Side curtain air bag design
First Claim
1. A curtain airbag comprising:
- a first longitudinal panel;
a second longitudinal panel adjacent the first panel; and
a plurality of elliptically-shaped seams connecting the adjacent panels to define a plurality of inflation fluid flow passages between the seams,each of the seams extending from proximate a top edge of the airbag to proximate a bottom edge of the airbag opposite the top edge when the airbag is in a deployed condition.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A side curtain airbag (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for use with a linear gas generator or inflator. In one embodiment, the airbag (110, 210, 310, 410) includes a first longitudinal panel (113, 213, 313, 413), a second longitudinal panel (114, 214, 314, 414) adjacent the first panel, and a plurality of seams (116, 220, 320, 420) connecting the adjacent panels to define a plurality of inflation fluid flow passages (117, 217, 317, 417) between the scams. The seams extend along a substantial portion of a lateral extent of the airbag. The seams are also distributed along substantially an entire length of the airbag. In another embodiment, the airbag includes a first panel (513), a second panel (514) adjacent the first panel, and a plurality of substantially straight seams (520) connecting the adjacent panels to define a plurality of inflation fluid flow passages (517) between the seams (520). Use of the seam patterns described herein in side airbag systems allows for improved airbag performance, particularly when used in conjunction with a linear inflator. Inflation of the airbag takes place in a more uniform manner, reducing the risk of localized overpressurization and seam bursting, and improving occupant protection. Moreover, the seam patterns disclosed herein are relatively simple, and their manufacture is relatively easy ands inexpensive.
21 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A curtain airbag comprising:
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a first longitudinal panel; a second longitudinal panel adjacent the first panel; and a plurality of elliptically-shaped seams connecting the adjacent panels to define a plurality of inflation fluid flow passages between the seams, each of the seams extending from proximate a top edge of the airbag to proximate a bottom edge of the airbag opposite the top edge when the airbag is in a deployed condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A vehicle occupant restraint system comprising:
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at least one inflatable curtain airbag, the airbag including a first longitudinal panel, a second longitudinal panel adjacent the first panel, and a plurality of elliptically-shaped seams connecting the panels to define a plurality of inflation fluid flow passages between the seams, each of the seams extending from proximate a top edge of the airbag to proximate a bottom edge of the airbag opposite the top edge when the airbag is in a deployed condition; and an inflator coupled to the airbag so as to enable fluid communication between the inflator and an interior of the airbag upon activation of the inflator.
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11. A curtain airbag comprising:
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a first longitudinal panel; a second longitudinal panel adjacent the first panel; and a plurality of elliptically-shaped seams connecting the adjacent panels to define a plurality of inflation fluid flow passages between the seams, each of the seams extending from adjacent a first edge of the airbag to adjacent a second edge of the airbag opposite the first edge.
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12. A vehicle occupant restraint system comprising:
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at least one inflatable curtain airbag, the airbag including a first longitudinal panel, a second longitudinal panel adjacent the first panel, and a plurality of elliptically-shaped seams connecting the panels to define a plurality of inflation fluid flow passages between the seams, each of the seams extending from adjacent a first edge of the airbag to adjacent a second edge of the airbag opposite the first edge; and an inflator coupled to the airbag so as to enable fluid communication between the inflator and an interior of the airbag upon activation of the inflator.
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Specification