Abstract: An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid () to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).

Abstract: A vehicle passive restraint device comprising an air bag positioned between an occupant of the vehicle and an interior portion thereof for protecting the occupant from an impact with the interior portion in the event of a collision involving the vehicle; a generator for producing a sufficient quantity of a gaseous combustion product to inflate the air bag means in an interval occuring between the collision and the impact in order to prevent the impact; and a deflector ring positioned between the air bag and the generator for attaching the bag to the generator and extending a sufficient distance into an interior portion of the air bag for preventing hot combustion gases and particulates produced within the generator from impinging directly against an inner surface of the bag. The deflector ring is stamped from a relatively light weight material utilizing conventional stamping equipment without the necessity of subjecting the ring to any machining treatment.