Inflatable bolster
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An inflatable bolster, comprising:
- a housing defining a substantially closed main portion for, during pressurization, receiving a fluid under pressure, and further defining an occupant face and a mounting face;
a source of the fluid under pressure; and
at least one extension structure adjacent said main portion, said extension structure having an auxiliary portion extending away from said main portion in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to said occupant face, whereinsaid housing includes a lateral length L in a direction substantially parallel to said occupant face, andsaid auxiliary portion moves hingedly relative to said main portion, for extending the lateral length L of said bolster upon pressurization of said bolster.
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention is in the field of safety devices to lessen injuries arising from impact in vehicles, particularly automobiles. A bolster which may be employed to reduce impact severity to passengers from either frontal or side impacts is activated by impact sensing devices. The housing of the bolster has a lateral length L. Upon activation, the bolster is inflated with an activating fluid and extends the lateral length L of bolster upon activation.
161 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An inflatable bolster, comprising:
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a housing defining a substantially closed main portion for, during pressurization, receiving a fluid under pressure, and further defining an occupant face and a mounting face; a source of the fluid under pressure; and at least one extension structure adjacent said main portion, said extension structure having an auxiliary portion extending away from said main portion in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to said occupant face, wherein said housing includes a lateral length L in a direction substantially parallel to said occupant face, and said auxiliary portion moves hingedly relative to said main portion, for extending the lateral length L of said bolster upon pressurization of said bolster. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An inflatable bolster, comprising:
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a housing of unitary structure defining a substantially closed main portion for, during pressurization, receiving a fluid under pressure, the housing defining, both prior to and during pressurization, an occupant face and a mounting face, wherein the occupant face faces in substantially a same direction both prior to and during pressurization; a source of the fluid under pressure; and at least one extension structure provided on an end face of said housing, said at least one extension structure comprising at least one pleat which extends internally from said end face into the closed main portion of said bolster, and wherein upon pressurization of said bolster, said at least one pleat is pushed laterally outward relative to said end face, providing additional length to said bolster for use in energy absorption on contact with a vehicle occupant, wherein said housing includes a lateral length L in a direction substantially parallel to said occupant face. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification