Patent ID: 6299200
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle in the event of a side impact to the vehicle or a rollover of the vehicle, said apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a deflated condition and being inflatable into a position adjacent to the vehicle occupant for helping to protect the vehicle occupant;an inflator electrically actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating said protection device, said inflator having a longitudinal axis, a first end portion having a fluid outlet of said inflator, a central portion, and a second end portion opposite said first end portion;a fill tube extending from a location adjacent said second end portion of said inflator for directing inflation fluid from said inflator into said protection device; andan assembly for directing inflation fluid from said fluid outlet of said inflator to said fill tube, said assembly comprising a manifold and a shroud having a chamber for receiving said inflator, said manifold being located at said second end portion of said inflator and in fluid communication with said fill tube and said chamber;said shroud defining a fluid flow passage between said fluid outlet of said inflator and said manifold.