Anchoring attachment apparatus

• US 6,874,208 B2
• Filed: 03/14/2001
• Issued: 04/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/14/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Autoliv ASP Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Autoliv ASP Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Wong, Samuel, Rawlings, Jamie J., Thomas, Rachel E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sandy, Robert J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rodriguez, Ruth C.
• Application Number:
  US09/808,221
• Publication Number:
  US 20020129468A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,483 Days
• Field of Search: 241/63.R, 241/70, 241/90, 241/91, 241/94, 241/97, 241/98, 242/00, 242/65.BC, 242/65.AL, 242/65.EC, 24309-313, 243/23, 280/801.1, 280/808, 280/728.2, 280/743.2, 297/468, 297/472, 297/483
• US Class Current: 24/265.00R
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23386 External tether means
• 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 22/18 Anchoring devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/47 Strap-end-attaching devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/4764 Ring-loop

Abstract

An anchoring apparatus eliminates the need for an anchor plate and an anti-rattle member. The anchoring apparatus includes a flexible connector member which may be embodied as a strip of fabric material. An end of the connector member is disposed to form a loop and then attach to the remaining body of the connector member. The loop defines an anchor aperture which is configured to receive and retain an anchor bolt. The loop may further be configured with one or more twists to consolidate the connector member around the aperture. The twists allow the aperture to better engage and retain the anchor bolt due to the higher concentration of material. The attachment of the end to the connector member ensures retention of the twists in the loop. Attachment of the end is achieved by use of a fastener which may be embodied as stitches, adhesives, rivets, clips, staples and so forth.

Claims

1. An anchoring apparatus for attachment to a vehicle safety device and to an anchor bolt, comprising:

a flexible connector member attachable to a vehicle safety device and to an anchor bolt having,

an end, and

a loop defining an aperture which receives and retains the anchor bolt, the loop configured with a twist; and

a fastener disposed to secure the end to the connector member and retain the twist in the loop.

2. The anchoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connecting member comprises a fabric material.

3. The anchoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises stitches.

4. The anchoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the loop is configured with a plurality of twists, the fastener disposed to secure the end and retain the twists in the loop.

5. The anchoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vehicle safety device is an airbag system.

6. The anchoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vehicle safety device is a seat belt harness.

7. A method for making an anchoring apparatus and attaching the apparatus to a vehicle safety device and to an anchor bolt, the method comprising:

providing a flexible connector member having an end;

forming a loop in the connector member;

forming a twist in the loop;

securing the end to the connector member to retain the twist in the loop and to define an aperture to receive and retain the anchor bolt;

engaging the aperture with the anchor bolt; and

attaching the connector member to the vehicle safety device.

8. The method for making an anchoring apparatus of claim 7, further comprising forming a plurality of twists in the loop, and wherein the step of securing the end further includes retaining the twists in the loop.

9. The method for making an anchoring apparatus of claim 7, wherein the connector member comprises a fabric material.

10. The method for making an anchoring apparatus of claim 7, wherein securing the end comprises stitching the end to the connector member.