Patents by Inventor David E. Hoeft

David E. Hoeft 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).

  • Patent number: 6758490
    Abstract: A novel airbag curtain fold configuration for a safety restraint system, especially well suited to protect occupants of a vehicle from lateral impact is described. One or more airbag curtains are provided to inflate between an occupant and a lateral surface, such as a door or side window. The airbag curtain includes a first and second side. A fold portion is configured adjacent the first side and a rolled portion is configured opposite the fold portion adjacent the second side of the airbag. Attachment tabs may extend from an edge of the airbag curtain beyond the rolled and fold portions to facilitate attachment of the airbag curtain to a vehicle as part of an airbag system. A method for folding an airbag curtain is described. A first edge of the airbag curtain is folded to a position adjacent a first side of the airbag curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Hoeft, John Sonnenberg, Robert F. McGee
  • Patent number: 6705635
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for attaching a cushion member for an airbag apparatus to a vehicle surface is disclosed. The attachment assembly is particularly useful for attaching curtain type cushion members, as for a side impact airbag system. The attachment assembly may include a protrusion with a rod and a knob larger than the rod. A compressible spring washer is affixed to the rod. A hole formed in a mounting portion of the cushion member is then fitted around the rod, outside the washer. A cap is affixed to the rod to keep the cushion member in place. The protrusion, with the attached cushion member, may then be affixed to the vehicle surface through the use of a keyhole formed in the vehicle surface. The knob is pushed longitudinally into a larger, clearance portion of the keyhole, such that the spring washer is compressed. Then, the protrusion is moved transversely into an engaged configuration, in which the knob and the spring washer engage the interference portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Hoeft, James Hoskyns, Robert F. McGee
  • Publication number: 20030025307
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for attaching a cushion member for an airbag apparatus to a vehicle surface is disclosed. The attachment assembly is particularly useful for attaching curtain type cushion members, as for a side impact airbag system. The attachment assembly may include a protrusion with a rod and a knob larger than the rod. A compressible spring washer is affixed to the rod. A hole formed in a mounting portion of the cushion member is then fitted around the rod, outside the washer. A cap is affixed to the rod to keep the cushion member in place. The protrusion, with the attached cushion member, may then be affixed to the vehicle surface through the use of a keyhole formed in the vehicle surface. The knob is pushed longitudinally into a larger, clearance portion of the keyhole, such that the spring washer is compressed. Then, the protrusion is moved transversely into an engaged configuration, in which the knob and the spring washer engage the interference portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: David E. Hoeft, James Hoskyns, Robert F. McGee
  • Publication number: 20020158450
    Abstract: A novel airbag curtain fold configuration for a safety restraint system, especially well suited to protect occupants of a vehicle from lateral impact is described. One or more airbag curtains are provided to inflate between an occupant and a lateral surface, such as a door or side window. The airbag curtain includes a first and second side. A fold portion is configured adjacent the first side and a rolled portion is configured opposite the fold portion adjacent the second side of the airbag. Attachment tabs may extend from an edge of the airbag curtain beyond the rolled and fold portions to facilitate attachment of the airbag curtain to a vehicle as part of an airbag system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: David E. Hoeft, John Sonnenberg, Robert F. McGee