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Apparatus for directing the flow of inflation fluid into an air bag

  • US 6,176,512 B1
  • Filed: 10/21/1999
  • Issued: 01/23/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/21/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant seated in a passenger seat of a vehicle, the passenger seat having an inboard side and an outboard side, said apparatus comprising:

  • an inflatable air bag having first and second side panels connected by a center panel, each of said panels being made of a fabric material, said first side panel being disposed closer to the inboard side of the passenger seat and said second side panel being disposed closer to the outboard side of the passenger seat;

    an inflator for providing inflation fluid to inflate said air bag, said inflator having oppositely disposed first and second ends, said first end of said inflator having a plurality of fluid nozzles;

    said center panel of said air bag having first and second openings for directing inflation fluid from said inflator into said air bag, said first opening being located adjacent said first end of said inflator where said fluid nozzles are located, said second opening being located adjacent said second end of said inflator; and

    a heat shield interposed between said center panel of said air bag and said inflator, said heat shield having a third opening overlying said first opening in said center panel;

    said center panel of said air bag further including a fluid deflecting portion formed from a section of said fabric material, said fluid deflecting portion adjoining said first opening and extending across a portion of said third opening in said heat shield, said fluid deflecting portion blocking inflation fluid flow through a portion of said third opening and directing inflation fluid to flow through said first opening toward said first side panel of said air bag.

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