Patents by Inventor Chris Purcell

Chris Purcell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Air bag module with locking member for locking the position of a vent member
    Patent number: 7275761
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (800) includes an inflatable occupant protection device (802) and a vent opening (876) through which inflation fluid may flow. The vehicle occupant protection apparatus (800) also includes a retainer (910) to which the protection device (802) is secured. A vent member (890) is movable relative to the vent opening (876) for controlling a flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (876). A tether (990) is movable in response to inflation of the protection device (802) beyond a predetermined distance for moving the vent member (824). A tether guide member (940) is located on the retainer (910) for guiding the tether (990).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas M. Gould, Chris Purcell, Michael J. Loyd, Kurt F. Fischer
  • Air bag module with locking member for locking the position of a vent member
    Publication number: 20050146122
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (800) includes an inflatable occupant protection device (802) and a vent opening (876) through which inflation fluid may flow. The vehicle occupant protection apparatus (800) also includes a retainer (910) to which the protection device (802) is secured. A vent member (890) is movable relative to the vent opening (876) for controlling a flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening (876). A tether (990) is movable in response to inflation of the protection device (802) beyond a predetermined distance for moving the vent member (824). A tether guide member (940) is located on the retainer (910) for guiding the tether (990).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Douglas Gould, Chris Purcell, Michael Loyd, Kurt Fischer