Buckle connectors for inflatable personal restraints and associated methods of use and manufacture
First Claim
1. An inflatable personal restraint system for use in a vehicle, the personal restraint system comprising:
- a web configured to restrain an occupant in a seat;
a first coupler attached to a distal end portion of the web, wherein the first coupler is configured to be releasably engaged with a second coupler to secure the web around a portion of the occupant, and wherein the first coupler includes;
a base plate having a tongue portion configured to be operably engaged with the second coupler;
a switch operably mounted to the base plate;
a plurality of wires connected to the switch and extending along the web, wherein the airbag cover encloses a portion of the wires at the distal end portion of the web; and
a housing coupled to the base plate, wherein the housing includes a groove;
an airbag carried by the web; and
an airbag cover at least partially enclosing the airbag, and wherein a distal end portion of the airbag cover is received in the groove to engage the cover with the housing.
12 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Buckle connectors and airbag assemblies for inflatable personal restraints, and associated methods of use and manufacture are described herein. In one embodiment, an inflatable personal restraint system for use in an aircraft includes a web configured to restrain an occupant in a seat, a connector attached to a distal end portion of the web, and an airbag carried by the web. The restraint system further includes an airbag cover at least partially enclosing the airbag and engaging a portion of the connector. The connector can include a tongue portion configured to be releasably engaged with a corresponding buckle to secure the web around a portion of the occupant.
14 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An inflatable personal restraint system for use in a vehicle, the personal restraint system comprising:
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a web configured to restrain an occupant in a seat; a first coupler attached to a distal end portion of the web, wherein the first coupler is configured to be releasably engaged with a second coupler to secure the web around a portion of the occupant, and wherein the first coupler includes; a base plate having a tongue portion configured to be operably engaged with the second coupler; a switch operably mounted to the base plate; a plurality of wires connected to the switch and extending along the web, wherein the airbag cover encloses a portion of the wires at the distal end portion of the web; and a housing coupled to the base plate, wherein the housing includes a groove; an airbag carried by the web; and an airbag cover at least partially enclosing the airbag, and wherein a distal end portion of the airbag cover is received in the groove to engage the cover with the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. An inflatable personal restraint system for use in a vehicle, the personal restraint system comprising:
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a web configured to restrain an occupant in a seat; a first coupler attached to a distal end portion of the web, wherein the first coupler is configured to be releasably engaged with a second coupler to secure the web around a portion of the occupant, wherein the first coupler includes a housing having a groove; an airbag carried by the web; and an airbag cover at least partially enclosing the airbag and engaging a portion of the first coupler, wherein a distal end portion of the airbag cover is frictionally secured in the groove. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6)
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7. An inflatable personal restraint system for use in a vehicle, the restraint system comprising:
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a web configured to restrain an occupant in the vehicle; an airbag coupled to the web; one or more wires extending along the web and associated with activation of the airbag; an airbag cover enclosing the airbag, a portion of the web, and a portion of the one or more of the wires; and a connector coupled to the web proximate to the airbag, the connector comprising; a housing supporting a portion of the one or more wires; and a reed switch operably connected to a circuit card, wherein the one or more wires extend from the circuit card along the web. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. An inflatable personal restraint system for use in a vehicle, the restraint system comprising:
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a web configured to restrain an occupant in the vehicle; an airbag coupled to the web; one or more wires extending along the web and associated with activation of the airbag; an airbag cover enclosing the airbag, a portion of the web, and a portion of the one or more of the wires; and a connector coupled to the web proximate to the airbag, the connector comprising a housing supporting a portion of the wires, wherein the housing includes a recess, and wherein a distal end portion of the airbag cover is received in the recess.
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11. A personal restraint for use in a vehicle, comprising:
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a web configured to restrain an occupant in the vehicle; a connector attached to the web, the connector having a switch and a plurality of wires operably connected to the switch and extending along the web; an airbag coupled to the web proximate to the connector; an airbag cover; and means for attaching the airbag cover to the connector, wherein the means comprises a housing having a channel, wherein the airbag cover includes a distal end portion positioned in the channel. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of manufacturing a vehicle restraint system having an airbag, the method comprising:
- mounting a switch to a web connector;
mounting a circuit card to the web connector;
operably connecting the switch to the circuit card;
mounting a housing to the web connector proximate the switch, wherein the housing supports one or more wires;
attaching an airbag to a web;
coupling the web to the connector;
securing a distal end portion of an airbag cover to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
- mounting a switch to a web connector;
Specification