Patent ID: 6976700
Filing Date: 2005-12-20
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that includes a seat, said apparatus comprising: an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device inflatable from a deflated condition to an inflated condition; a bracket comprising an elongated back plate portion and spaced first and second flange portions extending transverse to said back plate portion; an inflator actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, said inflator having a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, said inflator being insertable into said bracket; and means for connecting said bracket to the seat; said first end portion engaging said first flange portion and said second end portion engaging said second flange portion while said inflator is inserted in said bracket, said inflator urging said first and second flange portions to deflect away from each other while said inflator is inserted in said bracket, said first and second flange portions being urged toward each other by resilience of said bracket and exerting a clamping force on said inflator to retain said inflator in said bracket; said bracket being free from side walls extending transverse to said back plate portion and intersecting said first and second flange portions, said apparatus being free from any other means for connecting said inflator to said bracket.