Patent ID: 6336659
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having an inflation fluid opening and being inflatable from a deflated condition to an inflated condition for helping to protect the vehicle occupant; an inflator actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating said inflatable device, said inflator having a portion extending through said inflation fluid opening, said portion of said inflator having an outer side surface and an end surface, said inflator having at least one fluid outlet disposed within said inflatable device for directing inflation fluid from said inflator into said inflatable device; a rupturable cover covering said inflatable device and said inflator; and a plurality of flaps having end portions anchored to said inflator and having body portions extending from said end portions; said flaps having a first condition, when said inflatable device is in the deflated condition, in which said body portions of said flaps overlie said fluid outlet and overlie said end surface of said inflator; said flaps being movable in response to the flow of inflation fluid from said fluid outlet from the first condition to a second condition in which said flaps are moved away from said end surface of said inflator and away from said fluid outlet to enable flow of inflation fluid into said inflatable device; said flaps blocking contact between the inflation fluid and said inflatable device upon actuation of said inflator until said cover ruptures and opens.