Abstract: A damper assembly configured to mount an airbag module to a steering wheel including a steering wheel armature includes a damper element configured to engage the steering wheel armature and to extend through an opening in the steering wheel armature. The damper assembly also includes a pin configured to be connected to the airbag module and a cap structure configured to extend through the opening in the steering wheel armature. The cap structure is configured to receive the pin for axial movement so that the airbag module can move axially relative to the steering wheel armature. The damper element isolates the airbag module, the pin, and the cap structure from the steering wheel armature.

Abstract: A damper assembly configured to mount an airbag module to a steering wheel including a steering wheel armature includes a damper element configured to engage the steering wheel armature and to extend through an opening in the steering wheel armature. The damper assembly also includes a pin configured to be connected to the airbag module and a cap structure configured to extend through the opening in the steering wheel armature. The cap structure is configured to receive the pin for axial movement so that the airbag module can move axially relative to the steering wheel armature. The damper element isolates the airbag module, the pin, and the cap structure from the steering wheel armature.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (16) of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable from a deflated condition to an inflated condition. An inflator (32) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (14). A retainer (70) has an opening (78) for receiving the inflator (32). The retainer (70) includes a base portion (72) and an annular wall (74) that extends transversely from the base portion (72). The annular wall (74) has a deflector portion (88) and a retaining portion (86). The deflector portion (88) is positioned radially outward from the retaining portion (86) and extends substantially orthogonal to the base portion (72) to direct inflation fluid from the inflator (32) into the protection device (14) in a direction substantially parallel to a central axis (37) of the inflator (32).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (16) of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable from a deflated condition to an inflated condition. An inflator (32) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (14). A retainer (70) has an opening (78) for receiving the inflator (32). The retainer (70) includes a base portion (72) and an annular wall (74) that extends transversely from the base portion (72). The annular wall (74) has a deflector portion (88) and a retaining portion (86). The deflector portion (88) is positioned radially outward from the retaining portion (86) and extends substantially orthogonal to the base portion (72) to direct inflation fluid from the inflator (32) into the protection device (14) in a direction substantially parallel to a central axis (37) of the inflator (32).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in a vehicle collision includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12), an inflator (14) for providing inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) with the inflator fluid flow from the inflator (14) being transverse to a central axis (16) of the inflator (14), and a shield (70) including a piece (72) of material folded about the inflator (14) and having a wall portion (102) interposed between the inflator (14) and the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and against which gas initially exiting from the inflator (14) impinges. The wall portion (102) has tear seams (76a-d) that rupture due to inflation fluid pressure acting on the shield (70) to enable the wall (102) portion to form a plurality of flaps (80a-d) within the inflatable occupant protection device (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12). An inflator (14) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (12). The inflation fluid flow from the inflator (14) is transverse to a central axis (16) of the inflator. A shield (70) includes a piece of material (72) folded about the inflator (14) and having a wall portion (102) that is interposed between at least a portion of the inflator and the protection device (12) and against which inflation fluid initially exiting from the inflator at least partially impinges. The wall portion (102) has a plurality of tear seams (76) that rupture due to inflation fluid pressure acting on the shield (70) to enable the wall portion to form a plurality of flaps (80) within the protection device (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a vehicle steering shaft (12), a mounting member (14), a locking pin (16), and a nut (120). The vehicle steering shaft (12) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis (22) to effect vehicle steering. The steering shaft (12) has a first locking pin passage (92) extending through the steering shaft (12) and transverse to the longitudinal axis (22). The first locking pin passage (92) is defined in part by first (94) and second (96) tapered surface portions. Each of the first (94) and second (96) surface portions tapers from a first circumference to a second, smaller circumference in a direction toward the longitudinal axis (22). The first (94) and second (96) tapered surface portions taper in opposite directions. The mounting member (14) is receivable on the steering shaft (12) and has a second locking pin passage (72).

Abstract: A clockspring having a device for determining if the clockspring is centered.