Protective device for side-on collisions

• US 6,443,485 B1
• Filed: 07/10/2000
• Issued: 09/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America (Lear Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Bartl, Rainer, Muhlbacher, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Mai, Lanna
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ilan, Ruth
• Application Number:
  US09/554,936
• Time in Patent Office: 785 Days
• Field of Search: 280/730.2, 280/730.1, 280/728.1, 280/728.2, 280/728.3, 280/751, 296/189, 296/39.1
• US Class Current: 280/730.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/02 Internal Trim mouldings ; Internal Ledges; Wall liners for passenger compartments; Roof liners B60R13/01 takes precedence ; padded linings for the vehicle interior B60R21/04; arrangements or adaptations of floor mats or carpets in vehicles B60N3/04; internal lining for trains B61D17/18
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/0206 Arrangements of fasteners and clips specially adapted for attaching inner vehicle liners or mouldings devices for fastening or securing F16B
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/025 Pillars; Roof rails
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23386 External tether means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/213 in vehicle roof frames or pillars
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/215 characterised by the covers for the inflatable member B60R21/2176 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/23138 specially adapted for side protection B60R21/23184, B60R21/232 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2338 Tethers

Abstract

A protective device against side impacts for passengers in an automotive vehicle comprises at least one inflatable airbag which in its folded state is arranged behind at least one A column covering and whose interior communicates with a gas generator.

To provide a sufficiently stable covering while permitting an unobstructed exiting of the airbag to protect a passenger, the A column covering is manufactured from a material particularly resistant to bending and has a pivot line (6) which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the A column and around which at least one covering section of the A column covering can be pivoted to release an outlet gap for the airbag relative to the A column in the direction of the passenger compartment.

Claims

1. A protective device (1) against side impacts for passengers in an automotive vehicle (2), comprising at least one inflatable airbag (4) which in its folded state is arranged behind at least one A column covering (3) and whose interior communicates with a gas generator, characterized in that the entire A column covering (3) pivots about a pivot line (6) which is spaced away from the A column covering (3) and connected to the A column covering (3) by a fixing member (9), wherein said pivoting of the A column covering (3) releases an outlet gap for the airbag (4) in the direction of the passenger compartment.

2. The protective device against side impacts according to claim 1, characterized in that the A column covering (3) is made from a mixed-fiber nonwoven material.

3. The protective device against side impacts according to claim 2, characterized in that the mixed-fiber nonwoven material contains reinforcing fibers.

4. The protective device against side impacts according to claim 2, characterized in that the mixed-fiber nonwoven material contains matrix fibers.

5. The protective device against side impacts according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing member (9) is arranged on a rear side of the A column covering that is opposite to a visible side for the detachable mounting thereof on the A column.

6. The protective device against side impacts according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot line (6) extends along fixing members arranged in asymmetry with the A column covering (3).

7. The protective device against side impacts according to claim 1, characterized in that the covering (12, 13) of one of a B and C column is constructed the same as the A column covering (3).