Patent · US Expired

Airbag folding apparatus and method

US5391137A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
9References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 29, 1993
Grant dateFeb 21, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 29, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65H2402/00
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for folding an airbag. The apparatus includes tables for supporting the airbag. A securement mechanism is associated with the tables and secures the airbag in position relative to the tables. A carriage is provided and is movable towards and away from the tables. A clamping mechanism is associated with the carriage and clamps a first portion of the airbag to the tables. First and second sets of folding blades are also associated with the carriage. The first and second sets of folding blades grasp second and third portions of the airbag and create first folds in the airbag to form a partially folded airbag. An engagement mechanism engages the partially folded airbag to maintain the first folds in the partially folded airbag. The securement mechanism further rotates the engaged partially folded airbag about a vertical axis. The first and second sets of folding blades additionally grasp opposing portions of the partially folded airbag to create second folds in the partially folded airbag to form a completely folded airbag.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.