Abstract: An air bag device having a switch adapted to be operated when a breakable cover member covering an air bag module mounted in the steering wheel is pushed. Particularly, H-shaped tear lines, including grooves of a V-shape in section, are defined in an inner surface of the cover member. The tear lines are broken by a pressure resulting from the expansion of the air bag to open a lid defined in the cover member. A pair of ridges are integrally formed on the cover member astride a central one of the tear lines. The rigidity of the rear cover member is enhanced by the ridges, whereby the deformation of the cover member is prevented. Thus, the cover member can be slid smoothly to ensure the reliable operation of the switch.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus is provided which stably projects the air bag towards the front of a passenger. A retainer 12 stores therein an inflator 14 for injecting gas from gas injection holes at one end of the inflator, and an air bag 15 which is folded. A mid-retainer 16 is provided between inflator 14 and air bag 15. Mid-retainer 16 is provided with a plurality of guide fins 61, which are formed by making cuts in the mid-retainer and bending the cut portions. The direction of gas flow is adjusted by the inclination of each guide fin 61. The gas discharge rate is adjusted by setting various distances between each two adjacent guide fins 61 as to be greatest at the central part of the mid-retainer and either side of the center portion having a gas discharge rate approximately equal to its corresponding opposite side, thereby ensuring air bag 15 will be projected stably.

Abstract: In an inflatable air bag system for restraining a vehicle occupant in case of a high acceleration situation such as a vehicle crash comprising a casing accommodating a folded air bag therein, the casing is adapted to be installed into an opening of an instrument panel facing the vehicle occupant. The casing is relatively securely attached to the vehicle body at its lower end, but is simply secured to the instrument panel at its upper end by means of a slot and projection engagement structure which is adapted to be engaged as a result of fully inserting the casing in the opening. Thus, the work involved in installing the air bag system is simplified, but the casing is secured in a sufficiently stable fashion because the slot and projection engagement structure is highly effective in restraining the rotating movement of the casing around its fixedly secured lower end. In use, this structure allows the casing to be securely supported against the reaction caused by the deployment of the air bag.