Inflatable tubular cushions for crash protection of seated automobile occupants
US5464246A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD10B2505/124
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is a torso protection system having braided tubes that inflate upon side or oblique impact to protect the torso of a seated vehicle occupant. Prior to inflation, the braided tubes are mounted in the undeployed state along both sides of the occupant's seat. When an impact is detected, a gas generator generates, inflating the braided tubes. As the braided tubes inflate, their diameters increase and their lengths decrease substantially. The braided tubes then pull out of their storage locations and form bolsters on either side of the seated occupant. The inflated tubes prevent the torso of the occupant from directly colliding with interior side structures of the vehicle and restrict the lateral motion of the occupant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.