Patent · US Expired

Folded inflatable side curtain with tether

US6361068B1 · kind B1 · utility

31Cited by
9References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 23, 2000
Grant dateMar 26, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 23, 2020

Classification

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

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable away from the vehicle roof into a position between the side structure and a vehicle occupant. The inflatable device (14), when inflated, has a perimeter at least partially defined by an upper edge (50), a lower edge (52), and front and rear portions (54 and 56) spaced apart horizontally along the upper and lower edges. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable device (14). A flexible elongated member (70) has a first end (72) connected to the inflatable device (14) at a first location (74) on the inflatable device (14) and an opposite second end (80) connected to the vehicle side structure (16) at a second location (82). The inflatable device (14), prior to inflation, is folded along a first fold line (100) such that a lower portion (104) of the device overlies an upper portion (102) of the device and such that the first end (72) of the flexible elongated member (70) is positioned adjacent the upper edge (50) of the inflatable device.

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