Air bag system with quick disconnect coupling

US6428036B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• TRW Limited · US

Inventors

• Vincent J. Mramor · Chandler, US
• Timothy A. Swann · Mesa, US
• Kevin M. Brown · Mesa, US
• Bryan W. Shirk · Mesa, US
• Eric C. Erike · Mesa, US
• Wesley Pack · Pontiac, US
• Roy D. Van Wynsberghe · Mesa, US
• Kirk Wegner Christiansen · Tempe, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 25, 2000
• Grant date: Aug 6, 2002
• Expiry date: Jul 25, 2020

Classification

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

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable protection device (32). The apparatus (10) also comprises an actuatable inflator (30) remote from the protection device (32) for providing inflation fluid under pressure for inflating the protection device. The apparatus (10) further comprises a conduit (48) connected in fluid communication between the inflator (30) and at least a portion of the protection device (32) for directing inflation fluid from the inflator to the protection device. The conduit (48) includes at least one quick disconnect coupling (50) through which inflation fluid flows from the inflator (30) upon actuation of the inflator.