Inflatable Cushioning Device
First Claim
1. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, the first portion being above and/or below the second portion when the vehicle is upright, and in which inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Inflatable devices principally for vehicle occupant protection are addressed. Included among the devices are curtains or other cushions (18) with braided portions (42) along their lower edges (30) designed to form semi-rigid members when deployed. Unlike commercially-available vehicle curtains, inflation occurs from the bottom (where the semi-rigid member is formed) upward. The devices additionally optionally may include inflatable nodes (46) within the curtains (18) or otherwise extending from the cushions.
24 Citations
16 Claims
- 1. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, the first portion being above and/or below the second portion when the vehicle is upright, and in which inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion.
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8. Protective device comprising:
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a. an inflator; b. an inflatable curtain in fluid communication with the inflator and comprising; i. a first inflatable portion comprising material that decreases in length when inflation occurs; and ii. a second inflatable portion; and c. a cover in which the inflatable curtain is positioned when uninflated. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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- 14. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, and in which (i) inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion and (ii) the first portion comprises at least one inflatable node extending outward from the second portion.
Specification