Snap lock pin inflatable restraint module mounting mechanism

In combination with a supplemental inflatable restraint module, an inflatable restraint module mounting mechanism comprising:

• a support plate having opposing front and rear faces and a plurality of apertures therethrough,
• elongated pin members attached to said inflatable restraint module, each said pin member defining a longitudinal axis and including a distal end for passage through one of said apertures in said support plate,
• first and second locking members supported within each of said pin members at said distal end, each said locking member including a locking surface extending radially outwardly substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a respective pin member and a guide surface extending inwardly at an angle from a radially outer edge of said locking surface toward said longitudinal axis, and
• wherein movement of said pin members in a first direction past said front face of said support plate causes said guide surfaces of said locking members to cam said locking members into said pin members to facilitate passage of said distal end of said pin members through said support plate, and further causes said locking surfaces to be disposed to engage said rear face of said support plate to prevent passage of said distal ends through said support plate in a second direction to said first direction.

In combination with a supplemental restraint module for a vehicle, an inflatable restraint module mounting mechanism comprising:

• a support plate having opposing front and rear faces and a plurality of apertures therethrough,
• elongated pins rigidly attached to said inflatable restraint module, each said pin defining a longitudinal axis and including a distal end for passage through a respective aperture in said support plate,
• means defining a hollow interior portion extending longitudinally through each of said pins and diametrically opposed openings at said distal end extending through said pin to said interior portion,
• a resilient clip member located within the interior of each of said pins, each said clip member including first and second elongated legs having first and second ends and a U-shaped portion connecting said first and second legs at said second ends,
• first and second locking members formed integrally with said first ends of said legs, each said locking member including a substantially straight locking surface extending radially outwardly substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a respective pin and a guide surface extending inwardly at an angle from a location adjacent to a radially outer edge of said locking surface toward said longitudinal axis,
• said clip member acting to resiliently bias said locking members to extend through said opposed openings to locations exterior of a respective pin, and
• wherein movement of said pins in a first direction past said front face of said support plate causes said guide surfaces of said locking members to cam said locking members into said pins to facilitate passage of said distal ends through said support plate, and further causes said locking surfaces to be disposed in parallel relationship adjacent to said rear face of said support plate to prevent passage of said distal ends through said support plate in a second direction opposite to said first direction.