INFLATABLE SAFETY DEVICE FOR VEHICLE PASSENGERS

• US 3,684,309 A
• Filed: 01/18/1971
• Issued: 08/15/1972
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kameo Uchiyamada, Kazuo Sato, Tomio Hisatsune
• Original Assignee: Kameo Uchiyamada, Kazuo Sato, Tomio Hisatsune
• Inventors: Sato, Kazuo, Uchiyamada, Kameo, Hisatsune, Tomio
• Primary Examiner(s): Betts, Kenneth H.
• Application Number:
  US05/107,113
• Time in Patent Office: 575 Days
• Field of Search: 180/82,91,96,98,103 280/15AB 343/7R,112CA
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/013 including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/268 using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas B60R21/26005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239

Abstract

A safety device for vehicle passengers, of the type in which at least one air bag is inflated responsive to detection of an object in the vehicle path in advance of contact of the vehicle with the object, includes a source of fluid under pressure and a valve, operable responsive to detection of such an object, to connect the source to a line leading to at least one inflatable air bag. A valve mechanism is interposed in the line and normally connects the line to the air bag. An impact detector is operable to detect the force of an impact, and to provide an output signal when the force has less than a predetermined magnitude. Relay means are operable responsive to the output signal, to operate the valve mechanism to disconnect the line from the air bag to interrupt inflation of the air bag and to connect the air bag to atmosphere for deflation. A timer may be included to control the time of operation of the valve mechanism by the output signal of the impact detector.

Claims

1. In a safety device for vehicle passengers, of the type in which at least one air bag is inflated responsive to detection of an object in the vehicle path in advance of contact of the vehicle with the object, the improvement comprising, in combination, a source of fluid under pressure;

a line connecting such source to at least one inflatable air bag;

a valve mechanism interposed in said line and normally connecting said line to the air bag;

an impact detector operable to detect the force of the impact between the vehicle and an object in its path, and to provide an output signal when said force has less than a predetermined magnitude; and

means operable, responsive to said output signal, to operate said valve mechanism to disconnect said line from the air bag to interrupt inflation of the air bag.

2. In a safety device for vehicle passengers, the improvement claimed in claim 1, including a timing device adapted to emit signals after a predetermined elapsed time following sensing of a collision;

said last named means being operable responsive to a logic product output signal derived from said timing device and said impact detector, to operate said valve mechanism to disconnect said line from the air bag to interrupt inflation of the air bag.

3. In a safety device for vehicle passengers, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said valve mechanism, when operated, connects the air bag to atmosphere to deflate the air bag.

4. In a safety device for vehicle passengers, the improvement claimed in claim 3, including a timing device operable, after a predetermined lapse of time following sensing of a collision and after thE air bag has been fully inflated, to operate said valve mechanism to connect the air bag to atmosphere to deflate the air bag.

5. In a safety device for vehicle passengers, the improvement claimed in claim 1, in which said line includes a first line section connected to said source, a second line section, a third line section connected to the air bag and a fourth line section connected to atmosphere;

a valve normally blocking communication between said first and second line sections and opened responsive to sensing of a collision;

said valve mechanism comprising a valve normally establishing communication between said second and third line sections and blocking communication between said second and fourth line sections.

6. In a safety device for vehicle passengers, the improvement claimed in claim 5, including a normally de-energized solenoid operating said last-mentioned valve;

and an energizing circuit for said solenoid including normally closed contacts controlled by said impact detector, said normally closed contacts being opened when said impact detectors detects an impact force at least equal to said predetermined magnitude.

7. In a safety device for vehicle passengers, the improvement claimed in claim 6, in which said last-mentioned valve is a pivoted flap valve.

8. In a safety device for vehicle passengers, the improvement claimed in claim 6, in which said last-mentioned valve is a piston valve operating in a cylinder connected to said line sections.

9. In a safety device for vehicle passengers, the improvement claimed in claim 6, including a timer and a pair of normally opened contacts included in said energizing circuit;

said timer closing said normally opened contacts a predetermined time after sensing of a collision.