Patent ID: 6176511
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:a container;an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device for, when inflated, helping to protect the occupant of the vehicle;an inflator for, upon actuation, providing inflation fluid to inflate said inflatable device;said inflator having an inflation fluid outlet for directing inflation fluid to flow in an inflation direction into said inflatable device upon actuation of said inflator, the flow of inflation fluid in the inflation direction creating a reaction force on said inflator which moves said inflator in a first direction opposite the inflation direction;means for supporting said inflator on said container for movement in the first direction relative to said container in response to actuation of said inflator; anddamping means connected between said inflator and said container for damping movement of said inflator in the first direction relative to said container;said damping means comprising a member having an opening, said member being crushable in response to movement of said inflator in the first direction to close said opening in said member.