Manifold or retainer for a gas generator

A manifold (10) for holding a generally cylindrically shaped gas generator (12), the gas generator including inflation ports (26a, b) through which inflation gas exists to inflate an air bag, the manifold comprising:

• a hollow one piece extruded cylindrical structure (14) comprising:
• a cylindrical middle portion (16) and first (32) and second (34) ends, the first end being narrowed to provide an interference fit with a mating portion of the gas generator upon insertion of the gas generator, the middle portion having a first walled portion, having a diameter section slightly larger than the diameter of the gas generator;
• the middle portion further comprising two opposingly positioned outwardly flared portions (18a, b ) extending outwardly from the first walled portion and having a substantially constant diameter thereacross larger than that of the first walled portion, each flared portion including a second walled portion and ends tapering to the first walled portion, the flared portions in cooperation with walls of the gas generator, defining gas receiving portions (22a, b) to receive inflation gas from the gas generator, the flared portions each including at least an exit port (44a-d, 46a-d) to direct inflation gas out of the manifold.