US3799573A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle body occupant restraint cushion system
Assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
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Filing: 1971-12-13
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Granted: 1974-03-26
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Expires: 1991-12-13
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle body includes an instrument panel, a source of pressure fluid releasable upon the body receiving an acceleration pulse of predetermined amplitude and time, an occupant restraint cushion secured to the instrument panel within a recess thereof in a deflated folded condition, and a releasable covering over the folded cushion. A normally collapsed diffuser tube fits within the cushion and between the folded portion of the cushion and the instrument panel. The tube is connected to the pressure fluid source. The wall of the diffuser tube includes either a plurality of slits normally closed in the collapsed condition of the tube, or a plurality of openings. Upon release of the pressure fluid, the diffuser tube expands and forces the folded portion of the cushion as a unit away from the instrument panel to forcibly release the covering. The slits, which open when the tube expands, or the openings, then inflate the cushion from the pressure fluid source.
Inventors
- 👤 Donaid P Mc
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:52
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/20; B60R21/205; B60R21/26; B60R21/261; B60R2021/003; B60R2021/0039; B60R2021/0051; B60R21/23; B60R21/231; B60R2021/23169; B60R2021/2612; B60R21/04; B60R21/045; B60R21/206; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/7722; Y10T137/7837; Y10T137/7879; Y10T137/788; Y10T137/7882; Y10T137/7885
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
In combination with a vehicle body having a support, a source of pressure fluid, means for releasing the pressure fluid from the source upon impact of the body with an obstacle, an occupant restraint cushion mounted on the support in a deflated folded condition, and forcibly releasable means covering the folded cushion, the improvement comprising, a normally collapsed annular diffuser member mounted on the support and having a portion of the wall thereof provided with a plurality of apertures, the folded cushion seating on the wall portion over the apertures to communicate the cushion with the diffuser member, means internally communicating the diffuser member with the pressure fluid source, release of the pressure fluid from the source initiating the expansion of the diffuser member to annular shape to bodily move the folded cushion as a unit relative to the support and forcibly release the cover means, the apertures in the wall portion of the diffuser member communicating the diffuser member with the cushion as the diffuser member is inflated to initiate the inflation of the cushion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
In combination with a vehicle body having a support, a source of pressure fluid, means for releasing the pressure fluid from the source upon impact of the body with an obstacle, an occupant restraint cushion mounted on the support in a deflated folded condition, and forcibly releasable means covering the folded cushion, the improvement comprising, a normally collapsed annular diffuser member mounted on the support and having a portion of the wall thereof provided with a plurality of apertures, the folded cushion seating on the wall portion over the apertures to communicate the cushion with the diffuser member, means internally communicating the diffuser member with the pressure fluid source, release of the pressure fluid from the source initiating the expansion of the diffuser member to annular shape to bodily move the folded cushion as a unit relative to the support and forcibly release the cover means, the apertures in the wall portion of the diffuser member communicating the diffuser member with the cushion as the diffuser member is inflated to initiate the inflation of the cushion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
182 words
In combination with a vehicle body having a support, a source of pressure fluid, means for releasing the pressure fluid from the source upon impact of the body with an obstacle, an occupant restraint cushion mounted on the support in a deflated folded condition, and forcibly releasable means covering the folded cushion, the improvement comprising, a normally collapsed annular diffuser member of flexible material mounted on the support and having a portion of the wall thereof provided with a plurality of normally closed apertures, the folded cushion seating on the wall portion over the apertures to communicate the cushion with the diffuser member, means internally communicating the diffuser member with the pressure fluid source, release of the pressure fluid from the source initiating the expansion of the diffuser member to annular shape to bodily move the folded cushion as a unit relative to the support and forcibly release the cover means, the apertures in the wall portion of the diffuser member opening as the diffuser member inflates and communicating the diffuser member with the cushion to initiate the inflation of the cushion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
182 words
In combination with a vehicle body having a support, a source of pressure fluid, means for releasing the pressure fluid from the source upon impact of the body with an obstacle, an occupant restraint cushion mounted on the support in a deflated folded condition, and forcibly releasable means covering the folded cushion, the improvement comprising, a normally collapsed annular diffuser member of flexible material mounted on the support and having a portion of the wall thereof provided with a plurality of normally closed apertures, the folded cushion seating on the wall portion over the apertures to communicate the cushion with the diffuser member, means internally communicating the diffuser member with the pressure fluid source, release of the pressure fluid from the source initiating the expansion of the diffuser member to annular shape to bodily move the folded cushion as a unit relative to the support and forcibly release the cover means, the apertures in the wall portion of the diffuser member opening as the diffuser member inflates and communicating the diffuser member with the cushion to initiate the inflation of the cushion.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-25 | 1977-09-24 | 1978-03-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-25 | 1981-09-24 | 1982-03-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-25 | 1985-09-24 | 1986-03-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |