US6089599A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Baffled air bag
Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology Inc
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Filing: 1998-09-10
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Granted: 2000-07-18
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Expires: 2018-09-10
Abstract
Abstract An air bag (20) comprising: an inflatable cushion (22) portion and in inlet portion (24) through which inflation gas is received, and an airflow baffle (30; 30a) which creates a low pressure pocket directly downstream of itself and causes the air bag to initially begin to inflate laterally. The baffle includes a flexible panel within the cushion portion downstream of the inlet portion, for diverting at least a portion of the inflation gas to between an edge of the baffle and an adjacent inner surface of the cushion.
Inventors
- 👤 Nathan Alan Schimmoller
- 👤 Chetan Mehta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:09
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/23; B60R21/231; B60R21/233; B60R21/2334; B60R21/2346; B60R2021/23324
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
An air bag (20) comprising: an inflatable cushion portion (22) and an inlet portion (24) through which inflation gas is received, and a baffle (30; 30a) comprising a thin, flexible, multi-sided panel, located within the cushion portion downstream of the inlet portion, the baffle including at least a first set of two generally opposed sides (80a, 80b) that are secured relative to an adjacent portion of the cushion portion and a second set of opposed sides (84a,b) loosely spaced from an adjacent corresponding inner surface of the cushion portion, for diverting at least a portion of the inflation gas to between an edge of at least one of the second set of sides and the adjacent inner surface of the cushion portion wherein the baffle includes a weakened region for enabling the baffle to tear.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
An air bag (20) comprising: an inflatable cushion portion (22) and an inlet portion (24) through which inflation gas is received, and a baffle (30; 30a) comprising a thin, flexible, multi-sided panel, located within the cushion portion downstream of the inlet portion, the baffle including at least a first set of two generally opposed sides (80a, 80b) that are secured relative to an adjacent portion of the cushion portion and a second set of opposed sides (84a,b) loosely spaced from an adjacent corresponding inner surface of the cushion portion, for diverting at least a portion of the inflation gas to between an edge of at least one of the second set of sides and the adjacent inner surface of the cushion portion wherein the baffle includes a weakened region for enabling the baffle to tear.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device as defined in claim 1 wherein the baffle further includes flow means (92) for encouraging a component of the inflation gas to flow directly across the baffle for causing the air bag to inflate in a direction of an occupant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device as defined in claim 2 wherein the flow means includes discrete openings (92) to permit a portion of the inflation gas to flow axially across the baffle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device as defined in claim 1 wherein each side of the first set of sides of the baffle is sewn to the cushion portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
An air bag (20) comprising: an inflatable cushion (22) and an inlet portion (24) through which inflation gas is received, wherein the cushion is propelled by the inflation gas in a determinable direction and an airflow baffle means (30), located within the cushion, for causing the air bag to initially begin to inflate sideways relative to the determinable direction; wherein the baffle means includes a weakened region for enabling the baffle means to tear.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
74 words
An air bag (20) comprising: an inflatable cushion (22) and an inlet portion (24) through which inflation gas is received, wherein the cushion is propelled by the inflation gas in a determinable direction and an airflow baffle means (30), located within the cushion, for causing the air bag to initially begin to inflate sideways relative to the determinable direction; wherein the baffle means includes a weakened region for enabling the baffle means to tear.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The device as defined in claim 5 wherein the baffle means includes a flexible panel inserted within the cushion downstream of the inlet portion, for diverting at least a portion of the inflation gas to between an unsecured edge of the baffle means and an adjacent inner surface of the cushion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device as defined in claim 6 wherein the baffle means includes at least a first set of two generally opposed sides that are secured relative to an adjacent portion of the cushion and a second set of opposed sides spaced from the adjacent corresponding inner surface of the cushion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device as defined in claim 7 wherein each side of the first set of sides of the baffle means is sewn to the cushion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The air bag as defined in claim 7 wherein each side of the second set of sides is arcuately shaped.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The air bag as defined in claim 9 wherein the arcuate shape of each second side generally conforms to the shape of the adjacent inner surface of the cushion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device as defined in claim 6 wherein the baffle means further includes flow means (92) for encouraging a component of the inflation gas to flow directly across the baffle means for causing the air bag to inflate in a direction of an occupant.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device as defined in claim 11 wherein the flow means includes at least one opening (92) in the baffle means.
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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) | 2003-07-18 | 2004-01-17 | 2004-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-07-18 | 2008-01-17 | 2008-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-07-18 | 2012-01-17 | 2012-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |