초록 ▼

An improved air bag module having a manifold designed with integral keys configured to lock the manifold, retainer, air bag and soft cover to the housing. The manifold is elastically deformable and the keys are configured to be inserted into slots in the retainer and housing while the manifold is el

An improved air bag module having a manifold designed with integral keys configured to lock the manifold, retainer, air bag and soft cover to the housing. The manifold is elastically deformable and the keys are configured to be inserted into slots in the retainer and housing while the manifold is elastically compressed. Upon releasing the compression force the manifold expands and the keys are locked into the retainer and housing slots locking the individual sub-module pieces together. The air bag and soft cover are trapped between the manifold and the retainer during assembly. The soft cover and module housing are configured to open upon air bag deployment, allowing the air bag to inflate outside of the air bag module.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An air bag module having an inflator, an air bag, and a housing, the inflator including a nozzle portion for emitting gases into the air bag thus inflating the air bag, the module comprising:a retainer for holding the inflator in place in the module, said retainer having a pluralit

[ We claim:] [1.] An air bag module having an inflator, an air bag, and a housing, the inflator including a nozzle portion for emitting gases into the air bag thus inflating the air bag, the module comprising:a retainer for holding the inflator in place in the module, said retainer having a plurality of T-shaped retainer slots; anda manifold for encircling the inflator, said manifold made of elastically deformable material and having keys inserted through said T-shaped retainer slots in said retainer, said T-shaped retainer slots having a first portion having a width sufficient to receive said keys therethrough and a second portion narrower than said first portion wherein said keys have a narrow stem portion which is received in said second portion of said T-shaped slots, wherein said keys are inserted into said first portion of said T-shaped slots by applying a force elastically deforming said manifold whereby upon release of said force said narrow stem portion of said keys engage said second portion of said T-shaped slots and lock said manifold to the retainer.