초록 ▼

An inflator for generating gas to inflate an air bag in a vehicle occupant safety apparatus comprises gas generating material, a plurality of filter layers, and a strand extending around the filter layers. The gas generating material generates gas when ignited. The filter layers filter the gas as it

An inflator for generating gas to inflate an air bag in a vehicle occupant safety apparatus comprises gas generating material, a plurality of filter layers, and a strand extending around the filter layers. The gas generating material generates gas when ignited. The filter layers filter the gas as it flows through the filter layers, and encircle the gas generating material. The filter layers include an outer layer with a cylindrical outer surface. The strand extends around the cylindrical outer surface of the outer filter layer at least partially in a helix, and has a plurality of circumferentially extending turns. The turns in the strand are spaced apart axially to define a helical gap which permits the gas to move from the cylindrical outer surface past the strand toward the air bag.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.] An inflator for generating gas to inflate an air bag in a vehicle occupant safety apparatus, said inflator comprising:gas generating material which generates gas when ignited;filter means for filtering the gas, said filter means inclu

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.] An inflator for generating gas to inflate an air bag in a vehicle occupant safety apparatus, said inflator comprising:gas generating material which generates gas when ignited;filter means for filtering the gas, said filter means including a filter structure having a generally cylindrical outer surface with first and second axial ends, said filter structure comprising a plurality of overlying porous flexible filter layers surrounding said gas generating material, one of said filter layers being the outermost porous flexible filter layer in said inflator;wrapping means for pressing said filter layers together in overlying relationship, said wrapping means comprising a strand wrapped around said cylindrical outer surface of said filter structure and extending from said first axial end to said second axial ends said strand being wrapped in tension so as to apply a radially directed compressive force to said filter layers; anda first end cap adjacent to said first axial end of said cylindrical outer surface and a second end cap adjacent to said second axial end of said cylindrical outer surface, said strand having first and second axial end portions, each of said axial end portions being wrapped circumferentially entirely around a respective one of said end caps.