Abstract A fastening assembly for an inflatable module includes a support structure arranged for securing the inflatable module to a vehicle component or the like, and a coupling member having a portion projecting from the support structure. A locking member securable to the vehicle component is arranged for reception of the coupling member which has a resilient lock element slidably carried on the projecting portion of the coupling member and arranged for snap fit into a locking position within the locking member to secure fastening of the module to the vehicle component. In one embodiment, a resiliently compressible split-ring is slidably carried within a contoured recess on the coupling pin projecting from the housing of the inflatable module and a locking bushing mounted for example in the hub portion of a steering wheel is arranged to receive the coupling pin so that the split ring is inserted and locked into a locking cavity within the bushing to secure fastening of the module to the steering wheel hub. In another aspect of the fastening assembly, fie locking bushing can be suspended on a mounting bracket to enable a floating realignment with the coupling projection to adjust for initial misalignment in the approach of the coupling projection, as when dimensional tolerances of the parts become cumulative.
A fastening assembly for mounting an inflatable module of a vehicle comprising: a support structure arranged for securing the inflatable module to a vehicle component; a coupling member having a portion projecting from said support structure; a locking member securable to said vehicle component and arranged for reception of said coupling member; and a lock element separately formed and movably linked to and carried on said projecting portion of said coupling member in arrangement enabling insertion of said lock element with said projecting portion into said locking member for fit into a locking position within said locking member to secure fastening of said module to said vehicle component, wherein said lock element comprises a resiliently compressible split-ring, expandably inserted into a cavity formed in said locking member to define said locking position, said split-ring being movably carried within an annular recess formed in said projecting portion of the coupling member, said recess comprising a tapered surface enabling progressive gradual compression of said split-ting further into said recess during said insertion of said projecting portion of said coupling member into said locking member, said tapered surface being contoured so that said split-ring reacts therewith to produce a resulting, axially directed force on said coupling member when in said locking position tending to pull said projecting portion of the coupling member in the direction of said insertion into said locking member to maintain tight engagement between said support structure and said vehicle component.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
241 words
A fastening assembly for mounting an inflatable module of a vehicle comprising: a support structure arranged for securing the inflatable module to a vehicle component; a coupling member having a portion projecting from said support structure; a locking member securable to said vehicle component and arranged for reception of said coupling member; and a lock element separately formed and movably linked to and carried on said projecting portion of said coupling member in arrangement enabling insertion of said lock element with said projecting portion into said locking member for fit into a locking position within said locking member to secure fastening of said module to said vehicle component, wherein said lock element comprises a resiliently compressible split-ring, expandably inserted into a cavity formed in said locking member to define said locking position, said split-ring being movably carried within an annular recess formed in said projecting portion of the coupling member, said recess comprising a tapered surface enabling progressive gradual compression of said split-ting further into said recess during said insertion of said projecting portion of said coupling member into said locking member, said tapered surface being contoured so that said split-ring reacts therewith to produce a resulting, axially directed force on said coupling member when in said locking position tending to pull said projecting portion of the coupling member in the direction of said insertion into said locking member to maintain tight engagement between said support structure and said vehicle component.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said cavity comprises a groove formed in a wall of a bore in said locking member receiving said split-ring; said groove having a shoulder against which said split-ring is seated and blocked in said locking position to prevent withdrawal of said coupling member in relative opposition to said insertion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
A fastening assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein said locking member is adjustably supported on a mounting structure securable to said vehicle component in arrangement enabling movement for adjustable realigning said locking member into alignment for reception of said projecting portion of said coupling member in order to adjust for initial misalignment therebetween.