Continuous circumference diffuser reaction canister
First Claim
1. For use in an inflatable restraint system reaction canister built in the instrument panel of an automobile by the automobile manufacturer, a soft pack assembly comprising:
- a diffuser tube of the clamshell type having a diffuser portion and a cap portion each of which has opposed sides from which mating flanges extend,said diffuser portion having a plurality of spaced inflating gas exit slots formed therein,an inflatable bag having an inflating gas inlet opening positioned in folded relation against said diffuser portion of said diffuser tube with said inflating gas inlet opening positioned in communicating relation with said inflating gas inlet slots formed in said diffuser portion, with peripheral portions of said inflating gas inlet opening being positioned between said mating flanges for retention therebetween.an elongated inflator positioned in said diffuser tube in substantially concentric relation therewith, means for retaining said inflator securely in said diffuser tube, andmeans including studs extending through said mating flanges and said peripheral portions of said inflatable bag for securing said mating flanges of said diffuser portion and said cap portion with said peripheral portion of said inflatable bag crimped therebetween, and for mounting said diffuser tube and inflatable bag in assembled relation in the reaction canister built in the instrument panel of an automobile by the automobile manufacturer.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Featured for use in the reaction canister of an inflatable restraint system is a continuous circumference diffuser tube. The diffuser tube may be a one-piece, two-piece or clamshell type all of which functionally are the same although the clamshell type is more versatile. The diffuser tube provides for the attachment of brackets for installation of the reaction canister in the instrument panel of a vehicle, provides a secure reliable attachment for the inflatable bag or protective cushion, and a secure installation of the inflator. The diffuser tube completely encloses the inflator and allows a last operation of assembly thereof.
45 Citations
6 Claims
-
1. For use in an inflatable restraint system reaction canister built in the instrument panel of an automobile by the automobile manufacturer, a soft pack assembly comprising:
-
a diffuser tube of the clamshell type having a diffuser portion and a cap portion each of which has opposed sides from which mating flanges extend, said diffuser portion having a plurality of spaced inflating gas exit slots formed therein, an inflatable bag having an inflating gas inlet opening positioned in folded relation against said diffuser portion of said diffuser tube with said inflating gas inlet opening positioned in communicating relation with said inflating gas inlet slots formed in said diffuser portion, with peripheral portions of said inflating gas inlet opening being positioned between said mating flanges for retention therebetween. an elongated inflator positioned in said diffuser tube in substantially concentric relation therewith, means for retaining said inflator securely in said diffuser tube, and means including studs extending through said mating flanges and said peripheral portions of said inflatable bag for securing said mating flanges of said diffuser portion and said cap portion with said peripheral portion of said inflatable bag crimped therebetween, and for mounting said diffuser tube and inflatable bag in assembled relation in the reaction canister built in the instrument panel of an automobile by the automobile manufacturer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 6)
-
-
3. For use in an inflatable restraint system for motor vehicles, a clamshell reaction canister comprising:
-
a reaction canister having a top panel and a bottom panel, a diffuser tube of the clamshell type having a diffuser portion and a cap portion, each of which diffuser tube portions has opposed sides form each of which sides a mating flange extends, first means connecting the mating flanges on adjacent ones of the sides of each of said diffuser tube portions to said top panel of said reaction canister, and second means connecting the mating flanges on the other adjacent ones of the sides of each of said diffuser tube portions to said bottom panel of said reaction canister. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5)
-
Specification