US3863948A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotary connection for a safety bag inflation system
Assignee: Olin Corp
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Filing: 1973-10-05
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Granted: 1975-02-04
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Expires: 1993-10-05
Abstract
Abstract A system for feeding inflation gas to an air bag mounted on the steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. The steering wheel assembly includes adjacent rotating and fixed members, and the gas-feeding system includes an annular manifold mounted on the steering wheel assembly. The manifold includes a first part mounted on the rotating portion of the steering wheel assembly and a second part mounted on the fixed portion of the steering wheel assembly. A seal maintains a gas-tight joint between the first and second manifold parts.
Inventors
- 👤 Rayburn D Vancil
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:54
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/20; B60R21/203; B60R21/2032
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
260 words
A vehicle safety assembly mounted on a steering asembly of the vehicle, said steering assembly including a steering column fixed to the vehicle; a steering shaft rotatably mounted within said steering column; a steering wheel having a longitudinally elongated hub which is fixed to said steering shaft, said hub having a hollow interior; said safety assembly comprising an air bag stored in a collapsed condition within said hub; first conduit means mounted externally of said steering column and fixed thereto for ducting air bag inflation gas; second conduit means mounted externally of said hub, said second conduit means communicating with the interior of said hub through an opening in said hub upstream of said air bag, said second conduit means being fixed to the exterior of said hub and rotatable therewith, and said second conduit means being operable to duct air bag inflation gas into the interior of said hub; and an annular manifold interposed between said first and second conduit means for establishing fluid-ducting connection therebetween, said manifold including a first annular portion fixed to and completely encircling the exterior of said steering column, and a second annular portion fixed to and completely encircling the exterior of said hub and rotatable therewith, said first conduit means opening into said first manifold portion and said second conduit means opening into said second manifold portion; and annular seal means fixed to one of said manifold portions and disposed in sliding sealing engagement with the other of said manifold portions to form a gas-tight seal between said first and second manifold portions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
260 words
A vehicle safety assembly mounted on a steering asembly of the vehicle, said steering assembly including a steering column fixed to the vehicle; a steering shaft rotatably mounted within said steering column; a steering wheel having a longitudinally elongated hub which is fixed to said steering shaft, said hub having a hollow interior; said safety assembly comprising an air bag stored in a collapsed condition within said hub; first conduit means mounted externally of said steering column and fixed thereto for ducting air bag inflation gas; second conduit means mounted externally of said hub, said second conduit means communicating with the interior of said hub through an opening in said hub upstream of said air bag, said second conduit means being fixed to the exterior of said hub and rotatable therewith, and said second conduit means being operable to duct air bag inflation gas into the interior of said hub; and an annular manifold interposed between said first and second conduit means for establishing fluid-ducting connection therebetween, said manifold including a first annular portion fixed to and completely encircling the exterior of said steering column, and a second annular portion fixed to and completely encircling the exterior of said hub and rotatable therewith, said first conduit means opening into said first manifold portion and said second conduit means opening into said second manifold portion; and annular seal means fixed to one of said manifold portions and disposed in sliding sealing engagement with the other of said manifold portions to form a gas-tight seal between said first and second manifold portions.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |