With Confinement Expansion Regulating Tether Or Strap Patents (Class 280/743.2)
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Patent number: 8888126Abstract: A seat cushion airbag device mountable to a vehicle seat, includes an airbag includes an inflation portion including an upper fabric portion and a lower fabric portion joined to form a bag shape. The inflation portion is inflated between a support portion and a seat cushion of the vehicle seat by an inflating fluid supplied in response to an impact applied to the vehicle from a front side, such that a seat surface of the seat portion bulges, thereby suppressing a forward movement of an object to be restrained on the seat portion. The airbag further includes a restriction member which extends in a front-rear direction of the vehicle seat within the inflation portion and which bridges the upper fabric portion and the lower fabric portion to restrict an inflated thickness of the inflation portion in the upper-lower direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Nukaya, Takanori Kanto, Hiroaki Yamada, Hitoshi Ida
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Patent number: 8888125Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable airbag arrangement comprising a dashboard body presenting a window, a flap closing the window and being hinged to a transverse hinge edge of the window, and a firing channel fastened to the bottom face of the dashboard body. At least one tie is fastened to the flap and to the firing channel in order to form a hinge and/or in order to limit opening of the flap, and the firing channel includes at least one opening putting an inside face of an edge of the firing channel into communication with an outside face thereof. The tie passes through the opening in order to be fastened by being retained firmly by an outside face of the firing channel while the flap is opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Faurecia Interieur IndustrieInventor: Daniel Ory
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Patent number: 8888128Abstract: The present invention relates to an airbag for a vehicle, including: an airbag cushion which has a vent hole formed to discharge gas flowing into the airbag cushion to the outside; a vent guide which has a guide hole formed to guide the gas flowing into the airbag cushion to the vent hole, and is disposed in the airbag cushion; and a vent cover which is disposed between the vent guide and the airbag cushion, allows the guide hole and the vent hole to be opened at an initial period of deploying the airbag cushion and at a final period of deploying the airbag cushion, and allows at least one of the guide hole and the vent hole to be closed during an intermediate period of deploying the airbag cushion.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young Duk Seo
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Publication number: 20140333053Abstract: A vehicle and an airbag assembly are disclosed. A bladder includes a first expandable region defining a first maximum width between first and second sides of the first expandable region along a first axis when in a deployed position and a second expandable region defining a second maximum width between first and second sides of the second expandable region along the first axis when in the deployed position. A tether faces the second side of the first expandable region. The tether is attached to the bladder such that the first side of the second expandable region and the second side of the first expandable region partially overlap each other in the deployed position to cause the first expandable region to deploy outwardly in front of the second expandable region to define a total width along the first axis greater than one of the first and second maximum widths.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Scott D. Thomas, Howard C. Weiss, Kenneth M. Zawisa
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Patent number: 8876155Abstract: A vehicle curtain airbag device capable of improving an occupant ejection preventing performance at an end of a vehicle in the longitudinal direction and providing an excellent impact absorbing function when receiving an occupant in a vehicle interior. A front strap is provided between a seam portion that divides a front chamber positioned at an end of a vehicle longitudinal direction from an adjacent main chamber, and a front pillar positioned at the end of the vehicle longitudinal direction so as to connect the seam portion to the front pillar, on an outer surface of the front chamber. A height position of a first connecting portion (P) between the front pillar and the front strap is set to be higher than a height position of a second connecting portion (Q) between the seam portion and the front strap.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Atsushi Nakashima, Tetsuya Matsushita
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Patent number: 8876159Abstract: Knee airbag arrangement for vehicles comprising an airbag module located in a lower area of an instrument panel of a vehicle and an airbag exhibiting an area of lower cross section between the airbag module and the knee impact area which is to catch the knees of a vehicle occupant in the inflated state of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Inventor: Norbert Stemp
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Patent number: 8870223Abstract: Disclosed is an airbag apparatus for vehicles including a vent hole in an airbag cushion for discharging inflating gas. A cover is provided on an outer surface of the airbag cushion and is adjustable between a state where the cover is spaced apart from the vent hole to open it and a state where the cover comes into close contact with the vent hole to close it. A tether is connected at its first end to the cover and secured at its second end to an interior of the airbag cushion to impart a tensile force to the cover. A tether guide is provided on an inner surface of the airbag cushion to support the tether, and a sealing means is provided between the vent hole and the tether guide to support the tether, the tether passing through the sealing means.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Autoliv Development ABInventors: Jun Yeol Choi, Sung Woo Lee, Dong Young Kim
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Patent number: 8864170Abstract: A bag body of an airbag includes a recessed area that is sunken forward and extends vertically generally at the center in a left and right direction of the passenger side wall. The airbag internally includes a vertical tether that pulls the front end of the recessed area forward at airbag deployment. The airbag further includes two horizontal tethers; an upper horizontal tether and a lower horizontal tether, which connect the left side wall and right side wall of the bag body, respectively, and are deployable generally in a left and right direction in order to limit the clearance between the left side wall and right side wall. The upper horizontal tether is located in an area above the vertical tether and the lower horizontal tether is located in an area below the vertical tether.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ikuo Yamada, Shinichi Ishida, Masashi Hashiba
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Patent number: 8864167Abstract: A gas bag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle. The gas bag arrangement comprising a gas bag package which includes a folded gas bag and a wrapping which at least partly surrounds the folded gas bag, at least one connecting strap for connecting the gas bag to a holding structure of the motor vehicle, wherein the connecting strap is attached to a fastening portion of the gas bag and a deflection device arranged at the wrapping or formed by the wrapping, at which the connecting strap—relative to the condition of the gas bag arrangement as mounted in the vehicle—is deflected in direction of the holding structure. A section of the connecting strap coming from the fastening portion extends up to the deflection device away from the holding structure and at the deflection device again is deflected towards the holding structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Takata AGInventors: Michael Kraft, Rainer Bausenhart, Manfred Schmid, Robert Getz
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Publication number: 20140300094Abstract: Airbag assemblies and active vents for airbag assemblies are disclosed. An airbag assembly can include an airbag cushion that defines an inflatable chamber and an active vent that comprises an aperture and a patch configured to plug the aperture. A first control tether is coupled to the patch and coupled to the airbag cushion. The first control tether is drawn taut as the cushion expands during deployment to draw the patch toward the aperture from a first position that allows unobstructed venting through the aperture to a second position that obstructs venting through the aperture. The first control tether, or a second control tether, is configured to be drawn taut to close the active vent. Responsive to impact with the airbag cushion, a control tether is configured to slacken to open the active vent.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventor: Jeffrey D. Williams
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Patent number: 8851511Abstract: A side airbag cushion (10, 10A or 10B) has a front side panel (22), a rear side panel (24), a top panel (26) spaced between the upper edges of the front and rear side panels (22, 24), and a bottom panel (28) spaced between the lower edges of the front and rear side panels (22, 24). The top and bottom panels (26, 28) are configured to create a contoured or concavity (23) shaped fully inflated side airbag cushion with a larger sized forward end (27) volume and with a smaller sized volume at the occupant mid-location (25) wherein the inflated airbag cushion fills the gap between the door trim (7) and the occupant (2).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Matthias Volkmann, Martin Pieruch
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Patent number: 8851518Abstract: An apparatus, method, computer program product, and/or system are described that determine an event, actuate a cushioning element in response to the determining the event, the cushioning element including one or more tension-bearing members, and dissipate at least some of an energy associated with a collision based on deforming at least one of the tension-bearing members during the collision, the deforming including substantially inelastically stretching the at least one of the tension-bearing members. Other example embodiments are also provided relating to actuatable cushioning elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Lowell L. Wood
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Patent number: 8851510Abstract: An inflatable curtain airbag system can include a first inflatable curtain airbag, a second inflatable curtain airbag, and a reinforced region. In some arrangements, the reinforced region may include a region where a portion of the first inflatable curtain airbag overlaps a portion of the second inflatable curtain airbag. In other arrangements, the reinforced region may include a region where either or both of the first and second inflatable curtain airbags comprise a localized region of increased stiffness.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Charles Paul Dinsdale, Roger Rickenbach, Tyler Christiansen
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Patent number: 8851519Abstract: A releasable tether retention system is provided. The system includes a housing, a movable member movably mounted within the housing, and a sliding element coupled to the movable member so as to move with the movable member and so as to be extendible to an exterior of the housing to engage a tether.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: Bruce A. Stevens
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Patent number: 8844969Abstract: An airbag having a base end, a front panel and at least one panel opposing the front panel, the airbag having a cutout in the front panel, an inner perimeter of the cutout having first and second sides, a first panel having first and second edges, the first edge of the first panel is attached to the first side of the cutout, a second panel having third and fourth edges, the third edge is attached to the second edge of the first panel and the fourth edge is attached to the second side of the cutout, wherein the first and second panels define a slit in cutout of the front panel, and a tether attached along a backside of the slit and attached to an inner surface of the at least one panel opposing the front panel of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Edward Joseph Abramoski, Sean West, Pardeep Kumar Jindal, Djamal Eddine Midoun
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Patent number: 8840137Abstract: A restraint system for a seat is provided and may include a first portion having a first end fixed for movement with the seat and a second end movable relative to the seat. The restraint system may also include a second portion having a first end fixed for movement with the seat and a second end movable relative to the seat and selectively attached to the second end of the first portion. An inflator may be associated with the second portion and may move the second portion from a pre-deployed state to an inflated state. The inflator may be at least partially disposed within the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: David W. Schneider, Patrick Patercsak, Raj Valera
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Patent number: 8840140Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle generally includes an airbag cushion, an inflator, and an inflation control device. The airbag cushion includes at least one panel surrounding an inflatable interior portion. The inflator is configured to provide inflation gas for inflating the airbag cushion. The inflation control device is located in the interior portion of the airbag cushion and includes a first member coupled to a coupling member. The first member is connected to the at least one panel. The inflation control device is configured to allow the airbag cushion to inflate generally unrestrained until each of the first and coupling member are subjected to a tensile force. The inflation control device is configured to reduce a rate at which the airbag cushion expands after the first and coupling members are subjected to the tensile forces.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: Gerardo Mendez
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Patent number: 8840139Abstract: An airbag can include a base panel and a cushioning panel that cooperate to define an inflatable chamber. A deflector can be positioned between the base panel and the cushioning panel. The deflector can be attached to the base panel so as to define a lower inflation aperture that directs inflation gas toward a bottom end of the base panel. In some arrangements, the airbag can include a tether that extends through the lower inflation aperture.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Brian Joseph Borton, Changsoo Choi
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Patent number: 8840141Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has an instrument panel and a windshield includes an air bag (14) packaged in an air bag module (30). The air bag (14) is inflatable to a deployed position between the instrument panel and a vehicle occupant. A deployment restrictor (100) is secured to the air bag module (30). The deployment restrictor (100) includes a deflector panel (102) secured to the air bag module (30) and having a portion that is positioned between the packaged air bag (14) and the windshield. The deflector panel (102) at least partially covers the packaged air bag (14) so that the deflector panel moves with the deploying air bag toward the windshield. The connection of the deflector panel (102) to the air bag module (30) limits movement of the deflector panel toward the windshield and thereby redirects the air bag to deploy away from where it would otherwise impact the windshield.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Kurt F. Fischer, Douglas M. Gould, Robert W. Balsis
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Patent number: 8840135Abstract: An airbag device for a vehicle, a method for transferring an airbag of the airbag device into a compact state, and a vehicle with the airbag device are provided. The airbag device includes an airbag that, on an activation of the airbag device, is configured from a compact state into an expanded state. The airbag has a head region, a thorax region, and a pelvis region. In the expanded state of the airbag, the head region is configured for protection of a head of an occupant situated on a vehicle seat, the thorax region is configured for protection of an upper body of the occupant, and the pelvis region is configured for protection of a pelvis of the occupant. The airbag is configured as a single-chamber side airbag. The airbag device further comprises a gas generator for generation of gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas Jenny, Ulrich Rick
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Publication number: 20140265280Abstract: An airbag can include a base panel and a cushioning panel that cooperate to define an inflatable chamber. A deflector can be positioned between the base panel and the cushioning panel. The deflector can be attached to the base panel so as to define a lower inflation aperture that directs inflation gas toward a bottom end of the base panel. In some arrangements, the airbag can include a tether that extends through the lower inflation aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventors: Brian Joseph Borton, Changsoo Choi
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Publication number: 20140265281Abstract: An airbag assembly can include a stabilizer strap attached to an airbag, and the stabilizer strap can cooperate with a housing to prevent undesired rotation or skewing of the airbag during deployment. A portion of the stabilizer strap can be positioned at an interior of the housing and can interact with the housing to restrict an amount of the stabilizer strap that is permitted to extend to an exterior of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: John F. Witt, JR., David W. Schnieder, Michael Kutchey, Jamie R. Fritz
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Publication number: 20140265282Abstract: Devices for restraining deploying airbags are disclosed, along with methods for using, making and refurbishing such devices. The devices and methods are designed to improve the safety of individuals in the vicinity of undeployed airbags, in particular, when there is a chance that the airbag may deploy unexpectedly. Unexpected airbag deployment can occur when the airbag deployment system is compromised, for example, by an accident such as an automobile collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Raymond Eugene Mann
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Publication number: 20140246846Abstract: An airbag includes at least one panel defining an interior of the airbag and a divider attached to the at least one panel so as to divide the interior into a plurality of chambers. An internal tether is attached to the at least one panel and to the divider so as to limit movement of the divider in a direction toward one of the chambers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: Christopher L. Anderson
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Patent number: 8820786Abstract: It is provided a side airbag in which a bag thickness can be made thicker, without an undue increase in size. In a side airbag, a side panel formed in a belt shape is sewn to peripheral edge portions of a pair of main panels placed facing each other, whereby an airbag body is formed. A tether disposed inside this airbag body is folded in such a way that both lengthwise direction sides of the tether are aligned in a direction in which the pair of main panels face each other. One long-side edge portion of the tether is sewn to the pair of main panels and to a front portion of the side panel, and both lengthwise direction sides of another long-side edge portion of the tether are superimposed on top of each other and sewn together.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yusuke Fujiwara
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Patent number: 8814201Abstract: A knee airbag assembly is operable to restrain at least one leg of an occupant of a vehicle. The assembly includes an inflator, a housing, and an airbag that moves between a stowed state and a deployed state. The inflator is operable to selectively inflate the airbag to move the airbag from the stowed state to the deployed state. The airbag is housed within the housing in the stowed state, and the airbag extends from the housing in the deployed state. The airbag defines a package width when in the stowed state, and the airbag defines a deployed width when in the deployed state. A ratio of the package width to the deployed width is between approximately 0.8 and 1.0.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventor: James Webber
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Publication number: 20140232092Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag for vehicles, having a flat, two-dimensional shape when being in an uninflated, vented condition and a three-dimensional shape in an inflated condition, the gas bag having a main piece with opposite end portions, each of the end portions having an end contour, and two minor pieces which each have a connecting portion with a contour with corresponds to the end contour of the main piece, and which each have a filling portion, the two filling portions having similar shapes and similar dimensions. The invention also relates to a method of sewing this gas bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Yohann Le Norcy, Jean-Christophe Peyre, Ramon Ramos
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Patent number: 8807596Abstract: An exemplary passenger airbag for a vehicle passenger restraint system may include an inflatable cushion having an upper rear portion with a convex surface and a lower rear portion with a concave surface when the airbag is deployed. The airbag may further include a longitudinal tether secured to the lower rear portion to limit longitudinal expansion of the inflatable cushion and form the concave surface in the lower rear portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Juanito Yu Co, Jeff Steven Vinton, Nathan Kristofor Tardif
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Publication number: 20140225355Abstract: A tethering clip assembly is configured to tether first and second panels of a vehicle together. The assembly includes first and second plates, a mechanical fuse connecting the first plate to the second plate in a compressed state, and at least one spring member connected between the first and second plates. The at least one spring member is compressed in the compressed state. The mechanical fuse is configured to break upon exertion of a predetermined force. The at least one spring member extends when the mechanical fuse breaks, thereby forcing the first and second plates to extend away from one another in an extended state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventor: Marc R. Risdale
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Publication number: 20140210193Abstract: An exemplary passenger airbag for a vehicle passenger restraint system may include an inflatable cushion having an upper rear portion with a convex surface and a lower rear portion with a concave surface when the airbag is deployed. The airbag may further include a longitudinal tether secured to the lower rear portion to limit longitudinal expansion of the inflatable cushion and form the concave surface in the lower rear portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Juanito Yu Co, Jeff Steven Vinton, Nathan Kristofor Tardif
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Patent number: 8789849Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle including an inflatable airbag cushion, an inflator configured to inflate the airbag cushion, an inflatable tube having a fixed first end and a second end, and a second inflator configured to inflate the tube. The second end of the tube is configured to be coupled to a portion of the airbag cushion. The tube has a first length when not inflated and a second length when inflated. When in a first mode of operation, the airbag cushion is configured to deploy to a first depth that is restrained by the first length of the tube. When in a second mode of operation, the airbag cushion is configured to deploy to a second depth that is restrained by the second length of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventor: John Pasquale Puzzonia
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Patent number: 8783712Abstract: A side airbag device for a vehicle includes a gas generating device, a side airbag in which a front and a rear bag portions are defined by a front-rear partition section having a front-rear communication opening, gas supplied from the gas generating device into the rear bag portion is supplied into the front bag portion through the front-rear communication opening to allow the side airbag to be inflated and deployed from an outside portion in a vehicle width direction of a seat back, and the front bag portion is arranged on a vehicle front side of the rear bag portion in an inflated and deployed state, and an extending member provided in the rear bag portion and extended in the inflated and deployed state to restrict inflation of the rear bag portion in a vehicle fore-and-aft direction and enlarges inflation of the rear bag portion in the vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Satoshi Fukushima, Shigeki Hayashi, Shinobu Tanaka
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Patent number: 8777257Abstract: Lifting up of a side airbag toward a vehicle upper side when there is a side collision is suppressed or prevented. In a side airbag, a tether is provided that divides the side airbag into a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The tether is attached in an attitude that, viewed from a vehicle forward side, is inclined such that a vehicle width direction inner side thereof is higher than the vehicle width direction outer side. A gas jetting aperture is formed at a lower end portion of a diffuser of a gas jetting unit. The gas jetting aperture is disposed in the lower chamber and is oriented toward a lower face of the tether. Therefore, during a process of expansion of the side airbag, gas strikes the lower face of the tether, then strikes portions that have not yet unfolded, and flows downward.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Fukawatase, Yusuke Fujiwara
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Patent number: 8777260Abstract: An airbag unit with an airbag (10) encloses a gas compartment, an inflator, and a housing (20) containing the folded airbag. A holding device (40) having a first and a second section (42, 44) is provided, the first section (42) is connected to the housing (20), and the second section (44) can be detached from, the first section (42) upon an electrical signal. The holding device detachably fastens a tensioning element, whose first end is connected to the airbag, and its second end is connected to the housing (20) via the holding device (40) when the first and second sections (42 or 44) are connected. The holding device second section (44) is arranged inside the gas compartment, and a hole (13) is provided in the airbag (10), through which an ignition cable plug socket, an ignition lead (50) or the holding device first section (42) protrudes.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Armin Kränzle, Stephan Schellbronn
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Patent number: 8777262Abstract: An airbag assembly can include a stabilizer strap attached to an airbag, and the stabilizer strap can cooperate with a housing to prevent undesired rotation or skewing of the airbag during deployment. A portion of the stabilizer strap can be positioned at an exterior of the housing and can remain at the exterior of the housing throughout deployment of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventor: Mark L. Enders
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Publication number: 20140191497Abstract: A tension member for an airbag, and an airbag device are provided in each of which the tensile force is controlled continuously with a simple configuration. An airbag device includes an airbag that is normally folded and is inflated and deployed in a case of an emergency, an inflator for supplying gas into the airbag, a retainer for retaining the airbag and the inflator, and a tension member that controls a shape or a function of the airbag by using tension. The tension member for an airbag includes two end portions connected to respective portions of the airbag that are movable relative to each other when the airbag is inflated and deployed, a widened portion provided between the two end portions, and a breaking section provided in the widened portion in such a manner as to extend in a direction of widening of the widened portion and configured to break depending on a magnitude of tension applied between the two end portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2012Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventors: Yoshiki Murakami, Kimihiro Koshikawa
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Patent number: 8770617Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag (12) of a vehicle occupant restraint system (10) comprising plural juxtaposed compartments (16) delimited outwardly by opposing external walls (18) and against each other by partitions (20), wherein the airbag (12), in the inflated condition, has a form overall bent and elongate in cross-section. In the bending area the external wall (18) includes a cut-out (22) that is closed by an inserted insert (24) tensioned in the deployed condition which in the longitudinal direction has a length (LE) different in the bending area from the opposing external wall portion (28) of the chamber (16) so as to produce the bending. The invention furthermore relates to a method of manufacturing an airbag of this type.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Timo Abele, Werner Freisler
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Publication number: 20140183848Abstract: Elongate woven pulling means (10) for an airbag module comprises plural longitudinal portions (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) that have different warp densities. An airbag module for a vehicle safety system comprises an airbag, pulling means (10) coupled to the airbag and an activation unit coupled to the pulling means for releasing the pulling means upon actuation of the activation unit. The pulling means (10) is an elongate woven pulling means having different warp densities which is fastened to the airbag by a first end portion (12) of low warp density, preferably by stitching, and is coupled to the activation unit by a longitudinal portion (16) of high warp density. A method of manufacturing such pulling means (10) comprises the steps of: weaving a longitudinal portion (12; 20) on a loom of low warp density; and weaving a further longitudinal portion (16; 14, 18) on the loom having high or increasing warp density in the same working step. For weaving an adjustable reed having different widths is employed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Daniele Aranzulla, Martina Rausch
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Patent number: 8764058Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition. Tear stitching (200a) interconnects portions (220a, 230a) of the protection device (14). The tear stitching (200a) includes first and second stitch lines (300, 320) positioned next to each other. The first stitch line (300) is adapted to rupture in response to tension of a first magnitude exerted on the interconnected portions (220a, 230a) while inflating to an initially deployed condition. The second stitch line (320) is adapted to remain intact and being capable itself of maintaining the protection device in the initially deployed condition subsequent to rupture of the first stitch line (300) and throughout inflation and deployment of the protection device (14).Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.Inventors: Kurt F. Fischer, John Klakulak, Heather R. Kramer, Alberto Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20140175778Abstract: Disclosed is an airbag apparatus for vehicles including a vent hole in an airbag cushion for discharging inflating gas. A cover is provided on an outer surface of the airbag cushion and is adjustable between a state where the cover is spaced apart from the vent hole to open it and a state where the cover comes into close contact with the vent hole to close it. A tether is connected at its first end to the cover and secured at its second end to an interior of the airbag cushion to impart a tensile force to the cover. A tether guide is provided on an inner surface of the airbag cushion to support the tether, and a sealing means is provided between the vent hole and the tether guide to support the tether, the tether passing through the sealing means.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Jun Yeol Choi, Sung Woo Lee, Dong Young Kim
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Patent number: 8757661Abstract: An airbag having a base end, a front panel and at least one panel opposing the front panel, the airbag having a cutout in the front panel, an inner perimeter of the cutout having first and second sides, a first panel having first and second edges, the first edge of the first panel is attached to the first side of the cutout, a second panel having third and fourth edges, the third edge is attached to the second edge of the first panel and the fourth edge is attached to the second side of the cutout, wherein the first and second panels define a slit member in cutout of the front panel, and a tether attached along a backside of the slit member and attached to an inner surface of the at least one panel opposing the front panel of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Edward Joseph Abramoski, Sean West, Pardeep Kumar Jindal, Djamal Eddine Midoun
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Patent number: 8757656Abstract: An airbag includes: a base chamber; a left-half airbag inflated on a front-left side of the passenger, wherein a first opening is formed through the left-half airbag at an upper portion thereof; and a right-half airbag inflated on a front-right side of the passenger, wherein a first opening is formed through the right-half airbag at an upper portion thereof. A recess is formed between the left-half airbag and the right-half airbag so as to face the passenger, when the airbag is inflated in front of the passenger. The first openings are communicated with each other. A first seam joining the left-half airbag and the right-half airbag is formed to surround the first openings. The first openings communicated with each other are formed to extend in a vehicle front-rear direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Yasuhito Miyata
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Patent number: 8746736Abstract: An airbag module comprising an inflatable airbag cushion that includes a vent hole and a vent pocket, an inflator for inflating the airbag cushion, an actuator, a vent member configured to fill at least a portion of the vent pocket to selectively cover the vent hole, and a tether having a first end and a second end. The first end of the tether is coupled to the vent member and the second end is coupled to the actuator. When the actuator has not been activated, the vent member remains in a first position covering the vent hole under a tension applied by the tether to thereby prevent inflation gas from escaping through the vent hole. When the actuator has been activated, the tension is reduced enough to allow the inflation gas to move the vent member to a second position uncovering the vent hole thereby allowing inflation gas to escape through the vent hole and through the vent member.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: Gerardo Mendez, Amy L. Klinkenberger
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Patent number: 8746734Abstract: An inflatable curtain airbag, or airbag assembly, can include a plurality of inflatable cushion segments that are able to selectively fluidly communicate with an inflation gas delivery channel. The inflatable curtain airbag, or airbag assembly, can further include a valving panel that has a separate valving portion associated with each inflatable cushion segment. Each valving portion can allow fluid communication between the inflatable cushion segment and the inflation gas delivery channel when in an open configuration and can prevent fluid communication between the inflatable cushion segment and the inflation gas delivery channel when in a closed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Bradley W. Smith, Francois Peremarty
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Publication number: 20140151989Abstract: An airbag includes a vent hole discharging gas, a slide tether performing transition of a state of the vent hole, from an open state via a close state to the open state, by changing between a slackened state and an extended state, and a slide tether cover guiding the slide tether. The other end portion in a longitudinal direction of the slide tether body portion constitutes a first supporting point by being fastened in a direction going from the vent hole toward a mounting position of the inflator, bifurcated portions constitutes a second supporting point by the other end portion of the slide tether cover being fastened, terminal end portions of leg piece portions constitute a third supporting point by being respectively fastened. When the airbag is deployed, transition of a state of the vent hole is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki IWAMOTO, Yohei KIUCHI, Takahiro YAMAUCHI, Hideaki SAITO, Hideki MOCHIZUKI
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Patent number: 8740247Abstract: An airbag assembly for use in a vehicle includes at least one airbag panel that defines an inflatable portion and a non-inflatable portion. An external panel is connected to the at least one airbag panel at the non-inflatable portion thereof such that at least a portion of the external panel is positioned adjacent to the inflatable portion defined by the at least one airbag panel, wherein the external panel is non-inflatable.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Niko Jovicevic
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Patent number: 8727378Abstract: In an air bag main body which inflates step by step in a first stage and a second stage by bonding its peripheral edge portion and bonding its inner side than the peripheral edge portion, a connecting member bridging between a lid member opening and closing a vent hole and a coupling member can be always set to a tension state by arranging an adjusting portion in the coupling member which defining a maximum facing distance between a front panel and a rear panel in the tension state in each of the first stage and the second stage, and whereby a closed state of the vent hole can be maintained.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Teruhiko Hiruta, Mitsuo Maruoka, Makoto Ogawa, Yoshihiro Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8727061Abstract: A pedestrian airbag arrangement for a vehicle includes an airbag covering at least a part of the windscreen and/or at least a part of at least one A-pillar of the vehicle when it is in deployed state, an inflator in fluid connection to the airbag, and a retraction means for retracting the airbag. The retraction means includes a triggering means and a retractor retracting the airbag when released by the triggering means. In order to provide an automatic retraction of the airbag, the triggering means is activated by the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Erik Rydsmo, Mikael Hillström, Ulf Magnusson, Florian Pucher, Ralf Zauritz, Ulrich Koestler
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Patent number: 8727377Abstract: An airbag assembly includes an housing, an inflator mounted in the housing, and an airbag. A vent opening is provided in the wall of the housing for venting inflation gas from the housing. A vent cover closes the vent opening so that inflation gas does not reach the vent opening. A valve member also closes the vent cover and is selectively moveable by an electric actuator to adapt the valve member to a selected degree of closure in response to sensed conditions of the occupant and the vehicle. A tether is connected to the airbag and to the vent cover to suddenly open the vent cover as the airbag reaches a certain stage in its deployment, so that the rate at which inflation gas is vented from the housing through the vent opening will be determined by the previously established selected degree of closure of the vent opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Jenne-Tai Wang
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Patent number: 8714584Abstract: An airbag includes a check valve in a communication passage connecting a lumbar-region-protecting inflatable portion and a shoulder-protecting inflatable portion. The check valve restricts outflow of inflation gas from the lumbar-region-protecting inflatable portion to the shoulder-protecting inflatable portion. A pressure regulation valve, which has an internal opening and a pair of valve body elements, is provided in a partitioning member between the shoulder-protecting inflatable portion and a thorax-protecting inflatable portion. Before an occupant is restrained by the shoulder-protecting inflatable portion, the valve body elements are pressed and contact with each other by inflation gas in the shoulder-protecting inflatable portion, thereby restricting flow of inflation gas at the internal opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kensaku Honda, Yuji Sato, Masashi Hotta