Vehicle air bag structure and method of forming
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of forming an air bag, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a length of fabric;
(b) folding the length of fabric at predetermined locations to form a central portion intermediate and immediately adjacent to two end portions with each end portion at least partially overlapping the central portion, one end portion at least partially overlapping and immediately adjacent to the other end portion, and edges of the end portions disposed generally in alignment with corresponding edges of the central portion;
(c) fastening the partially overlapping end portions to each other without reforming the folded configuration of the length of fabric; and
(d) fastening the aligned edges of the central portion and the partially overlapping end portions to each other without reforming the folded configuration of the length of fabric to form an inflatable air bag, the inflatable air bag being adapted to have a predetermined configuration when inflated with gas.
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Abstract
A vehicle air bag includes a length of fabric. The length of fabric is folded at predetermined locations to form a central portion and two end portions. When folded, the end portions partially overlap the central portion. One end portion partially overlaps the other end portion. The edges of the end portions are aligned with the edges of the central portions. The partially overlapping end portions and aligned edges of the central and end portions are joined together to form an inflatable air bag adapted to form a predetermined configuration inflated with gas.
88 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of forming an air bag, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a length of fabric; (b) folding the length of fabric at predetermined locations to form a central portion intermediate and immediately adjacent to two end portions with each end portion at least partially overlapping the central portion, one end portion at least partially overlapping and immediately adjacent to the other end portion, and edges of the end portions disposed generally in alignment with corresponding edges of the central portion; (c) fastening the partially overlapping end portions to each other without reforming the folded configuration of the length of fabric; and (d) fastening the aligned edges of the central portion and the partially overlapping end portions to each other without reforming the folded configuration of the length of fabric to form an inflatable air bag, the inflatable air bag being adapted to have a predetermined configuration when inflated with gas. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of forming an air bag system comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a length of fabric; (b) folding the length of fabric at predetermined locations to form a central portion intermediate and immediately adjacent to two end portions with each end portion at least partially overlapping and immediately adjacent to the other end portion, and edges of the end portions disposed generally in alignment with corresponding edges of the central portion; (c) fastening the partially overlapping end portions to each other without reforming the folded configuration of the length of fabric; (d) fastening the aligned edge of the central portion and the partially overlapping end portions to each other without reforming the folded configuration of the length of fabric to form an inflatable air bag, the inflatable air bag being adapted to have a predetermined configuration when inflated with gas; and (e) locating the inflatable air bag in an air bag container, and securing the inflatable air bag to the air bag container. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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- 14. A vehicle air bag structure comprising a length of fabric folded at two spaced apart locations to form a central portion intermediate and adjacent to a pair of end portions, each end portion at least partially overlapping the central portion and one end portion at least partially overlapping and immediately adjacent to the other end portion, the end portions having edges generally aligned with corresponding edges of the central portion, said partially overlapping end portions being sewn to each other to form a first seam and the aligned edges of the central portion and the overlapping end portions being sewn to each other along second and third seams to complete an inflatable bag structure adapted to form a predetermined configuration when the air bag is inflated with gas, said first seam being oriented transverse to said second and third seams.
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22. A vehicle air bag system comprising:
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(a) a vehicle air bag structure comprising a length of fabric folded at two spaced apart locations to form a central portion intermediate and adjacent to a pair of end portions, each end portion at least partially overlapping the central portion and one end portion at least partially overlapping and immediately adjacent to the other end portion, the end portions having edges generally aligned with corresponding edges of the central portion, said partially overlapping end portions being sewn to each other to form a first seam and the aligned edges of the central portion and the overlapping end portions being sewn to each other along generally parallel second and third seams to complete an inflatable bag structure adapted to form a predetermined configuration when the air bag is inflated with gas, said first seam being oriented transverse to said generally parallel second and third seams; and (b) an air bag container, said air bag being disposed in and secured to said container. - View Dependent Claims (23)
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Specification