Tether systems for inflatable cushions
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An inflatable airbag assembly comprising:
- an inflatable curtain cushion having a configuration and length such that when inflated, the cushion overlaps at least one end-pillar of a vehicle, wherein the cushion has an inflatable portion and a non-inflatable portion;
a tether strap comprising a first end opposite from a second end and a middle portion between the first end and the second end,wherein the first end of the tether strap is attached to the cushion and the second end is configured to be attached to a vehicle structure, andwherein the tether strap has a fixed length between its first end and its second end; and
a sliding member coupled to the non-inflatable portion of the cushion at a coupling point such that the sliding member moves with the cushion when the cushion is deployed,wherein the sliding member and the middle portion of the tether strap are positioned for the middle portion to slide in the sliding member;
wherein the assembly is configured such that when the cushion is rolled and ready for installation in a vehicle, the sliding member, the second end and at least a portion of the middle portion of the tether strap are not rolled up with the cushion;
wherein the assembly is configured such that deployment of the cushion increases the tension of the tether strap due to the fixed length of the tether strap and the configuration of the coupling point and the sliding member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with a tether system for use in a vehicle. The airbag and the tether are configured such that upon airbag deployment the tether applies sufficient tension to the cushion to mitigate occupant ejection from the vehicle.
49 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An inflatable airbag assembly comprising:
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an inflatable curtain cushion having a configuration and length such that when inflated, the cushion overlaps at least one end-pillar of a vehicle, wherein the cushion has an inflatable portion and a non-inflatable portion; a tether strap comprising a first end opposite from a second end and a middle portion between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end of the tether strap is attached to the cushion and the second end is configured to be attached to a vehicle structure, and wherein the tether strap has a fixed length between its first end and its second end; and a sliding member coupled to the non-inflatable portion of the cushion at a coupling point such that the sliding member moves with the cushion when the cushion is deployed, wherein the sliding member and the middle portion of the tether strap are positioned for the middle portion to slide in the sliding member; wherein the assembly is configured such that when the cushion is rolled and ready for installation in a vehicle, the sliding member, the second end and at least a portion of the middle portion of the tether strap are not rolled up with the cushion; wherein the assembly is configured such that deployment of the cushion increases the tension of the tether strap due to the fixed length of the tether strap and the configuration of the coupling point and the sliding member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An inflatable curtain cushion assembly, comprising:
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an inflatable curtain cushion comprising an inflatable portion and a non-inflatable portion, wherein the cushion is configured such that in a deployed state, the cushion extends to at least one end-pillar of a vehicle; and a tether strap comprising a first end that is attached to the cushion, a second end configured to be attached to a vehicle structure, and a middle portion that is located between the first and second ends, wherein the tether strap has a fixed length between its first end and its second end; a sliding member coupled to the non-inflatable portion of the cushion at a coupling point such that the sliding member moves with the cushion when the cushion is deployed, wherein the sliding member and the middle portion of the tether strap are positioned for the middle portion to slide in the sliding member, and wherein the sliding member is coupled to the non-inflatable portion of the cushion via a coupling strap that is attached to the non-inflatable portion of the cushion with a looped configuration; wherein the assembly is configured such that when the cushion is in a rolled configuration and ready for installation in a vehicle, the sliding member, at least a portion of the middle portion and the second end of the tether strap are located outside of the rolled cushion; and wherein the assembly is configured such that, when the cushion is in a deployed state, tension of the tether strap is increased, relative to the configuration of the tether strap when the cushion is in a rolled configuration, due to the fixed length of the tether strap and the configuration of the coupling point and the sliding member. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for tethering a curtain cushion to a pillar of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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providing an inflatable airbag assembly comprising an inflatable curtain cushion, a tether strap and a sliding member, wherein the cushion comprises inflatable and non-inflatable portions, wherein the tether strap comprises a first end opposite from a second end and a middle portion between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end of the tether strap is attached to the cushion and the second end is configured to be attached to a structure of the vehicle, wherein the tether strap has a fixed length between its first end and its second end, wherein the sliding member is coupled to the non-inflatable portion of the cushion at a coupling point such that the sliding member moves with the cushion when the cushion is deployed, wherein the sliding member and the middle portion of the tether strap are positioned for the middle portion to slide in the sliding member, and wherein the curtain is rolled such that the sliding member, the second end and at least a portion of the middle portion of the tether strap are not rolled up with the cushion; mounting the rolled cushion adjacent a head rail of the vehicle, wherein the rolled cushion has a configuration and length such that when inflated, the cushion overlaps at least one end-pillar of the vehicle; and attaching the second end of the tether strap to an end-pillar of the vehicle; wherein the assembly is configured such that deployment of the cushion increases the tension of the tether strap due to the fixed length of the tether strap and the configuration of the coupling point and the sliding member. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification