Patent · US Active

Passive air bag with slack creator

US9199602B1 · kind B1 · utility

11Cited by
34References
28Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 23, 2014
Grant dateDec 1, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 23, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/2395
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device inflatable between a vehicle surface and the vehicle occupant. The protection device includes a front panel having a portion presented toward the occupant when the protection device is in an inflated condition. A vent includes at least one opening for releasing inflation fluid from the protection device and has an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. A tether has a first end connected to the vent for actuating the vent and a second end connected to the protection device. A guide member connected to the front panel slidably receives a portion of the tether between the first and second ends. First and second portions of the guide member are releasably connected together to define a slackened portion. The first and second portions remain connected together in response to initial deployment of the protection device below a predetermined degree to prevent the tether from tensioning such that the vent is in the non-actuated condition. Further deployment of the protection device to the predetermined degree releases the connection between the first and second p…

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