Side impact head strike protection system
US5480181A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/0006
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is a tubular structure which inflates upon side or oblique vehicle impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The structure is mounted in its undeployed state along the periphery of the vehicle's side pillars and roof rail. The primary component of the present invention is a braided tube linked to a gas generator. 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 side window.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.