Patent · US Expired

Inflatable side curtain

US6471240B2 · kind B2 · utility

27Cited by
30References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 19, 2001
Grant dateOct 29, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 19, 2021

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 into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14). The protection device (14), when inflated, has a perimeter (44) and front and rear portions (58 and 60) spaced apart horizontally along the protection device. The protection device (14) includes overlying panels (40 and 42) that define an inflatable volume and at least one connection (80) within the perimeter (44) at which the overlying panels are interconnected. The at least one connection (80) defines inflatable chambers (100) of the protection device (14) that extend between the front and rear portions (58 and 60) in a generally horizontal direction when the protection device is inflated. The front and rear portions (58 and 60) are inflated more rapidly away from the vehicle roof (18) than the chambers (100) are inflated when the protection device (14) is inflated.

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