WO1997004993B1 - Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activation - Google Patents
Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activationInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997004993B1 WO1997004993B1 PCT/US1996/012477 US9612477W WO9704993B1 WO 1997004993 B1 WO1997004993 B1 WO 1997004993B1 US 9612477 W US9612477 W US 9612477W WO 9704993 B1 WO9704993 B1 WO 9704993B1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- switch
- air bag
- bag cover
- membrane
- front panel
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 title claims abstract 14
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 title claims abstract 3
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 title claims abstract 3
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 title claims 14
- 230000003213 activating Effects 0.000 claims abstract 13
- 230000002708 enhancing Effects 0.000 claims abstract 4
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 claims 8
- 239000002344 surface layer Substances 0.000 claims 6
- 210000001138 Tears Anatomy 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000994 depressed Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000000881 depressing Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 210000000614 Ribs Anatomy 0.000 abstract 1
Abstract
A relatively flexible thermoplastic air bag cover (10) is provided including a front panel (12) wherein switch activating members enhance activation of a membrane-type switch (24) located at a switch location area (20) of the front panel. This feature provides pressure points which enhance activation of the membrane-type switch. The switch activating members (32) are located on the rear inner surface (16) of the cover in one embodiment and, in another embodiment, on the upper surface of a back plate (26) which provides a hollow compartment for the switch. The switch activating members (32) can be integrally formed in the shape of small circles, ribs, raised dots, X's, etc.
Claims
1. A relatively flexible thermoplastic air bag cover comprising: a front panel adapted to overlie an undeployed air bag, the front panel having a front outer surface and a rear inner surface and being separable along a prescribed tear pattern upon deployment of the air bag, the front panel having a switch location area; a membrane switch lying behind the rear inner surface in the switch location area of the front panel and having a first plurality of spaced, individual switch activation locations spaced apart from one another in two mutually orthogonal directions; a back plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and being secured to the rear inner surface of the front panel in containing relationship to the membrane switch and forming a hollow compartment for the membrane switch in the switch location area; and a second plurality of switch activating members spaced apart from one another in two mutually orthogonal directions and having distal end surfaces, the switch activating members being integrally formed at and projecting from the top surface of the back plate at the switch activation locations, wherein the membrane switch is activated by depression of the front panel at its front outer surface in the switch location area and wherein each of the switch activating members has a height and a width so that at least one of the switch activating members enhances activation of the membrane switch at its respective switch activation location wherein the membrane switch includes top and bottom - 15 -
surface layers and intermediate first and second conductive layers separated by an insulating layer having apertures formed completely therethrough and wherein the first plurality of spaced, individual switch activation locations are defined by a third plurality of raised domes integrally formed in at least one of the top and bottom surface layers adjacent the apertures in the insulating layer.
2. The air bag cover of claim 1 wherein at least one of the distal end surfaces engages and depresses at least one of the raised domes upon depres¬ sion of the front panel, the at least one depressed dome causing the first and second conductive layers to make electrical contact within a respective one of the apertures.
3. The air bag cover of claim 2 wherein the third plurality of raised domes are integrally formed in both the top and bottom surface layers of the membrane switch adjacent their respective apertures.
4. The air bag cover of claim 3 wherein the switch activation locations are uniformly spaced on the top and bottom surface layers of the membrane switch and the distal end surfaces of the switch activating members are sized so that each switch activating member is capable of engaging and depressing at least one of the raised domes at its respective distal end surface to cause the first and second conductive layers to make electrical contact within its respective aperture upon depression of the front panel. ■ 16 -
5. The air bag cover of claim 4 wherein each of the distal end surfaces is X-shaped.
6. The air bag cover of claim 4 wherein each of the distal end surfaces is circle-shaped.
7. The air bag cover of claim 4 wherein each of the distal end surfaces is oblong-shaped.
8. The air bag cover of claim 1 wherein the back plate has the second plurality of switch activating members integrally molded therein and extending from the top surface of the back plate towards their respective switch activation locations.
9. The air bag cover of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of stakes integrally formed at and projecting from one of the rear inner surface of the front panel and the top surface of the back plate and wherein the membrane switch has a plurality of apertures extending completely therethrough for receiving and retaining the stakes therein to align the membrane switch in the hollow compartment.
10. The air bag cover of claim 1 wherein each of the widths is greater than its respective height.
11. The air bag cover of claim 10 wherein each of the widths is greater than two times its respective height. STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19
In response to the International Search Report mailed 16 December 1996, claim pages 14-16 have been canceled and replaced by new claim pages 14-16 wherein claims 2 and 10 have been canceled and old claims 1, 3, 4 and 9 have been amended to more particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention. New claims 10 and 11 have been added. Claims 1, 3, 4 and 9 have been amended to omit the phrase "membrane-type" and to insert therefor the word "membrane".
Claim 1 has been amended to make it clear that the membrane switch includes top and bottom surface layers and intermediate first and second conductive layers separated by an insulating layer having apertures formed completely therethrough and wherein the first plurality of spaced individual switch activation locations are defined by a third plurality of raised domes integrally formed in at least one of the top and bottom surface layers adjacent the apertures in the insulating layer. Also, claim 1 has been amended to make it clear that the second plurality of switch activating members are integrally formed at and project from the top surface of the back plate at the switch activation locations which are defined by the third plurality of raised domes. Each of the switch activating members have a height and width so that at least one of the switch activating members enhances activation of the membrane switch at its respective switch activation location (defined by a raised dome) .
These features are neither taught, disclosed nor discussed in any of the prior art references cited by the Examiner, taken either alone or in combination with one another.
Consequently, in view of the above and in view of the new claims, it is respectfully submitted that the claims are novel, have utility and provide an inventive step over the prior art.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU67153/96A AU702364C (en) | 1995-08-01 | 1996-07-30 | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activation |
DE69604295T DE69604295T2 (en) | 1995-08-01 | 1996-07-30 | THERMOPLASTIC AIR BAG COVER, THAT HAS A DIAPHRAGM SWITCH WITH IMPROVED OPERATION |
EP96927275A EP0837794B1 (en) | 1995-08-01 | 1996-07-30 | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activation |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US509,993 | 1995-08-01 | ||
US08/509,993 US5642901A (en) | 1995-05-26 | 1995-08-01 | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activation |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1997004993A1 WO1997004993A1 (en) | 1997-02-13 |
WO1997004993B1 true WO1997004993B1 (en) | 1997-02-27 |
WO1997004993A9 WO1997004993A9 (en) | 1997-04-10 |
Family
ID=24028920
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1996/012477 WO1997004993A1 (en) | 1995-08-01 | 1996-07-30 | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activation |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5642901A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0837794B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2228155A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69604295T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997004993A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6047984A (en) * | 1998-04-06 | 2000-04-11 | Larry J. Winget | Air bag cover and method of making same |
US5979933A (en) * | 1998-04-13 | 1999-11-09 | Larry J. Winget | Air bag cover assembly including a switch fastenable to an air bag housing assembly |
US6620371B1 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2003-09-16 | Patent Holding Company | Method of manufacturing an in-mold laminate component |
DE29813240U1 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 1998-10-01 | Trw Automotive Safety Sys Gmbh | Airbag module with horn foil |
US6209905B1 (en) | 1998-08-31 | 2001-04-03 | Patent Holding Company | Air bag cover having a flexible decorative badge |
US6079734A (en) * | 1998-11-23 | 2000-06-27 | Larry J. Winget | Air bag cover assembly having a switch module and method of making same |
US6579402B1 (en) | 1999-05-05 | 2003-06-17 | Patent Holding Company | Method and system for manufacturing an air bag cover assembly including a switch |
US6251202B1 (en) | 1999-05-05 | 2001-06-26 | Patent Holding Company | Method and system for bonding plastic parts together |
US6260876B1 (en) | 2000-01-21 | 2001-07-17 | Patent Holding Company | Thermoplastic air bag cover mountable onto an air bag container assembly |
DE10018475A1 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2001-10-18 | Karlheinz Beckhausen | Electrical contact mat with device for quiescent current monitoring |
DE20010543U1 (en) * | 2000-06-14 | 2001-02-22 | Trw Automotive Safety Sys Gmbh | Multifunctional steering wheel |
US6563069B2 (en) | 2001-06-07 | 2003-05-13 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Horn switch |
WO2017146181A2 (en) | 2016-02-24 | 2017-08-31 | Takasago International Corporation | Household product delivering cooling sensations |
CN115675611A (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-02-03 | 延锋汽车智能安全系统有限责任公司 | Steering wheel assembly and steering wheel assembly |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4325568A (en) * | 1980-07-28 | 1982-04-20 | General Motors Corporation | Modular occupant restraint system |
DE3427771A1 (en) * | 1984-07-27 | 1986-02-06 | Audi AG, 8070 Ingolstadt | Anti-jam device for vehicles equipped with an electrically actuable window lifter |
US4934735A (en) * | 1988-12-12 | 1990-06-19 | General Motors Corporation | Switch assembly for modular occupant restraint system |
US5198629A (en) * | 1989-10-30 | 1993-03-30 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Steering wheel having insert molded membrane switch |
DE4034539A1 (en) * | 1989-10-30 | 1991-05-02 | Toyoda Gosei Kk | Car steering wheel with airbag unit - has built in diaphragm switch for horn operation |
US5085462A (en) * | 1990-06-29 | 1992-02-04 | Gualtier Quentin E | Airbag and vehicle horn switch assembly |
US5062661A (en) * | 1990-07-20 | 1991-11-05 | Winget Larry J | Automotive air bag cover having a horn switch formed therein |
GB2248723A (en) * | 1990-09-08 | 1992-04-15 | Cyril John Peachey | Safety switch mat |
US5308106A (en) * | 1990-10-04 | 1994-05-03 | Trw Inc. | Air bag module cover assembly with horn blowing switch |
US5186490A (en) * | 1991-09-23 | 1993-02-16 | Morton International, Inc. | Driver cover integral horn switch with solid reinforcement structure |
JP3163747B2 (en) * | 1992-06-01 | 2001-05-08 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Steering wheel pad |
JP2766775B2 (en) * | 1993-03-23 | 1998-06-18 | ティーアールダブリュー・ヴィークル・セーフティ・システムズ・インコーポレーテッド | Housing assembly and device |
US5369232A (en) * | 1993-07-23 | 1994-11-29 | Morton International, Inc. | Driver side airbag module cover and horn switch |
US5413376A (en) * | 1993-11-12 | 1995-05-09 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Driver's side air bag cover door incorporating a horn actuator |
US5588673A (en) * | 1994-02-01 | 1996-12-31 | The Bergquist Company | Membrane switch for use over a steering wheel airbag assembly |
US5344185A (en) * | 1994-02-07 | 1994-09-06 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Air bag cover door horn switch and cover band |
US5399819A (en) * | 1994-03-29 | 1995-03-21 | Morton International, Inc. | Airbag cover horn switch |
US5465998A (en) * | 1995-03-17 | 1995-11-14 | Larry J. Winget | Air bag cover having a tear seam membrane switch |
US5520412A (en) * | 1995-06-02 | 1996-05-28 | Larry Winget | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch |
-
1995
- 1995-08-01 US US08/509,993 patent/US5642901A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-07-30 DE DE69604295T patent/DE69604295T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-07-30 CA CA002228155A patent/CA2228155A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1996-07-30 EP EP96927275A patent/EP0837794B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-07-30 WO PCT/US1996/012477 patent/WO1997004993A1/en active IP Right Grant
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
WO1997004993B1 (en) | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activation | |
US5569893A (en) | Driver air bag cover with integral horn and redundant switches | |
US5542694A (en) | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a unitary multifunctional domed switching module | |
US5085462A (en) | Airbag and vehicle horn switch assembly | |
US5340955A (en) | Illuminated and moisture-sealed switch panel assembly | |
US4839474A (en) | Switches and keyboards | |
CA1131733A (en) | Keyboard assembly and keyboard switch | |
EP0845795A3 (en) | Keytop plate and method for producing the same | |
EP0669229B1 (en) | Membrane switch | |
DE2448587A1 (en) | KEYPAD FOR CALCULATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE | |
US5909804A (en) | Depression activated switch | |
KR880010952A (en) | Safety steering wheel | |
US5642901A (en) | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activation | |
WO1997004993A9 (en) | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activation | |
DE102004045851A1 (en) | Membrane switch with rigid front cover | |
US5678849A (en) | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a domed front panel and multifunctional unitary switching module | |
EP0754597B1 (en) | Driver's side airbag cover incorporating function switches | |
AU702364C (en) | Thermoplastic air bag cover having a membrane switch with enhanced activation | |
JP3252407B2 (en) | Steering wheel pad structure | |
JPH10329724A (en) | Horn switching structure | |
JP3904657B2 (en) | Airbag device | |
JP3860410B2 (en) | Rubber switch | |
JPS6220110Y2 (en) | ||
JPH0510123U (en) | Steering wheel pad with air bag | |
JPH03173023A (en) | Key switch |