Patents Assigned to Takata Restraint Systems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20080194393
    Abstract: An air bag on a surface is gathered by opposing faces of first and second gathering elements that are moved together from opposing edges of the air bag, and which are adapted so as to limit a height of at least one associated edge portion of the air bag to be less than a height proximate to a center of the resulting gathered air bag. In one aspect, a surface is extended from at least one face, or at least one face is shaped so as to limit the edge portion height upon gathering. In another aspect, at least one gathering element incorporates a holder adapted to hold an edge of the air bag during gathering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Takata Restraint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis Clarke, Axel Castellanos, James Garvin, Steven Moon, Paul Walsh, Humberto Hernandez, Andres Rojero
  • Patent number: 7213837
    Abstract: An occupant protection device including a wrap for holding an inflatable air bag cushion in a folded shape. The wrap includes a tear seam forming a substantial ā€œUā€ shape. The tear seam directs the initial airbag deployment toward the bottom of the airbag module and between the lower rim of a steering wheel and a driver. The wrap protects a fifth percentile female in close proximity to the lower rim of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Takata Restraint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis D. Clarke, Steve Moon
  • Patent number: 7093847
    Abstract: An adapter comprises a peripheral wall incorporating a plurality of apertures adapted to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of hooks depending from side walls of an airbag retainer. A flange projecting from the peripheral wall provides for attaching the adapter and airbag retainer to a vehicle instrument panel. The adapter incorporates an opening therethrough defined by the peripheral wall, through which the airbag is deployed. In one aspect, the peripheral wall is discontinuous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Takata Restraint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William Todd Hurst
  • Patent number: 6945556
    Abstract: A perforated fabric diffuser and perforated cushion deflector are sewn inside an outer shell, thus forming a diffuser system within an airbag. The diffuser contains a plurality of openings along a folded edge. The deflector contains a wall defining at least one orifice for attenuating gas flow upon airbag activation. The airbag contains an inlet that fluidly communicates with the deflector and diffuser upon airbag activation. The outer shell is preferably sewn in such a manner as to maintain a plurality of individual cell areas. The fabric diffuser system is disposed within the outer shell such that the diffuser openings are positioned generally over the individual cells. During deployment, the diffuser system thereby functions to facilitate substantially even inflation throughout the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Takata Restraint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G. Maertens
  • Patent number: 6902188
    Abstract: A restraint apparatus for protecting a vehicle occupant in a side impact or rollover event. The restraint apparatus includes a deployment guide that includes a housing having a channel with a substantially smoothed interior and longitudinal slot. A guide member is slidably retained in the channel and has an extension protruding from the slotted side of the channel. The extension is attachable to a restraint device deployable laterally of a vehicle occupant. An actuator is provided and is operable to drive the guide member from a first end of the channel toward a second end. A driving of the guide member facilitates deployment of the restraint device and supplies at least a longitudinal tensioning force to the restraint device to provide lateral support thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Takata Restraint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Nakamura, Michael J. Scavnicky
  • Patent number: 6698792
    Abstract: A simple string device 1 is used to retain an airbag in its folded position. The string device 1 is comprised of a string 10 formed in a loop or various types of loops, according to particular airbag configurations. The string device 2 is looped over securing studs 46 which protrude from the base 41 of the airbag assembly and are used to secure the airbag unit to a mounting structure. The string device 1 is then looped over the folded airbag 44 and looped around the securing studs 46 from the opposite direction, thus securing the folded airbag 44 in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Takata Restraint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. Heath
  • Patent number: 6293580
    Abstract: An air bag system and method of making the same are provided including a reinforced cover for a vehicle seat having an air bag module hidden therein. The reinforced cover includes cover material that is stretchable and a backing reinforcement material that is stiffer than the cover material. The reinforcement material is attached to the cover material to provide a repeatable deployment path for the air bag as it inflates so that the air bag breaks through the seat cover at a preferred location thereon, e.g. bolster seam. The reinforced cover will not expand as the bag inflates as its stiffness or rigidity as provided by the reinforcement material will cause the bag to seek out the area of greater weakness in the cover at the bolster seam which the reinforcement material does not block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Takata Restraint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Lachat, Brian K. Genslak, Mohammed Boumarafi, Jonathon P. Hurford