Airbag clamp

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for utilizing an airbag clamp for securing an airbag onto an inflating tube of an airbag system. An embodiment of the present invention includes a body, a first engaging portion, and a second engaging portion. The body may be capable of surrounding the device, wherein the body may include a first end and a second end that are capable of moving towards each other. The first engaging portion may be located at a first end, wherein the first engaging portion may include at least one plate. The second engaging portion may be located at the second end, wherein the second engaging portion may include at least one plate. The engaging portions may be capable of being fitted together and the plates may

Having thus described the invention, the following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A clamp for securing material to a device, the clamp comprising:
 a body capable of surrounding the device, wherein said body includes a first end and a second end that are capable of moving towards each other;   a first engaging portion located at said first end, wherein said first engaging portion includes at least one plate;   a second engaging portion located at said second end, wherein said second engaging portion includes at least one plate;   wherein said engaging portions are capable of being fitted together; and   wherein said plates are capable of being fastened together to secure said clamp around the material and device.   
     
     
         2 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein said body is annular. 
     
     
         3 . The clamp of  claim 2 , wherein said engaging portions are fitted together by sliding said second engaging portion within said first engaging portion. 
     
     
         4 . The clamp of  claim 2 , wherein said plates are fastened together by piercing said plate of said first engaging portion into and through said plate of said second engaging portion. 
     
     
         5 . The clamp of  claim 2 , wherein said first engaging portion is wider than said second engaging portion. 
     
     
         6 . The clamp of  claim 5 , wherein said first engaging portion includes a first plate and a second plate. 
     
     
         7 . The clamp of  claim 6 , wherein said second engaging portion includes a first plate and a second plate. 
     
     
         8 . The clamp of  claim 4  further including a coating located on said clamp. 
     
     
         9 . The clamp of  claim 6 , wherein said first engaging portion is U-shaped. 
     
     
         10 . A method for clamping material to a device, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing a clamp having two ends over both the material and the device;   placing said clamp, material and device into an apparatus;   utilizing said apparatus to move one end of said clamp towards said other end into a closed position;   utilizing said apparatus to secure said ends together around the material and the device; and   removing said clamp, material and device from said apparatus.   
     
     
         11 . The clamp of  claim 10 , wherein the material is an airbag. 
     
     
         12 . The clamp of  claim 11 , wherein the device is an injector tube of an airbag system. 
     
     
         13 . The clamp of  claim 12 , wherein said clamp is secured by crimping said ends together. 
     
     
         14 . The clamp of  claim 12 , wherein said clamp is secured by piercing said ends together. 
     
     
         15 . The clamp of  claim 10 , further including the step of connecting said apparatus to a processor to control the forces applied to said clamp. 
     
     
         16 . The clamp of  claim 15 , wherein said processor records the forces and time in which the forces occurred and links the information to said clamp.