Airbag in privacy wall

• US 8,944,461 B2
• Filed: 10/15/2013
• Issued: 02/03/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Safran Seats Co.
• Original Assignee: Zodiac Seats France (Safran SA)
• Inventors: Islam, Rakibul, Trimble, Robert W., Aguirre, Raul Daniel Flores, Quatanens, Frederic, Cailleteau, Jeremy, Gaudin, Jeremy, Martinez, Virgile, Obadia, Jean-Marc
• Primary Examiner(s): Fleming, Faye M.
• Application Number:
  US14/054,448
• Publication Number:
  US 20140077478A1
• Time in Patent Office: 476 Days
• Field of Search: 280/733, 280/730.2
• US Class Current: 280/730.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0093 Aircraft
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/20 Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/23184 Tubular air bags connected to the vehicle at their two extremities
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0604 including a bed, e.g. cocoon type passenger seat modules
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/06205 Arrangements of airbags
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 2201/00 Airbags mounted in aircraft for any use

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an airbag system designed to deploy from a privacy wall in a diagonal manner.

Claims

1. An airbag system, comprising:

an airbag deployable from a structure, the airbag having a first connection end and a second connection end;

wherein the first connection end is configured to be secured within a side wall portion of the structure and wherein the second connection end is configured to be secured within a front wall portion of the structure, the front wall portion located in front of an occupant sitting behind the structure, such that the airbag deploys across the occupant in a diagonal manner.

2. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the airbag comprises a tension-applying support feature that causes the airbag to shorten in length and increase in height upon deployment.

3. The airbag system of claim 2, wherein the tension-applying support feature comprises a woven or knitted braid.

4. The airbag system of claim 1, further comprising a gas inflator in fluid communication with the airbag, and a crash sensor configured to activate inflation of the airbag.

5. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the airbag comprises a generally tubular cross-sectional shape.

11. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the airbag is installed in the structure.

12. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a privacy wall.

13. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a seat surround.

14. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a monument.

6. An airbag designed for deployment from an aircraft structure, comprising a first connection end, a second connection end, and a tension-applying support feature;

wherein the first connection end is configured to be secured on a side portion of the structure and wherein the second connection end is configured to be secured on a front portion of the structure that is in front of a passenger, such that the airbag deploys across the passenger in a diagonal manner.

7. The airbag of claim 6, wherein the tension-applying support feature comprises a woven or knitted braid.

8. The airbag of claim 6, further comprising a gas inflator in fluid communication with the airbag, and a crash sensor configured to activate inflation of the airbag.

9. The airbag of claim 6, wherein the airbag comprises a generally tubular shape.

10. The airbag of claim 6, wherein the structure comprises a privacy structure, and wherein airbag is installed in the privacy structure.