Inflatable curtain with tensioning device
First Claim
1. Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle which has a side structure and a roof, said apparatus comprising:
- a vehicle occupant protection device which is inflatable away from the vehicle roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant, said vehicle occupant protection device when inflated extending along the side structure of the vehicle;
an inflator for providing inflation fluid for inflating said vehicle occupant protection device;
a flexible elongated member for resisting movement of said vehicle occupant protection device away from the side structure of the vehicle when said vehicle occupant protection device is inflated; and
a tensioning member which is movable by said inflation fluid a given distance upon inflation of said vehicle occupant protection device to retract a length of said flexible elongated member equal to at least approximately twice said given distance when said tensioning member moves said given distance.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) which has a side structure (16) and a roof (28) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14). The vehicle occupant protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (28) into a position along the vehicle side structure (16) between the side structure and a vehicle occupant. An inflator (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the vehicle occupant protection device (14). A flexible elongated member (54) resists movement of the vehicle occupant protection device (14) away from the vehicle side structure (16) when the vehicle occupant protection device is inflated. A tensioning member (52) is movable a given distance upon inflation of the vehicle occupant protection device (14). The tensioning member (52) retracts a length of the flexible elongated member (54) equal to at least approximately twice the given distance when the tensioning member (52) moves the given distance.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle which has a side structure and a roof, said apparatus comprising:
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a vehicle occupant protection device which is inflatable away from the vehicle roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant, said vehicle occupant protection device when inflated extending along the side structure of the vehicle;
an inflator for providing inflation fluid for inflating said vehicle occupant protection device;
a flexible elongated member for resisting movement of said vehicle occupant protection device away from the side structure of the vehicle when said vehicle occupant protection device is inflated; and
a tensioning member which is movable by said inflation fluid a given distance upon inflation of said vehicle occupant protection device to retract a length of said flexible elongated member equal to at least approximately twice said given distance when said tensioning member moves said given distance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification