Device for fixing a gas bag in its folded position and a side gas bag module

• US 6,209,907 B1
• Filed: 05/26/2000
• Issued: 04/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Original Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
• Inventors: Fischer, Anton
• Primary Examiner(s): Johnson, Brian L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SLITERIS, JOSELYNN Y
• Application Number:
  US09/579,655
• Time in Patent Office: 312 Days
• Field of Search: 280/728.3, 280/730.2, 280/732, 24/543, 403/329
• US Class Current: 280/728.3
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/201 Packaging straps or envelopes for inflatable members
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/213 in vehicle roof frames or pillars
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2176 the air bag components being completely enclosed in a soft or semi-rigid housing or cover
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44752 Integral locking-means

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for fixing a gas bag in its folded position. The device comprises a one-piece hollow body, which has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile, a first and a second side wall, a connecting web and a flap section formed on the first side wall. A clip connection is provided by means of which the flap section can be connected with the second side wall having a bracket. Two longitudinal slits are incorporated in the flap section and an elastically flexible closure hook is provided which is separated from the flap section by the two longitudinal slits. The closure hook has a thickened free end which when the body is closed engages behind the bracket formed on the second side wall. Further, the invention relates to a side gas bag module.

Claims

1. A device for fixing a gas bag in its folded position, comprising

a one-piece hollow body, which has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile, a first and a second side wall, a connecting web and a flap section formed on said first side wall, a clip connection being provided by means of which said flap section can be connected with said second side wall having a bracket,

two longitudinal slits being incorporated in said flap section and an elastically flexible closure hook being provided which is separated from said flap section by said two longitudinal slits, said closure hook having a thickened free end which, when said body is closed, engages behind said bracket formed on said second side wall.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said closure hook projects outwards with respect to said flap section in a non-closed state of said body.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said closure hook in a not yet closed state of said body is angled outwards with respect to said flap section.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said second side wall includes two parallel side edges which are connected by said bracket.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said bracket is approximately twice as wide as said thickened free end of said closure hook.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said closed body has inner faces and wherein said closure hook and said bracket are coordinated with each other such that with an application of a force onto said inner faces of said closed body, said bracket tears and thereby said body is opened.

7. A side gas bag module for fastening to a vehicle along a roof frame thereof, said module comprising

a device for fixing a gas bag in its folded position, comprising a one-piece hollow body, which has a U-shaped cross-sectional profile, a first and a second side wall, a connecting web and a flap section formed on said first side wall, a clip connection being provided, by means of which said flap section is able to be connected with said second side wall, said second side wall having a bracket, two longitudinal slits being incorporated in said flap section and an elastically flexible closure hook being provided which is separated from said flap section by said two longitudinal slits, said closure hook having a thickened free end which when said body is closed engages behind said bracket formed on said second side wall, at least one body being provided which embraces said gas bag and forms a housing for said gas bag.

8. The side gas bag module according to claim 7, wherein several bodies, spaced apart from each other, are provided so as to surround said gas bag over the length of said gas bag.

9. The side gas bag module according to claim 7, wherein said body is constructed so as to be elongated and has several fastening hooks.

10. The side gas bag module according to claim 7, wherein said closure hook projects outwards with respect to said flap section in a non-closed state of said body.

11. The side gas bag module according to claim 10, wherein said closure hook in a not yet closed state of said body is angled outwards with respect to said flap section.

12. The side gas bag module according to claim 7, wherein said second side wall includes two parallel side edges which are connected by said bracket.

13. The side gas bag module according to claim 7, wherein said bracket is approximately twice as wide as said thickened free end of said closure hook.

14. The side gas bag module according to claim 7, wherein said closed body has inner faces and wherein said closure hook and said bracket are coordinated with each other such that with an application of a force onto said inner faces of said closed body, said bracket tears and thereby said body is opened.