US3874694A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Unitary tongue inflator for inflatable restraint
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
•
Filing: 1972-12-11
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Granted: 1975-04-01
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Expires: 1992-12-11
Abstract
Abstract A safety restraint for use in a vehicle, comprising an inflatable band assembly having a fastening device for positioning the band about an individual. The fastening device includes a rigid unitary tongue attached to the inflatable band, said tongue adapted for locking engagement with a buckle anchored to the vehicle, and said tongue having a chamber integrated therewith containing a source of pressurized gas in communication with the inflatable band. The source of pressurized gas includes electrical means for releasing the gas, said electrical means being placed in a circuit for activation by a sensing device responsive to crash conditions, by the act of engaging the tongue in the buckle. Inflation of the band therefore cannot occur unless the band is positioned about the individual.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L Stephenson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 02:35
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A vehicle inflatable band assembly having a fastening device for positioning the band about an individual, comprising a rigid, unitary tongue attached to the inflatable band, a buckle for lockable engagement with said tongue, a chamber located in said tongue containing a source of pressurized gas in communication with the inflatable band, a rupturable partition separating said chamber from said band; a source of electrical energy for producing an electrical impulse; said source of pressurized gas including means responsive to the electrical impulse for rupturing the partition releasing the gas to the inflatable band, said tongue having electrical conductors connected to the means responsive to an electrical impulse, conductors on said buckle for contacting said tongue conductors when said tongue and buckle are in lockable engagement, said buckle conductors being in an electrical circuit including said source of electrical energy, and a sensing element for completing said electrical ciRcuit in response to certain deceleration conditions of the vehicle whereby the safety band is inflated only when said tongue and buckle are in lockable engagement and said sensing element has been actuated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
A vehicle inflatable band assembly having a fastening device for positioning the band about an individual, comprising a rigid, unitary tongue attached to the inflatable band, a buckle for lockable engagement with said tongue, a chamber located in said tongue containing a source of pressurized gas in communication with the inflatable band, a rupturable partition separating said chamber from said band; a source of electrical energy for producing an electrical impulse; said source of pressurized gas including means responsive to the electrical impulse for rupturing the partition releasing the gas to the inflatable band, said tongue having electrical conductors connected to the means responsive to an electrical impulse, conductors on said buckle for contacting said tongue conductors when said tongue and buckle are in lockable engagement, said buckle conductors being in an electrical circuit including said source of electrical energy, and a sensing element for completing said electrical ciRcuit in response to certain deceleration conditions of the vehicle whereby the safety band is inflated only when said tongue and buckle are in lockable engagement and said sensing element has been actuated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The vehicle inflatable band assembly of claim 1 wherein the means responsive to an electrical impulse for releasing the pressurized gas to the inflatable band comprises an electrical detonatable pyrotechnic device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The vehicle inflatable band assembly of claim 2 wherein said tongue conductors terminate in at least one recessed electrical receptical and said buckle conductors comprise extending members in the buckle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The vehicle inflatable band assembly of claim 2 wherein said tongue conductors comprise insulated segments in the edge of the tongue, said segments making sliding contact with said buckle contacts within the buckle housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
The vehicle inflatable band assembly of claim 2 wherein said tongue conductors comprise insulated contact areas inlaid in the plane surface of the tongue said contact areas making electrical contact with said buckle contacts within the buckle housing, said buckle contacts being biased toward the plane surface of the tongue containing the inlaid contact areas.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vehicle inflatable band assembly of claim 5 wherein the inlaid contact areas are recessed beneath the plane surface of the tongue.
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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) | 1978-03-31 | 1978-09-30 | 1979-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-31 | 1982-09-30 | 1983-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-31 | 1986-09-30 | 1987-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |