US3893703A — Automatically deployed occupant restraint system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 285 words

In a safety device for protecting an occupant of a transportation vehicle seat including an occupant compartment defined by a seat and a rigid structure spaced adjacently to the seat, a protective element having a relatively narrow surface and a relatively wider surface portion, means including a supporting structure attached to the adjacent rigid structure of the compartment for adjustably supporting and automatically positioning the protective element in an active position in proximity to said seat with its wider surface portion substantially horizontal and extending in proximity to the occupant and transversely to and higher than the seat-cushion and removing it there-from to a stored away from the proximity to said seat, means tiltably connecting said protective element to said supporting structure for tiltable movement about an axis transverse with respect to said seat whereby said wider surface portion of said protective element may be turned from said horizontal position to a position wherein it presents said wider surface portion toward the torso of the occupant of said seat when any forward pressure is exerted against the rear edge of said protective element as when the occupant moves forwardly as a result of any sudden deceleration of the vehicle and his torso is forced against said protective element, wherein said means for the automatic positioning of said protective element is controlled by two sensing means: a first one for sensing when said seat is occupied and seconf for sensing when said vehicle reaches predetermined forward speed, the two sensing means acting in sequence and being in series with each other effecting the actuation of said means for automatic positioning of said protective element into proximity of said seat only when both of them are actuated.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 285 words

In a safety device for protecting an occupant of a transportation vehicle seat including an occupant compartment defined by a seat and a rigid structure spaced adjacently to the seat, a protective element having a relatively narrow surface and a relatively wider surface portion, means including a supporting structure attached to the adjacent rigid structure of the compartment for adjustably supporting and automatically positioning the protective element in an active position in proximity to said seat with its wider surface portion substantially horizontal and extending in proximity to the occupant and transversely to and higher than the seat-cushion and removing it there-from to a stored away from the proximity to said seat, means tiltably connecting said protective element to said supporting structure for tiltable movement about an axis transverse with respect to said seat whereby said wider surface portion of said protective element may be turned from said horizontal position to a position wherein it presents said wider surface portion toward the torso of the occupant of said seat when any forward pressure is exerted against the rear edge of said protective element as when the occupant moves forwardly as a result of any sudden deceleration of the vehicle and his torso is forced against said protective element, wherein said means for the automatic positioning of said protective element is controlled by two sensing means: a first one for sensing when said seat is occupied and seconf for sensing when said vehicle reaches predetermined forward speed, the two sensing means acting in sequence and being in series with each other effecting the actuation of said means for automatic positioning of said protective element into proximity of said seat only when both of them are actuated.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 130 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said occupant compartment is the front seat compartment of a passenger type of vehicle; said adjacent rigid structure is the vehicle''s dash-board; said supporting and positioning structure is attached to the rigid sections of the vehicle structure in front of said seat; said protective element is configured in shape of a table-top panel which is retractable against said dash-board when said seat is not occupied and is automatically expandable over said occupant''s lap when he occupies said seat and said vehicle reaches predetermined forward speed; means to prevent said protective element from being removable from its proximity to said seat unless said vehicle is moving at less than the predetermined forward speed and a special control means is activated.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 191 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for automatic positioning of said protective element is controlled by two electrically powered actuating mechanisma: a first one for sensing when said seat is occupied and a second for sensing when said vehicle reaches predetermined speed, the two acting in sequence: the first one comprising a weight-responsive device for sensing if a weight greater than a predetermined value is present in said seat, and which is operable to actuate an association first control means in a circuit with said safety device when the weight greater than the predetermined value is sensed; and the second one being a speed responsive device, attached to the propulsion system of said vehicle for sensing when it is traveling at greater than preselected forward speed and which is operable to actuate an associated second control means in said circuit when said predetermined forward speed is sensed; said first and second control means being in series with each other and effecting actUation of said means for automatic positioning of said protective element only when both controls are actuated and said electrical circuit is completed.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 99 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 3, wherein said circuit is an electric circuit and said first and second control means comprise switches being actuated from normally open to a closed position; the first by said weight responsive device and the second by said speed responsive device to complete said electric circuit, thus causing actuation of said safety device to position itself in predetermined minimum proximity of said seat, including means whereby it will be impossible to remove said device from said minimum proximity as long as said vehicle is moving faster than a predetermined speed.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 67 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 3, wherein said means of automatic positioning of said safety device comprise a reversible type of electrically powered motor means, controlled by said seat-occupancy sensor and said vehicle-speed sensor with their operative sequence so configured that once the protective element is positioned in its proximity to said seat it will remove itself only when said vehicle is motionless.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 147 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 3, wherein the extent of the positioning ability of said protective element is divided into two zones: the automatic zone, covering the distance from its stored position to the minimum predetermined position of proximity to said seat at which it would offer proper protection to its user under severe deceleration conditions of the vehicle, and to which it is automatically extended when said seat occupancy and vehicle speed sensors are activated and said activating circuit is closed, and the optional zone, which extends from said minimum proximity to the furthest extension that the system will allow when said actuating circuit is opened by means sensing the extension of said support structure, including means permitting its user to adjust said element back and forth within said optional zone at all times by selectively closing and opening said actuating circuit.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 73 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 3, comprising hand operated remote control means whereby said protective element may be positioned into and out of the desired proximity to said seat, even when said vehicle is motionless and said seat unoccupied, but once it is extended past its minimum predetermined proximity to said seat, it will be impossible to remove it further unless said vehicle is moving below its predetermined speed.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 87 words

In combinations as claimed in claim 3, comprising ''''fail-safe'''' emergency means configured to allow the seat occupant to be able to position and adjust said protective element into and out of the desired proximity to said seat by manually actuated means at anytime said automatically positioning means should fail to function, by activating the means which will disengage the actuating mechanism of the system and permit extension and retraction of said protective element into and out of any desired position while still providing protection for its user.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 92 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of spaced-apart rigid supporting arms means, their reward ends configured to extend into said protective element for limited tilting attachment to it arranged upon its transverse tilting axis, and adjustable one way stop means located in proximity to the junction of said arms means with said protective element limiting its tilting about its transverse axis in one direction but allowing it to be freely, easily tiltable in the other direction at all times.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 76 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said protective element is configured in form of a modified table tray to suit the physical proportions of its user''s seated torso and pivotally connectable to said supporting structure by easily removable and replaceable bOlt means, thereby permitting easy exchange and attachment of variously configured elements to said supporting structure to accommodate the seated torso of the person who is about to use said seat.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 74 words

A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein the means of tiltably connecting said protective element to said supporting and positioning structure comprise specially configured reinforcing channel means configured for pivotal engagement with said supporting and positioning structure and comprising resiliently compressible means positioned in such manner whereby they offer increasing resistance to the pivotal movement of said protective element about its transverse axis as the compressible means abuts said supporting and positioning structure.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 100 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 9, comprising adjustably operable one-way acting tilting means located in proximity to the juncture of said arms means with said protective element and arranged in such manner whereby said protective element may be secured in various degrees of its tilting incline about its axis from the substantially horizontal position to any degree of tilt desired by its user, said means so configured whereby said protective element will not decline from such preselected position of tilt but will be free to tilt further upwardly and forwardly about its axis at all times.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 65 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, adapted for seats accomodating a plurality of occupants, wherein a plurality of said weight sensor means are placed within the seat-cushion of said seat, and its electrical actuating circuit is so modified whereby said protective element will be positioned into proximity of said seat even if only one of said plurality of spaces is occupied.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 163 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting structure for adjustable support and automatic positioning of said protective element comprise a plurality of spaced apart, rigid supporting arms positioned longitudinally to the vehicle, their back ends extending into the interior of the protective element and pivotally attached to it to define the axis of its tilting movement, their forward ends slidably, operably passing through specially configured housing means pivotally attached to the rigid adjacent structure of said vehicle occupant compartment, said housings comprising reduction gear means operable by a reversible type of electric motor, and configured to automatically position said protective element in and out of proximity to said seat by extending and retracting said arms means in and out of said rigid housing means including means to allow limited pivotal movement of the assembly about its means of pivotal attachment to said vehicle structure to permit adjustable vertical positioning of said protective element over said occupant''s lap.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 108 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 14, wherein said reduction gear means operate a modified rack-and-pinion assembly in which said supporting arms function as the racks and the pinion gears are configured to be operatively engageable and disengageable with said arms by remote control means, thus allowing free slidable movement of said arms through said gear housings should an electric power failure occur, and remotely controlled and lockable holding means located forward of said gear housings to lock the structure in preselected degree of tilt, thus positioning said protective element at the desired vertical proximity to the top of the seat-cushion of said vehicle seat.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 73 words

A combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protective element is generally flat and configured in shape of a table top and comprises a tray-like related convenience means upon its top side, while its bottom side is preferably padded and its rearwardly portion curved substantially upward to induce upward tilting of it under any pressure against its rear edge, including modified reinforcing channel-like means configured for tiltable connection to sAid supporting structure.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 82 words

A combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protective element is configured in shape of a table top with its middle portion of its rearwardly edge extended and curved angularily rearwardly and upwardly to form an inclined bib-like extension of it to facilitate the forward tilting of said element under any pressure against its rear edge and serve as a built-in-chin-guard means for the occupant''s chin when said element is tilted and its rear edge faces upwardly against occupant''s upper torso.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 140 words

A combination as claimed in claim 17, wherein said middle portion of said protective element is configured as a separate unit adapted to be manually, slidably and adjustably extendable, retractable and securable to said protective element in various degrees of extension, thus allowing the longitudinal span of said protective element to be adjusted according to the height of its user''s seated torso between the top of his thighs and the bottom of his chin, thereby providing complete frontal support for his seated torso during any severe deceleration of said vehicle, with its padded rear edge serving as a chin guard and preventing dangerous whiplash of his head, and the forward edge of said protective element being positioned directly over the thighs of said seat occupant, thus restraining him from being displaced from said seat during a collision of said vehicle.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 130 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 14, wherein said protective element comprises modified reinforcing channel-like means for pivotally operative connection to the ends of said supporting arms, the central rearward section of said element spaced between said arms being slidably extendable by strong compression spring means enclosed within said modified channel means and releasably connected at one end to a compressible tilt-resisting means within said channels and on its other end secured to said slidably extendable section in such manner whereby said tilt-resisting means, when compressed past the predetermined degree, will release said compressed spring means and allow them to instantly extend said central rearward section outwardly; including means for easy resetting of said spring means and repositioning of said central rearward portion to its normal position.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 122 words

A combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outboard sides of said protective element are configured to form thin, rigid side barriers curved angularily downwardly from its bottom side, to prevent lateral sliding of occupant''s torso off said protective element during a lateral type of a collision of said vehicle, and including means for easy installation of replaceable air-cushion pillow means configured to be easily positionable between said side barriers and against the bottom surface of said protective element to cushion the impact of said seat occupant''s torso against said protective element in time of a collision of said vehicle, said protective element molded from synthetic materials and configured to harmonize with the overall design of said vehicle''s interior styling concept.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 106 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said protective element is adapted for use by children and invalids, comprising retaining trays and compartments in its upper surface and configured to accomodate the physical dimensions of the seated occupant, curved partially around his torso to serve as elbow rests and including means for attaching an auxiliary belt means to strap the seated person to the device, and easily exchangeable, adjustably extendable bib-and-chin-guard means for positioning in front of the upper chest of the occupant, thus providing a safety device which would be a comfortable all the time and a safety-table in trouble time.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 120 words

In combination with means as set forth, in claim 1, wherein the forwardly portion of the supporting and positioning structure comprise means of operatively slidable and pivotable attachment for a rigid, substantially rectangular knee-Guard shield means normally supported in flat, horizontally transverse position above and forward of the seat occupant''s knees, and operatively, adjustably connected by adjustable means to the forward edge of said protective element in such manner whereby said protective element, whenever it starts tilting past a predetermined degree of tilt also starts, through said connecting means attached to its forward edge, to tilt downwardly the forward edge of said knee-guard shield, thus positioning its flat transverse panel into progressively more vertical angle in front of occupant''s knees.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 147 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 22, wherein said knee-guard means is configured of rigid material in form of a flat transverse panel with its outboard edges curved sufficiently to resist lateral sliding of occupant''s knees from it during a lateral collision of said vehicle and including padding where beneficial; spring means holding it in flat, transversely horizontal position above and forward of occupant''s knees, and pivotally attached on its rear edge to slidable means adjustably operatively attachable to rigid, longitudinally disposed members of said supporting structure, and at its front transverse center comprising means for slidably adjustable operative engagement with the longitudinally disposed connecting means between front center of said knee-guard means and the front center edge of said protective element for their mutually cooperative tilting about their respective axis when said protective element is pivoted past the predetermined degree of its tilt.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 126 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 22, wherein said knee-guard panel is configured to be slidably adjustable and securable over its supporting structure in its longitudinally spaced-apart relationship to said protective element, so that the two will be able to accommodate various physical configurations of a seated occupant as related to the length of his thighs, and adjustable means to determine at what point of said protective element''s tilting angularity said knee-guard element will start to tilt downwardly against said occupant''s knees, thus causing the two elements to balance the inertia load to his upper torso through said protective element against the load of his lower torso through said knee-guard means in any degree of proportional relationship as desired by said seat occupant.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 150 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting structure for adjustable support and positioning of said protective element is operably powered by means of hydraulic pressure, comprising especially modified hydraulic cylinder means positioned longitudinally and pivotally attached to the vehicle structure at its cylinder end including means to adjust and lock it in any preselected degree of pivot; the outward end of its piston rod modified for pivotal connection with said protective element for automatically positioning it to its minimum proximity to said seat, remote control means actuating the hydraulic pressure in said cylinders whenever said seat is occupied and said vehicle reaches preselected speed; additional remote control means to extend it to closer proximity to said seat if desired, means to keep it in any desired position and means to automatically remove it from such proximity to said seat after said vehicle is stopped.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 32 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 25, wherein the hydraulic system used for adjustable support and positioning of said protective element comprise hydraulic cylinders of the double-acting, single-stage type.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 140 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 25, wherein the hydraulic system used for adjustable support and positioning of said protective element comprise a specially modified single-acting, single-stage hydraulic cylinder means to serve as a hydraulic shock-absorber means, whereby said protective element is automatically extended by the hydraulic pressure controlled by the seat-occupancy and vehicle speed-sensor means to its minimum preselected proximity to the seat, after which said element is adjustable by hand operated remote control means to suit the seat occupant''s desires, including means to hold it in said position, and from then on the system using the shock-absorbing capacity of said cylinders to absorb the impact of its occupant''s torso against said tiltable protective element in time of severe deceleration of said vehicle, and remotely operated release for said hydraulic pressure when said vehicle is stopped.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 77 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said protective element is automatically possitionable in proximity to said seat by a supporting structure employing hydraulic means for its operation, with its hydraulic pressure being used as a shock-absorbing means for restraining of said seat occupant''s torso during any sudden deceleration of said vehicle, and controllable by a specially configured seat-occupancy sensor means which is able to differentiate between various weights of said seat occupants.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 96 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 25, comprising ''''fail-safe'''' emergency means configured to allow the seat occupant to be able to position and adjust said protective element into and out of the desired proximity to him by hand operated means at any time said hydraulically operative means should fail to function, by slowly pushing and pulling said protective element in and out as desired, the hydraulic liquid in the system functioning as a shock-absorbing means during any severe pressure against said protective element by seat occupant''s torso during a collision of said vehicle.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 129 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of rigid arms pivotally secured to the rigid vehicle structure on their forward ends and tiltably attached to said protective element on their rearward ends, automatically actuated operative means attached to the forwardly ends of said arms so configured that said arms will position said protective element in the desired proximity to said vehicle seat by pivoting downwardly about their transverse pivotal axis of attachment to said vehicle structure whenever said seat is occupied and said vehicle reaches preselected speed, and will automatically remove it from such proximity only when said vehicle is traveling below said preselected speed and a remote control is activated by said occupant of said seat.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 87 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of rigid arms secured on their forward ends to two gear-sector means operable by a series of reduction gears powered by a reversible electric motor, the system enclosed in a housing means secured to the rigid structure of said vehicle in such location that when said gear-sector means is turned, it will tilt said arms and position said protective element in and out of proximity to said seat.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 110 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, adapted for vehicles with seats spaced one behind another and a rigid sides surrounding said seats, a supporting structure for automatically positioning said protective element in and out of proximity to the seat comprising a plurality of longitudinally positioned rigid arms attached on their front ends to a modified gear-sector means operatively connected with a gear-reduction means powered by a reversible electric motor, the complete assembly configured into a housing securely attached to said rigid sides of said vehicle, the other ends of said rigid arms pivotally attached to said protective element for tiltable connection around its transverse tilting axis.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 103 words

In combination with means as described in claim 32 wherein said gear-sector assemblies are secured to the rigid side structure at substantially the height of the seat back cushion, said positioning arms are slidably attached to said gear-sector means, including Limiting stop means for the range of such proximity, said assembly so configured whereby said protective element is normally stored against the roof panel of said vehicle, but when said seat is occupied and the vehicle reaches predetermined speed, said positioning arms will tilt downwardly and position said protective element into adjustable proximity to said seat over the lap of the seated occupant.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 156 words

Means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of preferably curved rigid arms pivotally secured to the rigid vehicle structure on their lower ends, their upper ends extending into the interior of said protective element of define the axis of its tilting movement and a plurality of auxiliary bracing-bar means slidably and pivotally attached at one end to said rigid arms and on the other end attached to a special housing secured to a rigid structure of said vehicle and comprising gear-sector means operable by a reduction gear means powered by a reversible electric motor means remotely controlled by sensor means activated by the occupancy of the seat and predetermined speed of the vehicle into positioning said protective element into and out of proximity to said seat, and automatically removing it from such proximity only when said vehicle is moving slower than said predetermined speed of said vehicle.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 71 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 34, adapted for use with a rear seat of a vehicle wherein three preferably curved rigid arms are pivotably connected to said protective element and assisted by three auxiliary bracing means, with only the middle one operable by said gear-sector means while the two outboard bracing means are pivotally secured to two mounting plates secured to the side structure of said vehicle.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 109 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 34, adapted for rear seat of a vehicle wherein three preferably curved rigid arms are pivotally connected to the protective element and assisted by three auxiliary bracing means, a transverse bar rigidly connecting said auxiliary bracing means at their pivotal axis of attachment to said vehicle structure so they all pivot in unison, a gear reduction means powered by a reversible electric motor and operably engaged with said bar to turn it left and right thereby causing said auxiliary bars to pivotally slide over said supporting arms and extend said protective element in and out of proximity to said seat.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 163 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of rigid arms pivotally secured at one end to rigid reinforcing channel means of the protective element to define its tiltable axis, their other ends secured to a gear-sector means positioned forwardly of said seat and operable by a reduction gear means powered by a reversible electric motor controlled by the seat-weight and the vehicle speed-sensor means of said vehicle, a plurality of auxiliary bracing means pivotally attached to said positioning arms at one end and comprising a modified electrically releasable pawl-means coacting within an elongated ratchet means housing attached to the rigid vehicle structure substantially above said gear-sector housing means, said supporting structure so configured whereby it will automatically position and releasably lock said protective element in proximity of said seat, adjust it there as desired by the seat occupant, and automatically remove it from such proximity when said sensor means allow it.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 152 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of rigid arms pivotally secured to the protective element at its transverse pivotal axis, their forward ends pivotally attached to a rigid vehicle structure and comprising auxiliary bracing and actuating means pivotally attached to said rigid arms on lower ends and pivotally secured to a specially configured housing which comprise a gear-reduction means powered by a reversible electric motor and operatively connected to a double-rack-and-pinion means which is secured substantially above said pivotal attachment of said rigid arms, including electrically releasable pawl means so configured that when said seat is occupied and said vehicle reaches preselected speed, said gear-housing will automatically move downwardly in said rack-and-pinion means and position said protective element into desired proximity of said seat and remove it therefrom when said vehicle is stopped and a separate control is actuated.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 175 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of rigid arms with their front ends configured for slidably releasable operative engagement within vertically disposed housing means secured to the rigid side structure of said vehicle, an assembly comprising a gear-sector means driven by a reduction gear means powered by a reversible electric motor means secured substantially vertically above said vertically disposed housing; a plurality of auxiliary bracing-bar means pivotally secured to said rigid arms on lower end and to said gear-sector on upper end, the whole positioning structure so configured whereby said protective element will be automatically positionable into and out of its proximity to said seat in accordance with the occupancy of said seat and the speed of said vehicle, by said sector means pivoting said auxiliary bracing means back and forth, thus forcing the front ends of said positioning arms to slide up and down and forcing said protective element back and forth into and out of its proximity to said seat.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 143 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of preferably curved rigid supporting arms pivotably, adjustably secured to the rigid vehicle structure on their forward ends, their rearward ends entering into said protective elements for pivotal connection to it at its transverse tiltable axis, a hydraulic cylinder means of the double-acting single-stage type pivotally attached to the rigid structure of the vehicle with the outward ends of the piston rods pivotally attached to said supporting arms, the structure so configured that when said seat is occupied and the vehicle reaches preselected speed, the hydraulic pressure will be allowed to extend said piston rods and thus position said protective element into proximity to said seat as desired by the seat occupant, but will not allow said element''s removal unless said vehicle is stopped.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 156 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, configured for installation in vehicles with seats one behind another and comprising a rigid side structure surrounding said seats, a supporting and positioning structure comprising a pair of rectangular plates secured to said side structure in front of said seat, the plates adapted for pivotal attachment of rigid supporting and positioning arms which have their opposite ends configured for entering said protective element and pivotally attached thereto, and double-acting, single-stage hydraulic cylinders secured to said plates, with the outward ends of their piston rods pivotally secured to shorter bracing bar means pivotally attached to said positioning arms, the whole assembly so configured that when said seat is occupied and said vehicle reaches preselected speed, said protective element will be automatically positioned into preselected degree of proximity to said seat and will not be removable therefrom unless said vehicle is moving at less than said preselected speed.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 108 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, modified for use with seats wide enough to accomodate a plurality of occupants, wherein said protective element comprise at its bottom surface a plurality of divider means folded normally into the bottom surface but positionable angularily to said bottom surface to form retaining means when desired, thus dividing said bottom surface into pLurality of sections to prevent seat occupants from sliding towards the direction of any lateral impact against said vehicle, and means at the rearwardly edge of said protective element to accomodate replaceable and repositionable bib and chin-guard means to accomodate the needs of said seat occupants.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 131 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein the shape of said protective element is defined by a sufficiently rigid frame defining the desired limits of its protective contact with said seat occupant''s torso, including specially configured bracing means projecting downwardly from said wider surface position adapted for easy connection to and limited tilting movement about a transverse axis of attachment, the space between the two outermost of said bracing means configured of a preshaped panel of, flexible and pressure yielding material in such manner whereby said element will provide sufficient restraining capability for the seat occupant''s torso in time of any collision of said vehicle without causing any undue abrasions and contusions to his body by said safety device while it is restraining him in said seat.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 85 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of rigid primary supporting and positioning means and a plurality of rigid auxiliary means operatively interconnected to them and to the rigid structure of said vehicle, and so configured whereby the means of power operated, automatically actuated means of positioning said protective element into and out of its proximity to said seat are operatively attached to the primary supporting and positioning means of said safety device.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 81 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, wherein said supporting and positioning structure comprise a plurality of rigid primary supporting and positioning arms and a plurality of rigid auxiliary means operatively interconnected to them and to the rigid structure of said vehicle, the assembly so configured whereby the auxiliary means are power operated and automatically actuated to position said protective element, pivotally, tiltably attached to the primary supporting arms, into and out of its proximity to said seat.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 99 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 1, adapted for protection of occupants of a multi-seat vehicles, comprising protective elements normally retracted but automatically positionable in proximity to the seats by individually powered means serving each seat but centrally controlled by the operator of the vehicle who can actuate the automatic positioning of said protective elements all at one time, comprising means whereby the seat occupants may manipulate the relative position of said protective elements between their normally retracted and optionally extended positions when the centrally actuated control means permit and when said vehicle is not moving.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 79 words

In combination with means as set forth in claim 11, wherein said resiliently compressible means insertable into said channel means are easily interchangeable and of varied degrees of resistance to pressure, thus being easily replaced not only after any type of a severe damage to them after a collision of said vehicle but also to offer a choice of various degrees of resistance to the tilting of said protective element according to the anticipated weight of the seat occupant.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1978-07-07	1979-01-06	1979-07-08	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1982-07-07	1983-01-06	1983-07-08	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1986-07-07	1987-01-06	1987-07-08	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Automatically deployed occupant restraint system

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