US20050184492A1 - Inflatable cushioning devices - Google Patents
Inflatable cushioning devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050184492A1 US20050184492A1 US10/783,667 US78366704A US2005184492A1 US 20050184492 A1 US20050184492 A1 US 20050184492A1 US 78366704 A US78366704 A US 78366704A US 2005184492 A1 US2005184492 A1 US 2005184492A1
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- Prior art keywords
- inflatable
- protective device
- vehicle
- curtain
- inflation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/23184—Tubular air bags connected to the vehicle at their two extremities
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/232—Curtain-type airbags deploying mainly in a vertical direction from their top edge
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/233—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other
- B60R2021/23324—Inner walls crating separate compartments, e.g. communicating with vents
Definitions
- This application relates to devices for protecting vehicle occupants and more particularly (but not exclusively) to curtains or other cushions designed to inflate when a vehicle is impacted.
- the cushions are especially adapted as protective designs when side-impact collisions occur and are intended to reduce likelihood of occupants being ejected from the vehicle. They may, however, be useful in other circumstances and perform other protective functions too.
- the present invention provides alternatives to the inflatable devices of, for example, the Bark and Brannon patents.
- devices of the present invention Utilizing braids—similar to those of the Bark patents—at the lower edges (with “lower” being defined while the vehicle is upright), devices of the present invention comprise curtains or other cushioning devices adapted to inflate from the lower portions upward. Doing so creates an inflation pattern opposite that of conventional curtains, allowing for greater uniformity in tension at the lower edges and rapid deployment of the devices. Because inflated from their lower portions upward, devices of the present invention effectively “pull” the corresponding curtains out of their covers rather than “push” them out, as is done with existing curtains.
- Embodiments of the invention additionally may include inflatable nodes extending outward through braided portions of the devices.
- the braid need not necessarily exist at the lower edges of the devices. Regardless of braid placement, however, including such additional inflatable material may enhance protection of various portions of bodies of human occupants notwithstanding their potentially-differing heights and sizes.
- Versions of the present invention typically comprise an elongated cover in which an inflatable curtain or other cushioning apparatus is placed when deflated.
- Such cover advantageously is mounted to or near the roof rail of a vehicle, although it may be mounted elsewhere as appropriate or desired.
- Incorporated into the curtain is a braided, inflatable tube (or similar knitted or other structure).
- the tube spans the lower edge of the curtain, although it need not necessarily do so.
- the braided tube When the braided tube is inflated, it decreases in length while its diameter increases. This action pulls the curtain out of the cover and tensions the lower edge, creating a taut, generally linear, semi-rigid structure helping reduce the risk of occupant ejection during vehicle rollover. Because the (moving) lower portion of the curtain is being inflated, the inflation device for the curtain will travel along with the braided tube.
- one or more inflatable nodes are one or more inflatable nodes. These nodes may be inflated concurrently with the braided tube (through slots or other openings therein), so that inflation occurs upward from their lower edges.
- the nodes function primarily to attempt to reduce head injury to occupants when a vehicle collision occurs. Depending on their placement they may, however, provide some torso or thoracic protection as well.
- the invention is designed principally with regard to side-impact and rollover situations and to reduce the risk of ejection or head injury, its concepts may be used in other circumstances or for protection of other parts of the body as well.
- the braid may be attached to the outside (rather than incorporated within) the curtain in some embodiments of the invention. In such circumstances the braid likely will have a U-shaped, instead of (generally) circular, cross-section so as not to interfere with inflation of the nodes.
- an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide inflatable cushions adapted to reduce risk of injury during side-impact collisions and vehicle rollovers.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cushioning device, in the form of a curtain, in an undeployed state.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 when partially deployed.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 when fully deployed.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a first alternative cushioning device, in the form of a curtain to which braided material has been added, in a deployed state.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative cushioning device, in the form of a tubular structure with nodes, in a deployed state.
- FIGS. 1-3 detail device 10 of the present invention.
- device 10 is mounted to side structure S of vehicle V, generally along the upper periphery of windows W adjacent roof rail R.
- FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a presently preferred mounting position of device 10
- the device 10 may be mounted, or otherwise attached to or within vehicle V, differently than is shown in FIGS. 1-3 .
- cover 14 includes cover 14 , inflatable curtain 18 , and inflator 22 .
- cover 14 may incorporate a tear-away seam or other mechanism permitting egress of curtain 18 for deployment.
- device 10 may include a fill tube for facilitating fluid communication between inflator 22 and curtain 18 , although such fill tube too is not absolutely necessary.
- curtain 18 beneficially comprises lower portion 26 defining lower edge 30 and upper portion 34 defining upper edge 38 .
- lower portion 26 includes a braided tube (an example of which is identified as tube 42 of FIG. 5 ).
- Upper portion 34 by contrast, includes nodes 46 separated by uninflated sections 50 . Although four nodes 46 are illustrated in FIG. 3 , fewer or greater numbers of nodes 46 may be present in any particular device 10 .
- FIGS. 1-3 illustrate deployment of curtain 18 .
- FIG. 1 depicts device 10 with curtain 18 uninflated and vehicle V upright, the normal operating mode for both device 10 and vehicle V. Should a sensor associated with vehicle V detect a collision (or any other deployment-worthy event), it signals inflator 22 to inflate curtain 18 .
- FIG. 2 shows early-stage inflation of device 10 (at, nominally, approximately five milliseconds), with the remainder of curtain 18 being pulled downward from its upper edge 38 .
- FIG. 3 details full inflation of curtain 18 , with both tube 42 and nodes 46 fully inflated. With tube 42 fully inflated, it forms a taut, semi-rigid, generally linear structural member whose ends 54 and 58 are directly or indirectly (through inflator 22 ) attached to a side of vehicle V, which assists in maintaining the positioning and rigidity of curtain 18 regardless of orientation of the vehicle V.
- FIG. 3 Also shown in FIG. 3 by arrows are the fluid paths used to effect inflation of device 10 .
- Gas generated by or via inflator 22 enters tube 42 in the lower portion 26 of curtain 18 , travelling within tube 42 to inflate it.
- As gas travels within tube 42 it encounters nodes 46 , with some of the gas diverting to fill the nodes 46 .
- curtain 18 thus inflates from its lower portion 26 upward, opposite the process conventionally used for inflating curtains.
- FIGS. 1-3 is that lower portion 26 of curtain 18 moves downward as inflation occurs, and that inflator 22 pivots, or otherwise moves, in conjunction therewith.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative device 10 A of the present invention.
- Device 10 A may be similar to device 10 , albeit with braided material 62 positioned externally of lower portion 26 A of curtain 18 A.
- braided material 62 preferably has a U-shaped (rather than circular) cross-section, so as not to impede inflation of nodes 46 A.
- braided material 62 functions as does tube 42 , decreasing in length and increasing in width as curtain 18 A inflates in order to form a relatively taut, semi-rigid member.
- both devices 10 and 10 A utilize braid generally horizontally attached to or within respective curtains 18 and 18 A, substantially the entire lengths of tube 42 and material 62 are available to transfer loads. Consequently, point-loading issues associated with prior devices are reduced. Utilizing braid additionally provides greater mechanical strength to devices 10 and 10 A and permits greater tension to be achieved than with existing devices. Incorporating inflatable nodes 46 or 46 A into devices 10 or 10 A additionally improves performance, as head-impact energy may be transferred to gases within nodes 46 or 46 A rather than solely into a tensioned piece of fabric.
- FIG. 5 Detailed in FIG. 5 is another alternative device 10 B.
- Device 10 B includes some features of devices 10 and 10 A yet is not in the form of a curtain. Instead, as deployed (as shown in FIG. 5 ), device 10 B more closely resembles the systems of the Bark patent, albeit with one or more inflatable nodes 46 B protruding upward from braided tube 42 .
- nodes 46 or 46 A alternatively could extend downward from tube 42 or material 62 , respectively, in appropriate circumstances, and regardless of orientation could attempt to provide torso protection either in addition to or instead or protection for the head of an occupant.
- devices 10 , 10 A, and 10 B are designed principally for use in automobiles and other land-based vehicles, they may be used in other vehicles or for other purposes as appropriate or desired.
Abstract
Inflatable devices principally for vehicle occupant protection are addressed. Included among the devices are curtains or other cushions with braided portions along their lower edges designed to form semi-rigid members when deployed. Unlike commercially-available vehicle curtains, inflation occurs from the bottom (where the semi-rigid member is formed) upward. The devices additionally optionally may include inflatable nodes within the curtains or otherwise extending from the cushions.
Description
- This application relates to devices for protecting vehicle occupants and more particularly (but not exclusively) to curtains or other cushions designed to inflate when a vehicle is impacted. The cushions are especially adapted as protective designs when side-impact collisions occur and are intended to reduce likelihood of occupants being ejected from the vehicle. They may, however, be useful in other circumstances and perform other protective functions too.
- Commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,322 to Bark, et al., whose contents are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference, describes an existing protective system for vehicle occupants. Versions of the system, designed to be mounted along the periphery of a side window of a vehicle (at or near the roof rail), include a braided tube containing a gas generator. As noted in the Bark patent:
-
- When a side impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases and its length decreases. The tube then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's window.
See Bark, Abstract, 11. 7-12.
- When a side impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases and its length decreases. The tube then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's window.
- Because vehicle rollovers sometimes also occur, inflatable curtains have been devised in attempts to reduce adverse effects of the rollovers to vehicle occupants. Many existing curtains are slow to deploy, however. Others fail to develop sufficient tension to prevent occupant ejection.
- One set of improved curtains is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,853 to Brannon, et al., whose contents are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference. Like other inflatable curtains, the ones of the Brannon patent are “inflatable from the roof of the vehicle downward,” see Brannon, col. 1, 1. 15; col. 3, 11. 45-47, and lack any braided portion. Instead, these curtains, when deployed, tension a helical portion of an elongated member by increasing both its diameter and length. See id., col. 3, 11. 55-67. Additionally, because these curtains inflate from the roof of the vehicle downward, their inflators and mounting equipment are typically fixed to the vehicle and thus unable to move.
- As head room in and interior space of larger personal vehicles (such as sport-utility vehicles, or “SUVs”) increases, utilizing existing devices to protect human occupants is becoming increasingly difficult. Compounding this issue is the wide range of heights and sizes of potential occupants, as statistically, optimizing device inflation for a male having height and weight in the ninety-fifth percentile among men, for example, might result in less-than-optimal head (and body) protection for a female with height and weight in the fifth percentile among women. Conversely, optimizing device inflation characteristics for small women might result in less-than-optimal protection for large men.
- The present invention provides alternatives to the inflatable devices of, for example, the Bark and Brannon patents. Utilizing braids—similar to those of the Bark patents—at the lower edges (with “lower” being defined while the vehicle is upright), devices of the present invention comprise curtains or other cushioning devices adapted to inflate from the lower portions upward. Doing so creates an inflation pattern opposite that of conventional curtains, allowing for greater uniformity in tension at the lower edges and rapid deployment of the devices. Because inflated from their lower portions upward, devices of the present invention effectively “pull” the corresponding curtains out of their covers rather than “push” them out, as is done with existing curtains.
- Embodiments of the invention additionally may include inflatable nodes extending outward through braided portions of the devices. In these embodiments, the braid need not necessarily exist at the lower edges of the devices. Regardless of braid placement, however, including such additional inflatable material may enhance protection of various portions of bodies of human occupants notwithstanding their potentially-differing heights and sizes.
- Versions of the present invention typically comprise an elongated cover in which an inflatable curtain or other cushioning apparatus is placed when deflated. Such cover advantageously is mounted to or near the roof rail of a vehicle, although it may be mounted elsewhere as appropriate or desired. Incorporated into the curtain is a braided, inflatable tube (or similar knitted or other structure). Preferably, the tube spans the lower edge of the curtain, although it need not necessarily do so.
- When the braided tube is inflated, it decreases in length while its diameter increases. This action pulls the curtain out of the cover and tensions the lower edge, creating a taut, generally linear, semi-rigid structure helping reduce the risk of occupant ejection during vehicle rollover. Because the (moving) lower portion of the curtain is being inflated, the inflation device for the curtain will travel along with the braided tube.
- Optionally extending upward from the tube within the curtain are one or more inflatable nodes. These nodes may be inflated concurrently with the braided tube (through slots or other openings therein), so that inflation occurs upward from their lower edges. The nodes function primarily to attempt to reduce head injury to occupants when a vehicle collision occurs. Depending on their placement they may, however, provide some torso or thoracic protection as well.
- Moreover, although the invention is designed principally with regard to side-impact and rollover situations and to reduce the risk of ejection or head injury, its concepts may be used in other circumstances or for protection of other parts of the body as well. Alternatively, the braid may be attached to the outside (rather than incorporated within) the curtain in some embodiments of the invention. In such circumstances the braid likely will have a U-shaped, instead of (generally) circular, cross-section so as not to interfere with inflation of the nodes.
- It thus is an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide inflatable cushions that inflate from lower portions to upper portions (with “lower” defined when the vehicles in which the cushions are placed are upright).
- It is another optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide inflatable cushions that include braided, knitted, or other components designed to create tension linearly.
- It is also an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide inflatable cushions in which an inflation device travels with the braided tube during deployment.
- It is a further optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide inflatable cushions with inflatable nodes.
- It is yet another optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide inflatable nodes that inflate from their lower edges to their upper edges.
- It is, moreover, an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide inflatable cushions adapted to reduce risk of injury during side-impact collisions and vehicle rollovers.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art with reference to the remaining text and the drawings of this application.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cushioning device, in the form of a curtain, in an undeployed state. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the device ofFIG. 1 when partially deployed. -
FIG. 3 illustrates the device ofFIG. 1 when fully deployed. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a first alternative cushioning device, in the form of a curtain to which braided material has been added, in a deployed state. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative cushioning device, in the form of a tubular structure with nodes, in a deployed state. -
FIGS. 1-3 detail device 10 of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 1-3 ,device 10 is mounted to side structure S of vehicle V, generally along the upper periphery of windows W adjacent roof rail R. Although these figures illustrate a presently preferred mounting position ofdevice 10, thedevice 10 may be mounted, or otherwise attached to or within vehicle V, differently than is shown inFIGS. 1-3 . - Included as parts of
device 10 arecover 14,inflatable curtain 18, andinflator 22. As illustrated inFIG. 1 , most or all ofcurtain 18 is positioned within, and thereby protected by,cover 14 when uninflated. While advantageous to utilizecover 14, it is not absolutely necessary for use ofdevice 10. If present, though, cover 14 may incorporate a tear-away seam or other mechanism permitting egress ofcurtain 18 for deployment. Likewise,device 10 may include a fill tube for facilitating fluid communication betweeninflator 22 andcurtain 18, although such fill tube too is not absolutely necessary. - As best illustrated in
FIG. 3 ,curtain 18 beneficially compriseslower portion 26 defininglower edge 30 andupper portion 34 definingupper edge 38. In the version ofdevice 10 depicted inFIG. 3 ,lower portion 26 includes a braided tube (an example of which is identified astube 42 ofFIG. 5 ).Upper portion 34, by contrast, includesnodes 46 separated byuninflated sections 50. Although fournodes 46 are illustrated inFIG. 3 , fewer or greater numbers ofnodes 46 may be present in anyparticular device 10. -
Curtain 18 may be constructed of any appropriate materials. Conventional air bag fabrics and materials may, for example, be used. Similarly, braidedtube 42 may be sewn to or otherwise incorporated intocurtain 18.Braided tube 42 itself may be constructed as described in the Bark patent. It need not necessarily be tubular, however, and instead could form other shapes when inflated. (Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, in certain circumstances, other materials adapted to provide taut, semi-rigid structures when inflated may be used in place oftube 42.) Viewed sequentially,FIGS. 1-3 illustrate deployment ofcurtain 18. As noted earlier,FIG. 1 depictsdevice 10 withcurtain 18 uninflated and vehicle V upright, the normal operating mode for bothdevice 10 and vehicle V. Should a sensor associated with vehicle V detect a collision (or any other deployment-worthy event), it signals inflator 22 to inflatecurtain 18. -
FIG. 2 shows early-stage inflation of device 10 (at, nominally, approximately five milliseconds), with the remainder ofcurtain 18 being pulled downward from itsupper edge 38.FIG. 3 details full inflation ofcurtain 18, with bothtube 42 andnodes 46 fully inflated. Withtube 42 fully inflated, it forms a taut, semi-rigid, generally linear structural member whose ends 54 and 58 are directly or indirectly (through inflator 22) attached to a side of vehicle V, which assists in maintaining the positioning and rigidity ofcurtain 18 regardless of orientation of the vehicle V. - Also shown in
FIG. 3 by arrows are the fluid paths used to effect inflation ofdevice 10. Gas generated by or viainflator 22 enterstube 42 in thelower portion 26 ofcurtain 18, travelling withintube 42 to inflate it. As gas travels withintube 42, it encountersnodes 46, with some of the gas diverting to fill thenodes 46. As is clear fromFIG. 3 ,curtain 18 thus inflates from itslower portion 26 upward, opposite the process conventionally used for inflating curtains. Equally clear fromFIGS. 1-3 is thatlower portion 26 ofcurtain 18 moves downward as inflation occurs, and thatinflator 22 pivots, or otherwise moves, in conjunction therewith. -
FIG. 4 illustrates analternative device 10A of the present invention.Device 10A may be similar todevice 10, albeit with braidedmaterial 62 positioned externally oflower portion 26A ofcurtain 18A. Because sewn or otherwise attached to the exterior ofcurtain 18A, braidedmaterial 62 preferably has a U-shaped (rather than circular) cross-section, so as not to impede inflation ofnodes 46A. In use, braidedmaterial 62 functions as doestube 42, decreasing in length and increasing in width ascurtain 18A inflates in order to form a relatively taut, semi-rigid member. - Because both
devices respective curtains tube 42 andmaterial 62 are available to transfer loads. Consequently, point-loading issues associated with prior devices are reduced. Utilizing braid additionally provides greater mechanical strength todevices inflatable nodes devices nodes - Detailed in
FIG. 5 is anotheralternative device 10B.Device 10B includes some features ofdevices FIG. 5 ),device 10B more closely resembles the systems of the Bark patent, albeit with one or moreinflatable nodes 46B protruding upward frombraided tube 42. - The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing exemplary embodiments and certain benefits of the present invention. Modifications and adaptations to the illustrated and described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. As non-limiting examples,
nodes tube 42 ormaterial 62, respectively, in appropriate circumstances, and regardless of orientation could attempt to provide torso protection either in addition to or instead or protection for the head of an occupant. Additionally, althoughdevices
Claims (12)
1. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, the first portion being above the second portion when the vehicle is upright, and in which inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion.
2. Protective device according to claim 1 in which the second portion comprises a material that decreases in length when inflated so as to create tension.
3. Protective device according to claim 2 in which the length-decreasing material is distributed substantially uniformly and continuously throughout the second portion.
4. Protective device according to claim 1 in which the first portion comprises at least one inflatable node adapted, when inflated, to be positioned at approximately head level of the occupant.
5. Protective device according to claim 4 in which the first portion further comprises uninflated material adjacent the at least one inflatable node.
6. Protective device according to claim 1 further comprising an inflator connected to the vehicle and to the second portion and capable of moving as the second portion inflates.
7. Protective device comprising:
a. an inflator;
b. an inflatable curtain in fluid communication with the inflator and comprising:
i. a first inflatable portion comprising material that decreases in length when inflation occurs; and
ii. a second inflatable portion; and
c. a cover in which the inflatable curtain is positioned when uninflated.
8. Protective device according to claim 7 in which inflation of the inflatable curtain pulls the inflatable curtain downward out of the cover.
9. Protective device according to claim 8 in which the material is braided and has generally circular or U-shaped cross-section.
10. Protective device according to claim 9 in which the material forms a taut, semi-rigid, generally linear member when the first inflatable portion is inflated.
11. Protective device according to claim 10 in which the inflator moves with the material when the inflatable curtain is pulled downward out of the cover.
12. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, and in which (i) inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion and (ii) the first portion comprises at least one inflatable node adapted, when inflated, to be positioned so as to provide torso protection for the occupant.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/783,667 US20050184492A1 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2004-02-20 | Inflatable cushioning devices |
EP05713757A EP1718501A1 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2005-02-16 | Inflatable cushioning devices |
PCT/US2005/005120 WO2005082682A1 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2005-02-16 | Inflatable cushioning devices |
US10/589,778 US7837223B2 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2005-02-16 | Inflatable cushioning device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/783,667 US20050184492A1 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2004-02-20 | Inflatable cushioning devices |
Publications (1)
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US20050184492A1 true US20050184492A1 (en) | 2005-08-25 |
Family
ID=34861300
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US10/589,778 Expired - Fee Related US7837223B2 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2005-02-16 | Inflatable cushioning device |
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US10/589,778 Expired - Fee Related US7837223B2 (en) | 2004-02-20 | 2005-02-16 | Inflatable cushioning device |
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US20060097492A1 (en) * | 2004-11-08 | 2006-05-11 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Inflatable vehicle occupant protection device with thorax protection |
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US20100032930A1 (en) * | 2008-08-07 | 2010-02-11 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Head-protecting airbag apparatus |
US8474866B1 (en) * | 2012-03-08 | 2013-07-02 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Airbag with zones of less elastic material |
US20140239620A1 (en) * | 2013-02-28 | 2014-08-28 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Head-protecting airbag device |
US10604259B2 (en) | 2016-01-20 | 2020-03-31 | Amsafe, Inc. | Occupant restraint systems having extending restraints, and associated systems and methods |
US10906494B1 (en) * | 2017-01-19 | 2021-02-02 | State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company | Systems and methods for predicting occupant location based on vehicular collision |
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WO2011056637A1 (en) * | 2009-10-28 | 2011-05-12 | Key Safety Systems, Inc. | Ejection countermeasures for curtain air bags |
US8556291B2 (en) * | 2011-07-06 | 2013-10-15 | Zodiac Seats France | Airbag in privacy wall |
US8523220B1 (en) | 2012-03-19 | 2013-09-03 | Amsafe, Inc. | Structure mounted airbag assemblies and associated systems and methods |
US9511866B2 (en) | 2012-03-19 | 2016-12-06 | Amsafe, Inc. | Structure mounted airbag assemblies and associated systems and methods |
US9352839B2 (en) | 2014-10-02 | 2016-05-31 | Amsafe, Inc. | Active positioning airbag assembly and associated systems and methods |
US9944245B2 (en) | 2015-03-28 | 2018-04-17 | Amsafe, Inc. | Extending pass-through airbag occupant restraint systems, and associated systems and methods |
CN107428308A (en) | 2015-04-11 | 2017-12-01 | Am-安全公司 | Active air bags system |
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US20140239620A1 (en) * | 2013-02-28 | 2014-08-28 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Head-protecting airbag device |
US9126558B2 (en) * | 2013-02-28 | 2015-09-08 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Head-protecting airbag device |
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US10906494B1 (en) * | 2017-01-19 | 2021-02-02 | State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company | Systems and methods for predicting occupant location based on vehicular collision |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1718501A1 (en) | 2006-11-08 |
US7837223B2 (en) | 2010-11-23 |
WO2005082682A1 (en) | 2005-09-09 |
US20080211210A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ZODIAC AUTOMOTIVE US INC., ARIZONA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHILLIDAY, DAVID M.;KANG, LIH-SHENQ;MOWRY, GREGORY A.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:015569/0725;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040416 TO 20040422 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |