Abstract: Vehicle safety systems comprising seatbelts and inflatable cushions deployable therefrom. Some embodiments comprise a first vertical seatbelt having a first inflatable cushion coupled thereto and a second vertical seatbelt having a second inflatable cushion coupled thereto. The first inflatable cushion and the second inflatable cushion may be configured to inflate at an at least substantially static location relative to an adjacent seat and may be configured to deploy adjacent to an occupant's chest and to inhibit movement of an occupant's head during an impact event. The system may further comprise a horizontal seatbelt coupled with one or both of the first vertical seatbelt and the second vertical seatbelt.

Abstract: Vehicle safety systems comprising seatbelts and inflatable cushions deployable therefrom. Some embodiments comprise a first vertical seatbelt having a first inflatable cushion coupled thereto and a second vertical seatbelt having a second inflatable cushion coupled thereto. The first inflatable cushion and the second inflatable cushion may be configured to inflate at an at least substantially static location relative to an adjacent seat and may be configured to deploy adjacent to an occupant's chest and to inhibit movement of an occupant's head during an impact event. The system may further comprise a horizontal seatbelt coupled with one or both of the first vertical seatbelt and the second vertical seatbelt.

Abstract: A restraint device for restraining an occupant in a vehicle includes a belt, an inflator, a gas guide, and a flexible tether. The belt includes a first layer, a second layer, and a seal between the first and second layers. The first and second layers extend from a first end of the belt to a second end of the belt. The seal cooperates with the first and second layers to form an inflatable portion of the belt. The inflator is operable to provide pressurized gas. The gas guide has a first end placed over an outlet of the inflator and a second end extending into the inflatable portion of the belt. The flexible tether secures the gas guide to the belt.

Abstract: A belt for restraining an occupant in a vehicle includes a first and second layers extending from a first end of the belt to a second end of the belt, and a seal joining the first and second layers to form an inflatable portion of the belt. The inflatable portion includes a first wing, a second wing, and a tear seam. The first and second wings are disposed within the inflatable portion. The first wing has a first width and the second wing has a second width that, in one example, is different than the first width. The tear seam separates the interior of the inflatable portion from the interiors of the first and second wings. The tear seam is configured to tear when the belt is inflated, allowing gas to fill the first and second wings and expand the first and second wings laterally outward.

Abstract: A belt for restraining an occupant in a vehicle includes a first and second layers extending from a first end of the belt to a second end of the belt, and a seal joining the first and second layers to form an inflatable portion of the belt. The inflatable portion includes a first wing, a second wing, and a tear seam. The first and second wings are disposed within the inflatable portion. The first wing has a first width and the second wing has a second width that, in one example, is different than the first width. The tear seam separates the interior of the inflatable portion from the interiors of the first and second wings. The tear seam is configured to tear when the belt is inflated, allowing gas to fill the first and second wings and expand the first and second wings laterally outward.

Abstract: A restraint device for restraining an occupant in a vehicle includes a belt, an inflator, a gas guide, and a flexible tether. The belt includes a first layer, a second layer, and a seal between the first and second layers. The first and second layers extend from a first end of the belt to a second end of the belt. The seal cooperates with the first and second layers to form an inflatable portion of the belt. The inflator is operable to provide pressurized gas. The gas guide has a first end placed over an outlet of the inflator and a second end extending into the inflatable portion of the belt. The flexible tether secures the gas guide to the belt.