Morton International, Inc.

Avibank Mfg., Inc.

Javier Vargas

John A Duran

Merle K Ricks

Janiel Sorenson

An air bag mounting system for mounting an air bag module in the preexisting steering wheel air bag receiving pocket of a vehicle. The system includes a mounting plate having a plurality of spaced bolt assemblies extending therefrom receivable in a like plurality of aligned spaced holes in the pocket. The bolt assemblies are non-rotational with respect to the mounting plate and snap into the holes in a locking relationship. The module can be thus mounted from the access side of the pocket, automatically locked thereto, then released by unthreading of a threaded lock portion of the bolt assemblies from the blind side of the pocket.

Air bag mounting system

A new and improved air bag inflator module adapted for quick action, snap-on, permanent mounting on a steering wheel requires the use of no tools to install. The module is pre-positioned in front of the steering wheel and is thrust into place until locked. The inflator module includes a base facing and movable in one direction directly toward the steering wheel with a plurality of quick action, snap-on type fasteners carried thereby. Each fastener has a first portion extended into an opening in the steering wheel as the inflator module is pushed into place with a unidirectional thrust and a second portion for supporting the first portion projecting outwardly thereof. A snap-action, annular compressible and expandable holding skirt is provided on the first portion of each fastener for lockingly engaging a surface on the steering wheel when expanded after the first portion of the fastener is fully inserted through an aligned opening in the steering wheel. The holding skirt is initially compressed while passing through an opening and after passage automatically springs back and expands to engage a surface on the steering wheel for permanently retaining the fastener in interconnecting relation therebetween. First and second portions of each fastener are releasable from one another using an ordinary hand tool such as a screw driver for permitting the inflator module to be bodily removed from the steering wheel after installation. The hand tool may also be used for reassembling the first and second portions of each fastener so that the inflator module may be remounted on the steering wheel.

Growing community of inventors

Montebello, CA, United States of America

Javier Vargas