Abstract: A garnish assembly for an automotive pillar having a garnish dimensioned to cover the pillar and in which the garnish has a predetermined thickness and an elongated through slot. A spacer is disposed in the slot while a fastener extends through the spacer and is secured to the pillar. The spacer has a length at least as long as the predetermined thickness of the garnish and a cross-sectional shape smaller than the area of the slot so that the garnish is slidable relative to the spacer. The fastener may also be used to secure a handgrip to the pillar.

Abstract: An energy absorbing mounting bracket for a rail mounted airbag inflator is provided. The mounting bracket has a circular section and at least one base leg. The circular section entraps an airbag inflator and the base leg is rigidly attached to the circular section and mounted to a vehicle rail. The base leg positions the circular section of the mounting bracket a specific distance from the rail, for the purpose of allowing the section to deflect in a direction towards the rail when an impact force is exerted on the section. One embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a circular section entrapping an airbag inflator and a first base leg, a second base leg and an intermediate leg. The first base leg is located adjacent to the vehicle rail when the bracket is mounted to the rail and is rigidly attached to the intermediate leg. The intermediate leg is rigidly attached to the circular section and the second base leg is also rigidly attached to said section.

Abstract: An ejection control mechanism for a rail mount airbag is provided. The ejection control mechanism is comprised of an elongated strap attached to the rearwardmost cell of a side impact airbag. When the cell is inflated, the strap applies a tension to the cell in an upward and rearward direction and thereby assists the airbag in providing complete coverage of the motor vehicle side windows. One embodiment of the present invention is comprised of the strap being attached to the rearwardmost cell of the rail mounted airbag, whereas a second embodiment is comprised of the strap being attached to the rearwardmost cell and the motor vehicle frame.