Side airbag apparatus and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An inflatable airbag for use in a passenger vehicle comprising:
- a first layer;
a second layer positioned over the first layer, the first and second layers connected to one another about a periphery and defining a recess along a forward edge of the airbag, the recess is arcuate-shaped having a first point along the forward edge positioned above a passenger shoulder center axis, a second point positioned along the forward edge positioned below the shoulder center axis, an inner recess point oriented on an inner arc positioned rearward from the first and second points, the inner arc defined by a radius having a vertex point positioned forward of the forward edge, wherein during inflation of the airbag the recess provides a clearance between the forward edge of the airbag and a seated occupant arm to reduce contact of the airbag on the occupant arm.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inflatable side airbag restraint for use in passenger vehicles. The airbag includes a relief portion providing clearance for the arm and elbow of an occupant or test device which reduces or eliminates lateral compression of the arm on the chest and abdomen regions of an occupant or test device.
25 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An inflatable airbag for use in a passenger vehicle comprising:
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a first layer; a second layer positioned over the first layer, the first and second layers connected to one another about a periphery and defining a recess along a forward edge of the airbag, the recess is arcuate-shaped having a first point along the forward edge positioned above a passenger shoulder center axis, a second point positioned along the forward edge positioned below the shoulder center axis, an inner recess point oriented on an inner arc positioned rearward from the first and second points, the inner arc defined by a radius having a vertex point positioned forward of the forward edge, wherein during inflation of the airbag the recess provides a clearance between the forward edge of the airbag and a seated occupant arm to reduce contact of the airbag on the occupant arm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An inflatable side airbag for use in passenger vehicle comprising:
an inflatable side airbag deployable between a vehicle panel and an occupant shoulder and arm, the airbag including a forward edge defining an arcuate-shaped recess extending rearward from the forward edge and positioned substantially between a shoulder center axis and an occupant elbow, the recess having a first point positioned along the forward edge above the shoulder center axis, a second point positioned along the forward edge below the shoulder center axis and an inner recess point oriented on an inner arc positioned rearward from the first and the second points, the inner arc defined by a radius having a vertex point positioned forward of the forward edge, wherein during inflation of the airbag the recess provides a clearance between the airbag forward edge and the occupant aim to reduce contact between the airbag forward edge and the occupant arm while substantially maintaining a full lateral depth of the airbag adjacent the occupant'"'"'s shoulder. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for using an inflatable side airbag in a passenger vehicle to reduce lateral contact of an inflating airbag on the aim of a seated occupant, the method comprising:
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providing an inflatable side airbag deployable between a side panel of a vehicle and an occupant shoulder and arm, the airbag having first and second points positioned on a forward edge; inflating the side airbag thereby expanding the airbag in a lateral direction toward the passenger shoulder and arm; and providing a recess in the airbag a positioned substantially between the occupant shoulder and elbow, the recess extending rearward from the forward edge toward a first chamber, the recess having an inner recess point positioned on an arc defined by a radius having a vertex point positioned forward of the forward edge for reducing lateral contact by the airbag on a portion of the occupant arm during inflation of the airbag. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification