Abstract: A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture brackets are mounted to the spokes of the steering wheel, and each capture bracket holds a snap receptor in floating encapturement therein, i.e., with a limited range of lateral and vertical movement. The snap receptors each have a metal ring embedded in a polymer shell and define a stud receiving opening therethrough with the metal ring defining a lip engaged by the holding barb of the fastener stud. Bias stops between the base plate and the steering wheel take up slack in the mounting attachment and eliminate rattles, and the polymer shell of the snap receptors also minimizes rattles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 24, 1996
Date of Patent:
September 7, 1999
Assignees:
Autoliv ASP, Inc., Avibank Mfg. Co., Inc.
Inventors:
Merle K. Ricks, Janiel Sorenson, Jeffrey L. Scharret, John A. Duran
Abstract: A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture brackets are mounted to the spokes of the steering wheel, and each capture bracket holds a snap receptor in floating encapturement therein, i.e., with a limited range of lateral and vertical movement. The snap receptors each have a metal ring embedded in a polymer shell and define a stud receiving opening therethrough with the metal ring defining a lip engaged by the holding barb of the fastener stud. Bias stops between the base plate and the steering wheel take up slack in the mounting attachment and eliminate rattles, and the polymer shell of the snap receptors also minimizes rattles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 1, 1998
Date of Patent:
July 20, 1999
Assignees:
Autoliv ASP, Inc., Avibank Mfg. Co., Inc.
Inventors:
Merle K. Ricks, Janiel Sorenson, Jeffrey L. Scharret, John A. Duran