Vehicle occupant restraint system

• US 6,189,928 B1
• Filed: 03/23/1999
• Issued: 02/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co., KG
• Original Assignee: TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co., KG
• Inventors: Reichthalhammer, Georg, Sommer, Karl-Heinz
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Lanna
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ilan, Ruth
• Application Number:
  US09/275,064
• Time in Patent Office: 700 Days
• Field of Search: 280/735, 280/743.2, 280/743.1, 280/806, 280/731
• US Class Current: 280/743.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23382 Internal tether means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01526 using piezoelectric elements
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01528 mounted on the bag
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01532 using electric or capacitive field sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/233 comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other B60R21/232 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2338 Tethers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2342 Tear seams

Abstract

A vehicle occupant restraint system is provided which includes a gas bag transposable from a space-saving, folded resting condition into a deployed condition. A restraint means is provided which is capable of decelerating at least part of the wall of the gas bag in a controlled manner. The restraint means contains at least one coiling device. At least one catch strap is arranged in the interior of the gas bag and influences the shape of the gas bag in the deployed condition. The catch strap is at least in part accommodated on the restraint means when the gas bag is in the resting condition.

Claims

1. A vehicle occupant restraint system, including a gas bag transposable from a space saving, folded resting condition into a deployed condition, a restraint means capable of decelerating at least part of the wall of said gas bag in a controlled manner, said restraint means containing at least one coiling device arranged in the interior of a steering wheel, and at least one catch strap arranged in the interior of said gas bag and influencing the shape of said gas bag in said deployed condition, said catch strap being at least in part accommodated on said restraint means when said gas bag is in said resting condition.

2. The vehicle occupant restraint system of claim 1, wherein said gas bag is provided with at least one relief port enabling a discharge of compressed gas from the internal volume of said gas bag.