Inflatable vehicle occupant protection device

US6336651B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• TRW Limited · US

Inventors

• Vincent J. Mramor · Chandler, US
• Timothy A. Swann · Mesa, US
• Kevin M. Brown · Mesa, US
• Roy D. Van Wynsberghe · Mesa, US
• Bryan W. Shirk · Mesa, US
• Eric C. Erike · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 14, 2000
• Grant date: Jan 8, 2002
• Expiry date: Jul 14, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/2617
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) into a position between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) also includes a plastic housing (26) for storing the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) in a stored position. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). A fill tube (22) directs the inflation fluid into the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The fill tube (22) is connected to the housing (26) by plastic connection portions (160) of the housing that have a surface (162) in continuous engagement with portions of an outer surface (164) of the fill tube. The connection portions (160) and the remaining portions of the housing (26) are constructed of a single piece of homogeneous plastic material.