Patent · US Expired

Variable profile air bag restraint

US6422597B1 · kind B1 · utility

50Cited by
8References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 28, 2000
Grant dateJul 23, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 28, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/2765
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event. The air bag assembly includes an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions and an air bag cushion including an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state. At least one profile restraining tether element is operatively connected to the air bag cushion such that the profile restraining tether element restrains the expansion of the air bag cushion upon introduction of the inflation gas to the air bag cushion. The profile restraining tether element is also releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether element such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a first restrained depth when the profile restraining tether element is anchored to the retaining member. The profile restraining tether element is releasable from the retaining member upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air b…

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