Snap lock pin inflatable restraint module mounting mechanism

Patent 5333897 Issued on August 2, 1994. Estimated Expiration Date:

October 25, 2013. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

General Motors Corporation

Application

No. 140822 filed on 10/25/1993

US Classes:

280/728.2, With specific mounting feature200/61.54, Steering wheel, shaft or column mounted280/731, Deflated confinement located within or on steering column280/732, Deflated confinement located in or on instrument panel280/750Connected to the steering wheel or column

Examiners

Primary: Focarino, Margaret A.
Assistant: Ellis, Christopher P.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Leahy; Charles E.

International Class

B60R 021/16

Abstract

An inflatable restraint module mounting mechanism is disclosed for use in mounting an inflatable restraint module to a support structure such as the hub portion of a steering wheel or a dashboard, on a vehicle. The inflatable restraint module is provided with a plurality of pin members which are adapted to pass through and be retained within apertures in a support plate. The pin members are slidable through the apertures and include clip members for engaging the support plate to thereby retain the restraint module on the support plate. The clip members are formed of a resilient material whereby the clip members are adapted to bias locking members radially outwardly for engaging the support plate and to prevent the pin members from separating from the apertures.