초록 ▼

A safety apparatus (12) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having a side structure (16) comprises an inflatable protection device (14) having an inflated condition disposed between the vehicle occupant and the side structure. The safety apparatus (12) also comprises an inflator assembly

A safety apparatus (12) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having a side structure (16) comprises an inflatable protection device (14) having an inflated condition disposed between the vehicle occupant and the side structure. The safety apparatus (12) also comprises an inflator assembly (10) for inflating the protection device (14) and for maintaining the protection device in the inflated condition for at least five seconds. The inflator assembly (10) includes at least one container (30) having gas (52) stored under pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the inflator assembly (10) comprises a primary outlet passage (70) connected with the container for releasing inflation fluid (52) from the inflator assembly at a relatively high rate over a relatively short period of time. The inflator assembly (10) also preferably has a secondary outlet passage (90) connected with the container for releasing inflation fluid from the inflator assembly at a relatively low rate for about five to ten seconds.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, we claim:] [1.]1. A vehicle occupant safety apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having a side structure in the event of a side impact to the vehicle or a vehicle rollover, said safety apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protecti

[ Having described the invention, we claim:] [1.]1. A vehicle occupant safety apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having a side structure in the event of a side impact to the vehicle or a vehicle rollover, said safety apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a deflated condition and having an inflated condition in which said protection device is inflated between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle side structure; andan inflator assembly for directing inflation fluid for at least five seconds from said inflator assembly into said protection device to inflate said protection device and maintain said protection device in said inflated condition for at least five seconds, said inflator assembly comprising at least one container containing stored inflation fluid under pressure, said inflator assembly being free from pyrotechnic material for generating gas for inflating said protection device.