Deployable passenger enclosure

US11766982B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Waymo LLC · US

Inventors

• Felix Jose Alvarez Rivera · San Jose, US
• Daniel Lynn Larner · San Jose, US
• Thomas Daniel · San Francisco, US
• Courtney McCool · Menomonee Falls, US
• Atul Gupta · San Jose, US
• Peter Lombrozo · Scotts Valley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 1, 2022
• Grant date: Sep 26, 2023
• Expiry date: Mar 1, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/23161
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to deployable structures, such as airbag systems, for vehicles. A system is disclosed for reducing likelihood of injury to a passenger in a collision. The system may include a seat configured to accommodate the passenger and an airbag system. At least a portion of the airbag system may be incorporated into a vehicle prior to deployment of the airbag system. The airbag system may include an airbag and a locking feature. The locking feature may be configured to lock the airbag with a locking portion of a vehicle when the airbag system has been deployed. The locking feature may be attached to the airbag. Aside from airbags, other confining structures, such as nets, shades, curtains, etc., may also be used as deployable structures.