Abstract: This present invention provides a device for retaining an inflator within an air bag module housing in a sealing manner. In a first embodiment, the device comprises an inflator seal member and an inflator seal retainer. The inflator seal member is disposed about an outer surface of the inflator by disposing the inflator through a central opening formed in the inflator seal member. The inflator seal member further has a flange which is received within a retaining groove formed in the module housing for partially locating the inflator within an internal cavity formed in the module housing. The inflator seal retainer is designed to provide high quality seal retention between the inflator and the module housing. In a broad sense, the inflator seal retainer comprises a symmetric star shaped member having spring-like properties. The inflator seal retainer is formed so that it includes a plurality of peaks radially disposed about an opening defined by the inflator seal retainer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the folding of an inflatable airbag for motor vehicles which comprises the steps that an airbag to be folded is fastened with its open end at a carrier; that a preferably substantially cylindrical piston is pushed forward into the airbag through an opening in the carrier and against the closed end of the airbag; and that the carrier and the piston are introduced into a sleeve, with the airbag being pressed together irregularly. The invention also relates to a folding apparatus for carrying out this folding method.