Bracket for air bag

• US 20070164544A1
• Filed: 01/19/2006
• Published: 07/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/19/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Autoliv ASP Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Autoliv Incorporated
• Inventors: Fulmer, Brian, Smith, Linford
• Application Number:
  US11/337,130
• Publication Number:
  US 20070164544A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/730.200
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/161 characterised by additional means for controlling deployment trajectory
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/213 in vehicle roof frames or pillars

Abstract

A bracket suitable for guiding the direction of deployment of an inflatable element in a vehicle is provided. The bracket includes a first surface and a second surface. The second surface includes a plurality of spaced slits. The plurality of spaced slits enables the bracket to undergo at least one physical change when impacted.

Claims

1. An air bag arrangement suitable for use in a vehicle, the air bag system comprising:

an inflatable element; and

a bracket for regulating direction of expansion of the inflatable element, the bracket comprising a plurality of spaced slits for enabling the bracket to undergo at least one physical change when impacted.

2. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises:

a first surface; and

a second surface, the second surface comprising the plurality of spaced slits.

3. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the physical change of the bracket comprises yielding.

4. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the physical change of the bracket comprises stiffening.

5. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bracket stiffens when impacted on the first surface.

6. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bracket yields when impacted on the second surface.

7. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is mounted on a roof rail of the vehicle.

8. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is a reaction bracket

9. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bracket is a jump bracket.

10. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bracket provides a defined direction for deployment of the inflatable element.

11. The air bag arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a retaining portion for retaining the inflatable element in a predefined position.

12. The air bag arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the retaining portion comprises the plurality of spaced slits which extend throughout the whole length of retaining portion.