Patent ID: 6106002
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An air-bag unit, the air-bag unit comprising a support plate; an air-bag, the air-bag having an aperture therein, the portion of the air-bag surrounding the aperture being located adjacent a predetermined region of the support plate; an element incorporating a flange, the flange being located adjacent the portion of the air-bag defining the aperture so that said portion of the air-bag is positioned between the flange and the support plate; and a gas diffuser, the gas diffuser, together with, said flange, defining a diffusion chamber; the gas diffuser having a portion located adjacent said flange, the gas diffuser portion being associated with a plurality of elongate connector elements which extend through the flange and through the portion of the air-bag surrounding the aperture therein, and through the support plate, the connecting elements being configured so that the distance between the portion of the diffuser and the support plate is variable, but restricted; the air-bag unit further comprising a source of gas adapted to be activated in response to a predetermined signal to supply gas to the diffusion chamber, the arrangement being such that, in use, the portion of the diffuser and the flange move apart in response to an increase of gas pressure within the diffusion chamber, with the flange and the support plate being biased towards each other to grip said portion of the air-bag, the arrangement also being such that, in use, a gas flow path exists between the diffusion chamber and the interior of the air-bag.