Abstract: An air bag module (12) includes an inflator (20), a canister (24) which contains the inflator (20), and an air bag (18). The air bag module (12) further includes a retainer assembly (26) which contains the air bag (18) in an uninflated condition. The retainer assembly (26) includes a pair of retainers (210,212) that are fastened together with an edge portion (192) of the air bag (18) retained between the retainers (210,212). The retainer assembly (26) and the canister (24) are fastened to each other in an assembled relationship in which an inlet opening (196) in the air bag (18) is aligned with an outlet opening (112) in the canister (24). The retainer assembly (26) and the canister (24) snap together into a mechanically interlocked condition when they are moved into their assembled relationship. The inflator (20) and the canister (24) also snap together into a mechanically interlocked condition when the inflator (20) is moved into the canister (24).

Abstract: An inflatable air bag (10) includes axially spaced inboard and outboard side sections (200, 202) and an intermediate section (204) extending between the side sections. The air bag has a primary chamber (160) which has a generally U-shaped configuration when inflated. A base portion (162) of the primary chamber (160) extends between the inboard and outboard side sections (200, 202) of the air bag (10) and receives inflation fluid from an inflator (186). Axially spaced first and second inflatable side portions (164,166) of the primary chamber (160) are in fluid communication with the base portion (162) of the primary chamber at opposite axial sides of the base portion. The air bag also (10) includes a secondary chamber (170). At least one secondary panel (20) of the air bag (10) has at least one ambient air aspiration opening (40) for aspirating ambient air into the secondary chamber (170).

Abstract: An air bag module (10) includes an air bag (14) and an inflator (18). A canister (16) defines a chamber (42) for receiving a housing (190) of the inflator (18). Each one of a pair of straps (20, 22) has an upper end portion (202, 222) located in a first recessed portion (70, 72) on a first upper flange (50) of the canister (16). Each strap (20, 22) has a lower end portion (204, 224) located in a first recessed portion (130, 132) on a first lower flange (110) of the canister (16). The canister (16) has a plurality of second recessed portions (170, 172) forming standoffs which project into the chamber (42) for engaging spaced surface portions (194, 196) of the inflator housing (190). The straps (20, 22) clamp the inflator housing (190) against the second recessed portions (170, 172) of the canister (16).

Abstract: An air bag subassembly has a specially designed continuous frame retainer incorporated into an air bag to enable the air bag to be coupled to the walls of an air bag container. The continuous frame retainer is configured to enable the retainer to be located inside the walls of the container. The continuous frame retainer comprises a plurality of frame components which are coupled with each other. A portion of each of the frame components has a tubular configuration with fastening structure which enables the continuous frame retainer to be fastened to the walls of the container. The frame components are formed of high carbon steel. Such material, and the tubular configuration of the portions of the frame components, provide high resistance to "fishmouthing" of the walls of the container during deployment of the air bag.