Inflatable cushioning device
First Claim
1. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, the first portion being above and/or below the second portion when the vehicle is upright, and in which (a) inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion, (b) the first and second portions are configured to receive inflation fluid, and (c) inflation fluid entering the first portion has already passed through at least part of the second portion.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Inflatable devices principally for vehicle occupant protection are addressed. Included among the devices are curtains or other cushions (18) with braided portions (42) along their lower edges (30) designed to form semi-rigid members when deployed. Unlike commercially-available vehicle curtains, inflation occurs from the bottom (where the semi-rigid member is formed) upward. The devices additionally optionally may include inflatable nodes (46) within the curtains (18) or otherwise extending from the cushions.
32 Citations
18 Claims
- 1. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, the first portion being above and/or below the second portion when the vehicle is upright, and in which (a) inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion, (b) the first and second portions are configured to receive inflation fluid, and (c) inflation fluid entering the first portion has already passed through at least part of the second portion.
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8. Protective device comprising:
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a. an inflator; b. an inflatable curtain in fluid communication with the inflator and comprising; i. a first inflatable portion configured to receive inflation fluid and comprising material that decreases in length when inflation occurs; and ii. a second inflatable portion (A) from which the first inflatable portion extends and (B) configured to receive inflation fluid and have its inflation commence before inflation of the first inflatable portion commences, such that inflation fluid entering the first inflatable portion has already passed through at least part of the second inflatable portion; and c. a cover in which the inflatable curtain is positioned when uninflated. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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- 14. Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, each configured to receive inflation fluid, and in which (i) inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion, (ii) the first portion comprises at least one inflatable node extending outward from the second portion, and (iii) inflation fluid entering the first portion has already passed through at least part of the second portion.
Specification