Abstract: A seat belt system (10) comprises a seat belt (15) and a tongue assembly (22). A buckle (26) engageable with the tongue assembly (22) secures the system (10) in a buckled condition in which the belt (15) is divided into a torso portion (28) and a lap portion (29). The system (10) also includes an inflatable device (100) comprising an inflatable portion (98) of the belt (15). An inflation fluid source (40) provides inflation fluid to the inflatable device (100) only when the tongue assembly (22) is engaged with the buckle (26). A cinch mechanism (130) has a cinched condition resisting movement of the belt (15) through the tongue assembly (22). The inflatable device (100), when inflated, causes the cinch mechanism (130) to move to the released condition and causes the torso portion (28) and the lap portion (29) of the belt (15) to be tensioned about the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A seat belt system (10) comprises a seat belt (15) and a tongue assembly (22). A buckle (26) engageable with the tongue assembly (22) secures the system (10) in a buckled condition in which the belt (15) is divided into a torso portion (28) and a lap portion (29). The system (10) also includes an inflatable device (100) comprising an inflatable portion (98) of the belt (15). An inflation fluid source (40) provides inflation fluid to the inflatable device (100) only when the tongue assembly (22) is engaged with the buckle (26). A cinch mechanism (130) has a cinched condition resisting movement of the belt (15) through the tongue assembly (22). The inflatable device (100), when inflated, causes the cinch mechanism (130) to move to the released condition and causes the torso portion (28) and the lap portion (29) of the belt (15) to be tensioned about the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A seat restraint system whose torso belt includes an inflatable structure that inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The torso belt is secured to an anchor arm that is pivotally mounted on a side surface of a seat of the vehicle or a side structure of the vehicle. The anchor arm is rotationally biased to remove slack in the torso belt and locks up in the event of a vehicle crash or sudden stop. The inflatable structure is linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. The gas generator may be mounted in the seat or within the anchor arm itself. When an impact above a predetermined level of severity is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the inflatable structure which contracts in length as it inflates. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure is a braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube.

Abstract: This invention is an Inflatable Tubular Bolster (ITB) which prevents or limits injury to an occupant of a motor vehicle due to a frontal or semi-frontal crash. In particular, the invention protects the front seat occupant's legs and lower torso by providing a cushioned barrier that absorbs impact energy and restricts the occupant's lower body from moving forward and into or underneath the instrument panel and toward the foot well. This invention can be effective in any vehicle where an occupant's lower body is subject to crash injury from a dashboard, instrument panel, or similar structure.

Abstract: A seat restraint system whose torso belt includes an inflatable structure that inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The inflatable structure is linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. When an impact above a predetermined level of severity is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the inflatable structure which contracts in length as it inflates. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure is a braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contraction in length pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any slack out of the seat belt systems. In a frontal impact, the inflated structure restricts the forward motion of an occupant and distributes crash loads over a larger occupant surface area to reduce both primary and secondary injuries.

Abstract: An air bag system for protecting an occupant in a motor vehicle against injuries resulting from a crash. The system is distinguished by an air bag with releasable partitioning, preferably breakaway stitching, that provides a variable-size inflatable volume and by a means to control the level of inflation. These features allow the present invention to provide optimum protection regardless of whether the occupant is restrained by a seat belt and regardless of whether the crash speed at impact is moderate or severe. The air bag of the invention accommodates the occupant who is wearing a seat belt restraint by inflating to a relatively small inflated volume with a varying internal pressure depending on the crash speed. It accommodates the occupant who is not belted and is in a vehicle traveling 21 mph or faster at the moment of impact by inflating to a larger inflated volume. Thus, the invention provides protection that is appropriate to and optimal for specific crash conditions.

Abstract: A seat restraint system whose torso belt inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The inflating component of the present invention is a braided tube linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. When an impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contracting tube pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any slack out of the seat belt systems. The inflated structure restricts the forward motion of an occupant and distributes crash loads over a larger occupant surface area to reduce both primary and secondary injuries. In a side impact the inflated structure restricts occupant motion, distributes crash loads and provides head protection.

Abstract: The present invention is a tubular structure which inflates upon side or oblique vehicle impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The structure is mounted in its undeployed state along the periphery of the vehicle's side pillars and roof rail. The primary component of the present invention is a braided tube linked to a gas generator. When a side impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases and its length decreases. The tube then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's side window.

Abstract: The present invention is a torso protection system having braided tubes that inflate upon side or oblique impact to protect the torso of a seated vehicle occupant. Prior to inflation, the braided tubes are mounted in the undeployed state along both sides of the occupant's seat. When an impact is detected, a gas generator generates, inflating the braided tubes. As the braided tubes inflate, their diameters increase and their lengths decrease substantially. The braided tubes then pull out of their storage locations and form bolsters on either side of the seated occupant. The inflated tubes prevent the torso of the occupant from directly colliding with interior side structures of the vehicle and restrict the lateral motion of the occupant.

Abstract: The present invention is a tubular structure which inflates upon side or oblique impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The structure is mounted in its undeployed state along the periphery of the vehicle's window. The primary component of the present invention is a braided tube containing a gas generator. When a side impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases and its length decreases. The tube then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's window.