OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM

A vehicle body instrument panel includes an upper wall provided with a generally L-shaped recess extending transversely of the body. A generally U-shaped housing has its lower leg seating on and secured to the base wall of the recess and the bight portion thereof adjacent the forward wall of the recess. An elongated diffuser complementary in shape to the bight portion is fitted therewithin. The flattened ends of the diffuser are secured to the side walls of the housing. An inflatable cushion has one closed end receiving the diffuser and inflated therefrom. A cover has a return bent forward leg secured to the upper leg of the housing and the rear edge thereof received within a groove of an energy absorbing cover of the instrument panel. An inflator has an outlet neck projecting through the upper wall of the instrument panel and the lower leg of the housing into the diffuser. A bayonet-type connection releasably secures the inflator to the diffuser.