Variable profile air bag restraint
US6561545B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 13, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2022 |
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 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 from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant. One or more profile restraining tether elements extend from locations on the air bag cushion to a releasable anchor structure so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether elements. An actuation mechanism activatable in response to a signal from a sensor measuring occupant conditions is used to release the tether elements from the releasable anchor thereby extending the operative profile of the air bag cushion upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.