Inflatable air bag module

Abstract

An inflatable air bag module for motor vehicles includes a housing for containing an air bag in deflated condition and an inflator assembly for providing gas to inflate the air bag when activated. The housing includes a first compartment holding the deflated air bag and having an exposed outer cover on one side formed with a fracture line defining an edge of a door. The door is adapted to pivot open along a hinged area when the cover is fractured by pressure from the inflating air bag as it expands out of the compartment. The housing also includes a second compartment holding the inflator assembly and a generally flat divider panel is provided between the first and second compartments with openings therein for permitting gas from the inflator assembly to rapidly inflate the air bag. A single row or set of fasteners is provided for securing all together the first and second compartments, the divider panel and an open end of said air bag along a common level extending around the entire periphery of the housing at a mid-level. The divider panel helps to prevent the walls of the housing from bulging outwardly when the air bag is inflated.