Air bag with inflator shield
US5944342A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/23123
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air bag module (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (30) comprising a main panel (50) which has a deflated condition and which is inflatable into a position adjacent to an occupant for helping to protect the occupant. The module (10) also includes an inflator assembly (32, 34) actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the main panel (50) of the inflatable device (30). The inflator assembly (32, 34) has at least one fluid outlet (36) disposed within the main panel (50) for directing inflation fluid from the inflator assembly into the main panel. The inflatable device (30) also includes a shield (60) disposed within the main panel (50). The shield (60) overlies the fluid outlet (36) when the inflatable device (30) is in the deflated condition. The shield (60) is rupturable at a predetermined weakened portion (152) in response to the flow of inflation fluid from the fluid outlet (36) to enable flow of inflation fluid into the main panel (50) of the inflatable device (30). The shield (60) blocks contact between the initial flow of inflation fluid, which may contain hot particles, and the main panel (50).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.