Abstract: A cover for a driver's side airbag module is provided, the cover having a central body portion with an opening disposed therein, the central body portion having a predetermined tear seam for defining a pair of deployable doors, the predetermined tear seam extending through the opening. The cover also includes a horn switch assembly inserted into the opening; and a tether secured to the horn switch assembly, the tether retaining the horn switch assembly with the cover after deployment of the pair of deployable doors along the predetermined tear seam, wherein the horn switch assembly is dislodged from the opening when the pair of deployable doors deploy along the predetermined tear seam.

Abstract: A cover for a driver's side airbag module is provided, the cover having a central body portion with an opening disposed therein, the central body portion having a predetermined tear seam for defining a pair of deployable doors, the predetermined tear seam extending through the opening. The cover also includes a horn switch assembly inserted into the opening; and a tether secured to the horn switch assembly, the tether retaining the horn switch assembly with the cover after deployment of the pair of deployable doors along the predetermined tear seam, wherein the horn switch assembly is dislodged from the opening when the pair of deployable doors deploy along the predetermined tear seam.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for an inflatable restraint system includes a spring housing having a spring cavity and a plurality of first apertures extending therethrough. The spring housing is adapted to be disposed adjacent and connected to a support structure and aligned with a plurality of second apertures extending through the support structure. The mounting mechanism also includes a spring disposed in the spring cavity and extending across the first apertures and adapted to retain a plurality of mounting members of an inflatable restraint module extending through the first apertures and the second apertures to the support structure. The spring includes at least one torsion coil to reduce a bending moment of the spring when deflected by the mounting members of the inflatable restraint module.

Abstract: A driver air bag module is provided that is attachable to the steering wheel of an automotive vehicle and includes dual cylindrical inflators mounted to a base plate to which an air cushion enclosing cover is attached. The inflators are retained in recesses defined between an inflator retainer and the base plate which provide means for directing gas from the inflators into the air cushion. The assembly utilizes relatively inexpensive cylindrical inflators which may be operated together for maximum pressure inflation of the air cushion or singly for a lesser pressure inflation where operation of the air cushion at a lower pressure is desired.

Abstract: An air bag module and steering wheel assembly includes an air bag module and a steering wheel. The air bag module includes a base plate and an air bag. At least one mounting member extends from the base plate and through the air bag to attach the air bag to the base plate. A cover has at least one vertically extending side wall including at least one cover slot in which the air bag and base plate are loosely seated therein while leaving the cover free for manual removal from the base plate. The air bag is trapped in the cover slot between side wall and the base plate. The steering wheel has a receiving area for receiving the module therein for attachment to the steering wheel. An upstanding capture plate forms a vertically extending wall generally surrounding the receiving area.

Abstract: An air bag module and steering wheel assembly includes an air bag module and a steering wheel. The air bag module includes a base plate, an air bag attached to the base plate, and a cover having downwardly extending side walls loosely connected to the base plate while leaving the cover free for manual removal from the base plate, yet being sufficiently sturdy for transporting and storing of the module. The steering wheel includes an upstanding capture plate forming a vertically extending wall surrounding a receiving area. The capture plate engages the side walls of the cover when the module is inserted into the receiving area and captures the side walls of the cover between the base plate and the capture plate such that the cover is anchored to the base plate for withstanding the forces of air bag inflation.