Patent ID: 7527290
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A mechanism for releasably confining pressurized fluid in a container comprising: a rupturable membrane in fluid communication with an interior of the container, the rupturable membrane being configured to obstruct flow of the pressurized fluid when externally supported against pressure exerted by the fluid, the rupturable membrane being rupturable by pressure exerted by the fluid when not externally supported against pressure exerted by the fluid, a support member for externally supporting the rupturable membrane against pressure exerted by the fluid, the support member being fracturable and/or decomposable upon exposure to combustion products formed by activation of a gas generator, said gas generator including a gas generant and an igniter in ignitable communication with gas generant, wherein combustion products formed by activation of the gas generator contact the support member, thereby fracturing and/or decomposing the support member to remove support for the rupturable membrane and enabling rupture of the membrane to release the pressurized fluid therethrough, wherein the rupturable membrane and the support member lie along a common axis and the gas generator is spaced apart from the axis.