US3982774A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle crash bag
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-12-17
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Granted: 1976-09-28
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Expires: 1994-12-17
Abstract
Abstract A compact vehicle crash cushion assembly including, within a single receptacle, a source of pressurized fluid, an inertia-type actuator for releasing fluid from the source and an inflatable bag. The inertia member is held in a cocked position by ball detents. Movement of the member starts withdrawal of a sear pin from engagement with a spring-biased hammer which results in a special cutting member piercing a diaphragm in the source of pressurized fluid causing the fluid to be released to inflate the bag.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Ivashuk
- 👤 Marvin Lee McDaniel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:50
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/26; B60R21/268; B60R21/33; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/0753; Y10T137/1624; Y10T137/1632; Y10T137/1692; Y10T137/1759; Y10T137/1767
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
199 words
In a vehicle crash cushion of the type including an inflatable bag and a source of pressurized fluid, an improved actuator for releasing fluid from the source into the bag to inflate the latter comprising: a spring-loaded member movable between a cocked position and an activated position; a housing having a main bore in which said spring-loaded member is disposed; a piercing member for piercing the fluid source upon movement of the spring-loaded member to its activated position; a sear pin disposed within another bore in said housing and having one end projecting into the main bore in engagement with said spring-loaded member and normally holding the latter in its cocked position, said sear pin being retained in position by frictional engagement with said spring-loaded member, the engagement being such that said member exerts a force on said sear pin in a direction tending to move said sear pin out of contact with said member; an inertia member movable between a normal position and a position in which it engages another end of said sear pin and partially withdraws the latter from its bore; and at least one resilient means releasably restraining said inertia member in its normal position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
199 words
In a vehicle crash cushion of the type including an inflatable bag and a source of pressurized fluid, an improved actuator for releasing fluid from the source into the bag to inflate the latter comprising: a spring-loaded member movable between a cocked position and an activated position; a housing having a main bore in which said spring-loaded member is disposed; a piercing member for piercing the fluid source upon movement of the spring-loaded member to its activated position; a sear pin disposed within another bore in said housing and having one end projecting into the main bore in engagement with said spring-loaded member and normally holding the latter in its cocked position, said sear pin being retained in position by frictional engagement with said spring-loaded member, the engagement being such that said member exerts a force on said sear pin in a direction tending to move said sear pin out of contact with said member; an inertia member movable between a normal position and a position in which it engages another end of said sear pin and partially withdraws the latter from its bore; and at least one resilient means releasably restraining said inertia member in its normal position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said resilient means for restraining said inertia member includes a ball detent assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
75 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said pressurized fluid source includes a pressure container having a discharge aperture and a diaphragm normally closing the aperture, said diaphragm being held in place by an annular retaining member which includes an annular shoulder engaging the diaphragm on the side thereof opposite the force of the pressurized fluid, and wherein said piercing member includes a projection which penetrates the diaphragm at a location immediately adjacent said annular shoulder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
110 words
A crash cushion as defined in claim 1, wherein the sear pin is a generally cylindrical member disposed with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of the spring-loaded member and movable along said axis and having an end portion with an inclined bearing surface in contact with a corresponding inclined bearing surface on the spring loaded member, so that the horizontal forces on said inclined bearing surfaces applied by said spring-loaded member normally holds the spring-loaded member in cocked position and the vertical forces imposed on said sear pin by movement of said inertia member tend to remove said sear pin from contact with said spring-loaded member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1979-09-28 | 1980-03-29 | 1980-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-09-28 | 1984-03-29 | 1984-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-09-28 | 1988-03-29 | 1988-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |