Abstract: An air bag consists of a front panel and rear panel. An inflater mounting opening is provided at the central portion of the rear panel. The rear panel and the front panel are connected to each other at a vicinity of the center thereof by threads. The threads allow the air bag to extend sideward at first, and then the threads are chopped so as to allow the air bag to extend forward.

Abstract: An inflator is formed of a container packed with gas generating agents, a device for initiating the gas generating reaction of the gas generating agents, injection holes provided in one surface of the container so as to inject the gas generated in the container to the outside therethrough, a plate provided on the one surface of the container in such a manner as to cover the injection holes, and a connecting device for connecting the plate and the container. The connecting device allows the plate to move away from the one surface of the container by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A modular cover for an air bag system is formed of a rigid inner layer, a soft outer layer, and a tear line along which the modular cover is torn. The tear line includes a raised portion extending from the inner layer into the outer layer, and a recessed portion formed in the inner surface of the modular cover. The modular cover includes projecitons projecting from the inner layer into the outer layer and located adjacent to the tear line so as to prevent the outer layer from suffering from depressions. The projections are formed in a shape such that the their width decreases from an upstream side to a downstream side along a flow direction of the resin when the outer layer is molded.

Abstract: A bag holding member in an air bag device for protecting the occupant of a vehicle has an opening in which a bag inflator is fitted. The inflator has a flange held against the bag holding member around its opening. One of the bag holding member and the flange has a plurality of pins projecting toward the other, and the other has a plurality of slits lying circumferentially of the opening of the bag holding member. Each of the pins is engaged in one of the slits to secure the inflator to the bag holding member.

Abstract: A retainer used for an air bag device for use in a driver's side of a vehicle includes a main plate portion having an opening for mounting an inflator and mounting members depending from the sides of the main plate portion, wherein the retainer is made of a synthetic resin.

Abstract: A bag holding member has an opening where the inflator is inserted. The member has a cylindrical wall projecting coaxially with the opening. The inflator extends through the cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall has slits extending spirally. The inflator has pins projecting from its outer periphery. The pins engage the slits respectively to secure the inflator to the cylindrical wall.

Abstract: An air bag device includes: a retainer having an inflator mounting opening formed in the central portion of its main plate; an inflater having its leading end mounted in the opening of the retainer and formed with a plurality of gas injection ports in its side periphery; an air bag fitted on the retainer and folded such that it can be extended by the gas injected from the inflator; and a module cover covering the air bag and capable of being torn by the air bag when the air bag is extended. The air bag is folded at first in a first direction along the main plate of the retainer and then in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The inflator injects the gas in the second direction, immediately after being activated, and then in the first direction.

Abstract: An air bag device for a driver seat is formed of a retainer composed of a main plate portion having an opening for mounting an inflator and mounting pieces extending uprightly from peripheral edges of the main plate portion, an air bag having a rear end connected to the retainer, an inflator mounted on the retainer, and a module cover for covering the air bag, the retainer being made of a synthetic resin, and the rear end of the air bag being secured to the retainer by embedding the rear end in the retainer. In an air bag for a passenger seat, a container for the air bag is made of a synthetic resin to secure the rear end of the air bag to the container.

Abstract: A device for protecting a head of an occupant in an automobile in case of e.g. a lateral collision has an air bag assembly installed above the window beside his seat, and including an inflatable air bag capable of moving down along the window upon inflation. The device also has a member which is movable to a position along and inwardly of the window upon inflation of the bag for holding the inflated bag against retraction from its position in which it can protect the head of the person, and a member or members for moving the bag holding member to the position along and inwardly of the window.