Patent US5765867A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5765867A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Air bag with externally mounted tether
Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Inc
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Filing: 1996-05-03
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Granted: 1998-06-16
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Expires: 2016-05-03
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle occupant safety device using: an air bag module (22) including: a housing (24) having a plurality of walls (26a,b) defining a cavity (32) and an open end (30); an air bag (50) received within the cavity, and within the open end in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expands through the open end to an inflated configuration sufficient to protect the occupant; an inflator (40) operatively received with the housing (24) for providing inflation gas to inflate the air bag; and an external tether (70) enveloping the air bag, including at least one open sided breakable band for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward the occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded and thereafter after the band is fully opened, to permit the air bag to inflate forwardly without retardation.
Inventors
- 👤 Sophia French
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 11:08
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/20; B60R21/201; B60R2021/161
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expands to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; inflator means (40) for providing inflation gas to inflate the air bag; external tether means (70) comprising at least one open sided, breakable band loosely positioned about the exterior of the folded air bag for permitting the air bag to inflate forwardly a predetermined distance and thereafter after the air bag has contacted a forward portion of the band retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant while permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded and thereafter after the band is fully opened, to permit the air bag to inflate forwardly without retardation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expands to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; inflator means (40) for providing inflation gas to inflate the air bag; external tether means (70) comprising at least one open sided, breakable band loosely positioned about the exterior of the folded air bag for permitting the air bag to inflate forwardly a predetermined distance and thereafter after the air bag has contacted a forward portion of the band retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant while permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded and thereafter after the band is fully opened, to permit the air bag to inflate forwardly without retardation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
140 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expanding to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; inflator means (40) for providing inflation gas to inflate the air bag; external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of the folded air bag, comprising first means for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded and then for permitting the air bag to controllably travel forwardly, wherein the external tether means comprises: at least one piece of material formed into a loop portion (90) about the air bag (50) and a frangible portion (91) extending a substantial distance from the loop portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
140 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expanding to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; inflator means (40) for providing inflation gas to inflate the air bag; external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of the folded air bag, comprising first means for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded and then for permitting the air bag to controllably travel forwardly, wherein the external tether means comprises: at least one piece of material formed into a loop portion (90) about the air bag (50) and a frangible portion (91) extending a substantial distance from the loop portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the frangible portion (91) comprises a first and a second panel portion (72a,b) joined together along substantially the entire length of the frangible portion, wherein the joined together portions are pulled apart in a serial manner in response to the forward motion of the air bag, the joined portion being completely separated as the air bag inflates toward the occupant.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device as defined in claim 3 wherein the first and second panel portions are joined together by one of sewing and bonding.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the the external tether means is formed by two pieces of joined material.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
17 words
The device as defined in 2 wherein the external tether means includes a single piece of material.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
17 words
The device as defined in 2 wherein the external tether means includes a single piece of material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the loop portion (90) has a diameter greater than that of the folded air bag to provided an off-set (81) therebetween to enable the air bag to expand forwardly a small distance and thereafter to expand laterally out from the housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device as defined in claim 2 wherein sides of the tether means include a narrowed portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device as defined in claim 8 wherein the narrowed portion is formed by an arcuate concave section.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device as defined in claim 8 wherein the narrowed portion is formed by an angled notch.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the tether means wherein the frangible portion is of a generally truncated triangular shape.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as defined in claim 2 wherein sides of the frangible portion of the tether means are convex shaped.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the frangible portion includes a plurality of spaced bands (102) extending from the loop portion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device as defined in claim 2 including a housing for supporting the inflator means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
116 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expands to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; inflator means (40) for providing inflation gas to inflate the air bag; external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of the folded air bag, for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded, wherein the tether means is off-set (81) from the air bag to provide an open sided loop to permit the air bag to expand laterally outwardly.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
116 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expands to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; inflator means (40) for providing inflation gas to inflate the air bag; external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of the folded air bag, for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded, wherein the tether means is off-set (81) from the air bag to provide an open sided loop to permit the air bag to expand laterally outwardly.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
110 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag module (22) comprising: external tether means (70) comprising at least one open sided, breakable band loosely positioned about the exterior of the folded air bag for permitting the air bag to inflate forwardly a predetermined distance and thereafter after the air bag has contacted a forward portion of the band for sequentially tearing to slow the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant while permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is slowed and thereafter after the band is fully opened, to permit the air bag to inflate forwardly without retardation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
110 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag module (22) comprising: external tether means (70) comprising at least one open sided, breakable band loosely positioned about the exterior of the folded air bag for permitting the air bag to inflate forwardly a predetermined distance and thereafter after the air bag has contacted a forward portion of the band for sequentially tearing to slow the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant while permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is slowed and thereafter after the band is fully opened, to permit the air bag to inflate forwardly without retardation.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
147 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag module (22) comprising: external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of a folded air bag, for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward the occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded, wherein the external tether means comprises: at least one piece of material formed into a loop portion (90) about the air bag (50) and a frangible portion (91) extending a substantial length from the loop portion and the frangible portion including securement means, running subtantially along the length of the frangible portion, generally in the forward inflation direction of the inflating air bag, for permitting the frangible portion to open in a sequential or serial manner restrainging the forward motion of the air bag as it opens.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
147 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag module (22) comprising: external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of a folded air bag, for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward the occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded, wherein the external tether means comprises: at least one piece of material formed into a loop portion (90) about the air bag (50) and a frangible portion (91) extending a substantial length from the loop portion and the frangible portion including securement means, running subtantially along the length of the frangible portion, generally in the forward inflation direction of the inflating air bag, for permitting the frangible portion to open in a sequential or serial manner restrainging the forward motion of the air bag as it opens.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device as defined in claim 17 wherein the air bag (50) is received within a cavity of a housing (24), in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expands through an open top to an inflated configuration to protect an occupant.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device as defined in claim 17 wherein the frangible portion (91) comprises first and second panel portions (72a,b) joined together forming a joined portion, the joined portion being completely separated as the air bag inflates toward the occupant.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as defined in claim 17 wherein the external tether means is formed by two pieces of joined material.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device as defined in claim 17 wherein the loop (90) has a diameter greater than that of the folded air bag to provided an off-set (81) therebetween to enable the air bag to expand forwardly a small distance from a housing and thereafter to expanded laterally out from the housing.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
156 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflatable by inflation gas expands to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of the folded air bag, comprising at least one open sided, breakable band for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded and thereafter after the band is fully opened, to permit the air bag to inflate forwardly without retardation, wherein the external tether means comprises: at least one piece of material formed into a loop portion (90) about the air bag (50) and a frangible portion (91) extending a substantial distance from the loop portion and openable in a sequential or serial manner by the forward motion of the air bag.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
156 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: an air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflatable by inflation gas expands to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of the folded air bag, comprising at least one open sided, breakable band for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded and thereafter after the band is fully opened, to permit the air bag to inflate forwardly without retardation, wherein the external tether means comprises: at least one piece of material formed into a loop portion (90) about the air bag (50) and a frangible portion (91) extending a substantial distance from the loop portion and openable in a sequential or serial manner by the forward motion of the air bag.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
131 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expanding to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of the folded air bag, for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded, wherein the external tether means comprises: a first portion including a piece of material positioned forwardly of the folded air bag forming a loop portion thereabout and a frangible portion (91) extending substantially from the loop portion and openable in a sequential or serial manner as the air bag inflates in a forward direction.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
131 words
A vehicle occupant safety device comprising: air bag (50) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gas expanding to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; external tether means (70) initially about a portion of the exterior of the folded air bag, for initially retarding the forward motion of the inflating air bag toward an occupant and for permitting the inflating air bag to inflate laterally or sideways while its forward motion is retarded, wherein the external tether means comprises: a first portion including a piece of material positioned forwardly of the folded air bag forming a loop portion thereabout and a frangible portion (91) extending substantially from the loop portion and openable in a sequential or serial manner as the air bag inflates in a forward direction.
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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) | 2001-06-15 | 2001-12-15 | 2002-06-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-06-15 | 2005-12-15 | 2006-06-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-06-15 | 2009-12-15 | 2010-06-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |