US4884652A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for using the impact energy of a vehicle for a safety device for the protection of passengers
Assignee: Audi AG
•
Filing: 1984-10-12
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Granted: 1989-12-05
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Expires: 2004-10-12
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus responsive to the energy generated by a collision of predetermined force and relative movement between its chassis and drive unit resulting therefrom for actuating a safety mechanism, e.g. for tightening a seat belt.
Inventors
- 👤 Elmar Vollmer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 05:48
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D1/00; B62D1/02; B62D1/16; B62D1/18; B62D1/19; B62D1/197; B60; B60N; B60N2/00; B60N2/24; B60N2/42; B60N2/4207; B60N2/4214; B60N2/4221; B60N2/427; B60N2/42709; B60N2/42718; B60N2/42727; B60N2/42772; B60N2/42781; B60R; B60R22/00; B60R22/34; B60R22/46; B60R22/4619; B60R22/4623
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
An apparatus for enhancing the safety of a passenger in a vehicle of the kind having a chassis and drive means mounted in a forward section thereof for movement, when in a frontal collision of predetermined force, in a rearward direction relative to said chassis, comprising: a seat belt for retaining said passenger in a predetermined position and having a first portion extending generally forwardly of said passenger and a second portion extending generally rearwardly of said passenger; means for securing said first portion of said seat belt to said chassis rearward of said forward section thereof; retaining means for yieldably extending and retracting said second portion of said seat belt; flexible substantially unstretchable means having a first section connected to said drive means and a second section connected to said retaining means for selectively retracting said second portion of said seat belt; and means cooperating with said flexible means for converting said movement of said drive means in said rearward direction into a force whereby said second portion of said seat belt is retracted on said retaining means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
179 words
An apparatus for enhancing the safety of a passenger in a vehicle of the kind having a chassis and drive means mounted in a forward section thereof for movement, when in a frontal collision of predetermined force, in a rearward direction relative to said chassis, comprising: a seat belt for retaining said passenger in a predetermined position and having a first portion extending generally forwardly of said passenger and a second portion extending generally rearwardly of said passenger; means for securing said first portion of said seat belt to said chassis rearward of said forward section thereof; retaining means for yieldably extending and retracting said second portion of said seat belt; flexible substantially unstretchable means having a first section connected to said drive means and a second section connected to said retaining means for selectively retracting said second portion of said seat belt; and means cooperating with said flexible means for converting said movement of said drive means in said rearward direction into a force whereby said second portion of said seat belt is retracted on said retaining means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flexible means comprises a cable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said converting means comprises a longitudinally substantially incompressible sleeve over said cable and having end portions respectively connected to said chassis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said converting means comprises a pulley and said cable is wound around said pulley to move said second section in a direction opposite from said first section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said retaining means comprises a coiling means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising means for limiting the extent of retraction of said second portion of said seat belt by said second section of said cable.
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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) | 1992-12-04 | 1993-06-05 | 1993-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-12-04 | 1997-06-05 | 1997-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-12-04 | 2001-06-05 | 2001-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |