Inflatable tubular torso restraint system with pivoting upper anchor point attachment
US6336656B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2022/1818
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seat restraint system whose torso belt includes an inflatable structure that inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The torso belt is secured to an anchor arm that is pivotally mounted on a side surface of a seat of the vehicle or a side structure of the vehicle. The anchor arm is rotationally biased to remove slack in the torso belt and locks up in the event of a vehicle crash or sudden stop. The inflatable structure is linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. The gas generator may be mounted in the seat or within the anchor arm itself. When an impact above a predetermined level of severity is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the inflatable structure which contracts in length as it inflates. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure is a braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contraction in length pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any additional slack out of the seat belt systems. In a frontal impact, the inflated structure restricts th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.