Abstract: A novel vehicle occupant restraining module is described. The retraining module includes an inflatable cushion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inflatable cushion is capable of receiving inflation fluid from an inflation fluid source. A retaining collar is positioned adjacent a mouth of the cushion and about the inflation fluid source to retain the inflatable cushion in communication with the inflation fluid source. The retaining collar includes a flange that flares elliptically outward from the inflation fluid source. The retaining collar also includes an extension tab for preventing the cushion from contacting the inflation fluid source after inflation.

Abstract: A thin compressible overhead airbag module provides inflatable overhead passive restraint protection to out of position occupants within a vehicle. The flat module design is compressed following assembly, making the compressed module thin enough to be mounted in the overhead space between the vehicle roof skin and the interior headliner. The general design includes an inflator, an inflatable cushion, and a 2-piece compressible housing. The compressible housing provides substantially more packaging space for the cushion. The roof area design allows the use of a longer, small diameter inflator. Upon activation, the car forward location of the inflator relative to the inflatable cushion forces the housing to deform below the inflator. The inflation force generated by the inflator effectively pulls the inflatable cushion out of the airbag module.

Abstract: A thin compressible overhead airbag module provides inflatable overhead passive restraint protection to out of position occupants within a vehicle. The flat module design is compressed following assembly, making the compressed module thin enough to be mounted in the overhead space between the vehicle roof skin and the interior headliner. The general design includes an inflator, an inflatable cushion, and a 2-piece compressible housing. The compressible housing provides substantially more packaging space for the cushion. The roof area design allows the use of a longer, small diameter inflator. Upon activation, the car forward location of the inflator relative to the inflatable cushion forces the housing to deform below the inflator. The inflation force generated by the inflator effectively pulls the inflatable cushion out of the airbag module.

Abstract: A novel vehicle occupant restraining module is described. The retraining module includes an inflatable cushion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inflatable cushion is capable of receiving inflation fluid from an inflation fluid source. A retaining collar is positioned adjacent a mouth of the cushion and about the inflation fluid source to retain the inflatable cushion in communication with the inflation fluid source. The retaining collar includes a flange that flares elliptically outward from the inflation fluid source. The retaining collar also includes an extension tab for preventing the cushion from contacting the inflation fluid source after inflation.

Abstract: Featured for use in an inflatable restraint system installation is an airbag module assembly which reduces and/or minimizes the number of fasteners incorporated therein. The airbag module assembly utilizes the inflator as a structural tension member to axially compress an end closure to a reaction canister body part. The end closure and the body part have a snap-together form of joinder to prevent disengagement of the end closure from the body part upon deployment of the associated airbag cushion.

Abstract: Featured for use in an inflatable restraint system installation is an airbag module assembly wherein the airbag cushion is joined or attached via interlocking reaction housing component parts. The invention is well suited for the use of such interlocking reaction housing component parts formed of relatively low-cost stamped steel.

Abstract: An improvement in inflatable restraint air bag module assemblies with non-symmetric gas output inflators wherein a diffuser of specific design and in cooperation with the reaction canister results in reduced air bag deployment skewness.

Abstract: A simplified, low cost, passenger airbag module that is particularly suited for stamped steel construction and is easy to assemble, uses the inflator as a structural member, specifically, as an axial tension member, requires only one fastener member, and reduces the number of module parts to six (6) (excluding a decorative cover).

Abstract: Featured for use as a part of an inflatable restraint system airbag module is an elongated cylindrical airbag inflator containing a load of a gas generant material. The inflator has a size (i.e., length) selected to correspond to the size of the load of the gas generant material stored within the inflator.

Abstract: A simplified airbag module assembly includes three unique features. These comprise a retainer tube with an anchor tab, a module housing with an attachment flange, and an airbag with a button hole for the anchor tab. Only two fasteners are required to complete the module assembly.

Abstract: Featured for use as a part of an inflator-containing inflatable restraint system is a reaction canister in which the reaction canister body includes a plurality of inflator output treatment fins extending towards, without contacting, the associated inflator. Also, provided are corresponding processes for treating the gas output of a vehicular safety restraint inflator. In practice, such treatment of a contacting stream typically involves one or more of: cooling, redirection of flow, and removal or filtering of particulate therefrom.

Abstract: Featured for use as a part of an inflator-containing inflatable restraint system is a multipiece reaction canister wherein pieces of the canister are normally secured together by thermally degradable joining members which degrade at a temperature greater than the ambient temperature to which the reaction canister is normally subjected and less than the temperature at which the inflator autoignites, to permit separation of the reaction canister pieces and provide venting of pressure that can build-up within the reaction canister. As a result of alleviating concerns such as of material fragmentation when exposed to extreme heat conditions, e.g., a fire, the invention allows the more widespread use of light weight, temperature sensitive materials in reaction canister constructions.

Abstract: A protective cover for a passenger side airbag module is extruded as a sheet of plastic which is cut to form a rectangle. One extruded edge of the rectangle defines a male connector and the opposite extruded edge defines a female connector. The sheet is wrapped around the module and the ends are interconnected. In a further embodiment, two separate panels having such connectors are anchored to the module and interconnected over the folded airbag.

Abstract: An automotive airbag module housing contains an inflator and a cushion to be inflated. When excessive pressure develops in the module housing, it is relieved through ports in the module housing. The ports are covered with a thin membrane or foil which ruptures before the excessive pressure can damage the airbag cushion during deployment, thereby relieving the pressure in the module housing and in the airbag and avoiding injury to the occupant of the automotive vehicle. The present invention is applicable to any airbag module in which an inflator is completely enclosed within the module housing. It is particularly applicable to passenger side airbag modules.

Abstract: A plenum having a generally elliptical cross-section is provided around an end discharge cylindrical inflator to redistribute the inflation gases before they enter the airbag cushion, thereby avoiding a skewed initial deployment thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for assembling an inflatable cushion with a reaction housing in an inflatable restraint system. A die is provided which includes at least one cavity extending through the die, and an elongate slot communicating with the interior of the cavity and disposed along the length thereof. The assembly is accomplished by aligning the die with the reaction housing to permit axial passage of a cushion insert, formed at the gas inlet opening of the inflatable cushion, through the die cavity into a mateable sleeve of the reaction housing.

Abstract: Featured for use as a part of a reaction canister of an inflatable restraint system is a conventionally extruded one-piece canister structure body part having first and second opposite side walls and a bridging portion joining the first and second opposite side walls. In the body part, at least one of the bridging portion, first side wall and second side wall includes a tear seam adapted to tear under the influence of a build-up of pressure thereagainst to provide venting of such pressure. As a result of alleviating concerns such as of material fragmentation when exposed to extreme heat conditions, e.g., a fire, the invention allows the more widespread use of light weight, temperature sensitive materials in reaction canister constructions.

Abstract: The reaction canister of an airbag module assembly is extruded to include a semicircular floor, first and second sidewalls, and first and second end plates closing the ends of the canister, with the floor extending uniformly between the sidewalls, and a bottom edge of each sidewall defining a channel along its length. A cylindrical inflator chamber is suspended beneath the floor of the canister by opposed parallel wings which are integral with the inflator chamber and are insertable into and slide in the channels to a position wherein the walls of the channel are staked to the wings. A plenum chamber is formed between the curved wall of the inflator chamber and the floor of the reaction canister. The plenum chamber separates gas exit vent holes of the inflator chamber from gas inlet passages or vent holes in the canister floor.

Abstract: A fastenerless air bag module attachment assembly for securing a molded plastic cover to a module housing. The housing includes a trough-shaped body having opposed ends, and a top and bottom wall. An end plate is attached to each opposed sides of the body. The cover has a front face and top, bottom and opposed side legs extending therefrom. Two separate attachment features are provided to secure the cover to the housing. First, the top and bottom cover legs each include an integral attachment, for example, a projection, which slides into a channel disposed integrally in the top and bottom walls of the housing. Secondly, the housing end plates each include a pair of protruding tabs formed integrally therewith. The tabs extend through openings provided in the cover side legs when the housing and cover are assembled. One side leg of the cover is hingedly connected to the front face of the cover to permit assembly.

Abstract: The side walls of an airbag module are formed separately from the main body of the module. They are attached to the main body by means of a rotatable connection and are maintained in their normal position by the module end plates. Upon receiving a compressive impact, such as through the instrument panel, the wall buckles while it rotates about the connection, thereby absorbing energy to prevent serious injury to the occupant.