Method and apparatus for placing an inflatable curtain in a stored condition
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus comprising:
- an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a stored condition for being positioned along a vehicle roof, the protection device being inflatable away from the vehicle roof to a deployed condition positioned between a side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant, the protection device comprising a portion for receiving a rigid elongated member for helping to place the protection device in the stored condition by rotating the elongated member about a longitudinal axis,the rotation of the elongated member resulting in at least one of rolling and folding of the protection device that places the protection device in the stored condition, the portion comprising an opening into which the elongated member is inserted, the portion and the elongated member being configured to form a close fit, the close fit producing a frictional engagement between the portion and the elongated member, the frictional engagement preventing relative rotation between the portion and the elongated member when the member is rotated about the longitudinal axis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus (10) helps to protect an occupant (28) of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that has a stored condition for being positioned along the vehicle roof (18). The protection device (14) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) to a deployed condition positioned between the side structure (16) and a vehicle occupant (28). The protection device (14) further comprises a portion (38) for receiving an elongated member (94) for helping to place the protection device in the stored condition.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a stored condition for being positioned along a vehicle roof, the protection device being inflatable away from the vehicle roof to a deployed condition positioned between a side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant, the protection device comprising a portion for receiving a rigid elongated member for helping to place the protection device in the stored condition by rotating the elongated member about a longitudinal axis, the rotation of the elongated member resulting in at least one of rolling and folding of the protection device that places the protection device in the stored condition, the portion comprising an opening into which the elongated member is inserted, the portion and the elongated member being configured to form a close fit, the close fit producing a frictional engagement between the portion and the elongated member, the frictional engagement preventing relative rotation between the portion and the elongated member when the member is rotated about the longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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- 15. An apparatus for helping to place an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in a stored condition in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising at least one forked member for maintaining a fold and a roll in the protection device while the protection device is placed in a cover, the forked member comprising spaced prongs inserted longitudinally into an end of the folded protection device, the prongs receiving folded over and abutting portions of the protection device and helping to prevent separation of the abutting portions to thereby maintain the fold and the roll in the protection device while placed in the cover.
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24. A method for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure and a roof, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device; placing the protection device in at least one of a rolled and folded condition; placing the protection device in an elongated channel; providing a cover having an elongated tubular construction and including an open end; inserting the channel and protection device into the open end of the cover; positioning the channel and protection device within the tubular cover such that the cover encircles the protection device; and removing the channel from the cover, leaving the protection device packaged in the cover. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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27. An apparatus comprising:
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an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a stored condition for being positioned along a vehicle roof, the protection device being inflatable away from the vehicle roof to a deployed condition positioned between a side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant, and a rigid elongated member for helping to place the protection device in the stored condition by rotating the elongated member about a longitudinal axis, the rotation of the elongated member resulting in at least one of rolling and folding of the protection device that places the protection device in the stored condition, the protection device including a portion into which the elongated member is inserted, the portion and the elongated member being configured to form a close fit, the close fit producing a frictional engagement between the portion and the elongated member, the frictional engagement preventing relative rotation between the portion and the elongated member when the member is rotated about the longitudinal axis.
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Specification