US6422597B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable profile air bag restraint
Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
•
Filing: 2000-09-28
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Granted: 2002-07-23
•
Expires: 2020-09-28
Abstract
Abstract An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event. The air bag assembly includes an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions and an air bag cushion including an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state. At least one profile restraining tether element is operatively connected to the air bag cushion such that the profile restraining tether element restrains the expansion of the air bag cushion upon introduction of the inflation gas to the air bag cushion. The profile restraining tether element is also releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether element such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a first restrained depth when the profile restraining tether element is anchored to the retaining member. The profile restraining tether element is releasable from the retaining member upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a second depth which is greater than the first restrained depth.
Inventors
- 👤 Ryan Todd Pinsenschaum
- 👤 Laura Adelle Hawthorn
- 👤 Stephanie L Dunkle
- 👤 Mark Thomas Winters
- 👤 Shawn Gregory Ryan
- 👤 Gary R Greib
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 13:30
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/23; B60R21/231; B60R21/233; B60R21/01; B60R21/015; B60R21/01512; B60R21/01516; B60R21/0153; B60R21/01538; B60R21/01554; B60R21/2334; B60R21/2338; B60R21/26; B60R21/276; B60R2021/161; B60R2021/23382; B60R2021/23386; B60R2021/2765; B60R21/20; B60R21/205; B60R21/217; B60R21/2171
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
260 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact events the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion including an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant; at least one profile restraining tether element operatively connected to the air bag cushion such that the profile restraining tether element restrains the expansion of the air bag cushion upon introduction of the inflation gas to the air bag cushion, the profile restraining tether element further being releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether element such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a first restrained depth when the profile restraining tether element is anchored to the retaining member, the profile restraining tether element being releasable from the retaining member upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a second depth which is greater than said first restrained depth when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the profile restraining tether element extends from fixed points of connection on the air bag cushion through one or more loop elements at the interior surface of the air bag cushion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
260 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact events the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion including an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant; at least one profile restraining tether element operatively connected to the air bag cushion such that the profile restraining tether element restrains the expansion of the air bag cushion upon introduction of the inflation gas to the air bag cushion, the profile restraining tether element further being releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether element such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a first restrained depth when the profile restraining tether element is anchored to the retaining member, the profile restraining tether element being releasable from the retaining member upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a second depth which is greater than said first restrained depth when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the profile restraining tether element extends from fixed points of connection on the air bag cushion through one or more loop elements at the interior surface of the air bag cushion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention according to claim 1 , wherein the profile restraining tether element is releasably anchored to the retaining member by a female element extending in sliding relation over the retaining member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
269 words
An air bag assembly liar cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion including an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant; at least one profile restraining tether element operatively connected lo the air bag cushion such that the profile restraining tether element restrains the expansion of the air bag cushion upon introduction of the inflation gas to the air bag cushion, the profile restraining tether element further being releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether element such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a first restrained depth when the profile restraining tether clement is anchored lo the retaining members the profile restraining tether element being releasable from the retaining member upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a second depth which is greater than said first restrained depth when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein a moveable barrier element is disposed adjacent to the retaining member such that an anchoring relation is maintained between the retaining member and the profile restraining tether element until the moveable barrier element is moved away from the retaking member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
269 words
An air bag assembly liar cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion including an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant; at least one profile restraining tether element operatively connected lo the air bag cushion such that the profile restraining tether element restrains the expansion of the air bag cushion upon introduction of the inflation gas to the air bag cushion, the profile restraining tether element further being releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether element such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a first restrained depth when the profile restraining tether clement is anchored lo the retaining members the profile restraining tether element being releasable from the retaining member upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a second depth which is greater than said first restrained depth when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein a moveable barrier element is disposed adjacent to the retaining member such that an anchoring relation is maintained between the retaining member and the profile restraining tether element until the moveable barrier element is moved away from the retaking member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
The invention according to claim 3 , wherein the profile restraining tether element extends in angled relation away from the retaining member such upon movement of the moveable barrier element away from the retaining member the application of tension to the profile restraining tether element causes the profile restraining tether element to slidingly disengage from the retaining member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
308 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion including an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant; at least one profile restraining tether element operatively connected to the air bag cushion such that the profile restraining tether element restrains the expansion of the air bag cushion upon introduction of the inflation gas to the air bag cushion, the profile restraining tether element further being releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether element such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a first restrained depth when the profile restraining tether element is anchored to the retaining member, the profile restraining tether element being releasable from the retaining member upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a second depth which is greater than said first restrained depth when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the air bag assembly further comprises an actuatable variable inflation device to control the amount of inflation gas discharged into the air bag cushion and wherein the variable inflation device is actuated in conjunction with the release of the profile restraining tether element utilizing a single initiator to both actuate the variable inflation device and release the profile restraining tether element thereby directing additional inflation gas into the air bag cushion upon release of the profile restraining tether element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
308 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion including an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant; at least one profile restraining tether element operatively connected to the air bag cushion such that the profile restraining tether element restrains the expansion of the air bag cushion upon introduction of the inflation gas to the air bag cushion, the profile restraining tether element further being releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether element such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a first restrained depth when the profile restraining tether element is anchored to the retaining member, the profile restraining tether element being releasable from the retaining member upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the air bag cushion is inflatable to a second depth which is greater than said first restrained depth when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the air bag assembly further comprises an actuatable variable inflation device to control the amount of inflation gas discharged into the air bag cushion and wherein the variable inflation device is actuated in conjunction with the release of the profile restraining tether element utilizing a single initiator to both actuate the variable inflation device and release the profile restraining tether element thereby directing additional inflation gas into the air bag cushion upon release of the profile restraining tether element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
235 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising; an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the profile restraining tether element extends from fixed points of connection on the air bag cushion through one or more loop elements at the interior surface of the air bag cushion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
235 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising; an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the profile restraining tether element extends from fixed points of connection on the air bag cushion through one or more loop elements at the interior surface of the air bag cushion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
228 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially station retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the profile restraining tether element is releasably anchored to the retaining member by a female element extending in sliding relation over the retaining member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
228 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially station retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the profile restraining tether element is releasably anchored to the retaining member by a female element extending in sliding relation over the retaining member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
244 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions, an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein a moveable barrier element is disposed adjacent to the retaining member such that an anchoring relation is maintained between the retaining member and the profile restraining tether element until the moveable barrier element is moved away from the retaining member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
244 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions, an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein a moveable barrier element is disposed adjacent to the retaining member such that an anchoring relation is maintained between the retaining member and the profile restraining tether element until the moveable barrier element is moved away from the retaining member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
59 words
The invention according to claim 8 , wherein the profile restraining tether element extends in angled relation away from the retaining member such that upon movement of the moveable barrier element away from the retaining member the application of tension to the profile restraining tether element causes the profile restraining tether element to slidingly disengage from the retaining member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention according to claim 9 , wherein the profile restraining tether element is releasably anchored to the retaining member by a ring element operatively connected to a strap element attached to the profile restraining tether element.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The invention according to claim 9 , wherein the profile restraining tether element is releasably anchored to the retaining member by a loop formed on a strap attached to the profile restraining tether element.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
302 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a pyrotechnic initiator device activatable during operation of the inflator and a moveable plunger having a reaction surface, wherein a moveable barrier element is attached to the plunger adjacent to the retaining member, and wherein the initiator device is capable of generating pressure against the reaction surface of the plunger to move the plunger such that the moveable barrier element is carried away from the retaining member thereby permitting the tether element to disengage from the retaining member upon the application of tension to the tether element as the air bag cushion is inflated.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
302 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a pyrotechnic initiator device activatable during operation of the inflator and a moveable plunger having a reaction surface, wherein a moveable barrier element is attached to the plunger adjacent to the retaining member, and wherein the initiator device is capable of generating pressure against the reaction surface of the plunger to move the plunger such that the moveable barrier element is carried away from the retaining member thereby permitting the tether element to disengage from the retaining member upon the application of tension to the tether element as the air bag cushion is inflated.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
282 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupants, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile retraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the actuatable inflation control device comprises a moveable member alignable with a vent opening within a housing containing the inflator, the moveable member being moveable relative to the vent opening upon activation of the actuation mechanism thereby at least partially blocking the vent opening in conjunction with release of the tether element from the retaining member to increase the amount of inflation gas discharged into the air bag as the inflatable volume of the air bag is increased.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
282 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupants, at least one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile retraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism including an initiator activatable in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring conditions of the occupant such that the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant conditions occur, wherein the actuatable inflation control device comprises a moveable member alignable with a vent opening within a housing containing the inflator, the moveable member being moveable relative to the vent opening upon activation of the actuation mechanism thereby at least partially blocking the vent opening in conjunction with release of the tether element from the retaining member to increase the amount of inflation gas discharged into the air bag as the inflatable volume of the air bag is increased.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
215 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at last one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism comprising a single initiator activatable during operation of the inflator in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring characteristics of the occupant such that upon activation of said single initiator, the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant characteristics at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant characteristics occur.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
215 words
An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator having an initiator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions; an air bag cushion having an interior surface in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, at last one profile restraining tether element releasably anchored to a substantially stationary retaining member thereby shortening the operative length of the profile restraining tether element; an actuatable inflation control device; and an actuation mechanism comprising a single initiator activatable during operation of the inflator in response to a signal based upon input data from one or more sensors measuring characteristics of the occupant such that upon activation of said single initiator, the actuation mechanism releases the profile restraining tether element from the retaining member and conjunctively directs additional inflation gas into the air bag upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant characteristics at the time the air bag cushion is deployed such that the inflatable profile of the air bag is increased in instances when said predetermined occupant characteristics occur.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
97 words
The invention according to claim 14 , wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a moveable plunger having a reaction surface, wherein a moveable barrier element is attached to the plunger adjacent to the retaining member, and wherein the single initiator generates pressure against the reaction surface of the plunger to move the plunger such that the moveable barrier element is carried away from the retaining member thereby permitting the profile restraining tether element to slidingly disengage from the retaining member upon the application of tension to the profile restraining tether element as the air bag cushion is inflated.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
83 words
The invention according to claim 15 , wherein the actuatable inflation control device comprises a moveable member alignable with a vent opening within a housing containing the inflator, the moveable member being moveable relative to the vent opening upon activation of the actuation mechanism thereby closing the vent opening in conjunction with release of the tether element from the retaining member to increase the amount of inflation gas discharged into the air bag as the inflatable volume of the air bag is increased.
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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) | 2005-07-22 | 2006-01-21 | 2006-07-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-07-22 | 2010-01-21 | 2010-07-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-07-22 | 2014-01-21 | 2014-07-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |