Abstract: An air bag has a neck portion for containing an inflator and receiving the inflator gas therein. A main body portion extends from the neck portion to an outermost edge. The main body portion is folded about a main fold line intermediate the top and bottom edges to substantially fold the main body portion in half The main body portion is then folded about a plurality of accordion folds working from the outer edge to the neck portion to form a compact stack. The stack may be further folded about a pleat fold line to position the folded stack adjacent the neck portion. The air bag and inflator are then stored in a housing. The air bag fold inhibits the air bag from unfolding about the main fold line until the air bag is fully extended.

Abstract: An air bag module comprises an air bag, an air bag mounting bracket and a unitary flexible plastic housing having a front, opposed sides, a top, a bottom, a rear opening, and an integral door connected to each opposed side by a flexible hinge. The doors are sized to overlap and close the opening when folded closed. The mounting bracket includes a pair of spaced T-shaped tabs, and vehicle attachment portions extending from each end. A pair of upper and lower spaced slots are formed in each door and are slightly offset from alignment with each other and with one of the tabs when folded. The housing top and bottom adjacent the rear opening is relieved to create an opening to accommodate the vehicle attachment portions when the doors are closed. The housing may be deformed by manually squeezing the sides to align the slots to enable the tab head to protrude through the aligned slots.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an inflator and an air bag for inflation upon the discharge of gas by the inflator. The module further includes a mounting and diffuser bracket for securing the inflator and air bag to the vehicle. The mounting and diffuser bracket includes a diffuser portion positioned radially outward of the discharge end of the inflator. The diffuser portion preferably includes wing portions substantially surrounding the discharge ports of the inflator such that upon discharge of gas by the inflator, the wing portions redirect and diffuse the discharging inflator gas into the air bag. Advantageously, the wing portions also provide a localized heat shield for the air bag.