Snap-in inflatable restraint module mounting mechanism including latch elements

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

• a support plate having opposing front and rear faces,
• mounting members attached to said inflatable restraint module, each said mounting member including a distal end movable in a first direction past said front face of said support plate,
• latch elements mounted on said support plate, said latch elements being movable in a lateral direction for engagement with said mounting members to prevent movement of said distal ends in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, past said rear face, and
• said latch elements including a pair of elongated resilient members, each said resilient member being disposed no engage two of said mounting members to thereby prevent said distal ends from moving past said rear face.

In combination with a vehicle steering wheel having an open hub portion and an inflatable restraint module, an inflatable restraint module mounting mechanism comprising:

• a support plate attached to said steering wheel and having opposing front and rear faces and a plurality of apertures therethrough,
• mounting members attached to said inflatable restraint module, each said mounting member including a distal end and means defining a slot at said distal end,
• latch elements mounted on said support plate for movement in a lateral direction toward and away from said mounting members, said latch elements being disposed for engagement with said slots in said mounting members,
• wherein movement of said distal ends in a first direction past said front face and through said apertures causes said latch elements to engage with said slots, and said engagement between said latch elements and said slots prevents movement of said distal ends in a second opposite direction out of said apertures, and
• said latch elements including a pair of elongated resilient members, each said resilient member being disposed to engage two of said mounting members to thereby prevent said distal ends from moving past said rear face.

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

• a support plate having opposing front and rear faces,
• mounting members attached to said inflatable restraint module, each said mounting member including a distal end movable in a first direction past said front face of said support plate,
• latch elements mounted on said support plate, said latch elements being movable in a lateral direction for engagement with said mounting members to prevent movement of said distal ends in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, past said rear face,
• a plurality of support posts carried by said support plate and projecting outwardly therefrom, said support posts for holding said latch elements in position for engagement with said mounting members, each said latch element extending between and engaging at least two of said support posts.