Abstract: This present invention provides a deformable air bag module for use in an instrument panel or door panel of a vehicle. The air bag module has a deformable housing with an inflator and an air bag cushion being disposed within the deformable housing. The module housing has a neck portion defining an opening formed at a first side, wherein the first side is coupled to the instrument panel. The instrument panel includes first and second instrument panel sections and the module housing is disposed about the first and second instrument panel sections so that deployment of the air bag cushion causes deformation of the module housing resulting in the first and second instrument panel sections separating and deployment of the air bag cushion therebetween. When a tear seam is used to define the first and second instrument panel sections, the present invention permits the tear seam to be formed thicker in size and more durable.

Abstract: This present invention provides a deformable air bag module for use in an instrument panel or door panel of a vehicle. The air bag module has a deformable housing with an inflator and an air bag cushion being disposed within the deformable housing. The module housing has a neck portion defining an opening formed at a first side, wherein the first side is coupled to the instrument panel. The instrument panel includes first and second instrument panel sections and the module housing is disposed about the first and second instrument panel sections so that deployment of the air bag cushion causes deformation of the module housing resulting in the first and second instrument panel sections separating and deployment of the air bag cushion therebetween. When a tear seam is used to define the first and second instrument panel sections, the present invention permits the tear seam to be formed thicker in size and more durable.

Abstract: A air bag module comprises an inflator, a unitary polymeric housing, and an air bag retainer of the same or similar material. The housing has integral walls forming an inflator chamber which include an inflator mounting stud aperture, a plurality of integral supports for the inflator, an integral peripheral rim forming an airbag chamber, and an integral upper wall having inflator gas diffuser apertures. An inflator stud fastener secures the inflator to the housing. The retainer and housing have integral cooperating fasteners for securing the retainer to the housing. A polymeric cover closes the retainer and confines the attached air bag. The housing and retainer are formed of the same recyclable material such that the air bag assembly can be recycled by simply removing only the stud fastener and the inflator. Several embodiments of the housing, retainer and fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, an inflator gas diffuser that is integral with the housing.

Abstract: A air bag module comprises an inflater, a unitary polymeric housing, and an air bag retainer of the same or similar material. The housing has integral walls forming an inflater chamber which include an inflater mounting stud aperture, a plurality of integral supports for the inflater, an integral peripheral rim forming an airbag chamber, and an integral upper wall having inflater gas diffuser apertures. An inflater stud fastener secures the inflater to the housing. The retainer and housing have integral cooperating fasteners for securing the retainer to the housing. A polymeric cover closes the retainer and confines the attached air bag. The housing and retainer are formed of the same recyclable material such that the air bag assembly can be recycled by simply removing only the stud fastener and the inflater. Several embodiments of the housing, retainer and fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, an inflater gas diffuser that is integral with the housing.

Abstract: An energy absorbing air bag module includes a housing and a mounting member integral with the housing for attaching the housing to a structural portion of the vehicle. The energy absorbing air bag module also includes an energy absorbing mechanism integral with the mounting member, wherein the energy absorbing mechanism deforms when a contact force strikes the energy absorbing air bag module to absorb energy and move away from the contact force.

Abstract: An air bag assembly includes an air bag having a mouth portion having a plurality of alternating cushion tabs and cushion notches. The air bag assembly also includes a housing having a plurality of resilient clips thereon. An air bag retainer including at least one rod portion extends between at least two cushion tabs and extends across the cushion notches to define cushion openings. The cushion openings are adapted for receiving the clips therethrough such that the rod portion is snap-fittedly engaged beneath the clips to secure the air bag to the housing. Preferably, the clips each include a downwardly extending spring leg portion and a clip pocket shaped for closely receiving the rod portion therein such that the rod portion is snap-fittedly engaged with the clip pocket. Also preferably, the vehicle includes a vehicle panel and the vehicle panel pushes against the clips to trap the rod portion in the clips when the module is installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an axially elongated, extruded housing having a nautilus-shaped profile defined by a single continuously extending spiral-shaped wall. The spiral-shaped wall has first and second free ends and the spiral-shaped wall has a generally continually increasing radius of curvature from the first end to the second end. The housing preferably has a decreased radius portion for holding an inflator therein and an increased radius portion for holding an air bag therein. The decreased radius portion has a radius of curvature which is less than a radius of curvature of the increased radius portion.