Apparatus for use in inflating an air bag and method of assembly

A method of manufacturing an apparatus for use in inflating an air bag, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a container having a first outer surface and an internally threaded opening extending into the container from the first outer surface;
• screwing a plug having an outer periphery which is at least in part threaded into the internally threaded opening in the container, the outer periphery of the plug including a second outer surface, the screwing of the plug into the internally threaded opening in the container creating an interface between the plug and the container, the interface extending to the periphery of the container between the first and second outer surfaces;
• positioning a preformed continuous ring of uniform thickness having a flat annular surface overlying the interface and overlying portions of the first and second outer surfaces;
• and
• securing the ring to the first and second outer surfaces to block leakage of inflation fluid from the container through the interface.

An apparatus for use in inflating an air bag, said apparatus comprising:

• a container containing a supply of inflation fluid, said container having a first outer surface and an inner surface which is at least in part threaded and defines a threaded opening extending into said container from said first outer surface;
• a plug having an outer periphery which is at least in part threaded, said plug being screwed into said threaded opening in said container, said outer periphery of said plug including a second outer surface adjacent said first outer surface of said container;
• said outer periphery of said plug and said inner surface of said container defining said threaded opening comprising an interface between said plug and said container, said interface extending to the periphery of said container between said first and second outer surfaces;
• and
• means for blocking leakage of inflation fluid from said container through said interface, said blocking means including (i) a ring overlying said interface and overlying portions of said first and second outer surfaces and (ii) means for securing said ring to said first and second outer surfaces comprising a continuous ring of material extending around the periphery of said plug;
• and
• said continuous ring of material extending around the periphery of said plug being a friction weld between said ring and said first and second outer surfaces.

A method of manufacturing an apparatus for use in inflating an air bag, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a container having a first outer surface and an internally threaded opening extending into the container from the first outer surface;
• screwing a plug having an outer periphery which is at least in part threaded into the internally threaded opening in the container, the outer periphery of the plug including a second outer surface, the screwing of the plug into the internally threaded opening in the container creating an interface between the plug and the container, the interface extending to the periphery of the container between the first and second outer surfaces;
• positioning a ring overlying the interface and overlying portions of the first and second outer surfaces;
• securing the ring to the first and second outer surfaces to block leakage of inflation fluid from the container through the interface;
• and
• wherein the step of securing the ring includes the step of friction welding the ring to the first and second outer surfaces.