US4191344A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for causing rotation, having a pressurized tubular drive means
Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et Explosifs
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Filing: 1978-04-06
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Granted: 1980-03-04
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Expires: 1998-04-06
Abstract
Abstract A device for causing the rotation of a movable element which is connected to a displaceable component such as a safety belt used for protecting people in a vehicle is described. The rotary device includes drive means which comprises at least one flexible tube which is rolled up and can be expanded under the action of a pressurized fluid, and, preferably, the pressurizing component is a pyrotechnic gas generator placed inside the flexible tube which is rolled up in a helix or a spiral. The device may be used for protection of an individual in a moving vehicle by means of a safety belt. The device can be actuated by a collision detector.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean-Francois Tillac
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 02:47
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R22/00; B60R22/18; B60R22/195; B60R22/1951; B60R22/1954; B60R22/34; B60R22/46; B60R22/4628
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A device for protecting people in a vehicle which comprises a frame fixed on the fixed chassis of the vehicle, a movable element capable of rotating relative to said frame, a displaceable element such as a safety belt connected to said movable element, a drive means for causing the rotation of the movable element with respect to the frame, the drive means comprising at least one flexible tube which in normal operation is rolled up, said flexible tube being connected at at least two portions thereof to said frame, and to said movable element, said tube being responsive to an increase in pressure to occupy greater volume and to acquire an expanded position, thereby tending to unroll and to thus rotate the movable element, pressurizing means responsive to signaling means setting free pressurized fluid, said pressurized fluid causing an increased pressure on said flexible tube, said flexible tube being joined to said pressurizing means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
154 words
A device for protecting people in a vehicle which comprises a frame fixed on the fixed chassis of the vehicle, a movable element capable of rotating relative to said frame, a displaceable element such as a safety belt connected to said movable element, a drive means for causing the rotation of the movable element with respect to the frame, the drive means comprising at least one flexible tube which in normal operation is rolled up, said flexible tube being connected at at least two portions thereof to said frame, and to said movable element, said tube being responsive to an increase in pressure to occupy greater volume and to acquire an expanded position, thereby tending to unroll and to thus rotate the movable element, pressurizing means responsive to signaling means setting free pressurized fluid, said pressurized fluid causing an increased pressure on said flexible tube, said flexible tube being joined to said pressurizing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the pressurized fluid is a gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 2, wherein the pressurized means is a gas generator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device according to claim 3, wherein the generator is a pyrotechnic gas generator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device according to claim 4, wherein the pyrotechnic gas generator is located inside the flexible tube, said pyrotechnic generator being fired electrically.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible tube comprises at least one metal wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device according to claim 1 or 6, wherein said flexible tube comprises at least one wall made of a rubbery material or a plastic
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device according to claim 7, wherein said flexible tube comprises a wall made of braided metal wires, said wall being covered in the interior by a wall made of a rubber material or a plastic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said portions at which said flexible tube is connected, is situated towards one of the ends of said flexible tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein said flexible tube is rolled up in a helix.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible tube is rolled up in a spiral.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device according to claim 1, 10 or 11, wherein the movable element is a rotatable drum and said flexible tube is rolled up inside said rotatable drum.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device according to claim 1, 10 or 11, wherein said tube is rolled around an axle which is connected to the frame.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
72 words
The device according to claim 1 or 9, wherein said flexible tube is bent back on itself to form two lengths before being rolled up, the two attachment portions being situated towards the two ends of said flexible tube, the central part of the flexible tube being engaged with the middle portion of said frame, the two lengths of said flexible tube being rolled up to form two helices of opposite pitch.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the frame is firmly fixed to said fixed chassis.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the frame is temporarily fixed to said fixed chassis, the frame is rotatable when the flexible tube is pressurized by fluid, and cooperates with the winding of the displaceable component.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
54 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the frame is connected to the chassis by frangible means, and after the flexible tube is pressurized, the frangible means are broken, the frame rotates, the flexible tube moves only in one direction and one-way blocking means for blocking movement of the frame in a reverse direction.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 1 or 17, wherein the movable element comprises a belt buckle.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 17, wherein the movable element is a winding drum.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
57 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the drive means additionally comprises a clutch component which is inserted between the flexible tube and the movable element, said clutch component being normally immobilized and upon the action of said pressurized fluid, being engageable with said movable element and connecting said movable element for rotation with the flexible tube.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device according to claim 20, wherein the movable element is a winding drum and the clutch component comprises an element which is formed by part of the internal surface of the winding drum.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 20, wherein the clutch component comprises an element formed by one of the ends of the winding drum.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-03-04 | 1983-09-03 | 1984-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-03-04 | 1987-09-03 | 1988-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-03-04 | 1991-09-03 | 1992-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |