Patent US5871230A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5871230A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lap mounted inflatable bag and method of use
Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
•
Filing: 1997-04-04
•
Granted: 1999-02-16
•
Expires: 2017-04-04
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle restraint system for a seated occupant including a lap belt system and an inflatable member mounted on the lap belt and restrained by the belt when inflated. The inflatable member is sized and shaped so that one inflatable member surface functions to prevent or limit inflatable member rotation by engaging a substantial area including the occupant's lap and seat thereunder. Another rearward member surface restrains occupant's torso movement. The belt may pass through or around the inflatable member. The lap belt system may contain the collision detector and gas creating arrangement.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald J. Lewis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:33
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/18; B60R22/00; B60R22/12; B60R22/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 99
Claim 1
Independent Claim
223 words
A vehicle restraint system for restraining during rapid deceleration of an occupant having a lap area, a waistline, a torso, a head, and legs comprising a) a vehicle seat having a seating surface which vehicle seat is attached to the vehicle; b) a lap belt; c) anchor means attached to the vehicle or seat for anchoring such lap belt; d) the vehicle seating surface and the occupant's legs forming lap area supporting surfaces; e) an inflatable member positioned in cooperation with such lap belt for restraint by such belt, such inflatable member having an inflatable envelope, said envelope in turn comprising i) an inflatable lap envelope portion between the lap belt and the occupant; ii) an inflatable envelope torso restraining portion with both such portions in gaseous communication and at the same gas pressure when inflated; iii) a plurality of exterior member surfaces; and iv) the lap envelope portion of the inflated member positioned between the occupant's lap area and such belt and having sufficient size to exert force against the occupant's lap area and the occupant's waistline upon inflation; and f) said inflatable member including such envelope torso restraining portion being sized and shaped so that when inflated one exterior member surface engages occupant's legs and another exterior member surface engages occupant's torso to prevent substantial rotation of the torso during deceleration.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
223 words
A vehicle restraint system for restraining during rapid deceleration of an occupant having a lap area, a waistline, a torso, a head, and legs comprising a) a vehicle seat having a seating surface which vehicle seat is attached to the vehicle; b) a lap belt; c) anchor means attached to the vehicle or seat for anchoring such lap belt; d) the vehicle seating surface and the occupant's legs forming lap area supporting surfaces; e) an inflatable member positioned in cooperation with such lap belt for restraint by such belt, such inflatable member having an inflatable envelope, said envelope in turn comprising i) an inflatable lap envelope portion between the lap belt and the occupant; ii) an inflatable envelope torso restraining portion with both such portions in gaseous communication and at the same gas pressure when inflated; iii) a plurality of exterior member surfaces; and iv) the lap envelope portion of the inflated member positioned between the occupant's lap area and such belt and having sufficient size to exert force against the occupant's lap area and the occupant's waistline upon inflation; and f) said inflatable member including such envelope torso restraining portion being sized and shaped so that when inflated one exterior member surface engages occupant's legs and another exterior member surface engages occupant's torso to prevent substantial rotation of the torso during deceleration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 1 in which the inflatable member includes a pressure envelope and has an interior belt-containing passageway which passageway passes through the bag pressure envelope.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The restraint system of claim 2 in which the interior passageway is sufficiently large to permit sliding of the inflatable member on the lap belt from side to side along occupant's waistline to adjust the position of the member prior to inflation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The restraint system of claim 2 in which the interior passageway is located spaced from the occupant's waist so that when the member inflates an inflated member portion is created between the lap belt and the occupant's waistline causing the occupant to move away from the belt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The restraint system of claim 1 in which torso rotation during rapid deceleration is less than 10°.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The restraint system of claim 1 in which torso rotation during rapid deceleration is between 0° and 30°.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The restraint system of claim 1 in which the lap area includes a substantial portion of the upper leg surface between the occupant's waistline and knees.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The restraint system of claim 1 in which the torso-engaging exterior member surface engages the torso from the waistline to the occupant's head.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The restraint system of claim 1 in which the member also provides support for occupant's head.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 1 in which one or more of such exterior surfaces of the inflatable member comprise a lap area engageable surface and in addition comprises a torso engageable surface which surfaces are at about 90° to one another at the time of inflation of such inflatable member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 1 in which the inflatable member has a lap area engageable surface and a torso engageable surface which surfaces are greater than 90° to one another at the time of inflation of such inflatable member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 1 in which the envelope torso restraining portion in turn comprises a torso engaging section and a leg engaging section which sections engage one another at or just prior to rapid deceleration.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 12 in which said sections are forced against one another by torso forces generated during deceleration.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
63 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 1 in which the envelope torso restraining portion of the inflatable member includes in addition a blister portion and rupturable attachment means for attaching the blister to the envelope such that upon a threshold pressure being reached blister portion attachment means ruptures from such envelope and the blister portion inflates to provide further occupant upper body support.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 14 in which the blister portion attachment means is stitching.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 14 in which the blister portion deploys to support the occupant's head.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
134 words
A vehicle restraint system comprising a) a vehicle seat having a seating surface attached to the vehicle for an occupant having a lap, a torso and legs; b) a lap belt having two ends; c) anchor means attached to the vehicle for anchoring each lap belt end; d) a bag having an inflatable envelope in turn comprising i) an exterior bag surface; and ii) an interior passageway with two portals in the bag body such portals are positioned and such interior passageway is sized to receive said belt such that; e) said bag when inflated has a rear inflated portion between the lap belt and the occupant's lap and a forward inflated torso-supporting portion, said rear inflated portion and said inflated torso supporting portion being in communication and both at the same gas pressure.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
134 words
A vehicle restraint system comprising a) a vehicle seat having a seating surface attached to the vehicle for an occupant having a lap, a torso and legs; b) a lap belt having two ends; c) anchor means attached to the vehicle for anchoring each lap belt end; d) a bag having an inflatable envelope in turn comprising i) an exterior bag surface; and ii) an interior passageway with two portals in the bag body such portals are positioned and such interior passageway is sized to receive said belt such that; e) said bag when inflated has a rear inflated portion between the lap belt and the occupant's lap and a forward inflated torso-supporting portion, said rear inflated portion and said inflated torso supporting portion being in communication and both at the same gas pressure.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
61 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 17 in which the bag further includes prior to the inflation a plurality of bag body areas stitched with a row of stitches to the inflatable bag envelope which row of stitches fails at predetermined interior bag pressures with each bag body area as released by stitch failure and subsequent inflation providing a bag addition.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
77 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 17 in which a first bag body area is stitched with a first row of stitches and a second bag body area is stitched with a second row of stitches, the first row fails at a selected bag pressure and the second row fails at a pressure higher than said selected pressure whereby the first bag body area deploys first as bag pressure rises to and above the selected bag pressure.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
56 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 17 in which the bag when inflated has a rear surface of sufficient size to resist occupant's torso rotation and the bag when inflated has a lower surface of sufficient size to engage the occupant's legs and seating surface to prevent substantial rotation of the bag about the lap belt.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 17 in which such bag is positioned with the lap belt through the passageway and the remaining bag portions folded against the belt and encased in a rupturable pouch.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 17 in which the bag has a reinforcing material section attached to the bag inflatable envelope adjacent the belt passageway.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
59 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 17 in which the bag envelope includes in addition a blister portion and rupturable attachment means for attaching the blister portion to the envelope such that upon a threshold pressure being reached the blister portion attachment means ruptures from such envelope and the blister portion inflates to provide further occupant upper body support.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 23 in which the blister portion attachment means is stitching.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 23 in which the blister portion deploys to support the occupant's head.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
129 words
A vehicle restraint system for restraining an occupant comprising 1) a vehicle seat for the occupant having a lap and a torso; 2) a lap belt having two belt sections and a releasable buckle for engaging the two sections across the occupant's lap; 3) a bag having an inflatable envelope in turn comprising a. an exterior bag body; and b. a passageway portion in the bag body which passageway portion is sized to receive at least one belt section; and 4) the bag when inflated having (i) a rear inflated portion between the lap belt and the occupant's lap to cause the occupant to move away from the lap belt; and (ii) a torso inflated portion with both such portions being in communication and at the same gas pressure.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
129 words
A vehicle restraint system for restraining an occupant comprising 1) a vehicle seat for the occupant having a lap and a torso; 2) a lap belt having two belt sections and a releasable buckle for engaging the two sections across the occupant's lap; 3) a bag having an inflatable envelope in turn comprising a. an exterior bag body; and b. a passageway portion in the bag body which passageway portion is sized to receive at least one belt section; and 4) the bag when inflated having (i) a rear inflated portion between the lap belt and the occupant's lap to cause the occupant to move away from the lap belt; and (ii) a torso inflated portion with both such portions being in communication and at the same gas pressure.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 26 in which the passageway portion is spaced from the lap surface of the bag body when the bag is inflated.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of restraining during rapid deceleration a vehicle occupant having a lap, a waistline, a torso, a head and legs, comprising the steps of providing in the vehicle a vehicle seat having a seating surface; providing an anchored lap belt across the occupant; placing in cooperation with the lap belt an inflatable member such member when inflated has a plurality of exterior surfaces; positioning the inflatable member with respect to the lap belt such that upon inflation the lap belt extends around such inflatable member; and sizing and shaping the inflatable member to include a waistline section so that when inflated the waistline section urges the occupant and lap belt apart and one inflatable member exterior surface engages the seating surface and occupant's legs over a substantial area and another exterior inflatable member surface engages the torso over a substantial area.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of restraining during rapid deceleration a vehicle occupant having a lap, a waistline, a torso, a head and legs, comprising the steps of providing in the vehicle a vehicle seat having a seating surface; providing an anchored lap belt across the occupant; placing in cooperation with the lap belt an inflatable member such member when inflated has a plurality of exterior surfaces; positioning the inflatable member with respect to the lap belt such that upon inflation the lap belt extends around such inflatable member; and sizing and shaping the inflatable member to include a waistline section so that when inflated the waistline section urges the occupant and lap belt apart and one inflatable member exterior surface engages the seating surface and occupant's legs over a substantial area and another exterior inflatable member surface engages the torso over a substantial area.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 28 having the additional step of providing means for deploying in sequence member additions comprising a plurality of member body areas stitched to the inflatable member by rows of stitches with each stitch row being subject to failure at differing pressures whereby a larger occupant is restrained by the inflated member as rows of stitches fail sequentially as member pressure rises.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 28 in which a member belt passage is positioned in the member in front of the waistline section which section inflates between the lap belt and the occupant and the rest of the member inflates forward of the belt.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 28 in which the member is sized and shaped to engage a substantial portion of the occupant's legs between the hips and the knees and also to engage a substantial portion of the torso between the hips and neck.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 28 including the further step of foldably mounting the inflatable member on said lap belt.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 28 including the further step of enclosing the inflatable member and a portion of the lap belt in a pouch.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 28 in which inflation of the waistline section moves the occupant back along the seating surface.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 28 in which the waistline section moves the occupant down and back in such vehicle seat.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 28 in which the inflatable member is provided with a member body portion which deploys to increase the size of the inflatable member when rising internal pressure induced by occupant's movement against such member causes such deployment.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 36 in which the member body portion is frangibly attached to the inflatable member.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 37 in which the member body portion is frangibly attached using stitching.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The member of claim 36 in which the member body portion is a tucked-in pocket.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 36 in which the member body portions are positioned on a side of the inflatable member.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 36 in which a member body portion is positioned on the lower end of the inflatable member.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 36 in which a member body portion is positioned at the upper end of the inflatable member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 36 in which a member body portion is positioned and deployed to protect occupant's head.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 28 in which the inflatable member is inflated by an inflator located remote from the inflatable member and in which a gas conduit is provided to conduct gases from the inflator to the inflatable member.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 28 in which the lap belt includes two sections and a connector connecting the two sections and a gas conduit is provided to conduct gases through the connector.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 28 having an inflator, a deceleration sensor and an electrical conduit for sending a signal from the sensor to the inflator.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 46 in which the lap belt includes two sections and a connector connecting the two sections and in which the electrical conduit sends the signal through the connector.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 28 in which the inflatable member is sized and shaped to prevent substantial torso rotation during vehicle deceleration.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 28 in which torso rotation during deceleration is less than 10°.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 28 in which torso rotation during deceleration is up to 30°.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 28 in which the inflatable member is substantially triangular shaped when viewed from the side.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 28 in which the inflatable member is provided with an upper torso section having the surface which engages the torso and a lower leg portion with the surface which engages seating surface and occupant's legs and in which such upper and lower sections are forced against one another.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 52 in which said upper and lower bag sections are distorted as they are forced against each other.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 28 in which the occupant is restrained from forward movement by only a lap belt.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 28 in which the occupant is restrained only by one inflatable member.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 28 in which the occupant is restrained by a lap belt and one inflatable member.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of restraining an occupant having a lap and a torso in a vehicle seat upon rapid deceleration comprising providing a seat secured to the vehicle, installing a lap belt secured to the vehicle on either side and across the occupant; providing an inflatable member having an envelope including an exterior lap surface, an outside envelope portion and an interior passageway portion including portals and a central section through said inflatable member which passageway central section is spaced from such exterior lap surface of the envelope to form when inflated a rear inflated member portion and which inflatable member includes when inflated a forward torso supporting portion with both said portions being in communication and at the same gas pressure; and inflating the inflatable member upon deceleration; whereby the passenger is urged away from the lap belt by the rear inflated bag portion and the forward inflated bag portion reduces any substantial occupant torso forward movement.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of restraining an occupant having a lap and a torso in a vehicle seat upon rapid deceleration comprising providing a seat secured to the vehicle, installing a lap belt secured to the vehicle on either side and across the occupant; providing an inflatable member having an envelope including an exterior lap surface, an outside envelope portion and an interior passageway portion including portals and a central section through said inflatable member which passageway central section is spaced from such exterior lap surface of the envelope to form when inflated a rear inflated member portion and which inflatable member includes when inflated a forward torso supporting portion with both said portions being in communication and at the same gas pressure; and inflating the inflatable member upon deceleration; whereby the passenger is urged away from the lap belt by the rear inflated bag portion and the forward inflated bag portion reduces any substantial occupant torso forward movement.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
205 words
A vehicle restraint system for protecting a vehicle occupant comprising a lap belt system positioned across the occupant's lap which lap belt system includes a first belt section having first attachment means at one end and first anchor means at the other end; a second belt section having second attachment means at one end and second anchor means at the other end; an inflatable member positioned in cooperation with the lap belt system including an inflatable portion behind the lap belt and an inflatable torso supporting portion in front of the lap belt, with both such portions being in communication and at the same gas pressure; means for detecting vehicle deceleration and inflation means for producing gases to inflate the inflatable member positioned within the lap belt system in turn comprising a) an initiator means for initiating operation of the inflation means; b) said inflation means positioned in cooperation with the lap belt for producing gases; c) crash detector means which means produces a signal to cause the initiator means to operate; d) electrical conducting means for conducting said signal from the crash detector means to the initiator means; and e) conduit means for conducting such gases from the inflation means to the inflatable member.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
205 words
A vehicle restraint system for protecting a vehicle occupant comprising a lap belt system positioned across the occupant's lap which lap belt system includes a first belt section having first attachment means at one end and first anchor means at the other end; a second belt section having second attachment means at one end and second anchor means at the other end; an inflatable member positioned in cooperation with the lap belt system including an inflatable portion behind the lap belt and an inflatable torso supporting portion in front of the lap belt, with both such portions being in communication and at the same gas pressure; means for detecting vehicle deceleration and inflation means for producing gases to inflate the inflatable member positioned within the lap belt system in turn comprising a) an initiator means for initiating operation of the inflation means; b) said inflation means positioned in cooperation with the lap belt for producing gases; c) crash detector means which means produces a signal to cause the initiator means to operate; d) electrical conducting means for conducting said signal from the crash detector means to the initiator means; and e) conduit means for conducting such gases from the inflation means to the inflatable member.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
31 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 58 in which the first attachment means is a buckle and the second attachment means is a tongue unit for detachable engagement with the buckle.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
30 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 59 in which the inflatable member is connected to the tongue unit and in which the inflation means is located in the tongue unit.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
87 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 59 in which the inflatable member is attached to the buckle, the inflation means is in the tongue unit and said conduit means for providing flow of gases includes a first conduit section from the inflation means to a tongue unit end surface, a second conduit section in the buckle and connector means on the first and second conduit sections to provide a detachable connection between the buckle and tongue unit as the buckle and tongue unit are buckled and unbuckled.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
48 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 58 in which the electrical conducting means includes a first segment in the first attachment means and a second segment in the second attachment means and having connector means on the ends of such segments to provide for detachably connecting such segments.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
175 words
A vehicle restraint system for restraining during rapid deceleration an occupant having a lap area, a waistline, a torso, a head, and legs comprising a) a vehicle seat having a seating surface which vehicle seat is attached to the vehicle; b) a lap belt; c) anchor means attached to the vehicle for anchoring such lap belt; d) the vehicle seating surface and the occupant's legs forming a lap area supporting surface; e) an inflatable member positioned in cooperation with such lap belt and having an inflatable envelope including a torso section, a waistline section and a leg section in which the lap belt extends around such member and adjacent the waistline section to restrain such member upon its inflation, said waistline section having sufficient size to exert force against the occupant's lap area and waistline upon such inflation; and f) said inflatable member being sized and shaped when inflated so that one exterior member surface engages occupant's legs and another exterior member surface engages occupant's torso to prevent substantial rotation of the torso during deceleration.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
175 words
A vehicle restraint system for restraining during rapid deceleration an occupant having a lap area, a waistline, a torso, a head, and legs comprising a) a vehicle seat having a seating surface which vehicle seat is attached to the vehicle; b) a lap belt; c) anchor means attached to the vehicle for anchoring such lap belt; d) the vehicle seating surface and the occupant's legs forming a lap area supporting surface; e) an inflatable member positioned in cooperation with such lap belt and having an inflatable envelope including a torso section, a waistline section and a leg section in which the lap belt extends around such member and adjacent the waistline section to restrain such member upon its inflation, said waistline section having sufficient size to exert force against the occupant's lap area and waistline upon such inflation; and f) said inflatable member being sized and shaped when inflated so that one exterior member surface engages occupant's legs and another exterior member surface engages occupant's torso to prevent substantial rotation of the torso during deceleration.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
20 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which inflation of the waistline section moves occupant back along the seating surface.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the waistline section moves occupant down and back in such vehicle seat.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
20 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the inflatable member is foldably positioned in cooperation with said lap belt.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
23 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the uninflated member and a portion of the lap belt are enclosed in a pouch.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
14 words
The restraint system of claim 67 in which an inflator is in the pouch.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
40 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the inflatable member includes a member body portion which deploys to increase the size of the inflatable member when rising internal pressure induced by occupant's movement against such member causes such deployment.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
19 words
The restraint system of claim 69 in which the member body portion is frangibly attached to the inflatable member.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
16 words
The restraint system of claim 70 in which the member body is frangibly attached using stitching.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
15 words
The restraint system of claim 69 in which the member body portion is a pocket.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
21 words
The restraint system of claim 69 in which the member body portion is positioned on the side of the inflatable member.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
22 words
The restrain system of claim 69 in which the body member portion is positioned on the lower end of the inflatable member.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
22 words
The restraint system of claim 69 in which the body member portion is positioned at the upper end of the inflatable member.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
20 words
The restraint system of claim 69 in which the member body portion is positioned to protect the head when deployed.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
37 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the inflatable member is inflated by an inflator located remote from the inflatable member and in which a gas conduit conducts gases from the inflator to the inflatable member.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
30 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the lap belt includes two sections and a connector connecting the two sections and the gas conduit conducts gases through the connector.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
26 words
The restraint system of claim 63 having an inflator, a deceleration sensor and an electrical conduit for sending a signal from the sensor to the inflator.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
33 words
The restraint system of claim 79 in which the lap belt includes two sections and a connector connecting the two sections and in which the electrical conduit sends the signal through the connector.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
23 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the inflatable means is sized and shaped to prevent substantial torso rotation during vehicle deceleration.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the torso rotation during deceleration is less than 10°.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
16 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the torso rotation is up to and 30°.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
20 words
The restraint system of claim 63 in which the inflatable member is substantially triangularly shaped when viewed from the side.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 63 in which the torso and leg sections are forced against one another.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
23 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 85 in which the torso and leg sections are distorted as they are forced against one another.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
20 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 63 in which the waistline, torso and leg sections are a single inflatable envelope.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 63 in which the occupant is restrained from forward movement by only a lap belt.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
18 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 63 in which the occupant is restrained only by one inflatable member.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vehicle restraint system of claim 63 in which the occupant is restrained by a lap belt and one inflatable member.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
204 words
A vehicle restraint system for protecting a vehicle occupant comprising a lap belt system positioned across the occupant's lap which lap belt system includes a first belt section having buckle unit attachment means at one end and first anchor means at the other end; a second belt section having second attachment means at one end and second anchor means at the other end; an inflatable member positioned in cooperation with the lap belt system; means for detecting vehicle deceleration and inflation means for producing gases to inflate the inflatable member positioned within the lap belt system in turn comprising a) an initiator means for initiating operation of the inflation means; b) said inflation means mounted on the lap belt system in an anchor means and the belt section connected to such anchor means having a gas conduit therein to conduct gas to the inflatable member; c) crash detector means which means produces a signal to cause the initiator means to operate; d) electrical conducting means for conducting the said signal from the crash detector means to the initiator means; and e) conduit means for providing the flow of gases from the inflation means to the inflatable member which conduit means includes said gas conduit.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
204 words
A vehicle restraint system for protecting a vehicle occupant comprising a lap belt system positioned across the occupant's lap which lap belt system includes a first belt section having buckle unit attachment means at one end and first anchor means at the other end; a second belt section having second attachment means at one end and second anchor means at the other end; an inflatable member positioned in cooperation with the lap belt system; means for detecting vehicle deceleration and inflation means for producing gases to inflate the inflatable member positioned within the lap belt system in turn comprising a) an initiator means for initiating operation of the inflation means; b) said inflation means mounted on the lap belt system in an anchor means and the belt section connected to such anchor means having a gas conduit therein to conduct gas to the inflatable member; c) crash detector means which means produces a signal to cause the initiator means to operate; d) electrical conducting means for conducting the said signal from the crash detector means to the initiator means; and e) conduit means for providing the flow of gases from the inflation means to the inflatable member which conduit means includes said gas conduit.
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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) | 2002-02-15 | 2002-08-17 | 2003-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-15 | 2006-08-17 | 2007-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-15 | 2010-08-17 | 2011-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |