Apparatus for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device
US5620204A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/264
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, such as an air bag (12), comprises a pressure vessel (14) having a closure wall (50) and a means (52) for forming a first opening in the closure wall (50). The pressure vessel (14) defines a chamber (18) containing a source for inflation. A breakaway section (72) of the closure wall (50) has an inner surface (140) which defines the first opening (136). The breakaway section (72) breaks away when a predetermined pressure level in the chamber (18) is reached. When the breakaway section (72) breaks away, a second opening (138) in the closure wall (50) is formed. Means (60, 48, 32) are provided for directing the inflation fluid from the second opening (138) into the vehicle occupant protection device (12). After the breakaway section (72) has broken away from the closure wall (50), a member (36) coaxial with the first opening (136) and in close axial proximity to the closure wall (50) has an outer surface (96) which projects through the first opening (136). Thereafter, the outer surface (96) of the member (36) supports and retains the breakaway section (72).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.