Modular air bag housing
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An air bag containment structure comprising:
- a cushion housing structure of a depressed channel configuration comprising an open-ended recess disposed between opposing side wall elements such that a folded inflatable air bag cushion may be stored within the recess between the opposing side wall elements;
end caps non-integral to the cushion housing structure disposed across the ends of the open-ended recess; and
an inflator housing connected to the cushion housing structure, the inflator housing including an integral chamber of depressed profile for storage of a gas emitting inflator such that the gas emitting inflator is in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag cushion, the integral chamber being of a substantially unitary construction, wherein the end caps comprise protruding flanges integral with the inflator housing and extending outwardly from the inflator housing, which protruding flanges are adapted to slide over the ends of the cushion housing structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A containment structure for housing an inflatable air bag cushion and inflator. Extrusion processes are used to form the portion of the containment structure which houses the inflatable air bag cushion while non-extrusion processes are used to form the portion of the containment structure which houses the inflator in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion. The portion of the containment structure which houses the inflatable air bag cushion is preferably formed from a lightweight, readily deformable material and will preferably be formed from extruded aluminum or plastic. The portion of the containment structure housing the inflator is preferably formed by a deep drawing or molding process so as to include an integral chamber sized for the acceptance and storage of the inflator therein.
24 Citations
9 Claims
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1. An air bag containment structure comprising:
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a cushion housing structure of a depressed channel configuration comprising an open-ended recess disposed between opposing side wall elements such that a folded inflatable air bag cushion may be stored within the recess between the opposing side wall elements;
end caps non-integral to the cushion housing structure disposed across the ends of the open-ended recess; and
an inflator housing connected to the cushion housing structure, the inflator housing including an integral chamber of depressed profile for storage of a gas emitting inflator such that the gas emitting inflator is in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag cushion, the integral chamber being of a substantially unitary construction, wherein the end caps comprise protruding flanges integral with the inflator housing and extending outwardly from the inflator housing, which protruding flanges are adapted to slide over the ends of the cushion housing structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for forming an air bag containment structure comprising the steps of:
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forming a cushion housing structure of open-ended construction by the forced extrusion of a metallic material wherein the cushion housing structure is of a depressed channel configuration comprising an open-ended recess defined by a bottom wall disposed between opposing side wall elements such that a folded inflatable air bag cushion may be stored within the recess in overlying relation to the bottom wall and between the opposing side wall elements;
forming a chamber of depressed profile by deep drawing of the bottom wall for storage of a gas emitting inflator in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag cushion; and
applying end caps across the ends of the open ended recess. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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Specification
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Current AssigneeAutoliv AB (Autoliv Incorporated)
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Original AssigneeDelphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
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InventorsThomas, David James, Winters, Mark Thomas
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Primary Examiner(s)Dickson, Paul N.
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Assistant Examiner(s)Ilan, Ruth
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Application NumberUS09/747,326Publication NumberTime in Patent Office607 DaysField of Search280/728.2, 280/732, 723/794, 722/56, 723/48, 29D/IG.47US Class Current280/728.2CPC Class CodesB60R 21/2171 specially adapted for elong...
