OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM

• US 3,794,346 A
• Filed: 05/05/1972
• Issued: 02/26/1974
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Henry J. Brockman, Lawrence A. Gloomis
• Original Assignee: Henry J. Brockman, Lawrence A. Gloomis
• Inventors: Brockman, Henry J., Gloomis, Lawrence A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schonberg, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): Silverstrim, John P.
• Application Number:
  US05/250,673
• Time in Patent Office: 662 Days
• Field of Search: 280/15AB 248/309 285/189 40/77.8
• US Class Current: 280/740
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/20 Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components

Abstract

An occupant restraint system includes a gas generator and a reaction plate assembly located in generally parallel relationship. The reaction plate assembly includes an elongated U-shaped member having spaced end plates, one being provided with a U-shaped flanged slot or opening. An elongated diffuser between the end plates with one open end thereof terminating within the flanged opening of the one end plate. The other closed end of the diffuser is bolted to the other end plate. The open end of the diffuser includes a generally T-shaped radially extending tab having the shank thereof received within a slot of the flange of the opening to rotatably index the diffuser with respect to the reaction plate assembly. A manifold connects to the outlet end of the gas generator and includes a tapered neck received within the open end of the diffuser. The manifold is bolted to the one end plate.

Claims

1. An occupant restraint system comprising, in combination, an elongated housing adapted to be fixedly mounted on an automotive vehicle and including a pair of spaced end plates, one having a flanged opening therein, an apertured diffuser extending between the end plates and within the flanged opening of the one end plate for inflating an occupant restraint cushion, axially releasable interfitting means on the flange of the opening and the diffuser indexing the apertures of the diffuser with respect to the housing, means securing the diffuser to the other end plate to block axial release of the interfitting means on the diffuser and one end plate flange, and a manifold connecting the diffuser with a source of pressure fluid to radially locate the diffuser within the opening.

2. An occupant restraint system comprising, in combination, an elongated housing adapted to be fixedly mounted on an automotive vehicle and including a pair of spaced end plates, one having a flanged opening therein, an apertured diffuser extending between the end plates and within the flanged opening of the one end plate for inflating an occupant restraint cushion, axially releasable interfitting tab and slot means on the flange of the opening and the diffuser indexing the apertures of the diffuser with respect to the housing, means securing the diffuser to the other end plate to block axial release of the interfitting tab and slot means on the diffuser and one end plate flange, and a manifold for connecting the diffuser with a source of pressure fluid to radially locate the diffuser within the opening.

3. An occupant restraint system comprising, in combination, an elongated housing adapted to be fixedly mounted on an automotive vehicle and including a pair of spaced end plates, one having a laterally flanged opening therein, an apertured diffuser extending between the end plates and having an open end thereof received within the flanged opening of the one end plate, a tab on the open end of the diffuser laterally received within a slot in the flange of the opening to nonrotatably index the apertureS of the diffuser with respect to the housing, means securing the diffuser to the other end plate to block lateral movement of the tab out of the slot, and a manifold for connecting the diffuser with a source of pressure fluid and having an outlet end thereof received within the open end of the diffuser to locate the diffuser within the flanged opening.