John A Duran

US Patent:

59248319, Jul 20, 1999

Filed:

Jul 1, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/108400

Inventors:

Merle K. Ricks - Layton UT
Janiel Sorenson - Salt Lake City UT
Jeffrey L. Scharret - Rochester Hills MI
John A. Duran - Glendora CA

Assignee:

Autoliv ASP, Inc. - Ogden UT
Avibank Mfg. Co., Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

F16B 1900

US Classification:

411508

Abstract:

A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture brackets are mounted to the spokes of the steering wheel, and each capture bracket holds a snap receptor in floating encapturement therein, i. e. , with a limited range of lateral and vertical movement. The snap receptors each have a metal ring embedded in a polymer shell and define a stud receiving opening therethrough with the metal ring defining a lip engaged by the holding barb of the fastener stud. Bias stops between the base plate and the steering wheel take up slack in the mounting attachment and eliminate rattles, and the polymer shell of the snap receptors also minimizes rattles. The steering wheel and airbag inflator module have complementary covers, and the floating encapturement permits alignment of the covers.

US Patent:

55561250, Sep 17, 1996

Filed:

Jul 21, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/505592

Inventors:

Merle K. Ricks - Layton UT
Janiel Sorenson - Salt Lake City UT
John A. Duran - Glendora CA
Javier Vargas - Montebello CA

Assignee:

Morton International, Inc. - Chicago IL
Avibank Mfg., Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

B60R 2120

US Classification:

2807282

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

59475099, Sep 7, 1999

Filed:

Sep 24, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/721085

Inventors:

Merle K. Ricks - Layton UT
Janiel Sorenson - Salt Lake City UT
Jeffrey L. Scharret - Rochester Hills MI
John A. Duran - Glendora CA

Assignee:

Autoliv ASP, Inc. - Ogden UT
Avibank Mfg. Co., Inc. - Burbank CA

International Classification:

B60R 2116

US Classification:

2807282

Abstract:

A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture brackets are mounted to the spokes of the steering wheel, and each capture bracket holds a snap receptor in floating encapturement therein, i. e. , with a limited range of lateral and vertical movement. The snap receptors each have a metal ring embedded in a polymer shell and define a stud receiving opening therethrough with the metal ring defining a lip engaged by the holding barb of the fastener stud. Bias stops between the base plate and the steering wheel take up slack in the mounting attachment and eliminate rattles, and the polymer shell of the snap receptors also minimizes rattles. The steering wheel and airbag inflator module have complementary covers, and the floating encapturement permits alignment of the covers.

Address:

3481 W Honda Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84119

VIN:

1FAHP24137G156022

Make:

FORD

Model:

FIVE HUNDRED

Year:

2007