Headliner restraint systems
First Claim
1. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle having a roof and a headliner therefor, the roof being above the occupant when the vehicle is upright, the protective device comprising means for pulling the headliner down toward the occupant as a result of a predefined event.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems for restraining movement of occupants within a vehicle are detailed. Such systems utilize vehicle headliners as parts thereof, with the headliners tensioned to help restrain passenger movement. The headliners may be connected directly or indirectly to inflatable structures typically positioned beneath the headliners. Thus, when the structures inflate, they may generate tension and tend to pull the headliners down from vehicle roofs toward vehicle sides.
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Citations
19 Claims
- 1. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle having a roof and a headliner therefor, the roof being above the occupant when the vehicle is upright, the protective device comprising means for pulling the headliner down toward the occupant as a result of a predefined event.
- 5. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle having a roof and a headliner therefor, the protective device comprising an inflatable structure (a) anchored to the vehicle below the headliner when the vehicle is upright, (b) connected directly or indirectly to the headliner, and, (c) when inflated and the vehicle is upright, configured to pull the headliner down.
- 18. A method of deploying a protective device in a vehicle having a seat in which an occupant sits, the method comprising activating a structure anchored to the vehicle below a headliner to which it directly or indirectly is connected and, by virtue of activating the structure, pulling the headliner down and tensioning it so as to present an energy-absorbing surface which the occupant may contact.
Specification