Patent · US Expired

Inflatable rollover cushion system

US6343811B1 · kind B1 · utility

13Cited by
10References
47Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 26, 2000
Grant dateFeb 5, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 26, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/23386
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A rollover cushion and system for a motor vehicle is fabricated from a lightweight, low denier material having its inside surface coated with a gas retention material. A gas generator responsive to a sensor generates an inflation fluid that fills the sealed curtain causing the curtain to deploy over the side windows of the vehicle. In this position, the head and upper torso of an occupant are protected from striking or going through an open window during a rollover or side impact collision. Several styles of tethers are used to maintain the desired shape of the cushion. A manifold system directs the flow of the inflation fluid from the gas generator to the gas inlets in each individual cylindrical tube of the curtain. The cushion is folded either in a “Z” fold or in a tuck fold and at one end fastened to the structure of the vehicle and at the other end extending in a direction down the window. A pair of curtain tethers secured to the cushion and to the pillars maintain the cushion taut when inflated.

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