INFLATING DEVICE FOR USE WITH VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS

• US 3,773,353 A
• Filed: 09/05/1972
• Issued: 11/20/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 09/05/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Donald R. Trowbridge, Kenneth R. Jenkins
• Original Assignee: Donald R. Trowbridge, Kenneth R. Jenkins
• Inventors: Trowbridge, Donald R., Jenkins, Kenneth R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Betts, Kenneth H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Silverstrim, John P.
• Application Number:
  US05/286,480
• Time in Patent Office: 441 Days
• Field of Search: 280/15AB 102/37.7,39,40 23/281
• US Class Current: 280/737
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2633 with a plurality of inflation levels
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/272 with means for increasing the pressure of the gas just before or during liberation, e.g. hybrid inflators

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for use in safety systems utilizing a propellant charge and an inflatable member such as a safety bag for a vehicle. A propellant storage housing is provided in which two separate propellant charges are provided in axial alignment with one propellant charge adapted to be ignited during slow deployment of the system and both charges adapted to be ignited during fast deployment of the system. Two separate ignitors at the same end of the propellant housing, each of which is associated with a different propellant charge. Means are provided to provide a path through the first propellant charge to permit the ingitor to ignite the second propellant charge without igniting the first charge.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use in connection with a safety system utilizing an inflatable member, said apparatus comprising:

a. propellant storage means having an outlet end and a remote end spaced therefrom;

b. two propellant chambers in said propellant storage means in axial alignment with each other with one positioned adjacent said outlet end and the other positioned adjacent said remote end;

c. a propellant charge in each of said chambers;

d. a first ignitor means positioned at said remote end for igniting the propellant charge in the propellant chamber adjacent said outlet end;

e. second ignitor means for igniting the propellant charge in the propellant chamber adjacent said remote end; and

f. means providing a fire path from said first ignitor means through said propellant chamber adjacent said remote end to said propellant chamber adjacent said outlet end to permit the ignition of said propellant charge in said propellant chamber adjacent said outlet end upon firing of said first ignitor means without igniting the propellant charge in said propellant chamber adjacent said remote end.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein means are provided preventing communication between the two propellant chambers if only the propellant charge in the propellant chamber positioned adjacent said outlet end is ignited and providing communication between the two propellant chambers if the propellant charge in the propellant chamber positioned adjacent said remote end is ignited.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said propellant chambers are separated from each other by a separator member having an orifice therethrough, said means for providing a fire path including an ignitor tube extending from a point adjacent said first ignitor means through said propellant chamber positioned adjacent said remote end to said separator member in communication with the orifice therein.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said separator member includes an extension portion extending toward said first ignitor with the orifice extending therethrough, a shoulder in said orifice, said ignitor tube being threadedly received in said orifice.

5. An apparatus for use in connection with safety systems of the type including an inflatable member, a stored fluid under pressure, and a propellant for the generation of hot gas, said apparatus including:

a. storage means for storing a fluid under pressure and including a closed outlet;

b. propellant storage means having an outlet end and a remote end spaced therefrom;

c. two propellant chambers in said proPellant storage means in axial alignment with each other with one positioned adjacent said outlet end and the other positioned adjacent said remote end;

d. a propellant charge in each of said propellant chambers;

e. first ignitor means positioned at the remote end for igniting the propellant charge in the propellant chamber adjacent said outlet end;

f. second ignitor means positioned at said remote end for igniting the propellant charge in the propellant chamber adjacent said remote end;

g. means providing a fire path from said first ignitor means through said propellant chamber adjacent said remote end to said propellant chamber adjacent said outlet end to permit the ignition of the propellant charge in the propellant chamber adjacent said outlet end upon firing of said first ignitor means without igniting the propellant charge in said propellant chamber adjacent said remote end;

h. means for firing only said first ignitor in response to the sensing of a condition wherein slow deployment of the system can be used, and for causing the ignition of both said ignitors in response to the sensing of a condition wherein fast deployment of the system is required;

i. means providing communication between each of said propellant chambers and said storage means if its propellant charge is ignited; and

j. means operable when the system is actuated to open the outlet and permit the propellant gas and stored fluid to escape from said storage means.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein means are provided preventing communication between the two propellant chambers if only the propellant charge in the propellant chamber positioned adjacent said outlet end is ignited and providing communication between the two propellant chambers if the propellant charge in the propellant chamber positioned adjacent said remote end is ignited.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said propellant chambers are separated from each other by a separator member having an orifice therethrough, said means for providing a fire path including an ignitor tube extending from a point adjacent said first ignitor means through said propellant chamber positioned adjacent said remote end to said separator member in communication with the orifice therein.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said separator member includes an extension portion extending toward said first ignitor with the orifice extending therethrough, a shoulder in said orifice, said ignitor tube being threadedly received in said orifice.