Patents Examined by Timothy Wilheim
  • Patent number: 7150471
    Abstract: An occupant restraint system for protecting occupants in a compartment, such as a cab of a highway tractor or other vehicle. The system includes an interior trim panel having dual uses. The trim panel may be an elongated energy-absorbing element that forms, in a first position, at least a visually integral part of an interior wall of the compartment and, in a second position, a restraint at the front of a bunk for an occupant of the bunk. The restraint system includes a cushioned restraint attached to at least two straps, each strap being also attached to the compartment. In a first position, the cushioned restraint forms a visually integral portion of an interior surface of the compartment, and in a second position, the cushioned restraint is releasably attached to an end of the bunk such that the straps extend over the bunk and an occupant of the bunk is restrained by the cushioned restraint and the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America Inc.
    Inventors: Richard V. Langhoff, David M. Glorio