Abstract: A plurality of spaced pairs of stakes are molded on the back of an airbag module cover. A horn switch assembly which is to be mounted on the back of the airbag module cover has a plurality of spaced pairs of openings along the perimeter thereof which are complementary to and are adapted to receive the spaced pairs of stakes on the cover. Subsequent to the positioning of the pairs of stakes in the complementary pairs of openings, the distal ends of the stake pairs are formed into a unitary bridge by heating. The bridge shaped heat staking thus employed thereby locks the horn switch on the back of the airbag module cover to prevent separation of the switch and cover on the deployment of the airbag and provide a much stronger attachment than standard methods of heat staking.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing an opening in an interior trim structure of an automotive vehicle for the deployment of an air bag therethrough which minimizes the visual and/or tactile impression of the presence of the closure and the air bag deployment opening thereunder and which is not susceptible to significant fragmentation and projection of such fragments into the passenger compartment upon the opening thereof.