Fastener means for a vehicle occupant restraint system, method for fastening a vehicle occupant restraint system and vehicle occupant restraint system

• US 6,170,858 B1
• Filed: 07/28/1997
• Issued: 01/09/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Original Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH (Zeppelin - Stiftung der Stadt Friedrichshafen)
• Inventors: Berger, Jürgen
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Lanna
• Assistant Examiner(s): JASMIN, LYNDA C
• Application Number:
  US08/901,756
• Time in Patent Office: 1,261 Days
• Field of Search: 280/728.2, 280/728.3, 280/732, 280/741, 411/301, 411/263
• US Class Current: 280/728.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/217 Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 37/005 into which threads are cut during screwing
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 39/30 Locking exclusively by special shape of the screw-thread

Abstract

A fastener means for a vehicle occupant restraint system equipped with a gas bag comprises a holder part, a stud non-rotatably connected to the holder part and a nut screwable on the stud. One of the stud and the nut comprises one of a self-tapping and thread-forming thread, the other one of both parts which has no thread defines a counterpart. The thread deforms a thread in the counterpart in one of a tapping, forming and elastically deforming manner so that the nut after being screwed on is locked against turning out of place.

Claims

1. A method for fastening a vehicle occupant restraint system by using a fastener means for fastening a gas bag of the occupant restraint system to a flange of a gas generator which comprises a holder part, a stud non-rotatably connected to said holder part by pressing said stud in place and a rotatable nut, said nut being screwed onto said stud, said stud and said nut defining first and second parts, one of said stud and said nut comprising a thread-forming thread, the other one of said first and second parts which has no thread defining a counterpart, and said thread deforming a thread in said counterpart in a forming and elastically deforming manner so that said nut after being screwed on is locked against rotation by said thread.

2. A method for fastening a vehicle occupant restraint system by using a fastener means for fastening a gas bag module of the occupant restraint system which comprises a holder part, a stud non-rotatably connected to said holder part by pressing said stud in place, and a rotatable nut, said nut being screwed onto said stud, said stud and said nut defining first and second parts, one of said stud and said nut comprising a thread-forming thread, the other one of said first and second parts which has no thread defining a counterpart, and said thread deforming a thread in said counterpart in a forming and elastically deforming manner so that said nut after being screwed on is locked against rotation by said thread.