Patents Assigned to TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
  • Patent number: 6817624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a gas bag which has a gas bag wall with a front wall section. The module further comprises a cover which has a given annular section which closes an annular outlet opening for the gas bag and has a stationary central portion which is surrounded by the annular section. A section of the gas bag wall other than the front section has an outflow opening which in a folded state of the gas bag is arranged beneath the central portion in such a manner that on outlet of the gas bag, the central portion arrives via the outflow opening into an interior of the gas bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Lorenz, Ralph Neupert
  • Patent number: 6814369
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module comprising a gas generator that is mounted in the airbag module by means of at least one elastic element. The elastic element is a hollow profile closed as seen in cross-section and has a circumferential wall a radial outer side of which lies against the gas generator on the one hand, and against a holding part on a module side on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Heindl
  • Patent number: 6811181
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a gas generator and an elastic bearing element by means of which the gas generator is mounted so as to be neutralized with regard to vibrations in the gas bag module. The bearing element is electrically conductive and forms a part of an electrical earth lead for the gas generator. The invention further relates to a steering wheel comprising a gas bag module equipped with a gas generator. The gas bag module is mounted on the steering wheel so as to be neutralized with regard to vibrations by means of an elastic bearing element. The elastic bearing element is electrically conductive and forms a part of an earth lead of the gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Constantin Hauer
  • Patent number: 6802534
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a gas bag, an outer contour of the gas bag being defined by a gas bag wall which has a front wall for the impact of an occupant and a depression starting from the front wall. The depression is formed in that during inflation of the gas bag a center portion of the gas bag wall is prevented from freely moving and is restrained. The gas bag has around the depression a ring-shaped chamber to be filled with gas. At least one limiting strap is provided which engages the gas bag wall at a transition from the front wall to the depression, substantially extends alongside the depression and determines a depth of the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralph Neupert
  • Patent number: 6799774
    Abstract: An airbag module for occupant restraint systems in vehicles has a pot-like housing part (10) made of sheet metal to the base (14) of which a gas generator is attached and to the circumferential wall (16) of which, extending upwards from the base (14), an airbag (26) and a covering cap (12) made of plastic are attached. The covering cap (12) has a supporting wall (17) that is in contact with the outside of the circumferential wall (16) of the housing part (10). The supporting wall (17) is provided with cutouts (20). On the free edge of the circumferential wall (16) of the housing part (10) facing away from the base (14), there are arranged hook-shaped metal tabs (18) which pass through the cutouts (20) of the supporting wall (17) of the covering cap (12) and which are bent on their outside in the direction toward the base (14) of the housing part (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Udo Bieber, Matthias Helmstetter, Ralph Neupert
  • Patent number: 6786504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag restraining device comprising a gas bag module which has a gas bag with a front wall upon which an occupant to be restrained can impact in a case of restraint. The front wall has a depression which is produced in that a center portion of the front wall is attached to the module and is prevented from moving when the gas bag is inflated. The gas bag restraining device further comprises a module cover closing a ring-shaped outlet opening of the gas bag module. The module cover has a central hole which is covered by a cap which is stationary during opening of said gas bag module. The module cover has an edge defining the central hole and opens, preferably tears, towards outside starting from the edge. A holding connection is provided between the edge and the cap which is released when said gas bag module is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Lorenz, Udo Bieber, John-Oliver Derrick
  • Patent number: 6783149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module of several components, which comprise a least a carrier element, a gas generator and a gas bag. At least one elastic element is provided and at least one of the components is mounted in the gas bag module so as to be neutralized with regard to vibration by means of the at least one elastic element consisting of silicone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mark Lovell, Thorsten Nottebaum
  • Publication number: 20040154428
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a hub, a steering wheel rim and at least one spoke connecting the hub and the steering wheel rim. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke has a skeleton and a sheathing surrounding the skeleton. The steering wheel further comprises at least one decorative element and at least one clamp element at which the decorative element is latched. The clamp element at least partly encompasses the sheathing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gokay Albayrak, Michael Lehmann
  • Patent number: 6770826
    Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel comprises a steering wheel body and at least one electric switch attached to the steering wheel body. The switch, for adaptation to the length of the fingers of a driver, is adjustably attached to the steering wheel body in such a way that it can be adjusted by the driver to assume various positions relative to the steering wheel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 6761086
    Abstract: A steering wheel includes a steering wheel rim, a hub and at least one spoke connecting the steering wheel rim and the hub. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke includes a skeleton, a sheathing surrounding the skeleton as well as a shell arranged around the sheathing, and at least one decorative element. At least one latching element is provided by which the decorative element is directly attached to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Kreuzer, Michael Lehmann
  • Patent number: 6752416
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a covering cap which is visible from the exterior in an installed state and covers an outlet opening for a gas bag. The module further comprises at least one display integrated in the covering cap and a lighting for the display provided on a rear face of the covering cap. The covering cap has a front wall visible from the exterior with a section covering the outlet opening, the section being connected in one piece with a display section lying over the lighting. In the display section, the covering is constructed so as to be transparent or translucent. The display section is made of a first material component of the covering cap and the covering cap includes a second material component which has a carrier layer in the form of a cup. The base of the cup forms the section closing the outlet opening and the peripheral wall of which laterally delimits an accommodation space for the gas bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Kreuzer, Udo Bieber, Ralph Neupert
  • Patent number: 6752039
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shock-absorbed vehicle steering wheel which comprises a hub with a steering wheel mounting and a handling region for a driver. The handling region is, in particular, a steering wheel rim. A vibration damper is provided in a path of the flux of force between the steering wheel mounting and the handling region. The vibration damper has damping characteristics which are adjustable via one of an electrical and magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Kreuzer, Udo Bieber, Christian Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20040100078
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel, comprising a skeleton, a gas bag module which is axially movably coupled with the skeleton in such a way that by pressing against the gas bag module a contact is closed for actuating a horn, and a resilient return element for the gas bag module. The gas bag module comprises a gas bag with an opening edge defining an inflation opening as well as comprises a flange clamping the opening edge on an inside of the gas bag for fastening the gas bag. Bearing pins are provided which directly engage the flange and which are attached to one of the skeleton and a part stationarily mounted directly to the skeleton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominik Schutz, John-Oliver Derrick
  • Patent number: 6740025
    Abstract: A method of folding a gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises the following steps: first, the gas bag is unfolded between a base and an opposing surface. A spacing is provided between the base and the opposing surface, which corresponds to a height of a housing into which the gas bag is to be inserted after folding. Then, a folding funnel is provided which comprises one end having a large cross-section and one end having a small cross-section, the large cross-section being larger than or equal to a cross-section of the gas bag when unfolded between the base and the opposing surface, and the small cross-section corresponding to a cross-section of the housing; beginning with its large cross-section. Finally, the folding funnel is placed over the unfolded gas bag and moved relative thereto such that the gas bag is pushed together on the base by the folding funnel to the small cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Bohn, Joachim Fellhauer
  • Patent number: 6736026
    Abstract: A steering wheel comprises a rim skeleton and a rim casing. At least one vibration-damping element is provided which is arranged between the rim skeleton and the rim casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20040090049
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) includes an air bag (30) and an inflator (40) for inflating the air bag. The apparatus (10) also includes a bracket (120) having an elongated back plate portion (122), a first flange portion (130), and a second flange portion (150). The flange portions (130 and 150) extend transverse to the back plate portion (122). The inflator (40) is insertable into the bracket. A first end portion (80) of the inflator (40) engages the first flange portion (130) and a second end portion (90) of the inflator engages the second flange portion (150) while the inflator is inserted in the bracket (120). The inflator (40) urges the first and second flange portions (130 and 150) to deflect away from each other while the inflator is inserted in the bracket (120). The first and second flange portions (130 and 150) are urged toward each other by resilience of the bracket and exert a clamping force on the inflator (40) to retain the inflator in the bracket (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicants: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG, TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthew J. McCann, Gabriel Anaya, Attila K. Dalkilic, Wolfgang O. Bareiss
  • Patent number: 6726245
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a gas bag with a gas bag wall which has a front and a rear wall section. A depression is provided which has a mouth and runs in an inflated state of the gas bag from the front wall section to the rear wall section, which depression is formed in that a part of the gas bag wall is prevented from an unimpeded movement away from the module on unfolding of the gas bag. The module further comprises at least one closure piece which is fastened to the gas bag wall such that in the inflated state it moves in front of the mouth of the depression and closes the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Fellhauer, Stefan Bohn
  • Patent number: 6726244
    Abstract: An apparatus for folding an airbag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a base for the airbag to be folded, a cover for the airbag, and a flexible element that is arranged between the base and the cover and has first and second ends. The first end of the flexible element is held between the base and the cover. The apparatus further comprises a traction means that acts upon the second end of the flexible element, and a pressure generating means with which the airbag can be acted upon with compressed gas. The invention further relates to a method of folding an airbag and making use of such an apparatus. Still further, the invention relates to a folded airbag produced by such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Bohn, Joachim Fellhauer
  • Publication number: 20040050204
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel comprising a hub, a steering wheel rim, at least one spoke connecting the hub and the steering wheel rim, and at least one decorative element. At least one of the steering wheel rim and the spoke have a skeleton and a sheathing surrounding the skeleton. The skeleton has a recess and the decorative element has a fastening element which projects into the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gokay Albayrak, Michael Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20040045647
    Abstract: A method of folding a gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises the following steps: first, the gas bag is unfolded between a base and an opposing surface. A spacing is provided between the base and the opposing surface, which corresponds to a height of a housing into which the gas bag is to be inserted after folding. Then, a folding funnel is provided which comprises one end having a large cross-section and one end having a small cross-section, the large cross-section being larger than or equal to a cross-section of the gas bag when unfolded between the base and the opposing surface, and the small cross-section corresponding to a cross-section of the housing; beginning with its large cross-section. Finally, the folding funnel is placed over the unfolded gas bag and moved relative thereto such that the gas bag is pushed together on the base by the folding funnel to the small cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Stefan Bohn, Joachim Fellhauer