Apparatus for directing the flow of inflation fluid into an air bag

摘要

An apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in a vehicle collision comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) having a mouth section (18) with a first opening (140) through which inflation fluid flows to inflate the occupant protection device. An inflator (16) provides the inflation fluid. A member (80) is located between the mouth section (18) and the inflator (16). The member (80) has a second opening (82) for directing the inflation fluid from the inflator (16) into the first opening (140). The second opening (82) has first and second portions (170 and 172). The second portion (172) of the second opening (82) overlies the first opening (140) in the mouth section (18). Inflation fluid from the inflator (16) thus enters the occupant protection device by flowing through the second portion (172) and through the first opening (140). The mouth section (18) includes a deflector part (160) blocking inflation fluid flow through the first portion (170) of the second opening (82) in the member (80) into the occupant protection device (12).