HEADREST AIRBAG

• US 20080073886A1
• Filed: 09/22/2006
• Published: 03/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Original Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Incorporated (Toyota Motor Corporation)
• Inventors: Palm, James E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,523,957 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/730.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/60 Removable protective coverings
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/888 with arrangements for protecting against abnormal g-forces, e.g. by displacement of the head-rest
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2074 in head rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/207 in vehicle seats

Abstract

The present invention affords a headrest airbag for reducing or preventing whiplash and/or head injuries related to vehicle collisions. The headrest airbag is comprised of a trim material that encloses a headrest member, a receiving means for receiving an exchangeable gas bag module and an exchangeable gas bag module at least partially inserted into the receiving means. The exchangeable gas bag module is comprised of an inflatable gas bag and a gas generator for inflating the gas bag. The gas bag maintains its location within the receiving means of the headrest airbag whether it is inflated or not. The inflated gas bag reduces the distance that a head of a driver or passenger is thrown in a rearward direction before coming into contact with a headrest, and reduces the force of such an impact.

Claims

1. A headrest airbag comprising:

a trim material having a receiving means for receiving an exchangeable gas bag module, said material enclosing a headrest member;

an exchangeable gas bag module at least partially inserted into said receiving means of said trim material, said gas bag module comprising;

an inflatable gas bag; and

a gas generator for inflating said gas bag.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the receiving means of said trim material is positioned adjacent a front surface of the headrest member.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein the receiving means of said trim material is positioned adjacent a back surface of the headrest member.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the receiving means of said trim material is positioned adjacent to a front surface and a back surface of the headrest member.