VEHICLE AIR BAG MODULE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

An apparatus for use in forming an air bag assembly 20 including a receptacle 28, an air bag 26, a continuous frame 62, and fastening elements 150. The receptacle 28 has walls 36, 38, 40, 42 and 44 defining an internal cavity 46 in which the air bag 26 is disposed in a folded form and a front opening 48 through which the air bag 26 is deployed. At least some of the walls of the receptacle 28 have a series of holes 142 adjacent the front opening 48. The air bag 26 has a mouth which forms a gas inlet opening and the continuous frame 62 is incorporated into the air bag mouth and secures the air bag 26 to the receptacle 28. The continuous frame 62 is disposed inside the front opening 48 within the internal cavity 46 and includes a series of holes 140 positioned to align with the series of holes 142 in the walls of the receptacle. The fastening elements 150 extend through the series of holes 142 in the walls of the receptacle 28 and through the series of holes 140 in the continuous frame 62 to connect the continuous frame 62 to the walls in a force transmitting relationship.