Abstract: A rupture feature releases pressurized gas into a diffuser through an egress opening in an inflator wall responsive to a pressure impulse in the inflator. A sturdy rupture fragment is positioned opposite the egress opening. A thin rupture membrane continuously circumscribes and sealingly interconnects the rupture fragment to the inflator about the egress opening. Rupture membrane thickness is less than rupture fragment thickness or inflator wall thickness at the egress opening. The rupture membrane is upstanding from the inflator wall about the egress opening to a constant height. The rupture fragment and the rupture membrane are integrally-formed with each other and with the inflator wall at the egress opening. The pressure impulse impacts the rupture fragment, urges the rupture fragment away from the inflator, detaches the rupture fragment from the inflator by fully transversely fracturing the rupture membrane, and drives the rupture fragment into containment within the diffuser.

Abstract: Textile gas guides adapted for use with inflatable cushions and airbag systems are configured to be formed in a manner that reduces or eliminates the need for specialized equipment during manufacturing, and to be sufficiently reinforced to withstand damage during use. Such textile gas guides may comprise a second edge of a first fabric member overlapping and coupled with a shear seam to a portion of a third edge of a second fabric member. The third edge and a fourth edge of the second fabric member may be coupled together with a second seam sewed through the two edges of the second fabric member. The second fabric member at least substantially encompasses the first fabric member. Airbag systems employing such textile gas guides may include at least one inflatable cushion, a portion of which is coupled to the textile gas guide.

Abstract: Textile gas guides adapted for use with inflatable cushions and airbag systems are configured to be formed in a manner that reduces or eliminates the need for specialized equipment during manufacturing, and to be sufficiently reinforced to withstand damage during use. Such textile gas guides may comprise a second edge of a first fabric member overlapping and coupled with a shear seam to a portion of a third edge of a second fabric member. The third edge and a fourth edge of the second fabric member may be coupled together with a second seam sewed through the two edges of the second fabric member. The second fabric member at least substantially encompasses the first fabric member. Airbag systems employing such textile gas guides may include at least one inflatable cushion, a portion of which is coupled to the textile gas guide.

Abstract: Diffusers adapted for use with air bag cushion inflators and air bag systems may comprise a unitary or integral hollow body defining a diffusion chamber. The hollow body may include a first longitudinal end having an aperture and an opposing second longitudinal end that is at least substantially enclosed. A module attach feature may be disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end. The module attach feature may comprise a lateral extent that is greater than a lateral extent of the hollow body. A plurality of apertures extending through the hollow body may be disposed between the module attach feature and the second longitudinal end. Air bag systems employing such diffusers may include an inflator including the diffuser and at least one inflatable cushion, a portion of which is coupled to the diffuser.

Abstract: A rupture feature releases pressurized gas into a diffuser through an egress opening in an inflator wall responsive to a pressure impulse in the inflator. A sturdy rupture fragment is positioned opposite the egress opening. A thin rupture membrane continuously circumscribes and sealingly interconnects the rupture fragment to the inflator about the egress opening. Rupture membrane thickness is less than rupture fragment thickness or inflator wall thickness at the egress opening. The rupture membrane is upstanding from the inflator wall about the egress opening to a constant height. The rupture fragment and the rupture membrane are integrally-formed with each other and with the inflator wall at the egress opening. The pressure impulse impacts the rupture fragment, urges the rupture fragment away from the inflator, detaches the rupture fragment from the inflator by fully transversely fracturing the rupture membrane, and drives the rupture fragment into containment within the diffuser.

Abstract: An article exhibiting insulating or cushioning properties includes a multi-layered one-piece woven textile having opposed first and second faces and a continuous circumscribing peripheral edge therebetween. A first outer surface of the article is defined by a fluid-impervious laminate first sheet secured to the first face of the textile that includes a first fabric carrying a fluid-impervious melt-adhesive sealing film. A second outer surface of the article is defined by a fluid-impervious laminate second sheet secured to the second face of the textile that includes a second fabric carrying a fluid-impervious melt-adhesive sealing film. A continuous fluid-impervious seal is formed between the first sheet and the second sheet circumscribes the peripheral edge of the textile. The sealing film of each sheet is bonded to a respective face of the textile. The article is suitable for incorporation into a light-weight construction configured for rugged outdoor use.