Abstract: An air bag module (10b) includes an elongate inflator (40b) having first and second axially spaced outer surface portions (72b, 82b). A tubular retainer assembly (100b, 170b) at least partially encloses the inflator (40b). To secure the inflator (40b) and the retainer assembly (100b, 170b) together, a first clamping portion (110b) of the retainer assembly engages the first outer surface portion (72b) of the inflator and blocks movement of the first outer surface portion of the inflator relative to the retainer assembly. A second clamping portion (120b, 170b) of the retainer assembly (100b, 170b) engages the second outer surface portion (70b) of the inflator (40b) and blocks movement of the second outer surface portion of the inflator relative to the retainer assembly.

Abstract: An air bag module (10) includes an air bag (30), an inflator (40), and a diffuser (100) that receives the inflator (40). The diffuser (100) has a central wall portion (102) which is spaced radially outward from the inflator (40) to define a diffuser chamber (128). A first end portion (110) of the diffuser (100) extends radially inward from the central wall portion (102) and blocks axial movement of the inflator (40) in a first axial direction (138). A second end portion (120) of the diffuser (100) has a curl portion (140) extending radially inward from the central wall portion (102) of the diffuser. The curl portion (140) blocks radial movement of the second end portion (80) of the inflator (40) and blocks axial movement of the inflator in a second axial direction (158) opposite to the first axial direction (138). The module (10) includes a plurality of bolts (130) for supporting the module on a portion of a vehicle such as a vehicle seat (14).

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint apparatus (10) includes a canister (14), an inflator (18), and a restraint assembly (20). The canister (14) has a plurality of tabs (58), a chamber (70), a side opening (62), and a deployment opening (72). The inflator (18) is movable to an installed position in the chamber (70) in a first direction through the side opening (62). The restraint assembly (20) includes an air bag (22) which is expandable from the deployment opening (72) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction upon inflation of the air bag (22) when the restraint assembly (20) is in an installed position engaged with the canister (14). Cooperating structures (48, 50, 52, 54) guide movement of the restraint assembly (20) to its installed position in sliding contact with the canister (14) in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction. A closure wall (140) has a closed position blocking movement of the inflator (18) and the restraint assembly (20) from their installed positions.