Vehicle component with integral inflator
First Claim
1. A method of manufacturing a vehicle component having at least one dimensional length, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an elongated perforated inflator substantially coextensive with said at least one dimensional length;
fixing said elongated perforated inflator within said vehicle component along said at least one dimensional length, such that said inflator functions as a structural member of said vehicle component;
providing a propellant bed substantially coextensive with said elongated perforated inflator, andproviding an airbag in fluid communication with said inflator and substantially coextensive therewith, said airbag stored within said vehicle component.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of manufacturing a vehicle component is presented, wherein the vehicle component has at least one dimensional length, the method containing the steps of: providing an elongated perforated inflator substantially coextensive with said at least one dimensional length; fixing said elongated perforated inflator within said vehicle component along said at least one dimensional length, such that said inflator functions as a structural member of said vehicle component; providing a propellant bed substantially coextensive with said elongated perforated inflator; and providing an airbag in fluid communication with said inflator and substantially coextensive therewith, said airbag stored within said vehicle component.
119 Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A method of manufacturing a vehicle component having at least one dimensional length, the method comprising the steps of:
-
providing an elongated perforated inflator substantially coextensive with said at least one dimensional length; fixing said elongated perforated inflator within said vehicle component along said at least one dimensional length, such that said inflator functions as a structural member of said vehicle component; providing a propellant bed substantially coextensive with said elongated perforated inflator, and providing an airbag in fluid communication with said inflator and substantially coextensive therewith, said airbag stored within said vehicle component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 12)
-
-
6. A vehicle component comprising at least one dimensional measurement, the component comprising:
-
a perforated elongated inflator comprising an elongated housing fixed within the vehicle component, and an ignitable propellant bed within said housing and substantially coextensive with said housing; an airbag having a length, said airbag substantially coextensive with and in fluid communication with said inflator; and a release mechanism contained within said vehicle component for release of said airbag upon inflator activation, wherein said elongated inflator is substantially coextensive with said at least one dimensional measurement and is connected to the vehicle so as to function as a structural member of said vehicle component, and is also structured so as to provide substantially uniform inflation of the airbag along its length. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
13. A vehicle component comprising at least one dimensional measurement, the component comprising:
-
a perforated inflator comprising an elongated multi-function housing fixed within the vehicle component and functioning as a housing for components of the inflator, and an ignitable propellant bed within said housing and substantially coextensive with said housing; an airbag having a length, said airbag substantially coextensive with and in fluid communication with said inflator; and a release mechanism contained within said vehicle component for release of said airbag upon inflator activation, wherein said inflator housing is substantially coextensive with said at least one dimensional measurement and is secured to a portion of the vehicle so as to also function as a structural member of said vehicle.
-
Specification