RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
First Claim
1. A restraint system for use in a passenger seating area of a motor vehicle, the restraint system comprising:
- a seat belt assembly disposed adjacent the passenger seating area adjustable between a stowed position and at least one deployed position, the seat belt assembly including a webbing positionable across the body of an occupant;
an inflatable section disposed within the webbing having a deflated condition and an inflated condition wherein the belt assembly is urged to the at least one deployed position;
an anchor disposed opposite the seat belt assembly adjacent the seating area having a receiving element adapted to engage and secure the belt assembly; and
a controller operative to monitor vehicle conditions, wherein the inflatable section inflates to position the belt in the at least one deployed position for securement around an occupant in a vehicle when the controller detects occupancy of the vehicle seat.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A restraint system for use in a passenger seating area of a motor vehicle includes a seat belt assembly disposed adjacent the passenger seating area which is adjustable between a stowed position and at least one deployed position. The seat belt assembly including a webbing positionable across the body of an occupant and an inflatable section disposed within the webbing adjustable between a deflated condition and an inflated condition by a source of gas pressure. An anchor is disposed opposite the seat belt assembly adjacent the seating area and includes a receiving element adapted to engage and secure the belt assembly. A controller monitors vehicle conditions and is operative to inflate the inflatable section such that the belt assembly is placed in a deployed position for securement around an occupant in a vehicle.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A restraint system for use in a passenger seating area of a motor vehicle, the restraint system comprising:
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a seat belt assembly disposed adjacent the passenger seating area adjustable between a stowed position and at least one deployed position, the seat belt assembly including a webbing positionable across the body of an occupant;
an inflatable section disposed within the webbing having a deflated condition and an inflated condition wherein the belt assembly is urged to the at least one deployed position;
an anchor disposed opposite the seat belt assembly adjacent the seating area having a receiving element adapted to engage and secure the belt assembly; and
a controller operative to monitor vehicle conditions, wherein the inflatable section inflates to position the belt in the at least one deployed position for securement around an occupant in a vehicle when the controller detects occupancy of the vehicle seat. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A restraint system for use in a passenger seating area of a motor vehicle, the restraint system comprising:
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a seat belt assembly disposed adjacent the passenger seating area adjustable between a stowed position and at least one deployed position, the seat belt assembly including a webbing positionable across the body of an occupant extending between a lower anchor mounted adjacent a lower side portion of the seat and a belt retractor disposed adjacent an upper side portion of the seat;
an inflatable section disposed within the webbing having a deflated condition and an inflated condition wherein the belt assembly is urged to the at least one deployed position;
a source of gas pressure connected with the inflatable section and operable to alternatively inflate and deflate the inflatable section;
one or more sensors operative to monitor one or more vehicle conditions;
an anchor disposed opposite the seat belt assembly adjacent the seating area having a receiving element adapted to engage and secure the belt assembly; and
a controller operative to monitor the one or more sensors, wherein the controller instructs the source of gas pressure to inflate the inflatable section to position the belt in the at least one deployed position for securement around an occupant in a vehicle when the controller receives a signal from the one or more sensors. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of presenting a restraint system associated with a passenger seating area of a motor vehicle to an occupant, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a seat belt assembly disposed adjacent the passenger seating area including a webbing positionable across the body of an occupant extending between a lower anchor mounted adjacent a lower side portion of the seat and a belt retractor disposed adjacent an upper side portion of the seat;
providing an inflatable section disposed within the webbing adjustable between a deflated condition and an inflated condition wherein the belt assembly is urged to the at least one deployed position;
connecting a source of gas pressure to the inflatable section, the source of gas pressure operable to selectively inflate and deflate the inflatable section;
providing an anchor disposed opposite the seat belt assembly adjacent the seating area having a receiving element adapted to engage and secure the belt assembly; and
transmitting a signal from a controller to the source of gas pressure to inflate the inflatable section upon detection of an indication from at least one vehicle system. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification