US5957487A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lateral impact protective device for vehicle occupants
Assignee: ZF Automotive Germany GmbH
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Filing: 1997-03-19
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Granted: 1999-09-28
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Expires: 2017-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A lateral impact protective device for a front and a rear vehicle occupant comprises an elongated head gas bag which is convertable from a folded state to an inflated state. The gas bag has two opposite lateral ends and is adapted to extend, in the inflated state, from sidewards of said front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of said rear vehicle occupant. The lateral protective device provides a common and, therefore, low-price protection for the front and the rear vehicle occupant.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Stutz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 21:12
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/23; B60R21/231; B60R21/23184; B60R21/20; B60R21/213; B60R21/232; B60R21/2334; B60R21/237; B60R2021/0002; B60R2021/0006; B60R2021/003; B60R2021/0039; B60R2021/0048; B60R21/233; B60R2021/23308; B60R21/23138
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant of a vehicle, the vehicle including an A-pillar, a roof frame, and a C-pillar, said lateral impact protective device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend, in the inflated state, from sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant, said gas bag having gas inlet openings at least at one of said lateral ends; and at least one gas generator, said gas generator being attached to at least one of the A-pillar and the C-pillar of the vehicle and being connected via said gas inlet openings with the interior of said gas bag.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant of a vehicle, the vehicle including an A-pillar, a roof frame, and a C-pillar, said lateral impact protective device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend, in the inflated state, from sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant, said gas bag having gas inlet openings at least at one of said lateral ends; and at least one gas generator, said gas generator being attached to at least one of the A-pillar and the C-pillar of the vehicle and being connected via said gas inlet openings with the interior of said gas bag.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said head gas bag extends, in the folded state thereof, along at least a part of the A-pillar, along the roof frame, and along at least a part of the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said head gas bag extends, in the folded state thereof, from the A-pillar as far as the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said head gas bag is attached at one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said head gas bag is attached at one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said head gas bag is attached to the A-pillar, to the roof frame, and to the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant of a vehicle, said lateral impact protection device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend, in the inflated state, from sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant; and a hose-like fitting sheath in which said head gas bag is arranged in the folded state thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant of a vehicle, said lateral impact protection device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend, in the inflated state, from sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant; and a hose-like fitting sheath in which said head gas bag is arranged in the folded state thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said fitting sheath is secured to the vehicle and said head gas bag is attached to the vehicle along an upper edge.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said fitting sheath has a slot-like outlet opening extending in a longitudinal direction, the vehicle having a side window toward which said outlet opening points.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said fitting sheath is manufactured of flexible material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said lateral impact protective device is in the form of a unit adapted to be retrofitted to an existing vehicle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
56 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the vehicle includes an A-pillar, a roof frame, and a C-pillar, said head gas bag extending, in the folded state thereof, along at least a part of the A-pillar, along the roof frame, and along at least a part of the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said head gas bag extends, in the folded state thereof, from the A-pillar as far as the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said head gas bag is attached at one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said head gas bag is attached at one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said head gas bag is attached to the A-pillar, to the roof frame, and to the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
121 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant of a vehicle, said lateral impact protection device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said head gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend in a longitudinal direction, in the inflated state, from a sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant; said head gas bag having at least one element adapted to partially constrict said head gas bag in said inflated state thereof, said element extending transverse to said longitudinal direction and shortening said head gas bag in said longitudinal direction during inflation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
121 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant of a vehicle, said lateral impact protection device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said head gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend in a longitudinal direction, in the inflated state, from a sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant; said head gas bag having at least one element adapted to partially constrict said head gas bag in said inflated state thereof, said element extending transverse to said longitudinal direction and shortening said head gas bag in said longitudinal direction during inflation.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said head gas bag has a wall and said constricting element is secured to said wall and is in the form of a string.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
35 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said head gas bag has a wall and said constricting element is secured to said wall and is in the form of a tape.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said gas bag has a bottom edge portion, said constricting element constricting said bottom edge portion in said inflated state of said gas bag.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
56 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the vehicle includes an A-pillar, a roof frame, and a C-pillar, said head gas bag extending, in the folded state thereof, along at least a part of the A-pillar, along the roof frame, and along at least a part of the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 21 wherein said head gas bag extends, in the folded state thereof, from the A-pillar as far as the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 21 wherein said head gas bag is attached at one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said head gas bag is attached to one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 21 wherein said head gas bag is attached to the A-pillar, to the roof frame, and to the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
107 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant in a vehicle, the vehicle having side windows with a bottom part, said lateral impact protective device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend, in the inflated state, from sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant; said head gas bag extending, in the inflated state thereof, as far as the bottom part of the side windows and tapering toward its end.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
107 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant in a vehicle, the vehicle having side windows with a bottom part, said lateral impact protective device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend, in the inflated state, from sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant; said head gas bag extending, in the inflated state thereof, as far as the bottom part of the side windows and tapering toward its end.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
56 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 26 wherein the vehicle includes an A-pillar, a roof frame, and a C-pillar, said head gas bag extending, in the folded state thereof, along at least a part of the A-pillar, along the roof frame, and along at least a part of the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 27 wherein said head gas bag extends, in the folded state thereof, from the A-pillar as far as the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 27 wherein said head gas bag is attached at one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 28 wherein said head gas bag is attached at one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 27 wherein said head gas bag is attached to the A-pillar, to the roof frames and to the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
130 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant in a vehicle, said lateral impact protection device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend, in the inflated state, from sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant; said gas bag having an internal wall surface and wherein a heat resistant foil is present in the interior of said gas bag, said foil lying against said internal wall surface and being so arranged and of such a size that it is not loaded by pulling forces in the inflated state of said head gas bag.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
130 words
A lateral impact protective device for a front vehicle occupant and a rear vehicle occupant in a vehicle, said lateral impact protection device comprising: an elongated head gas bag which is convertible from a folded state to an inflated state, said gas bag having two opposite lateral ends and being adapted to extend, in the inflated state, from sidewards of the front vehicle occupant as far as sidewards of the rear vehicle occupant; said gas bag having an internal wall surface and wherein a heat resistant foil is present in the interior of said gas bag, said foil lying against said internal wall surface and being so arranged and of such a size that it is not loaded by pulling forces in the inflated state of said head gas bag.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
56 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 32 wherein the vehicle includes an A-pillar, a roof frame, and a C-pillar, said head gas bag extending in the folded state thereof, along at least a part of the A-pillar, along the roof frame, and along at least a part of the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said head gas bag extends, in the folded state thereof, from the A-pillar as far as the C-pillar of the vehicle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said head gas bag is attached at one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 34 wherein said head gas bag is attached at one of said lateral ends to the A-pillar and at the other of said lateral ends to the C-pillar.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lateral impact protective device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said head gas bag is attached to the A-pillar, to the roof frame, and to the C-pillar of the vehicle.
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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) | 2002-09-27 | 2003-03-29 | 2003-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-09-27 | 2007-03-29 | 2007-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-09-27 | 2011-03-29 | 2011-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |