Hourglass airbag
US7318604B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/0048
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is directed toward an vehicle airbag construction that reduces the incidence of an unrestrained passenger engaging the A-pillar during a high-speed crash. The present invention is also directed toward an airbag structure that reduces the risk of a restrained passenger's hands contacting the instrument panel. In accordance with the present invention, an airbag is formed so as to take on a generally hourglass shape when inflated. Thus, the inflated airbag of the present invention has a greater width dimension at the upper and lower ends thereof than at the middle. The enlarged width dimension at the airbag upper end prevents or minimizes contact between the passenger's head and the vehicle A-pillar. The enlarged width at the airbag lower end prevents or minimizes contact between the passenger's hands and the vehicle instrument panel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.