초록 ▼

An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an actuatable inflator (14) for, when actuated, providing inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The inflator (14) includes a circumferentially spaced plurality of radially ex

An apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an actuatable inflator (14) for, when actuated, providing inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The inflator (14) includes a circumferentially spaced plurality of radially extending outlet openings (26) and a circumferentially spaced plurality of deflector flanges (30). The deflector flanges (30) are spaced radially from the outlet openings (26) and are radially aligned with the outlet openings. The deflector flanges (30) completely overlie the outlet openings (26). When the inflator (14) is actuated, the deflector flanges (30) deflect the inflation fluid flowing from the outlet openings (26) and thereby prevent the inflation fluid from impinging directly the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) as the inflation fluid is being directed out of the inflator (14).

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for use in a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having inner and outer surfaces; andan actuatable inflator for, when actuated, providing inflation fluid to inflate said inflatable vehicle occupant protection de

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for use in a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having inner and outer surfaces; andan actuatable inflator for, when actuated, providing inflation fluid to inflate said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device,said inflator including a circumferentially spaced plurality of radially extending outlet openings which are located inside said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device and through which inflation fluid from said inflator is directed radially outward to inflate said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device,said inflator further including a circumferentially spaced plurality of deflector flanges, said plurality of deflector flanges being permanently spaced radially from said plurality of outlet openings and being radially aligned with said outlet openings, said plurality of deflector flanges completely overlying said plurality of outlet openings such that, when said inflator is actuated, said deflector flanges deflect the inflation fluid flowing from said plurality of outlet openings and thereby prevent the inflation fluid from impinging directly on said inner surface of said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device as the inflation fluid is being directed out of said inflator;said inflator including a housing, said plurality of outlet openings being formed in said housing, said plurality of deflector flanges being formed in one piece with said housing.