form the module. The subassemblies comprise an air/bag cover subassembly and an inflator/reaction device subassembly. The air bag cover has an air bag cavity, a folded air bag disposed within the cavity, and a rim surroudning an access opening that communicates with the access opening. The air bag has a gas inlet opening surrounded by a border portion of the air bag, which is adapted to be secured to the rim of the cover. The inflator/reaction device subassembly has an inflator housing with gas dispensing nozzles, a gas generating composition within the housing, and an integral reaction device extending outward of the inflator housing. The reaction device is secured to the rim of the cover, and couples the inflator/reaction device subassembly with the air bag/cover subassembly. When the subassemblies are coupled together, the gas dispensing nozzles are in fluid communication with the air bag gas inlet opening.