Eric A Wright

US Patent:

52266702, Jul 13, 1993

Filed:

Feb 10, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/832938

Inventors:

Eric W. Wright - Warren MI
John P. Wallner - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. - Lyndhurst OH

International Classification:

B60R 2130

US Classification:

280738

Abstract:

An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint such as an air bag comprises a source of gas for inflating the vehicle occupant restraint, a housing for mounting to the vehicle, and means connecting the gas source to the housing. The housing has passages to enable aspiration of ambient air into the vehicle occupant restraint. An aspiration flap disposed within the housing has a first position closing the passages and a second position enabling flow of ambient air through the passages. The aspiration flap and the housing have interengaging portions for blocking movement of the aspiration flap out of the housing.

US Patent:

51864924, Feb 16, 1993

Filed:

Aug 8, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/743167

Inventors:

Eric W. Wright - Warren MI
Mark T. Lecznar - Dearborn Hts. MI
Thomas J. Klena - Troy MI

Assignee:

TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. - Lyndhurst OH

International Classification:

B60R 2120

US Classification:

280743

Abstract:

A vehicle air bag module comprises a container, a folded air bag disposed substantially inside the container, and an inflator coupled to the container. The container comprises a reaction device and a cover fastened to the reaction device. A retainer frame is located outside the container. A segment of the air bag material is disposed between the cover and the reaction device, and is connected to the retainer frame. The segment of the air bag is captured between the cover and the reaction device as the cover and reaction device are fastened together. Thus, the same structure which fastens the cover to the reaction device also fastens the air bag to the container. Since the retainer is disposed outside of the container, the volume of the container is relatively small, and the module is relatively compact. Also, the retainer is preferably a continuous frame which is drawn into force transmitting relation with the reaction device during deployment of the air bag, to anchor the air bag securely to the reaction device during deployment of the air bag.