Inflatable restraint module with external tether

• US 20030189328A1
• Filed: 02/20/2003
• Published: 10/09/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc. (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc. (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Jung, Jin Ho, Cooper, John, Burdock, John M., Shkoukani, Mutaz A., Sadenwater, Robert J., Blancou, Jean-Luc, Arwood, Robert L. III, Green, Walter R.
• Granted Patent: US 6,955,377 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/743.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/161 characterised by additional means for controlling deployment trajectory
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23386 External tether means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/233 comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other B60R21/232 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2338 Tethers

Abstract

An air bag module comprising: an air bag pack including an inflator and folded air bag, the air bag capable of inflating upon receipt of inflation gas and a tether having first portion fixedly attached in relation to one of the air bag and the inflator, the tether includes a second portion, which is loosely positioned relative to the first portion.

Claims

1. An air bag module comprising:

an air bag pack including an inflator and folded air bag, the air bag capable of inflating upon receipt of inflation gas and

a tether having first portion fixedly attached in relation to one of the air bag and the inflator, the tether includes a second portion, which is loosely positioned relative to the first portion.

2. The air bag module as defined in claim 1 wherein the tether comprises a length of material configured in a U-shape having a center and two extending legs, wherein the center of the material is fixedly located relative to the inflator and wherein a first portion of each leg of the material extends oppositely about the folded air bag and wherein a second portion of each leg is configured in overlapping relation.

3. The module as defined in claim 2 wherein the second portion is configured into a compact physical orientation and positioned upon the folded air bag.

4. The module as defined in claim 3 wherein the second portion is folded into overlapping pleats and located upon the folded air bag.

5. The module as defined in claim 2 wherein a first portion of one of the legs envelops a determinable area of the folded air bag while the first portion of the other leg envelops a greater area of the folded air bag.

6. The module as defined in claim 2 wherein the tether comprises two lengths of material wherein a first portion of each length is secured to opposing portions of the air bag.

7. The module as defined in claim 6 wherein the first portion of each length of material is secured proximate a neck portion of the air bag.

8. The module as defined in claim 2 wherein the width of the tether proximate its center is wider than the legs of the tether.

9. The module as defined in claim 2 wherein the center of the tether includes a plurality of openings for receipt of fasteners.