Abstract: An airbag system for motor vehicles wherein the airbag mechanism is concealed behind a cover provided on the instrument panel. A tether is provided to restrain the cover from uncontrolled movement during deployment of the airbag. One end of the tether is fixed to either the airbag housing or to a fixed portion of the instrument panel, while the other end of the tether is detachably mounted to the cover. The detachable feature of the attachment means permits the cover to be easily removed for repair, inspection or replacement without the need to disturb the airbag or its housing.

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: The actuation of autoignition material in an airbag inflation device is facilitated by providing ports in the module can or housing of the airbag inflation device, and filling the ports with plugs of a fusible, low-melting material, so that when exposed to bonfire conditions, the plugs melt and the ports provide access to the autoignition material.

Abstract: The screws which are normally employed to attach the end plates to the trough-shaped main body of a passenger-side airbag module reaction canister are replaced by impact-driven darts. The darts are made of material harder than that of the main body and include surface irregularities which deform the material of the main body and improve the frictional engagement.

Abstract: A passenger side airbag module includes a reaction can having a generally cylindrical sidewall and a bottom wall defining an open-topped airbag cushion storage compartment, the bottom wall including an integral annular mounting ring defining an inflator-receiving opening. A retainer has a cylindrical sleeve with a top wall extending inwardly and a retainer ring extending outwardly from the lower end of the sleeve. An airbag cushion includes an annular mounting collar which is clamped between the retainer ring and the mounting ring. An inflator has an elongated cylindrical body partially received in the cylindrical sleeve of the retainer with a gas outlet cap extending through the top wall of the retainer to deliver inflation gas to the interior of the airbag cushion. The gas outlet cap is welded to the retainer to secure the inflator. A portion of the inflator body extends below the reaction can, and the mounting collar is positioned around the inflator body to cushion against rattles.

Abstract: A diffuser device, an air bag/diffuser subassembly and an air bag module assembly for use in an inflatable air bag restraint system for use in a motor vehicle are provided. The diffuser device can function as a structural member, gas flow diffuser, heat shield and bag retainer and can serve to reduce the cost/weight of air bag module manufacture and assembly.

Abstract: An air bag module door and installation method whereby an air bag module door is joined to an air bag module unit by of one or more flexible legs. The flexible leg(s) permit the so joined module door to be desirably positioned within an opening in a vehicular interior trim. Once so positioned, the module unit is rigidly secured to the vehicle.

Abstract: An air bag inflator having a plurality of gas exit orifices of three different sizes arranged so as to provide thrust neutral operation maintains air bag performance at the same level over the temperature range of ambient to +85.degree. C., directing all of the generated gases into the air bag at ambient temperature, but allowing a portion of the gases to be directed away from the air bag at +85.degree. C.