Xiaoping Xu

US Patent:

6830263, Dec 14, 2004

Filed:

Jan 13, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/340670

Inventors:

Xiaoping Xu - Rochester Hills MI
Jason Luo - Troy MI
Adolfo Ridolfi - Verona, IT
Federico Girardi - Verona, IT
Giuseppe Testa - Illasi, IT
Hubert Ross - Neu-Anspach, DE
Detlef Munsch - Wiesbaden, DE

Assignee:

Key Safety Systems, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B60R 2116

US Classification:

280731, 2807282

Abstract:

A method for installing an airbag assembly within a steering wheel assembly includes locating an airbag module engagement member with a corresponding armature engagement member. Once aligned, an operator presses downward on the airbag cover until switch engagement members engage their corresponding switch assembly receivers within the airbag cover. A clearance is formed between each armature engagement members and the corresponding airbag module engagement members when the module is mounted to the molded armature. Thus the switch assemblies support the airbag module.

US Patent:

6840537, Jan 11, 2005

Filed:

Jan 13, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/340671

Inventors:

Xiaoping Xu - Rochester Hills MI, US
Jason Luo - Troy MI, US
Hubert Ross - Neu-Anspach, DE
Detlef Munsch - Wiesbaden, DE
Adolfo Ridolfi - Verona, IT
Federico Girardi - Verona, IT
Giuseppe Testa - Illasi, IT

Assignee:

Key Safety Systems, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B60R 2116

US Classification:

280731, 2807282

Abstract:

A vehicle steering wheel assembly having a molded armature with outwardly extending spokes for mounting on a steering column. Airbag engagement members extend from an airbag module housing to engage corresponding hub engagement members. The airbag module rests on a multiple of switch assemblies while the engagement members are separated by a clearance. The engagement members are only in contact if the airbag is fired. A clearance between each hub engagement member and each corresponding airbag engagement member assures that there is no interference that may result in undesirable noise or vibration.

US Patent:

6860509, Mar 1, 2005

Filed:

Jan 13, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/340672

Inventors:

Xiaoping Xu - Rochester Hills MI, US
Jason Luo - Troy MI, US
Adolfo Ridolfi - Verona, IT
Federico Girardi - Verona, IT
Giuseppe Testa - Illasi, IT

Assignee:

Key Safety Systems, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B60R021/16

US Classification:

280731, 2807282

Abstract:

A vehicle steering wheel assembly having a molded armature with outwardly extending spokes for mounting on a steering column. Airbag module engagement members extend from an airbag module housing to engage corresponding armature engagement members. The airbag module rests on a multiple of switch assemblies while the engagement members are separated by a clearance. The engagement members are only in contact if the airbag is fired. A clearance between each armature engagement member and each corresponding airbag module engagement member assures that there is no interference that may result in undesirable noise or vibration.

US Patent:

6874386, Apr 5, 2005

Filed:

Mar 7, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/382537

Inventors:

Xiaoping Xu - Rochester Hills MI, US
Shiro Ohara - Royal Oak MI, US
Jiro Harada - Naka-ku, JP

Assignee:

Key Safety Systems, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B62D001/04
G05G001/12

US Classification:

74552

Abstract:

A steering wheel armature having a spoke joint allowing for the removal of the steering wheel rim from the hub plate. The steering wheel rim has a first plate that is aligned with a second plate from the hub plate whereby a fastening means secures the first plate with the second plate. A top cover and a bottom cover are utilized to conceal the spoke joint from the vehicle occupant.

US Patent:

6953204, Oct 11, 2005

Filed:

Dec 1, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/999462

Inventors:

Xiaoping Xu - Rochester Hills MI, US
Jason Luo - Troy MI, US
Adolfo Ridolfi - Verona, IT
Federico Girardi - Verona, IT
Giuseppe Testa - Illasi, IT

Assignee:

Key Safety Systems, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B60R021/16
H01H009/00
H01H001/20
H01H013/70

US Classification:

280731, 2807282, 200 6154, 200 16 C, 200243, 200345

Abstract:

A vehicle steering wheel assembly having a molded armature with outwardly extending spokes for mounting on a steering column. Airbag module engagement members extend from an airbag module housing to engage corresponding armature engagement members. The airbag module rests on a multiple of switch assemblies while the engagement members are separated by a clearance. The engagement members are only in contact if the airbag is fired. A clearance between each armature engagement member and each corresponding airbag module engagement member assures that there is no interference that may result in undesirable noise or vibration.

US Patent:

7121581, Oct 17, 2006

Filed:

Dec 1, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/999482

Inventors:

Xiaoping Xu - Rochester Hills MI, US
Jason Luo - Troy MI, US
Adolfo Ridolfi - Verona, IT
Federico Girardi - Verona, IT
Giuseppe Testa - Illasi, IT

Assignee:

Key Safety Systems, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/16

US Classification:

280731, 2807282, 200 6155

Abstract:

A vehicle steering wheel assembly having a molded armature with outwardly extending spokes for mounting on a steering column. Airbag module engagement members extend from an airbag module housing to engage corresponding armature engagement members. The airbag module rests on a multiple of switch assemblies while the engagement members are separated by a clearance. The engagement members are only in contact if the airbag is fired. A clearance between each armature engagement member and each corresponding airbag module engagement member assures that there is no interference that may result in undesirable noise or vibration.

US Patent:

7513175, Apr 7, 2009

Filed:

Oct 24, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/256515

Inventors:

Xiaoping Xu - Rochester Hills MI, US
Byron Spencer - Bloomfield MI, US

Assignee:

Key Safety Systems, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B62D 1/04

US Classification:

74552

Abstract:

An intermediate article of manufacture forming an outer wrap subassembly having a leather, simulated leather or leather equivalent pliable component and one or more decorative components adhered to or otherwise attached to said leather, simulated leather or leather equivalent pliable component and one or more securing components is disclosed. The one or more securing components adheres or attaches the one or more decorative components to form the subassembly. The subassembly creates a unique attachment capability such that the crevice formed between the leather and the decorative component is maintained at a minimal gap and the radius of curvature of the leather component when assembled to the underlying article to form the final assembly has a radius of curvature of less than 2 mm, preferably 1. 5 mm or less.

US Patent:

7533897, May 19, 2009

Filed:

Feb 13, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/353919

Inventors:

Xiaoping Xu - Rochester Hills MI, US
Byron Spencer - Bloomfield MI, US
Leslie A. Wade - Dearborn MI, US
Andrew P. Katsock - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

Key Safety Systems, Inc. - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/203

US Classification:

2807282, 280731

Abstract:

An assembly is provided for steering a vehicle including a driver interface operable to enable a driver to steer the vehicle and at least one control member operable to couple the driver interface to the vehicle. An air bag module is coupled to the driver interface and is operable to expand to absorb the kinetic energy of the driver. A horn switch is coupled to the driver interface and the air bag module. The horn switch is operable to generate an electrical signal based on an input from the driver. An attachment mechanism is operable to couple the air bag module and horn switch to the driver interface, and includes at least one retaining member operable to engage the air bag module and armature. The retaining member is operable to release the air bag module and horn switch from the driver interface upon the application of a retractive force.