VEHICLE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT
First Claim
1. In combination with a vehicle including a seat for supporting an operator in seated position, a steering column supporting a steering wheel for use by the operator, and a source of pressure fluid releasable in response to the vehicle receiving an acceleration pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, an operator restraint comprising, an inflatable cushion of generally frustoconical shape surrounding the column and wheel, means mounting the cushion adjacent the apical end thereof on the column, and means communicating the cushion with the the source of pressure fluid, the cushion in inflated condition having the inner and outer spaced walls thereof joined at the basal end thereof for impact by the operator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle includes a seat for supporting an operator in seated position, a steering column supporting a steering wheel for steering the vehicle, and a source of pressure fluid releasable in response to the vehicle receiving an acceleration pulse of predetermined amplitude and time. An occupant restraint for the operator includes an inflatable cushion of generally frustoconical shape surrounding the column and wheel and having its apical end mounted on the column adjacent the instrument panel of the vehicle. When the cushion is inflated, the basal end thereof is located in a position for impact by the operator.
50 Citations
1 Claim
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1. In combination with a vehicle including a seat for supporting an operator in seated position, a steering column supporting a steering wheel for use by the operator, and a source of pressure fluid releasable in response to the vehicle receiving an acceleration pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, an operator restraint comprising, an inflatable cushion of generally frustoconical shape surrounding the column and wheel, means mounting the cushion adjacent the apical end thereof on the column, and means communicating the cushion with the the source of pressure fluid, the cushion in inflated condition having the inner and outer spaced walls thereof joined at the basal end thereof for impact by the operator.
Specification
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Current AssigneeRonald S. Gulette
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Original AssigneeRonald S. Gulette
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InventorsGulette, Ronald S.
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Primary Examiner(s)Betts, Kenneth H.
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Application NumberUS05/036,260Time in Patent Office547 DaysField of Search280/15AB,15B,87RUS Class Current280/731CPC Class CodesB60R 21/205 in dashboardsB60R 21/231 characterised by their shap...
