Universal type add on air bag inflator

• US 6,106,000 A
• Filed: 10/02/1998
• Issued: 08/22/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David A. Stewart
• Original Assignee: David A. Stewart
• Inventors: Stewart, David A.
• Primary Examiner(s): English, Peter C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): JASMIN, LYNDA C
• Application Number:
  US09/184,661
• Time in Patent Office: 690 Days
• Field of Search: 280/730.1, 280/730.2, 280/728.3, 280/741, 280/736, 280/735, 280/728.1, 280/728.2, 280/740
• US Class Current: 280/728.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0004 Frontal collision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23107 the bag being integrated in a multi-bag system
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/213 in vehicle roof frames or pillars
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/231 characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration

Abstract

A universal type add on air bag inflator (2) configured in an elongated cylindrical form that is adapted to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, where inflator (2) is preferably but not limited to installation in a vehicle on the external surface of the interior facing of a vehicle forward support pillar (52) where the long axis of the inflator is mounted parallel to the long axis of the pillar. The inflator (2) includes an ignitor (14) and a pyrotechnic exploder (24) in assembly within an accommodating combustion chamber (26). Chamber (26) including the pyrotechnic assembly is accommodated within an accommodating baffle (30) where there is adapted in an uninflated state a folded air bag (36). These components in combination are accommodated within an accommodating yieldable outer shell (4). A pair of end caps (10,10) close respective open ends of the outer shell (4). Air bag (36) is adapted to be automatically inflated and developed between the occupant and interior vehicle surfaces upon activation in response to the impact of a vehicular collision. The appearance of the inflator (2) is optionally and superficially adaptable using accessory cover casing (64) or cover sleeve (70) with cap screws (72,72).

Claims

1. An air bag inflator for safety assistance to an occupant of a motor vehicle during a collision and is configured to install on a structural member of said vehicle, therewith said inflator comprising:

(a) a pyrotechnic exploder and ignitor for providing explosive energy;

(b) an elongated cylindrical combustion chamber means surrounding and encasing said exploder and said ignitor for controlling force of said explosive energy;

(c) an elongated cylindrical baffle means including an elongated front portion opening of said baffle means whereas said baffle means partially surrounds and encases said chamber means thereby controlling directional flow of said explosive energy;

(d) an air bag in an uninflated state and is folded in an elongated configuration longitudinally adjacent to said baffle means and an elongated securing band means that is connected to said air bag wherein said band means is connected therein to said opening of said baffle means;

(e) an elongated cylindrical yieldable encasement means for encapsulating and including all of said components, wherein the improvement comprises a plurality of support member means for said inflator to be generically applicable and allowing said inflator to be rotatively alignable along the long axis of said inflator and a plurality of elongated yielding door means within said encasement means for said encasement means to yield in a longitudinal manner when said air bag is inflated thereby allowing said air bag to develop in a lateral direction parallel to a frontal plane in front of said occupant thus preventing developmental impact of said air bag thereinto said occupant.

2. An air bag inflator according to claim 1 wherein said inflator is configured to install in said vehicle on the external surface of the interior facing of a structural support pillar in which said inflator is positioned longitudinally parallel to said pillar.

3. An air bag inflator according to claim 1 wherein said inflator is connected by electrical means to initiate automatic deployment of said air bag thereupon collision of said vehicle.

4. An air bag inflator according to claim 1 wherein said inflator includes a plurality of cover means to provide superficial appearance options.