Side impact air bag deployable between a vehicle body and an occupant
US5746443A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 5, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2173
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle side impact air bag system is disclosed wherein the air bag is located in an outboard armrest. During a collision, the air bag deploys outward away from the occupant and against the vehicle door or side body panel. Preferably, the air bag fills the entire space between the occupant and the door in order to protect the torso, neck and head of the occupant during the collision. The inventive system may be used with a movable door or an adjacent portion of the vehicle body. Various embodiments are disclosed, including pivotably attaching the armrest to the seat, removably attaching the armrest to the seat, attaching the armrest to the floor, forming the armrest in the floor, and attaching the armrest to the door or vehicle body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.