Patent Description:
Side curtain airbags have been added as an additional measure of passenger safety in automobiles. A side curtain airbag assembly is typically retained behind the interior trim of the headliner, just above the side window of the vehicle. During a crash event, the airbag is then deployed between the vehicle occupant and the window or other side structures of the vehicle.

Currently, fasteners and mounts for side curtain airbags have to be preassembled with a mounting bracket (i.e. pre-closed clamps or ties) before the assembly can be installed at the vehicle. This assembly steps required for installing the airbag assembly can be time consuming and complex, including positioning the airbag in the proper location, separately acquiring and securing a bolt or screw. Also, available inflator bracket include sharp edges and/or small contact surfaces where the clamps are positioned, thus, providing a high risk of damaging the inflator of the airbag potentially causing leaks. Document <CIT> discloses a mounting bracket according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. Further mounting brackets are known from documents <CIT> and <CIT>.

Further, the fasteners or mounts used for holding a side curtain airbag in place must be strong enough to retain the airbag assembly in place even during aggressive, rapid deployment of the air bag during a vehicle crash event, as well as, functionally suitable for easy handling and assembly so as to simplify the alignment of the components. For example, it is necessary to retain a side curtain airbag assembly in a fixed position without rattling during vehicle operation, wherein the components of the mount must ensure a tight fit and provide sufficient sealing of the airbag cushion when attached to the inflator. Desirably, the mount can be assembled quickly and easily in a simple operation at the vehicle, rather than having to mount a preassembled side airbag curtain system.

Issues such as those noted above and others have been present in the assembly and installation structures and processes for installing mounting assemblies used to attach side curtain airbags in automobiles. Accordingly, improvements in fastener assembly structures, installation processes and installation verification procedures are desirable and advantageous.

Dependent claims describe optional features.

There is provided a mounting bracket for mounting an airbag to a component of a vehicle, the airbag having an inflator and a cushion received over an end of the inflator, the mounting bracket comprising:.

Each of the first clamping element and the second clamping element comprise an open-ended sleeve member having a first end portion and a second end portion circumferentially spaced apart from the first end portion.

This provides the advantage of bracket that allows for assembly at the vehicle installation, e.g., the inflator and IC cushion can be correctly mounted within the bracket when installing the bracket with the vehicle, wherein the bracket provides for easily accessible and recognisable predetermined locations of the components minimising the risk of incorrect alignment. The open-ended sleeve members allow for a secure fit without the risk of misalignment while installing the side curtain airbag with the vehicle onsite.

The first end portion comprises a first protrusion facing the second end portion and the second end portion comprises a second protrusion facing the first end portion and which is offset from the first protrusion.

Preferably, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are curved protrusions such that the clamp applies an even circumferential pressure during use. Even more preferably, the first end portion further comprises a third protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion and facing the second end portion, and wherein the second protrusion is received in a gap between the first protrusion and the third protrusion, in use.

Advantageously, each mounting portion comprises a first mounting flange extending from first end portion and a second mounting flange extending from the second end portion of each of the clamping elements, and wherein the first and second mounting flanges each comprise an aperture configured to receive a fastening element therethrough.

Advantageously, the second end portion is moveable towards the first end portion to a fastened position so as to reduce the circumference of the open-ended sleeve member, and wherein the second end portion is configured to be secured relative to the first end portion in the fastened position.

Advantageously, the first clamping element, the second clamping element, and the elongate member are integrally formed.

Advantageously, when the mounting bracket is in use, the first clamping element is arranged to clamp the cushion and the inflator.

Advantageously, the first clamping element and/or the second clamping element comprises a first arcuate clamping portion and a second arcuate clamping portion pivotally connected to the first arcuate portion, and wherein the second arcuate clamping element is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, at least one edge of the first arcuate clamping portion or the second arcuate clamping portion is provided with a tongue, and at least one adjacent edge of the other of the first arcuate clamping portion or the second arcuate clamping portion is provided with a groove configured to receive the tongue when the second arcuate clamping element is in the closed position. Even more preferably, the tongue is an arcuate tongue having the same curvature as the first arcuate clamping portion and/or the second arcuate clamping portion.

Advantageously, a first end of each of the first clamping element and the second clamping element comprises a mounting flange for receiving an end portion of the elongate member therethrough. Preferably, the mounting flange is bent and comprises a first portion extending away from the clamping element and a second portion extending back towards the clamping element, and wherein there is a gap between the first portion and the second portion for receiving the end portion of the elongate member therethrough.

Advantageously, the mounting flange has at least one aperture and the end portion of the elongate member has an aperture, and each clamping element is mountable to the end portion of the elongate member by a fastener extending through the aperture of the mounting element and the aperture of the elongate member.

Advantageously, a second end of each of the first clamping element and the second clamping element comprises a securing flange having at least one aperture for receiving a fastener and positioned to align with at least one aperture in the mounting flange for receiving a fastener to secure the securing flange to the mounting flange Advantageously, outer edges of an inner surface of the first clamping element and/or the second clamping element are chamfered and are widened radially outwards.

Advantageously, wherein the first clamping element and/or the second clamping element is arranged to contact the inflator about the entire circumference of the inflator to provide a continuous radial clamping force to the inflator.

Example embodiment(s) of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The described example embodiments relate to mounting assemblies suitable for securing airbags and in particular side curtain airbags. The embodiments of the invention are normally applied in vehicles. Although the invention is described with respect to vehicles, the invention is not restricted to vehicles altogether, but may also be used in other structures requiring attachment of accessories or peripheral components to a structure.

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words 'right', 'left', 'lower', 'upper', 'front', 'rear', 'upward', 'down', 'downward', 'above' and 'below' designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted (e.g. in situ). The words 'inner', 'inwardly' and 'outer', 'outwardly' refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centerline or a geometric center of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

Through the description and claims of this specification, the terms 'comprise' and 'contain', and variations thereof, are interpreted to mean 'including but not limited to', and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality, as well as, singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract or drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The following illustrated example embodiment(s) relate(s) to a mounting bracket for mounting an airbag (side curtain airbag) to a component of a vehicle.

The drawings illustrate a new design of a mounting bracket which applies an even circumferential pressure to a cushion sleeve and an inflator of an airbag to prevent gas leakage from the cushion between the sleeve and the inflator. The airbag may be a curtain airbag.

Referring now to <FIG>, a mounting bracket <NUM> according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown. The mounting bracket <NUM> has a first clamping element 101a, a second clamping element 101b and an elongate member <NUM> extending between the first clamping element 101a and the second clamping element 101b. The elongate member <NUM> may be planar or curved so as to conform with a portion of the surface of an airbag inflator. Each one of a first mounting member 103a and a second mounting member 103b extend from the first and second clamping elements 101a, 101b, respectively. Each of the first and second mounting members 103a, 103b having a mounting aperture 104a, 104b for receiving a fastener, such as a screw or a clip, to mount the mounting bracket <NUM> to a component of a vehicle (not shown).

Each clamping element 101a, 101b includes an open-ended sleeve member 124a, 124b having a first end portion 105a, 105b and a second end portion 106a, 106b. The second end portion 106a, 106b is circumferentially spaced apart from and configured to intermeshingly engage with the first end portion 105a, 105b.

Each one of the first and second clamping elements 101a, 101b further includes a first adjustable portion 122a, 122b extending tangentially from the first end portion 105a, 105b and a second adjustable portion 123a, 123b extending tangentially from the second end portion 106a, 106b. The first adjustable portion 122a, 122b has a first and second curved protrusion 107a, 107b, 108a, 108b, axially spaced apart from one another (i.e. in a direction along a central axis of the first and second clamping elements 101a,b when in situ, coupled with the elongate member <NUM>). The first and second curved protrusions 107a, 107b, 108a, 108b are curved so as to conform with the cylindrical shape of the sleeve member 124a, 124b during use. The second adjustable portion 123a, 123b has a third curved protrusion 109a, 109b which is positioned between the axially spaced apart first and second curved protrusions 107a, 107b, 108a, 108b, during use. The third protrusion 109a, 109b is also curved so as to conform with the cylindrical shape defined by the closing sleeve member 124a, 124b. During use, when the second end portion 106a, 106b is moved towards the first end portion 105a, 105b, the third curved protrusion 109a, 109b is meshingly received within the space between the first and second curved protrusions 107a, 107b, 108a, 108b such that the third curved protrusion 109a, 109b circumferentially overlaps with the first and second curved protrusions 107a, 107b, 108a, 108b so as to form a continuous inner surface of the closing sleeve members 124a and 124b. The slidingly intermeshing arrangement of the first and second protrusion with the third protrusion allows for an even pressure about the circumference of the inflator and the airbag sleeve received within the clamping elements 101a, 101b, thus, providing an improved clamping force on the inflator and prevents gas leakages.

In some examples, one curved protrusion may be provided with the first adjustable portion 122a, 122b and two curved protrusions may be provided with the second adjustable portion 123a, 123b. In other examples, only one protrusion may be provided on each of the first adjustable portion 122a, 122b and the second adjustable portion 123a, 123b, the protrusions offset from one another. In further examples, two or three protrusions may be provided on one or both of the first and second adjustable portions 122a, 122b, 123a, 123b. Further, the protrusions provided on either one of the first and second adjustable portion 123a,b, are shaped so as to form an inner surface with the open ended sleeve members 124a,b defining a full circle, during use.

Each one of the first and second mounting members 103a,b, comprises a first mounting flange 110a, 110b extending from the first adjustable portion 122a, 122b and a second mounting flange 111a, 111b extending from the second adjustable portion 123a, 123b. The first and second mounting flanges 110a,b, 111a,b have respective apertures 104a,b, 112a,b concentrically aligned with one another, during use. Each aperture 104a,b, 112a,b of the first and second mounting flanges 110a,b, 111a,b has a raised lip forming a cylindrical protrusion. The diameters of the cylindrical protrusions of respective apertures 104a,b and 112a,b are such that the raised lip of the aperture 104a, 104b of the first mounting flange 110a, 110b is matingly received within the raised lip of the aperture 112a, 112b of the second mounting flange 111a, 111b. The apertures 104a, 104b, 112a, 112b are sized to receive a screw, clip, or other fastening element.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first mounting flange 110a, 110b has three locking flanges 113a, 113b, 114a, 114b, 115a, 115b (first to third), which extend from the edges of the first mounting flange 110a, 110b (i.e. in a direction parallel to a central axis of the interlocking apertures 104a,b and 112a,b). Each one of the three locking flanges 113a, 113b, 114a, 114b, 115a, 115b is made from a resilient material. As shown in <FIG>, each locking flange 113a,b, 114a,b, 115a,b comprises an inwardly projecting tine or surface 116a,b, 117a,b, 118a,b (first to third) extending inwardly downward towards the second mounting flange 111a,b, in use. A first and second contact surface 119a,b, 120a,b (i.e. the bottom surface) of each inwardly projecting tine or surface 116a,b, 117a,b, 118a,b is facing the second mounting flange 111a,b so as to prevent the second mounting flange 111a,b from moving out of engagement with the first mounting flange 110a,b. The locking flanges 113a,b, 114a,b, 115a,b thus lock the first mounting flange 110a,b in a preassembled position with respect to the second mounting flange 111a, 111b.

When closing the clamps 101a, 101b, the locking flanges 113a,b, 114a,b, 115a,b resiliently flex outwards, away from the aperture 104a,b so as to allow the second mounting flange 111a,b to be pushed past the inwardly projecting tines or surfaces 116a,b, 117a,b, 118a,b into the pre-assembled position. A screw, clip or any other suitable fastening means can then be inserted through the concentrically aligned apertures 104a,b, 112a,b to secure the mounting flange <NUM> to a component of a vehicle. In order to open the clamps 101a, 101b, the locking flanges 113a,b, 114a,b, 115a,b are simply deflected outwards, e.g. by the user, to allow the second mounting flange 111a,b to be moved away from the locking flanges 113a,b, 114a,b, 115a,b.

To secure the mounting bracket <NUM> to the component, a screw is inserted through the apertures 104a,b, 112a,b. The screw is then tightened to secure the first mounting flange 110a,b against the second mounting flange 111a,b. The tightening of the screws reduces the distance between the first and second end portions 105a,b and 106a,b and increases the intermeshing overlap of the curved protrusions 107a,b, 108a,b, 109a,b, thereby increasing the circumferential pressure applied to the inflator received within the clamps 101a, 101b.

The mounting bracket <NUM> is integrally formed. The mounting bracket <NUM> is formed from a sheet metal. The mounting bracket may be formed by stamping the sheet metal. As shown in <FIG>, the first and second protrusions 107a,b, 108a,b and the third protrusions (not shown) are embossed portions of the sheet metal. The lips of the apertures 104a,b, 112a,b (forming respective cylindrical protrusions) are also formed by embossing. The inwardly projecting tines or surfaces 116a,b, 117a,b, 118a,b of the locking flanges 113a,b, 114a,b, 115a,b may be formed by embossing a portion of the locking flanges 113a,b, 114a,b and 115a,b, or may be formed by cutting and bending the sheet metal forming the locking flanges 113a,b, 114a,b and 115a,b, or a combination thereof, as shown in <FIG>.

An example embodiment of a mounting bracket <NUM> according to a second aspect which is not part of the present invention is shown in <FIG>. The mounting bracket <NUM> has a first clamping element 201a, a second clamping element 201b and an elongate member <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> may be planar or curved so as to conform with a portion of the surface of an airbag inflator. The elongate member <NUM> has a central mounting aperture <NUM> for receiving a fastener, such as a screw or a clip, to mount the mounting bracket <NUM> to a component of a vehicle (not shown). In alternative examples, the mounting bracket may have two or more mounting apertures. The mounting apertures may be disposed in at a central portion of the mounting bracket between the clamping elements, or may be disposed at end portions of the mounting bracket that extend beyond the clamping elements. The mounting bracket may have other means adapted to mount or affix the mounting bracket to a vehicle component.

As shown in <FIG>, the first and second clamping elements 201a and 201b of the example embodiment are identical and are mounted over opposing first and second end portions 232a and 232b of the elongate member <NUM>. The first and second end portions 232a, 232b each have an aperture for securing the clamping elements 201a, 201b thereto. A mounting flange <NUM> is extending from a first clamping portion <NUM> of respective first and second clamping element 201a,b for mounting the first and second clamping elements 201a,b to the elongate member <NUM>, and optionally to a vehicle component (not shown). The mounting flanges <NUM> are bent over so that a first portion 210a of the mounting flange <NUM> extends substantially radially away from the clamping element 201a or 201b to then fold over into a second portion 210b of the mounting flange <NUM> forming a generally U-shaped side-profile. A gap between the first and second portions 210a, 210b is configured to receive respective end portions 232a or 232b of the elongate member <NUM> therethrough.

A second clamping portion <NUM> comprises a securing flange <NUM> substantially mirroring the first clamping portion and mounting flange <NUM>. The first and second clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> are of arcuate shape, so as to form a circular shape or cylinder when assembled first clamping portion <NUM> and second clamping portion <NUM> are in a closed position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The mounting flange <NUM> extends from a first end of the first clamping portion <NUM>, and the substantially mirroring securing flange <NUM> extends from a first end of the second clamping portion <NUM> having the same U-shaped (or backwards-folded) bent arrangement as the mounting flange <NUM>. Further, the first and second clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> are pivotally coupled at respective second ends utilising a ring <NUM> or loop or the like. A hook element <NUM> is extending from respective second ends of the first and second clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM>, each one adapted to operably receive the ring <NUM> or loop. Accordingly, when assembled, the first and second clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> are pivotable between a closed position, as shown in <FIG>, and an open position, as shown in <FIG>.

The U-shaped profile of the mounting flange <NUM> and the securing flange <NUM> form a spring element. This applies a bias against the screw, in use, to prevent the screw from loosening.

Each one of respective first and second portions 210a,b, 211a,b of the mounting flange <NUM> and the securing flange <NUM> have suitable fixing apertures. The fixing apertures of respective first and second portion are coaxial and can be aligned with a respective aperture of the elongate member <NUM>. The fixing apertures and the aperture in the first and second end portions 232a, 232b are sized to receive a fastening element, such as a pin, screw or clip. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> is inserted through the fixing apertures in the securing flange <NUM> and, when closed, through the fixing apertures of the mounting flange <NUM>, as well as, the respective aperture in the first or second end portion 232a, 232b of the elongate member <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> secures the clamping elements 201a or 201b to the elongate member <NUM> and secures the first and second clamping portions when in the closed position.

As mentioned previously, the fastener <NUM> may be a pin, screw, clip, or any other fastener suitable for securing the mounting flange <NUM> and the securing flange <NUM> together, and for securing the mounting and securing flanges <NUM>, <NUM> to the elongate member <NUM>. In one example, the fastener <NUM> is a threaded screw. The aperture in each of the first and second end portions 232a, 232b is formed by a cylindrical element <NUM> which has an threaded internal surface for threadingly receiving the threaded screw <NUM>. The cylindrical element <NUM> is protruding into the gap between first and second portions 210a,b of the mounting flange <NUM> forming a contact surface for the elongate member <NUM>. In this example embodiment is arcuate to match the arcuate profile of the elongate member <NUM>. The two mating arcuate surfaces between the cylindrical element <NUM> and the elongate member <NUM> provide an improved contact engagement between the elongate member <NUM> and respective clamping elements 201a,b, allowing the elongate member <NUM> to tilt relative to the fastener <NUM> (i.e. its elongate axis) within a predetermined limited range.

The first ends of each of the first clamping portion <NUM> and the second clamping portion <NUM> are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. The first and second ends of the first clamping portion <NUM> each have an arcuate tongue <NUM> protruding circumferentially outward in line with the circumference of the assembled clamping element 201a,b, i.e. the arcuate tongue <NUM> has the same curvature as the first clamping portion <NUM>. The first and second ends of the second clamping portion <NUM> each comprise a groove <NUM> sized and shaped to slidingly receive a respective tongue <NUM> extending from the ends of the first clamping portion <NUM>. As shown in detail in <FIG>, the groove <NUM> is sized such that the tongue <NUM> is received within the groove <NUM>, and an inner surface of the tongue <NUM> is level with the inner surface of the second clamping portion <NUM>, when assembled (matingly engaged). Thus, the mated tongues <NUM> and grooves provide a continuous contact surface of the first and second clamping elements <NUM>, <NUM> about the circumference of the inflator. Accordingly, as illustrated in <FIG>, the clamping elements 201a, 201b are adapted to apply an evenly distributed radial clamping force F to the inflator. This also restricts leakage of air between the sleeve and the inflator when the mounting bracket <NUM> is clamped about both the sleeve and the inflator.

In some examples, the tongues <NUM> and grooves <NUM> may be provided on either of the first and second clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> in a complimentary arrangement. For example, the first clamping portion <NUM> may have a tongue <NUM> at the first end and a groove <NUM> at the second end, and the second clamping portion <NUM> may have a groove <NUM> at the first end and a tongue <NUM> at the second end, or vice versa.

Further, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an O-ring <NUM> may be provided about the fastener <NUM> between first and second portions 211a, 211b of the securing flange <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> may be formed from an elastomer material. Accordingly, the O-ring <NUM> holds the fastener <NUM> in a pre-assembled position in the securing flange <NUM>. This allows the fastener <NUM> to be pre-assembled in the securing flange <NUM> during transport and assembly. Alternatively, other means of holding the fastener <NUM> in the pre-assembled position in the securing flange <NUM> may be used.

As shown in <FIG>, a gap 'G' is provided between the mounting flange <NUM> and the securing flange <NUM> when the clamping elements 201a, 201b are in the closed position. This provides a tolerance to allow for small variations in the diameter of the inflator, or to allow for a sleeve of an airbag cushion to be positioned over the inflator. Furthermore, this gap G permits movement of the first clamping portion <NUM> relative to the a second clamping portion <NUM>. This movement allows the clamping element 201a, 201b to adapt to the inflator (not shown) as the fastener <NUM> is tightened.

According to an example of the present invention, as shown in <FIG>, an inner surface of each of the first and second clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM> is chamfered at its outer edges 226a, 226b. The chamfered outer edges 226a, 226b are widened radially outwards. The chamfered outer edges 226a, 226b may also be rounded. The chamfered outer edges 226a, 226b prevent or at least minimise potential damage to the sleeve of the airbag cushion when the clamping element 201a or 201b is clamped about the sleeve and the inflator (not shown).

To secure the mounting bracket <NUM> about the inflator, the clamping elements 201a and 201b are provided in an open position, as shown in <FIG>. The clamping elements 201a and 201b are placed about the inflator and moved to a closed position by moving the first end of each of the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM>, towards the first end of the other one of the clamping portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Optionally, one or both of the clamping elements 201a, 201b may also be placed about the sleeve of the airbag cushion to secure the sleeve to the inflator. The fastener <NUM> is then inserted through apertures in the securing flange <NUM>, the first or second end portion 232a or 232b of the elongate member <NUM>, and the mounting flange <NUM> to secure each clamping element 201a and 201b in the closed position and to securing each clamping element 201a and 201b to the elongate member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Before, or after, securing the mounting bracket <NUM> to the inflator, the mounting bracket <NUM> is secured to the component (e.g. vehicle structure). To secure the mounting bracket <NUM> to the component, a screw is inserted through the mounting aperture <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> and fastened to the component.

In some examples, the first clamping element 101a or 202a and the second clamping element 101b or 202b are fastened around a portion of the inflator (not shown) which is not covered by the sleeve of the airbag cushion. An additional clamp may be used to fasten the sleeve of the airbag cushion (not shown) over an end section of an inflator. The additional clamp may be separate to the mounting bracket <NUM>, <NUM> or may be a feature of the mounting bracket <NUM>, <NUM>.

In other examples, the first clamping element 101a or 201a is fastened around the sleeve of the airbag cushion which is positioned over an end section of an inflator to secure the sleeve to the inflator and the second fastening element 101b or 201b is fastened around a portion of the inflator which is not covered by the sleeve of the airbag cushion.

In some examples, the clamping elements 101a, 101b or 201a, 201b may be adjustable and can be clamped to inflators having various circumferential diameters. The clamping elements101a, 101b or 201a, 201b will thus be able to apply an even circumferential pressure, irrespective of the circumferential diameter of the inflator received therein.

In some examples, the mounting bracket <NUM> or <NUM> may have a third clamping element having the same structure as the first and second clamping elements 101a, 101b or 201a, 201b. The third clamping element may be fastened around the sleeve of the cushion when positioned over the inflator, or fastened around a portion of the inflator which is not covered by the sleeve.

In some examples, the mounting portion 103a, 103b may alternatively be apertures provided in the elongate member <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> may have one, two or three apertures. The apertures are sized to receive a screw, clip, or any other suitable fastening means.

An example embodiment of a mounting bracket <NUM> according to a third aspect which is not part of the present invention is shown in <FIG>. As with the other embodiments <NUM>, <NUM>, the mounting bracket <NUM> includes a first and second clamping element 301a,b that are operably coupled so as to provide a stepless and tightenable clamp fixing. The function and operation of the clamps and fixing is self-explanatory from the schematic figures, such as sequence of <FIG>, and is thus not described in any more detail other than the essential characterising differences. Here, first and second clamping elements 301a,b are pivotably coupled with the elongate member <NUM> so as to allow at least one of the clamping elements, e.g. 301a, to rotate away from the other clamping element 301b into an open position. The first clamping element 301a comprises a toothed end portion <NUM> operably engageable with a resilient locking clamp <NUM>, such that the toothed end portion <NUM> can slide through the resilient locking clamp <NUM> in a first direction (closing direction) and prevents sliding movement between the toothed end portion <NUM> and the resilient locking clamp <NUM> in a second direction (opening direction) when lockingly engaged, i.e. the clamp can be tightened by sliding the toothed end portion <NUM> through the apertures <NUM> of the resilient locking clamp <NUM>, but cannot be opened (or loosened) unless the resilient locking clamp <NUM> is "opened" (i.e. disengaged from the teeth <NUM> of the toothed end portion <NUM>.

The second clamping element 301b comprises a hooked end portion <NUM> adapted to retainingly receive the resilient locking clamp <NUM>. A central tongue member <NUM> is provided at the second clamping element 301b to guidingly engage with the first clamping element 301a. Rounded or chamfered outer edges 309a,b are provided as already described for the first and second aspect of the mounting bracket <NUM>, <NUM>.

Furthermore, as shown particularly in <FIG> and <FIG>, a spring portion <NUM> may be provided on the first clamping element 301a, so as to provide a radial spring bias (biased tension). The spring portion <NUM> may be a simple loop element incorporated into the first clamping element 301a, or the second clamping element 301b, or both. During use, when tightening the two engaged clamping elements 301a,b, the spring portion <NUM> will allow some extension (gap is opening) with increasing biasing force.

<FIG> illustrates a detailed view of the clamping element 301a,b end portions lockingly coupled via the locking clamp <NUM>. The stepless pivot joint with the elongate member <NUM> and the guiding tongue member <NUM> provide for full <NUM> degrees of evenly distributed radial forces onto the inflator <NUM> when clamped therein.

As illustrated in the sequence of <FIG>, during assembly, the first and second clamping elements 301a,b are moved into an open position, an inflator <NUM> is positioned into the open clamps 301a,b onto the curved elongate member <NUM> and the clamps 301a,b are locked and tightened around the inflator <NUM> via the toothed fixing and locking clamp <NUM>. In order to open the locked clamps 301a,b, a specific tool <NUM> may be used to disengage the locking clamp <NUM> and teeth <NUM> of the toothed end portion <NUM>.

An example embodiment of a mounting bracket <NUM> according to a fourth aspect which is not part of the present invention is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the mounting bracket <NUM> in a closed position (without the inflator) and <FIG> illustrates the mounting bracket <NUM> in an open position. Again, only the essential characterising features are described in any more detail. Like features (see mounting brackets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) or function(s) obvious from the attached Figures are only mentioned if required.

The first and second clamping elements 401a,b are provided by a single band looped through a raised slot <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> so as to align perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member <NUM>. A plurality of such raised slots <NUM> are incorporated into a central portion of the elongate member <NUM> and parallelly arranged along the longitudinal axis of the elongate member <NUM>. Thus, any suitable number of metal bands may be looped through the raised slots <NUM> in order to form a first and second clamping element 401a,b. Also, the one or more metal bands may be removed from the elongate member <NUM> and coupled with a different (shape) elongate member comprising the raised slots <NUM> for engagement with the single bands, thus, providing a modular solution of the mounting bracket <NUM>.

The first clamping element 401a is provided with a toothed end portion <NUM> and the second clamping element 401b is provided with corresponding apertured end portion <NUM> comprising a plurality of apertures <NUM> adapted to lockingly engage with the teeth <NUM> of the toothed end portion <NUM>, at least when the first and second engaged clamping elements 401a,b move relative to each other in a first direction (i.e. to open). The teeth <NUM> are configured to allow relative movement of the engaged first and second clamping elements 401a,b in a second direction (i.e. to close).

As particularly shown in <FIG>, the toothed end portion <NUM> further comprises guide members <NUM> extending laterally away from bending back towards a lateral edge of the toothed end portion <NUM> so as to form a U-shaped guide for the apertured end portion <NUM>. The apertured end portion comprises a stop member <NUM> formed at the end of the apertures <NUM> and adapted to stoppingly engage with the guide members <NUM>. The stop member <NUM> is formed by two opposing lateral extensions of a lateral edge portion <NUM> of the second clamping element 401b, each one bent back towards the lateral edge portion so as to form a loop suitable to function as a stopper.

In use, at least one metal band is pulled through one of the raised slots <NUM> forming first and second clamping elements 401a,b and arranged in an open position. An inflator (not shown) is then positioned onto the elongate element <NUM> and the apertured end portion <NUM> is slidingly engaged with the guide members <NUM> of the toothed end portion <NUM> such that the teeth <NUM> lockingly engage with a corresponding aperture <NUM>. The apertured end portion <NUM> is moved into the close position until the stop member <NUM> abuts with the guid members <NUM>. The arrangement of the raised slots and slidingly engaging toothed and apertured end portions <NUM>, <NUM> provides for a stepless clamp with radial forces of the formed <NUM>° loop distributed evenly around the inflator. As with the other example embodiments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> the edges of the first and second clamping elements 401a,b are rounded or chamfered.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment(s) have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The embodiments described are mounting brackets for a side curtain airbag assembly. It will be appreciated that the mounting brackets described above could be used to secure other airbags.

Claim 1:
A mounting bracket (<NUM>) for mounting an airbag to a component of a vehicle, the airbag having an inflator (<NUM>) and a cushion received over an end of the inflator (<NUM>), the mounting bracket (<NUM>) comprising:
a first clamping element (101a);
a second clamping element (101b);
an elongate member (<NUM>) coupled between the first clamping element (101a) and the second clamping element (101b); and
one or more mounting portions (103a, 103b) for mounting the mounting bracket (<NUM>) to the component, wherein the one or more mounting portions (103a, 103b) are disposed on at least one of the first clamping element (101a), the second clamping element (101b) or the elongate member (<NUM>);
wherein the first clamping element (101a) and the second clamping element (101b) are spaced apart along a length of the elongate member (<NUM>) such that, in use, the first clamping element (101a) and the second clamping element (101b) are arranged to clamp the inflator (<NUM>); and
wherein each of the first clamping element (101a) and the second clamping element (101b) comprise an open-ended sleeve member (124a, 124b) having a first end portion (105a) and a second end portion (105b) circumferentially spaced apart from the first end portion (105a);
characterised in that the first end portion (105a) comprises a first protrusion (107a, 107b) facing the second end portion (105b) and in that the second end portion (105b) comprises a second protrusion (108a, 108b) facing the first end portion (105a) and which is offset from the first protrusion (107a, 107b).