US20020060449A1 - Multiple panel airbag and method - Google Patents
Multiple panel airbag and method Download PDFInfo
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- US20020060449A1 US20020060449A1 US09/981,216 US98121601A US2002060449A1 US 20020060449 A1 US20020060449 A1 US 20020060449A1 US 98121601 A US98121601 A US 98121601A US 2002060449 A1 US2002060449 A1 US 2002060449A1
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- Prior art keywords
- cushion
- body panel
- panel
- recited
- front panel
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/235—Inflatable members characterised by their material
- B60R2021/23533—Inflatable members characterised by their material characterised by the manufacturing process
- B60R2021/23566—Nesting of panels, i.e. for material utilisation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/235—Inflatable members characterised by their material
- B60R2021/23571—Inflatable members characterised by their material characterised by connections between panels
- B60R2021/23576—Sewing
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/235—Inflatable members characterised by their material
Abstract
An airbag cushion for use in a vehicle restraint system is provided. The airbag cushion is formed from a notched body panel and a front panel. The preferred construction reduces substantially the elongation of the air bag cushion upon impact or collision of the vehicle in which it is installed. A method of forming the cushion according to the present invention is also provided.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to and benefit of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/891,956, filed on Jun. 26, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional patent Application Serial No. 60/241,171, filed on Oct. 17, 2000, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/640,682, filed Aug. 18, 2000, entitled “Multiple Panel Airbag and Method”, and is hereby incorporated by reference.
- This application is related to commonly owned, U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,390, issued Feb. 1, 2000, hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to inflatable protective cushions, and provides a cushion construction particularly useful in the frontal or side protection of occupants in a transportation vehicle, such as an automotive vehicle, railroad, car, airplane or the like. The invention is also directed to a module and/or overall vehicle restraint system including the inventive airbag cushion. A process or method for forming the cushion according to the present invention is also provided.
- As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,390, inflatable protective cushions used in passenger vehicles are a component of relatively complex passive restraint systems. The main elements of these systems are: an impact sensing system, an ignition system, a propellant material, an attachment device, a system enclosure, and an inflatable protective cushion. Upon sensing an impact, the propellant is ignited causing an explosive release of gases filing the cushion to a deployed state which can absorb the impact of the forward movement of a body and dissipate its energy by means of rapid venting of the gas. The entire sequence of events occurs within about 100 milliseconds. In the un-deployed state, the cushion is stored in or near the steering column, the dashboard, in a door, or in the back of a front seat placing the cushion in close proximity to the person or object it is to protect.
- Inflatable cushion systems commonly referred to as air bag systems have been used in the past to protect both the operator of the vehicle and passengers. Systems for the protection of the vehicle operator have typically been mounted in the steering column of the vehicle and have utilized cushion constructions directly deployable towards the driver. These driver-side cushions are typically of a relatively simple configuration in that they function over a fairly small well-defined area between the driver and the steering column. One such configuration is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,755 to Nelsen et al., issued Jul. 9, 1996, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Inflatable cushions for use in the protection of passengers against frontal or side impacts must generally have a more complex configuration since the position of a vehicle passenger may not be well defined and greater distance may exist between the passenger and the surface of the vehicle against which that passenger might be thrown in the event of a collision. Prior cushions for use in such environments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,416 to Bishop, issued May 28, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,594 to Krickl issued Oct. 3, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,273 to Hawthorn et al. issued Jun. 13, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,337 to Yamaji et al. issued May 31, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,216 to Wehner et al. issued May 10, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,729 to Watanabe issued Feb. 25, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,087,071 to Wallner et al. issued Feb. 11, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,529 to Backhaus issued Jul. 31, 1990; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,792,873 to Buchner et al. issued Feb. 19, 1974, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The majority of commercially used restraint cushions are formed of woven fabric materials utilizing multifilament synthetic yarns of materials such as polyester,
nylon 6 ornylon - As will be appreciated, the permeability of the cushion structure is an important factor in determining the rate of inflation and subsequent rapid deflation following the impact event. In order to control the overall permeability of the cushion, it may be desirable to use differing materials in different regions of the cushion. Thus, the use of several fabric panels in construction of the cushion may prove to be a useful design feature. The use of multiple fabric panels in the cushion structure also permits the development of relatively complex three dimensional geometries which may be of benefit in the formation of cushions for passenger side applications wherein a full bodied cushion is desired. While the use of multiple fabric panels provides several advantages in terms of permeability manipulation and geometric design, the use of multiple fabric panels for use in passenger side restraint cushions has historically required the assembly of panels having multiple different geometries involving multiple curved seams.
- As will be appreciated, an important consideration in cutting panel structures from a base material is the ability to maximize the number of panels which can be cut from a fixed area through close-packed nesting of the panels. It has been found that minimizing the number of different geometries making up panels in the cushion and using geometries with substantially straight line perimeter configurations generally permits an enhanced number of panels to be cut from the base material. The use of panels having generally straight line profiles has the added benefit of permitting the panels to be attached to one another using substantially straight seams or be substantially formed during the weaving process using a jacquard or dobby loom.
- The present invention provides a passenger side airbag configuration which may be constructed from two body panel sections and one center panel section. Each section may be made up of more than are panel or piece. The body panel sections are connected to one another and to the center panel by a series of substantially flat, straight seams. Thus, the airbag configuration formed according to the present invention results in highly efficient utilization of materials and may be constructed substantially without the need for complex curved seaming operations. As such, the present invention constitutes a useful advancement over the present art.
- In view of the foregoing, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a highly effective easily manufactured inflatable occupant restraining cushion.
- It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an inflatable occupant restraining cushion manufactured from two body panel sections and a center or front panel or section. Each panel section may be made up of more than one panel or piece.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide an inflatable occupant restraining cushion manufactured from panel sections and/or panels connected to one another by one or more substantially straight, flat seams.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide an inflatable occupant restraining cushion manufactured from the fabric panel sections woven and connected together on a jacquard or dobby weaving machine such that a substantially complete cushion is formed on the weaving machine.
- It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide an inflatable occupant restraining cushion formed from panel sections having two basic geometries which can be nested in close spaced relation across a sheet of material thereby promoting good material utilization in a cut and sew operation.
- A further object of the invention is to provide an inflatable occupant restraining cushion which employs a body panel section so designed to provide an air bag portion formed with straight seams which inhibits extreme expansion of the restraining cushion upon release of gas therein due to detonation of the inflator upon impact caused by a collision of the automobile or truck in which it is mounted.
- It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an easily manufactured inflatable occupant restraining cushion formed from material panels which exhibit differing air permeability characteristics so as to optimize the overall air permeability characteristics of the cushion.
- It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide an easily manufactured inflatable occupant restraining cushion formed from a combination of coated and uncoated material panels.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a method of making a low cost inflatable protective cushion of simple and structurally efficient design.
- To achieve these and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides an airbag cushion for use in a vehicle restraint system, which in the most preferred embodiment includes two body panel sections of substantially similar geometry joined to one another by two substantially straight seams along corresponding lateral boundary edges. The boundary segments of the body panels which are not joined to one another are joined around the perimeter of a quadrilateral center panel by a series of substantially straight seams thereby forming an inflatable cushion structure.
- Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of preferred embodiments are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not to be viewed as in any way restricting the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several potentially preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention wherein:
- FIG. 1 illustrates a cutaway view of the inflatable cushion of the present invention in deployment between a passenger and a dash panel;
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the cushion according to the present invention with its seams on the exterior wherein the term “front” is meant to designate that portion of the cushion which is intended to be impacted by a person or object to be protected (frontal impact center or front panel);
- FIGS.3A-3C illustrate the body panel sections and center or front panel of a first potentially preferred embodiment of the cushion according to the present invention;
- FIGS.4A-4C illustrate the body panel sections and center or front panel of a second potentially preferred embodiment of the cushion according to the present invention for use in an environment were an expanded curved profile is desirable to meet depth requirements;
- FIGS.5A-5C illustrate the body panel sections and center or front panel of a third potentially preferred embodiment of the cushion according to the present invention for use in covering substantial elongated areas as may be desired in full body or side impact applications;
- FIGS.6A-6C illustrate the body panel sections and center or front panel of yet a fourth potentially preferred embodiment of the cushion according to the present invention which provides for an expanded frontal surface for impact by a person or occupant to be protected;
- FIG. 6D illustrates the front view of the center panel and body panel sections of FIGS.6A-6C with the panels joined together;
- FIGS.7A-7C illustrate various potentially preferred mouth configurations for use in the cushion according to the present invention;
- FIGS.8-13C, 16A-17C, and 19A-19D relate to embodiments having body panel sections and/or center or front panels made up of a plurality of panels or pieces.
- FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the cushion according to another embodiment of the present invention with its seams on the exterior wherein the term “front” is meant to designate that portion of the cushion which is intended to be impacted by a person or object to be protected (frontal impact center or front panel);
- FIGS.9A-9C illustrate the body panel sections and center or front panel of another potentially preferred embodiment of the cushion according to the present invention and FIG. 8;
- FIGS.10A-10C illustrate the body panel section panels and center or front panel of yet another potentially preferred embodiment of the cushion according to the present invention for use in an environment were an expanded curved profile is desirable to meet depth requirements;
- FIGS.11A-11C illustrate the body panel section panels and center or front panel of still another potentially preferred embodiment of the cushion according to the present invention for use in covering substantial elongated areas as may be desired in full body or side impact applications;
- FIGS.12A-12C illustrate the body panel section panels and center or front panel of another potentially preferred embodiment of the cushion according to the present invention which provides for an expanded frontal surface for impact by a person or occupant to be protected;
- FIG. 12D illustrates the front view of the center panel and body panel section panels of FIGS.12A-12C with the panels joined together;
- FIGS.13A-13C illustrate various potentially preferred mouth configurations for use in the cushion according to the present invention;
- FIGS.14A-19D relate to embodiments having front, body, and bottom panels or panel sections. It is to be understood that the body panel (containing the top and sides) and bottom panel may be reversed and referred to as body (bottom and sides) and top panels.
- FIGS.14A-14C illustrate the front, body, and bottom panel sections of another embodiment according to the present invention;
- FIGS.15A-15C illustrate the front, body, and bottom panel sections of yet another embodiment according to the present invention;
- FIGS.16A-16C illustrate the front, body, and bottom panel section panels of FIGS. 14A-14C in accordance with another embodiment;
- FIGS.17A-17C illustrate the front, body, and bottom panel section panels of FIGS. 15A-15C according to another embodiment of the present invention;
- FIGS.18A-18D represent the respective panel sections of another embodiment of the present invention with a loop pocket to hold an inflator; and,
- FIGS.19A-19D illustrate the panel section panels of FIGS. 18A-18D according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a notched body panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a notched body panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a center or front panel for use with the body panel of FIG. 21.
- FIG. 23 is a schematic side view representation of an inflated airbag having the front and rear (body) panels shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 with the notches sewn shut to provide the desired profile or depth.
- FIG. 24 is a schematic view of a notched body panel in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a center or front panel adapted to be used with the body panel FIG. 24.
- FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a notched body panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a center or front panel for use with the body panel of FIG. 26.
- FIG. 28 is a schematic side view representation of an inflated airbag having the front and rear (body) panels shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 with the notches sewn shut to provide the desired profile or depth.
- FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a notched body panel in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- Reference will now be made in detail to potentially preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that it is in no way intended to limit the invention to such illustrated and described embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.
- Turning now to the drawings, wherein like elements are denoted by like reference numerals throughout the various views, in FIG. 1 there is shown an
inflatable restraint cushion 10 for use with an inflator 12 to protect avehicle occupant 14 from impacting against adash panel 16,windshield 18 or other interior surface in the event of a collision. As will be noted, theinflatable restraint cushion 10 includes a frontal impact center or front panel orsection 20 and twobody panel sections inflator 12. - In FIG. 2, there is illustrated a potentially preferred seaming arrangement for use in establishing the connective relationship between the frontal impact center or
front panel 20 and thebody panel sections body panel sections straight body seam 26. While only onesuch body seam 26 is illustrated in FIG. 2 it is to be understood that in the preferred embodiment an identical seam is likewise disposed along the length of thebody panel sections restraint cushion 10. In the illustrated and potentially preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 2., thefrontal impact panel 20 is preferably joined to the non-seamed edges of thebody panel sections inflatable restraint cushion 10 is preferably turned inside out so as to place the seams on the interior thereof during an inflation event. Moreover, while the assembly configuration as shown in FIG. 2 has a relatively straight line box-like configuration, once thecushion 10 is turned inside out and inflated, the profile tends to assume the generally desirable rounded profile as illustrated in FIG. 1. - It will be understood that reference herein to seams or seaming operations include not only traditional sewn seams but also by way of example only and not limitation, interwoven seams, adhesive seams, melt bonded seams, ultrasonic seams, and other suitable attachment methods as may be known to those of skill in the art. Thus, while traditional sewn seams may be preferred, the invention is in no way limited thereto.
- In FIGS.3A-3C there is illustrated a first potentially preferred configuration for the
body panel sections section 20 of theinflatable restraint cushion 10 according to the present invention. As illustrated, each of thebody panel sections upper boundary edge body panel sections lateral boundary edge lateral boundary edge body panel sections intermediate boundary edge upper boundary edge lateral boundary edge intermediate boundary edge upper boundary edge lateral boundary edge - As illustrated in FIG. 3C the frontal
impact center panel 20 is preferably of a rectilinear geometry including four substantially straight boundary edges 52, 54, 56, 58 as shown. Theimpact center panel 20 is preferably of a square or rectangular geometry having substantially right angels between intersecting boundary edges. It is contemplated that a non-square elongate geometry having a length dimension which is substantially greater than the width dimension may be utilized. In such a geometry the length dimension would preferably be at least ten percent greater than the width dimension, would more preferably be at least 20 percent greater than the width dimension, and would most preferably be at least 30 percent greater than the width dimension, although it is to be understood that such length dimension may be substantially greater than these identifiable minimums and may, in fact be many times the width dimension if a substantial area is to be covered. - The materials of construction from which the frontal
impact center panel 20 and eachbody panel section nylon 6 and nylon-6,6 or other suitable material as may be known to those in the skill in the art. Multifilament yarns having a relatively low denier per filament rating of not greater than about 1-4 denier per filament may be desirable for bags requiring particular good foldability. Also, it is contemplated that multifilament yarns of up to about 6 denier per filament may be used. - In instances where the cushion is to be formed by sewing together precut
panel sections impact center panel 20 such panel is preferably cut from the fabric such that its boundary edges are disposed substantially parallel to the warp and fill directions. Likewise, in instances where woven fabric is utilized to form thebody panel sections - In application, woven fabrics formed from synthetic yarns having linear densities of about 40 denier to about 1200 denier are believed to be useful in the formation of the
cushion 10 according to the present invention. Fabrics formed from yarns having linear densities of about 315 to about 840 are believed to be particularly useful, and fabrics formed from yarns having linear densities in the range of about 400 to about 650 are believed to be most useful. - While each of the
panels body panel sections front panel 20 is formed from a coated or uncoated fabric having an air permeability of about 3 CFM per square foot or less when measured at a differential pressure of 0.5 inches of water across the fabric. Fabrics having permeabilities of about 1-3 CFM per square foot may be desirable in either the body panels or center panel section. Fabrics having permeabilities below 2 CFM and preferably below 1 CFM in the uncoated state may be preferred. Such fabrics which have permeabilities below 2 CFM which permeability does not substantially increase by more than a factor of about 2 when the fabric is subjected to biaxial stresses in the range of up to about 100 pounds force may be particularly preferred. Fabrics which exhibit such characteristics which are formed by means of fluid jet weaving may be most preferred. - In the event that a coating is utilized on one or more material panels, neoprene, silicone, urethanes, or disperse polyamides may be preferred. Coatings such as dispersed polyamides having dry add on weights of about 0.6 ounces per square yard or less and more preferably about 0.4 ounces per square yard or less and most preferably about 0.3 per square yard or less may be particularly preferred so as to minimize fabric weight and enhance foldability. It is, of course, to be understood that aside from the use of coatings (on the inside and/or outside), different characteristics in various panels may also be achieved through the use of films, laminates, or fabrics incorporating differing weave densities and/or finishing treatments such as calendaring as may be known to those in the skill of the art.
- While the
restraint cushion 10 according to the present invention has been illustrated and is described herein in terms of theprincipal panel sections such cushion 10 may also include additional components such as shape defining tethers, gas vents, mouth reinforcements, and the like as may be known to those of skill in the art. - The assembly and construction of the
cushion 10 according to the present invention is best understood through reference FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3A-3C. In the preferred practice of the present invention, substantially straight body seams 26 are applied along corresponding lateral boundary edges 34, 38 and 36, 40. The frontal impact center orfront panel 20 is seamed along two opposing boundary edges 52, 54 to the substantially straight upper boundary edges 28, 30 of thebody panel sections center panel 20 so as to form an enclosed structure. This may be done with a single continuous seam along the perimeter of thepanel 20. - In the illustrated and potentially preferred embodiment, the total perimeter length of the
center panel 20 is substantially equal to the combined lengths of the upper boundary edges 28, 30 and intermediate boundary edges 42, 44, 46, 48 of the body panel sections. The use of such corresponding length segments permits complete closure using substantially straight seams without the occurrence of substantial puckering which may result from excess material. In the most preferred embodiment, the upper and lower boundary edges 52, 54 of the center panel will be of substantially equal length to the upper boundary edges 28, 30 of the body panel sections while the first substantially straight intermediate boundary edges 42, 44 of the body panel sections have a combined length which is substantially equal to the length of the firstlateral boundary edge 56 of the center panel with the combined lengths of the second substantially straight intermediate boundary edges 46, 48 of the body panel sections being substantially equivalent to the length of the second center panellateral boundary edge 58. - As will be appreciated, the preferred geometry permits formation of an enclosed cushion by means of one or more or a series of flat, straight seaming operations to form the body seams26 and face seam or
seams 27 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Such flat, straight seaming operations greatly enhance the efficiency of the manufacturing process. In addition, in the event that a woven fabric is chosen as the material of construction, each of the face seams 27 will fall along the primary yarn directions in thecenter panel 20 thereby lending added stability to the frontal impact area of the cushion. - In FIGS.4A-4C there is illustrated a frontal impact center or front panel or
section 120 and correspondingbody panel sections - In FIGS.5A-5C there is illustrated a frontal impact center or front panel or
section 220 and correspondingbody panel sections body panel sections center panel 220 having corresponding substantial length dimension along its upper and lower andboundary edges lateral boundary edge 256 of the center panel and the second lateral boundary edges 246 248 of the body panel sections are joined along the remaininglateral boundary edge 258 of thecenter panel 220. - As will be appreciated, the resultant elongated cushion structure may be divided into individual lobes or chambers through the application of inflation limiting seams or tethers. As will be appreciated the incorporation of such lobes may be desirable to protect different sections of the body which behave in differing manners during an impact event. By way of example only and not limitation, an upper lobe may be used to protect the head and torso while lower lobe may be used to protect the knee. One potentially preferred seaming configuration to develop such lobes is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/969,823, filed Nov. 13, 1997, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- In FIGS.6A-6D there is illustrated yet another embodiment of the present invention which includes a rectilinear center or front panel or
section 320 and twobody panel sections upper boundary edge - The cushion assembly of this embodiment differs slightly from that of previous embodiments in that the
body panel sections cushion structure 310. The upper boundary edges 328, 330 of the body panel sections are wrapped around and seamed to the perimeter of thecenter panel 320. Accordingly, theupper boundary edge 328 of the firstbody panel section 322 is of a length sufficient to span theupper boundary edge 352 of the center panel as well as one half of each lateral edge thereof. In like fashion, theupper boundary edge 330 of the second body panel section is of sufficient length to wrap around the remaining perimeter of thecenter panel 320. - The introduction of a seam along the intermediate boundary edges of both body panels has been found to have the effect of forcing a portion of the body of the airbag to remain substantially at the face of the structure during a collision event as illustrated in FIG. 6D by the laterally disposed
triangular segments seam lines - While the prior discussion has largely emphasized the formation of cushions according to the present invention by cutting the
individual fabric panels - As will be understood, in each of the illustrated and patentability preferred embodiments, a mouth opening is permitted to remain in the region below the terminus of the lateral boundary edges. As is well known, such mouth openings are mated to the inflator12 either with or without additional reinforcement layer.
- In additional to the symmetrical straight-line double peaked mouth forming openings illustrated in FIGS.3A-B, 5A-B and 6A-B and the arcuate top mount mouth opening illustrated in FIG. 4B, it is contemplated that multiple different mouth configurations may be applied to the present invention. By way of example only, and not limitation in FIG. 7A there is illustrated a
body panel section 422 similar to previously describedbody panel sections first peak 462, and asecond peak 464. As will be understood, in the event that body panel sections which have such configuration are utilized, theinflator 12 is housed between such peaks either with or without additional mouth reinforcements. - Another potentially preferred mouth configuration is illustrated in FIG. 7B wherein there is illustrated a
body panel section 522 similar tobody panel sections angled tab portions - In FIG. 7C there is illustrated yet another mouth forming configuration wherein each
body panel section 622 terminates at its lower portion with abox tab 672 as shown. As will be understood, such box tabs may be used to surround the inflator in a simple and efficient manner. - In FIG. 8, there is illustrated a potentially preferred seaming arrangement for use in establishing the connective relationship between the frontal impact center or
front panel 20 and thebody panel sections sections pieces body panel sections Body panels such body seam 26 andbody panel seam 25 is illustrated in FIG. 8, it is to be understood that in the preferred embodiment an identical seam is likewise disposed along the length of thebody panel sections body panels restraint cushion 10. In the illustrated and potentially preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, thefrontal impact panel 20 is preferably joined to the non-seamed edges of thebody panel sections inflatable restraint cushion 10 is preferably turned inside out so as to place the seams on the interior thereof during an inflation event. Moreover, while the assembly configuration as shown in FIG. 8 has a relatively straight line box-like configuration, once thecushion 10 is turned inside out and inflated, the profile tends to assume the generally desirable rounded profile as illustrated in FIG. 1. - Although each of the
body panel sections pieces - FIGS.8-13C, 16A-17C, and 19A-19D relate to embodiments having body panel sections and/or center or front panels made up of a plurality of panels or pieces.
- In FIGS.9A-9C there is illustrated a first potentially preferred configuration for the
body panel sections 22, 24 (panels orpieces section 20 of theinflatable restraint cushion 10 according to the present invention. As illustrated, each of thebody panel sections upper boundary edge body panel sections lateral boundary edge lateral boundary edge body panel sections intermediate boundary edge upper boundary edge lateral boundary edge intermediate boundary edge upper boundary edge lateral boundary edge - As illustrated in FIG. 9C the frontal impact center or
front panel 20 is preferably of a rectilinear geometry including four substantially straight boundary edges 52, 54, 56, 58 as shown. Theimpact center panel 20 is preferably of a square or rectangular geometry having substantially right angles between intersecting boundary edges. It is contemplated that a non-square elongate geometry having a length dimension which is substantially greater than the width dimension may be utilized. In such a geometry the length dimension would preferably be at least ten percent greater that the width dimension, would more preferably be at least 20 percent greater than the width dimension, and would most preferably be at least 30 percent greater than the width dimension, although it is to be understood that such length dimension may be substantially greater than these identifiable minimums and may, in fact be many times the width dimension if a substantial area is to be covered. Front panel orsection 20 may also have rounded corners as shown in FIGS. 18A, 19A, 22, or 27 and may be oval, round, oblong, elliptical, triangular, pentagonal, octagonal, polygonal, or the like. - The materials of construction from which the frontal
impact center panel 20 and eachbody panel section nylon 6 and nylon-6,6 or other suitable material as may be known to those in the skill in the art. Multifilament yarns having a relatively low denier per filament rating of not greater than about 1-4 denier per filament may be desirable for bags requiring particular good foldability. Also, multifilament yarns of a denier per filament of up to about 6 may also be used. - In instances where the cushion is to be formed by sewing together precut
panel sections impact center panel 20 such panel is preferably cut from the fabric such that its boundary edges are disposed substantially parallel to the warp and fill directions. Likewise, in instances where woven fabric is utilized to form thebody panel sections - In application, woven fabrics formed from synthetic yarns having linear densities of about 40 denier to about 1200 denier are believed to be useful in the formation of the
cushion 10 according to the present invention. Fabrics formed from yarns having linear densities of about 315 to about 840 are believed to be particularly useful, and fabrics formed from yarns having linear densities in the range of about 400 to about 650 are believed to be most useful. - While each of the
panels body panel sections center panel 20 is formed from a coated or uncoated fabric having an air permeability of about 3 CFM per square foot or less when measured at a differential pressure of 0.5 inches of water across the fabric. Fabrics having permeabilities of about 1-3 CFM per square foot may be desirable in either the body panels or center panel section. Fabrics having permeabilities below 2 CFM and preferably below 1 CFM in the uncoated state may be preferred. Such fabrics which have permeabilities below 2 CFM which permeability does not substantially increase by more than a factor of about 2 when the fabric is subjected to biaxial stresses in the range of up to about 100 pounds force may be particularly preferred. Fabrics which exhibit such characteristics which are formed by means of fluid jet weaving may be most preferred. - In the event that a coating is utilized on one or more material panels, neoprene, silicone urethanes or disperse polyamides may be preferred. Coatings such as dispersed polyamides having dry add on weights of about 0.6 ounces per square yard or less and more preferably about 0.4 ounces per square yard or less and most preferably about 0.3 per square yard or less may be particularly preferred so as to minimize fabric weight and enhance foldability. It is, of course, to be understood that aside from the use of coatings, different characteristics in various panels may also be achieved through the use of fabrics incorporating differing weave densities and/or finishing treatments such as calendaring as may be known to those in the skill of the art.
- While the
restraint cushion 10 according to the present invention has been illustrated and is described herein in terms of theprincipal panel sections such cushion 10 may also include additional components such as shape defining tethers, gas vents, mouth reinforcements, and the like as may be known to those in the skill of the art. - The assembly and construction of the
cushion 10 according to the present invention is best understood through reference to FIG. 8 and FIGS. 9A-9C. In the preferred practice of the present invention, substantially straight body panel seams 25 are applied along the abutting edges ofpanels impact center panel 20 is seamed along two opposing boundary edges 52, 54 to the substantially straight upper boundary edges 28, 30 of thebody panel sections center panel 20 so as to form an enclosed structure. In the illustrated and potentially preferred embodiment, the total perimeter length of thecenter panel 20 is substantially equal to the combined lengths of the upper boundary edges 28, 30 and intermediate boundary edges 42, 44, 46, 48 of the body panel sections. The use of such corresponding length segments permits complete closure using substantially straight seams without the occurrence of substantial puckering which may result from excess material. In the most preferred embodiment, the upper and lower boundary edges 52, 54 of the center panel will be of substantially equal length to the upper boundary edges 28, 30 of the body panel sections while the first substantially straight intermediate boundary edges 42, 44 of the body panel sections have a combined length which is substantially equal to the length of the firstlateral boundary edge 56 of the center panel with the combined lengths of the second substantially straight intermediate boundary edges 46, 48 of the body panel sections being substantially equivalent to the length of the second center panellateral boundary edge 58. - As will be appreciated, the preferred geometry permits formation of an enclosed cushion by means of one or more or a series of flat, straight seaming operations to form the body seams26 and face seam or
seams 27 as illustrated in FIG. 8. Such flat, straight seaming operations greatly enhance the efficiency of the manufacturing process. In addition, in the event that a woven fabric is chosen as the material of construction, each of the face seams 27 will fall along the primary yarn directions in thecenter panel 20 thereby lending added stability to the frontal impact area of the cushion. - In FIGS.10A-10C there is illustrated a frontal impact center panel or
section 120 and correspondingbody panel sections pieces - In FIGS.11A-11C there is illustrated a frontal impact center panel or
section 220 and correspondingbody panel sections pieces body panel sections center panel 220 having corresponding substantial length dimension along its upper and lower andboundary edges panels lateral boundary edge 256 of the center panel and the second lateral boundary edges 246 248 of the body panel sections are joined along the remaininglateral boundary edge 258 of thecenter panel 220. - With reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, the leading
edges section 222 intersect at an angle greater than 90°. Likewise, the leadingedges section 224 intersect at an angle greater than 90°. - As will be appreciated, the resultant elongated cushion structure may be divided into individual lobes or chambers through the application of inflation limiting seams or tethers. As will be appreciated the incorporation of such lobes may be desirable to protect different sections of the body which behave in differing manners during an impact event. By way of example only and not limitation, an upper lobe may be used to protect the head and torso while lower lobe may be used to protect the knee. One potentially preferred seaming configuration to develop such lobes is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/969,823, filed Nov. 13, 1997, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- In FIGS.12A-12D there is illustrated yet another embodiment of the present invention which includes a rectilinear center panel or
section 320 and twobody panel sections pieces upper boundary edge - The cushion assembly of this embodiment differs slightly from that of previous embodiments in that the
panels body panel sections cushion structure 310. The upper boundary edges 328, 330 of the body panel sections are wrapped around and seamed to the perimeter of thecenter panel 20. Accordingly, theupper boundary edge 328 of the firstbody panel section 322 is of a length sufficient to span theupper boundary edge 352 of the center panel as well as one half of each lateral edge thereof. In like fashion, theupper boundary edge 330 of the second body panel section is of sufficient length to wrap around the remaining perimeter of thecenter panel 320. - The introduction of a seam along the intermediate boundary edges of both body panels has been found to have the effect of forcing a portion of the body of the airbag to remain substantially at the face of the structure during a collision event as illustrated in FIG. 12D by the laterally disposed
triangular segments seam lines - As will be understood, in each of the illustrated and patentability preferred embodiments, a mouth opening is permitted to remain in the region below the terminus of the lateral boundary edges. As is well known, such mouth openings are mated to the inflator12 either with or without additional reinforcement layers.
- In addition to the symmetrical straight-line double peaked mouth forming openings illustrated in FIGS.9A-9B, 11A-11B and 12A-12B and the accurate top mount mouth opening illustrated in FIG. 10B, it is contemplated that multiple different mouth configurations may be applied to the present invention. By way of example only, and not limitation in FIG. 13A there is illustrated a body panel section 422 (made up of panels or
pieces body panel sections first peak 462, and asecond peak 464. As will be understood, in the event that body panel sections which have such configuration are utilized, theinflator 12 is housed between such peaks either with or without additional mouth reinforcements. - Another potentially preferred mouth configuration is illustrated in FIG. 13B wherein there is illustrated a body panel section522 (made up of panels or
pieces body panel sections angled tab portions - In FIG. 13C there is illustrated yet another mouth forming configuration wherein each body panel section622 (made up of panels or
pieces box tab 672 as shown. As will be understood, such box tabs may be used to surround the inflator in a simple and efficient manner. - Although each of the body panel sections are shown as being comprised of one or two panels or pieces, it is contemplated that each section may be made up of one or more pieces. It is preferred that the pieces be joined by straight seams.
- FIGS.14A-19D relate to embodiments having front, body, and bottom panels or panel sections. It s to be understood that the body panel (containing the top and sides) and bottom panel may be reversed and referred to as body (bottom and sides) and top panels.
- In FIGS.14A-14C there is illustrated a another configuration with front, body, and
bottom panel sections - The airbag of the embodiment shown in FIGS.14A-14C of the drawings is manufactured by attaching the
panel sections - 1. Align any reinforcement patches around the mouth and vents using, for example, pre-cut alignment holes and sew the seams to secure the reinforcements.
- 2. Connect (3,5) to (3′, 5′).
- 3. Connect (4,6) to (4′, 6′).
- 4. Connect (5,7,8,6) to (5″, 7″, 8″, and 6″).
- In FIGS.15A-15C there is illustrated still another configuration with front, body, and
bottom panel sections - The panel sections shown in FIGS.15A-15C of the drawings are manufactured or attached to one another to form an airbag cushion by the following steps:
- 1. Align any reinforcement patches around the mouth and vents using, for example, pre-cut alignment holes and sew the seams to secure the reinforcements.
- 2. Connect (3,5) to (3′, 5′).
- 3. Connect (4,6) to (4′, 6′).
- 4. Connect (5,7,8,6) to (5″, 7″, 8″, and 6″).
- With reference to FIGS.16A-16C of the drawings, each of the
panel sections - In the manufacture of an airbag from the section panels shown in FIGS.16A-16C, it is preferred to join the section panels prior to joining the panel sections. The section panels are joined by seams along the adjacent or abutting edges of the section panels.
- With reference to FIGS.17A-17C of the drawings, each of the front, body, and
bottom panel sections - In FIGS.18A-18D of the drawings, there is illustrated still another configuration with a
front panel section 902, abody panel section 904, and loop pocket or inflatorattachment panel sections panel sections - 1. Align any reinforcement patches and vents using, for example, pre-cut alignment holes and sewing the seams to secure the reinforcements.
- 2. Connect or attach (3,5) to (3′, 5′).
- 3. Attach (1′, 2′) to (1″, 2″).
- 4. Attach (4 to 4″ and 6 to 6″) to complete the conical structure.
- 5. Attach the front panel by sewing (7,8) to (7″, 8″) and (4,6) to (4″, 6″).
- With reference to FIGS.19A-19D of the drawings, each of the
panel sections - With reference to FIGS.20-25 of the drawings and in accordance with yet other embodiments of the present invention, preferably a unitary, elongated, notched
body panel 1000 is adapted to be used with a front panel. Thebody panel 1000 of FIG. 20 is a single body panel in place of separate body panel sections (top and bottom sections) as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7C, 9A, 9B, etc. If desired thebody panel 1000 may be made in sections and connected together in any suitable fashion to form the body panel 100. - The
body panel 1000 preferably includes equal sized right and leftnotches inflator opening 1004, and ventopenings 1005. Thenotches line notches notches inflator opening 1004. -
Panel 1000 can be folded along the center line of the notch to have symmetrical top and bottom sections because of the location of the notches in the side of the body panel. It is to be understood that the notches in the sides of the body panel can be moved away from the center line of the longer side of the body panel to create an off-set in the bag and not deviate from the disclosed teachings as shown in FIG. 21. - In FIGS. 21 and 22 there is illustrated a potentially preferred configuration for the
body panel 1010 and thefrontal impact panel 1020 of aninflatable restraint cushion 1030 according to the present invention. - It is to be understood that the notches in
panel 1010 can also be offset or be of different dimensions from each other to create an inflatable structure with asymmetrical sections or lobes or chambers similar to that shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. - The assembly and construction of the
cushion 1030 according to the present invention is best understood through reference FIGS. 21-23. In the preferred practice of the present invention, the notches are sewn shut by connecting 5-6-5′ and 7-8-7′, each by a straight seam line that is shown in FIG. 23, then thefront panel 1020 is connected to thebody panel 1010 by connecting (1,2, 3,4) to (1′, 2′, 3′, 4′). The straight seams prevent thecushion 1030 from expanding uncontrolled to cause thefront panel 1020 to impact the driver or occupant of the vehicle in which it is installed. The straight seam negates the use of a tether to control expansion of the cushion and reduces the elongation over the typical air bag by about 30%. -
Body panel 1040 andfront panel 1050 of FIGS. 24 and 25, respectively are likebody panel 1000 of FIG. 20 orbody panel 1010 of FIG. 21 andfront panel 1020 of FIG. 22 and are joined to form an airbag in a similar fashion. - The body panels, front panels, and airbags of FIGS.20-25 of the drawings are especially adapted to form passenger side airbags and can be formed, for example, to provide for top or ¾th mount airbags.
- With reference to FIGS.26-29 of the drawings and in accordance with yet other embodiments of the present invention, preferably a unitary, elongated, notched body panel is adapted to be used with a front panel. If desired the body panel may be made in sections or pieces and connected together in any suitable fashion to form the body panel.
- The
body panel 1060 preferably includes equal sized right and left notches, an inflator opening, and vent openings. The notches may be sized larger to provide more profile to the bag. The apex of the notches are located on a line above the inflator opening. - In FIGS. 26 and 27 there is illustrated a potentially preferred configuration for the
body panel 1060 and thefrontal impact panel 1070 of aninflatable restraint cushion 1080 according to the present invention. - The assembly and construction of the
cushion 1080 according to the present invention is best understood through reference to FIGS. 26-28. In the preferred practice of the present invention, the notches are sewn shut by connecting 5-6-5′ and 7-8-7′, each by a straight seam line, then thefront panel 1070 is connected to thebody panel 1060 by connecting (1, 2, 3, 4) to (1′, 2′,3′, 4′). The straight seams prevent thecushion 1080 from expanding uncontrolled and causing thefront panel 1070 to impact the driver or occupant of the vehicle in which it is installed. - The body panels, front panels, and airbags of FIGS.26-29 of the drawings are especially adapted to form passenger side airbags and can be formed, for example, to provide for top or ¾th mount airbags.
- With reference to FIG. 29, the
body panel 1090 preferably includes disproportionately sized right and leftnotches inflator opening 1004, and ventopenings 1005. Thenotches line notches notches inflator opening 1004. -
Notch 1003A is larger thannotch 1002 and will provide a slightly different contour to at least one side of the airbag. - While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, since modifications may certainly be made and other embodiments of the principals of this invention will no doubt occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is contemplated by the appended claims to cover any such modifications and other embodiments as incorporate the features of this invention which in the true spirit and scope of the claims hereto.
Claims (32)
1. A simplified airbag cushion for use in a vehicle restraint system, the cushion comprising:
a notched body panel and a front panel,
said notches of said body panel being seamed together along abutting edges thereof to fold said body panel and form a desired profile,
said body panel and said front panel being seamed together along corresponding boundary edges of said body panel and around the perimeter of said front panel thereby forming an inflatable structure.
2. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said front panel is substantially rectangular.
3. The cushion as in claim 2 , wherein said rectangular front panel is of an elongated rectangular geometry wherein said geometry has a length dimension greater than its width dimension.
4. The cushion as recited in claim 3 , wherein said length dimension is at least 30 percent greater than said width dimension.
5. The cushion as recited in claim 4 , wherein said length dimension is at least twice as great as said width dimension.
6. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said body panel and said front panel each comprise a woven fabric.
7. The cushion as recited in claim 6 , wherein the woven fabric which comprises said body panel exhibits permeability characteristics which differ from the fabric which comprises said front panel.
8. The cushion as recited in claim 6 , wherein the woven fabric which comprises said body panel section is an uncoated fabric and the woven fabric which comprises said front panel is a coated fabric.
9. The cushion as recited in claim 8 , wherein said coated fabric is coated with a disperse polymer, such as polyamide or urethane having a dry add on weight of not greater than about 0.4 ounces per square yard.
10. The cushion as recited in claim 6 , wherein the fabric which comprises at least one of said body panel and said front panel section is woven from a plurality of multifilament synthetic yarns.
11. The cushion as recited in claim 10 , wherein said multifilament synthetic yarns are characterized by a yarn linear density of about 840 denier or less.
12. The cushion as recited in claim 6 , wherein the woven fabric which comprises said body panel is uncoated, and the woven fabric which comprises said front panel is uncoated.
13. The cushion as recited in claim 6 , wherein the woven fabric which comprises said front panel is characterized by an air permeability of about 1-3 cubic feet per minute per square foot of fabric at a differential pressure of about 0.5 inches of water.
14. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said first and second notches are V-shaped and in intermediate boundary edges of said body panel.
15. The cushion as recited in claim 14 , wherein each of said first and second notches subtend an angle of about 90 degrees.
16. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said body panel comprises at least one panel section.
17. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said front panel is substantially square.
18. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said front panel has rounded corners.
19. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said front panel is one piece.
20. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said body panel is asymmetrical.
21. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said front panel is joined to said body panel by at least one straight seam.
22. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said front panel is joined to said body panel by one continuous seam.
23. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein an inflator opening is located in said body panel.
24. The cushion as recited in claim 23 , wherein the apex of each notch is located substantially on the centerline of said inflator opening.
25. The cushion as recited in claim 1 , wherein said notches are of substantially equal size.
26. In a vehicle restraint system, the improvement comprising the cushion of claim 1 .
27. In an airbag module, the improvement comprising the cushion of claim 1 .
28. An airbag cushion formed of panels as shown in at least one of FIGS. 20-29 of the drawings.
29. In an airbag, the improvement comprising a notched body panel.
30. A simplified airbag cushion for use in a vehicle restraint system, the cushion comprising:
a notched body panel and a front panel,
said notches of said body panel being seamed together along abutting edges thereof to fold said body panel and form a desired profile, and
said body panel and said front panel being seamed together along corresponding boundary edges of said body panel and around the perimeter of said front panel thereby forming an inflatable structure whereby said seamed notches prevent said body panel from uncontrollable expansion by at least about 30%.
31. A simplified airbag cushion for use in a vehicle restraint system, the cushion comprising:
a notched body panel having notches in the sides thereof and an inflator opening;
a front panel;
said notches of said body panel being seamed together along abutting edges thereof to fold said body panel and form a desired profile, and
said body panel and said front panel being seamed together along corresponding boundary edges of said body panel and around the perimeter of said front panel by at least one substantially straight seam forming an inflatable structure wherein said seamed notches prevent the body panel from excessive expansion to prevent said front panel from hitting the occupant of the vehicle with excessive force upon inflation of the air bag cushion.
32. A notched body panel for use in an airbag cushion of a vehicle restraint system, comprising:
a body panel having at least one notch in each side thereof.
Priority Applications (1)
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US09/981,216 US20020060449A1 (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2001-10-16 | Multiple panel airbag and method |
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US09/981,216 US20020060449A1 (en) | 2000-10-17 | 2001-10-16 | Multiple panel airbag and method |
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- 2001-10-16 WO PCT/US2001/032290 patent/WO2002032725A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20010031325A1 (en) * | 1999-07-30 | 2001-10-18 | Ramesh Keshavaraj | Structurally efficient airbag cushion exhibiting high available inflation volume |
US7261927B2 (en) * | 1999-07-30 | 2007-08-28 | Milliken & Company | Structurally efficient airbag cushion exhibiting low seam usage and simultaneously high available inflation volume |
US7318603B2 (en) | 1999-07-30 | 2008-01-15 | Milliken & Company | Airbag cushion and method of making airbag cushion |
US7371445B2 (en) | 1999-07-30 | 2008-05-13 | Milliken & Company | Structurally efficient airbag cushion exhibiting high available inflation volume |
US20060151882A1 (en) * | 2003-06-13 | 2006-07-13 | Birgit Trondle | Method for producing an air bag |
US7780194B2 (en) * | 2003-06-13 | 2010-08-24 | Global Safety Textiles Gmbh | Method for producing an air bag |
US20060237957A1 (en) * | 2005-04-22 | 2006-10-26 | Takata Restraint Systems, Inc. | Sealed cushion |
US20090224521A1 (en) * | 2005-12-21 | 2009-09-10 | Norbert Huber | Airbag and Method for Manufacturing a Fabric for an Airbag |
US9085834B2 (en) | 2005-12-21 | 2015-07-21 | Global Safety Textiles Gmbh | Airbag and method for manufacturing a fabric for an airbag |
US20090184505A1 (en) * | 2006-05-05 | 2009-07-23 | Itg Automotive Safety Texiles Gmbh | Seam Construction for a Fabric |
US8763649B2 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2014-07-01 | Global Safety Textiles Gmbh | Seam construction for a one piece woven airbag fabric |
US20090026740A1 (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2009-01-29 | Lisa Draexlmaier Gmbh | Knitted fabric comprising inlaid yarns for airbag flap |
US7878528B2 (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2011-02-01 | Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH | Knitted fabric comprising inlaid yarns for airbag flap |
US20100181744A1 (en) * | 2009-01-16 | 2010-07-22 | Global Safety Textiles Llc | Coated airbag |
US9079558B2 (en) | 2009-01-16 | 2015-07-14 | Global Safety Textiles, Llc | Coated airbag |
WO2011008916A1 (en) * | 2009-07-16 | 2011-01-20 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable knee airbag having two chambers separated by an internal tether |
US8544882B2 (en) * | 2009-09-04 | 2013-10-01 | Autoliv Development Ab | Passenger front airbag |
US11865995B2 (en) | 2019-12-16 | 2024-01-09 | Zf Automotive Germany Gmbh | Passenger airbag, vehicle occupant restraining system and method for adapting a passenger airbag |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20020043792A1 (en) | 2002-04-18 |
WO2002032725A1 (en) | 2002-04-25 |
US6672618B2 (en) | 2004-01-06 |
AU2002213276A1 (en) | 2002-04-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MILLIKEN & COMPANY, SOUTH CAROLINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KESHAVARAJ, RAMESH;REEL/FRAME:012497/0731 Effective date: 20011217 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |