US6709010B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rear tether retractor for an inflatable cushion
Assignee: Autoliv ASP Inc
•
Filing: 2001-11-09
•
Granted: 2004-03-23
•
Expires: 2021-11-09
Abstract
Abstract A tether assembly attachable to an inflatable cushion airbag module is disclosed that is usable in vehicles including trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles with abrupt rear surfaces. The tether assembly does not require that the rear tether be extended back from the rear edge of the airbag. The tether assembly may be used in connection with an inflatable cushion airbag secured to the front portion of the vehicle using a standard front tether system. The tether assembly is attached via a sliding mechanism to a rear tether used to secure an inflatable cushion module airbag to an anchoring point within the vehicle. The sliding mechanism is also connected to a retractor, preferably through a flexible connector made of the webbing material used in seat belts. The tether assembly is configured so that when the inflatable cushion airbag deploys during an accident, the retractor supplies rearward tension on the airbag by causing the sliding mechanism to move along the path of the tether. This tension on the airbag prevents it from shifting from the position designated to give the occupant optimal protection against lateral impact and rollover. Preferably, the retractor does not supply tension to the airbag until after it has deployed. A locking mechanism can be attached to the retractor to prevent a reduction in the tension applied to the inflatable cushion by restraining motion of the sliding mechanism in a direction away from the retractor.
Inventors
- 👤 David L. Dominissini
- 👤 Michael K. Hishon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:42
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/16; B60R21/23; B60R21/231; B60R21/2334; B60R21/2338; B60R21/232; B60R22/00; B60R22/18; B60R22/195; B60R22/1952; B60R22/1953; B60R2021/23386
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
An inflatable curtain module configured to provide side impact protection for an occupant of a vehicle, the inflatable curtain module comprising: a cushion configured to inflate inward of a lateral surface of the vehicle in an inflation direction; a front tether attached to the cushion and to a front tether anchoring point positioned forward of the cushion within the vehicle; a rear tether comprising a first end attached to the cushion and a second end fixedly attached to a rear tether anchoring point positioned rearward of the cushion within the vehicle; a sliding mechanism slidably capturing the rear tether; a retractor connected to the sliding mechanism, to exert rearward tension on the sliding mechanism; and a locking mechanism that restrains motion of the sliding mechanism away from the retractor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
An inflatable curtain module configured to provide side impact protection for an occupant of a vehicle, the inflatable curtain module comprising: a cushion configured to inflate inward of a lateral surface of the vehicle in an inflation direction; a front tether attached to the cushion and to a front tether anchoring point positioned forward of the cushion within the vehicle; a rear tether comprising a first end attached to the cushion and a second end fixedly attached to a rear tether anchoring point positioned rearward of the cushion within the vehicle; a sliding mechanism slidably capturing the rear tether; a retractor connected to the sliding mechanism, to exert rearward tension on the sliding mechanism; and a locking mechanism that restrains motion of the sliding mechanism away from the retractor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 1 , wherein the cushion is rolled.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 1 , wherein the cushion is folded.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 1 , wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of a ring encircling an intermediate portion of the rear tether, a flexible coupling loop encircling an intermediate portion of the rear tether, a roller assembly having a plurality of rollers positioned to sandwich an intermediate portion of the rear tether, and a housing having a hollow rectangular cross section sized to slidably contain a cross section of the rear tether.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 1 , wherein the retractor is substantially constructed of a plastic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 1 , wherein the rear tether anchoring point is positioned proximate a roof rail of the vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 1 , wherein the rear tether anchoring point is positioned on an abrupt rear surface of the vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 1 , wherein the rear tether anchoring point is positioned on an attachment surface of the vehicle, wherein the attachment surface is substantially rearward of and parallel to the lateral surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 1 wherein the retractor is connectable to the sliding mechanism via a flexible connector, wherein the retractor exerts rearward tension on the flexible connector and in turn the flexible connector exerts rearward tension on the sliding mechanism.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 9 , wherein the flexible connector is constructed of a structure selected from the group consisting of a webbing material, a chain, a fiber-based rope, a polymer-based cord, and a metal cable.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 9 , wherein the flexible connector has a length selected to permit removal of substantially all slack from the flexible connector prior to impact of the occupant against the cushion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 11 wherein the retractor is configured to permit slack to remain in the flexible connector during inflation of the cushion.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 9 , wherein the locking mechanism is configured to restrict extension of the flexible connector from the retractor to less than about 10 millimeters.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 9 , wherein the retractor comprises a rotationally biased spindle configured to wind the flexible connector.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
75 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 14 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of a gear rotationally coupled to the rotationally biased spindle with a blocking member that impedes rotation of the gear in a direction corresponding to withdrawal of the flexible connector from the retractor, and a rotatable engagement member that grips the flexible connector to restrain motion of the flexible connector out of the retractor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
138 words
An inflatable curtain module having a stowed configuration in which the module is stored in a vehicle, and a deployed configuration in which the module is operable to provide lateral impact protection tending to keep an occupant of the vehicle from passing through a protection plane, the module comprising: a cushion configured to be disposed along a portion of the protection plane in the deployed configuration; a tether having a first end configured to be attached to the cushion, a second end configured to be attached to a tether anchoring point of the vehicle, displaced from the first end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends; a sliding mechanism slidably attachable to the intermediate portion; and a retractor that exerts force on the sliding mechanism to produce tension in the tether in the deployed configuration.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
138 words
An inflatable curtain module having a stowed configuration in which the module is stored in a vehicle, and a deployed configuration in which the module is operable to provide lateral impact protection tending to keep an occupant of the vehicle from passing through a protection plane, the module comprising: a cushion configured to be disposed along a portion of the protection plane in the deployed configuration; a tether having a first end configured to be attached to the cushion, a second end configured to be attached to a tether anchoring point of the vehicle, displaced from the first end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends; a sliding mechanism slidably attachable to the intermediate portion; and a retractor that exerts force on the sliding mechanism to produce tension in the tether in the deployed configuration.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 16 , wherein the cushion is rolled.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 16 , wherein the tether anchoring point is positioned on an abrupt rear surface of the vehicle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 16 , wherein the retractor is attached to the sliding mechanism via a flexible connector.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 19 , wherein the flexible connector comprises a webbing material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 19 , wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a ring attached to the flexible connector and looped around the intermediate portion of the tether.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
138 words
An inflatable curtain module having a stowed configuration in which the module is stored in the vehicle and a deployed configuration in which the module is operable to provide lateral impact protection, the module comprising: a cushion configured to be disposed longitudinally along a lateral surface of the vehicle in the deployed configuration; a tether extensible along a tether path between a tether anchoring point of the vehicle and the cushion to transmit tension between the tether anchoring point and the cushion, the tether comprising a first end attached to the cushion and a second end fixedly attached to the tether anchoring point; and a tensioning system configured to exert pressure on an intermediate portion of the tether such that a substantial portion of the tension transmitted by the tether to the cushion is in the longitudinal direction.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
138 words
An inflatable curtain module having a stowed configuration in which the module is stored in the vehicle and a deployed configuration in which the module is operable to provide lateral impact protection, the module comprising: a cushion configured to be disposed longitudinally along a lateral surface of the vehicle in the deployed configuration; a tether extensible along a tether path between a tether anchoring point of the vehicle and the cushion to transmit tension between the tether anchoring point and the cushion, the tether comprising a first end attached to the cushion and a second end fixedly attached to the tether anchoring point; and a tensioning system configured to exert pressure on an intermediate portion of the tether such that a substantial portion of the tension transmitted by the tether to the cushion is in the longitudinal direction.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 22 , wherein the cushion is rolled.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 22 , wherein the tether is attached to the cushion proximate a bottom edge of the cushion in the deployed configuration.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
68 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 22 , wherein the tensioning system comprises: a sliding mechanism positioned proximate the tether and connected to the tether to allow the tether to slide along the sliding mechanism; a flexible connector connected to the sliding mechanism; a retractor that exerts tension on the flexible connector; and a locking mechanism that restrains motion of the sliding mechanism away from the retractor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
52 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 22 , wherein the tensioning system produces tension such that a portion of the tension transmitted by the tether to the cushion in the deployed configuration is directed rearward of the occupant in a horizontal direction at a height proximate a waistline of the occupant.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
52 words
An inflatable curtain module as in claim 22 , wherein the tensioning system produces tension such that a portion of the tension transmitted by the tether to the cushion in the deployed configuration is directed forward of the occupant in a horizontal direction at a height proximate a waistline of the occupant.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
103 words
A tether assembly configured to be attached to a cushion of an air bag system designed to protect an occupant of a vehicle from lateral impact, the assembly comprising: a tether having a first end configured to be attached to the cushion, a second end configured to be attached to a tether anchoring point of the vehicle, displaced from the first end, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; a sliding mechanism that slidably engages the intermediate portion of the tether; and a retractor attached to the sliding mechanism, to draw the sliding mechanism away from the cushion.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
103 words
A tether assembly configured to be attached to a cushion of an air bag system designed to protect an occupant of a vehicle from lateral impact, the assembly comprising: a tether having a first end configured to be attached to the cushion, a second end configured to be attached to a tether anchoring point of the vehicle, displaced from the first end, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end; a sliding mechanism that slidably engages the intermediate portion of the tether; and a retractor attached to the sliding mechanism, to draw the sliding mechanism away from the cushion.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
A tether assembly as in claim 28 , wherein the tether has a bend proximate the sliding mechanism.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
A tether assembly as in claim 28 , wherein the tether anchoring point is positioned on a surface rearward of the lateral surface of the vehicle.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
111 words
A tensioning assembly for a tether having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, the first end attachable to a cushion of an air bag system designed to provide side impact protection of an occupant of a vehicle, the second end attachable to an anchoring point within the vehicle, the tensioning assembly comprising: a sliding mechanism slidably connected to the intermediate portion of the tether; a flexible connector connected to the sliding mechanism; a retractor that takes up at least a portion of the flexible connector to exert tension on the flexible connector; and a locking mechanism that restrains motion of the sliding mechanism away from the retractor.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
111 words
A tensioning assembly for a tether having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, the first end attachable to a cushion of an air bag system designed to provide side impact protection of an occupant of a vehicle, the second end attachable to an anchoring point within the vehicle, the tensioning assembly comprising: a sliding mechanism slidably connected to the intermediate portion of the tether; a flexible connector connected to the sliding mechanism; a retractor that takes up at least a portion of the flexible connector to exert tension on the flexible connector; and a locking mechanism that restrains motion of the sliding mechanism away from the retractor.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tensioning assembly as in claim 31 , wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a ring encircling an intermediate portion of the rear tether.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
A tensioning assembly as in claim 31 , wherein the flexible connector comprises a webbing material.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
34 words
A tensioning assembly as in claim 31 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rotatable engagement member configured to grip the flexible connector to restrain motion of the flexible connector out of the retractor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
A tensioning assembly as in claim 31 , wherein the retractor comprises a rotationally biased spindle configured to wind the flexible connector.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
40 words
A tensioning assembly as in claim 31 , wherein the retractor is positioned in relation to the tether such that motion of the sliding mechanism toward the retractor initiates comparatively more rapid motion of the first end of the tether.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
121 words
A tensioning assembly for a tether with a first end attachable to a cushion of an air bag system designed to provide side impact protection of an occupant of a vehicle and a second end attachable to a tether anchoring point within the vehicle, the tensioning assembly comprising: a sliding mechanism slidably attached to the intermediate portion of the tether; a flexible connector connected to the sliding mechanism; and a retractor that takes up at least a portion of the flexible connector to exerts tension on the flexible connector, wherein the retractor is positioned in relation to the tether such that motion of the sliding mechanism toward the retractor initiates comparatively more rapid motion of the first end of the tether.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
121 words
A tensioning assembly for a tether with a first end attachable to a cushion of an air bag system designed to provide side impact protection of an occupant of a vehicle and a second end attachable to a tether anchoring point within the vehicle, the tensioning assembly comprising: a sliding mechanism slidably attached to the intermediate portion of the tether; a flexible connector connected to the sliding mechanism; and a retractor that takes up at least a portion of the flexible connector to exerts tension on the flexible connector, wherein the retractor is positioned in relation to the tether such that motion of the sliding mechanism toward the retractor initiates comparatively more rapid motion of the first end of the tether.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tensioning assembly as in claim 37 , wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a ring encircling an intermediate portion of the rear tether.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
A tensioning assembly as in claim 37 , wherein the retractor comprises a rotationally biased spindle configured to wind the flexible connector.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
16 words
A tensioning assembly as in claim 37 , wherein the flexible connector comprises a webbing material.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for restraining motion of an occupant of a vehicle through a protection plane, the method comprising: providing a cushion configured to deploy along the protection plane; providing a tether having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends; affixing the first end to the cushion; fixedly attaching the second end to a tether anchoring point of the vehicle; providing a tensioning system; and connecting the tensioning system to the intermediate portion to actuate the tether such that the tether exerts tension on the cushion, the tension tending to keep the cushion within the protection plane.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for restraining motion of an occupant of a vehicle through a protection plane, the method comprising: providing a cushion configured to deploy along the protection plane; providing a tether having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends; affixing the first end to the cushion; fixedly attaching the second end to a tether anchoring point of the vehicle; providing a tensioning system; and connecting the tensioning system to the intermediate portion to actuate the tether such that the tether exerts tension on the cushion, the tension tending to keep the cushion within the protection plane.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 41 , wherein providing a cushion configured to deploy along the protection planes comprises providing a rolled cushion.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 41 , wherein affixing the first end to the cushion comprises affixing the first end proximate a bottom edge of the cushion in the deployed configuration.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
68 words
A method as in claim 41 , wherein providing a tensioning system comprises providing a sliding mechanism positioned proximate the tether and connected to the tether to allow the tether to slide along the sliding mechanism, a flexible connector connected to the sliding mechanism, a retractor that exerts tension on the flexible connector, and a locking mechanism that restrains motion of the sliding mechanism away from the retractor.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as in claim 44 , further comprising positioning the retractor in relation to the tether such that motion of the sliding mechanism toward the retractor initiates comparatively more rapid motion of the first end of the tether.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as in claim 41 , further comprising configuring the tensioning system to produce tension such that a portion of a tension transmitted by the tether to the cushion in the deployed configuration is directed rearward of the occupant in a horizontal direction at a height proximate the waistline of a occupant.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as in claim 41 , further comprising configuring the tensioning system to produce tension such that a portion of a tension transmitted by the tether to the cushion in the deployed configuration is directed forward of the occupant in a horizontal direction at a height proximate a waistline of the occupant.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for restraining a cushion for an air bag system of a vehicle during deployment, the method comprising: providing a tether having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion; attaching the first end to the cushion; fixedly attaching the second end to a tether anchoring point of the vehicle; providing a sliding mechanism; providing a retractor; attaching the sliding mechanism to the intermediate portion in such a way that the intermediate portion is slidable in relation to the sliding mechanism; and attaching the retractor to the sliding mechanism.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for restraining a cushion for an air bag system of a vehicle during deployment, the method comprising: providing a tether having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion; attaching the first end to the cushion; fixedly attaching the second end to a tether anchoring point of the vehicle; providing a sliding mechanism; providing a retractor; attaching the sliding mechanism to the intermediate portion in such a way that the intermediate portion is slidable in relation to the sliding mechanism; and attaching the retractor to the sliding mechanism.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , further comprising compacting the cushion by rolling.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , further comprising compacting the cushion by accordion folding.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
86 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , wherein providing a sliding mechanism comprises providing a structure selected from the group consisting of a ring encircling an intermediate portion of the rear tether, a flexible coupling loop encircling an intermediate portion of the rear tether, a roller assembly having a plurality of rollers positioned to sandwich an intermediate portion of the rear tether, and a housing having a hollow rectangular cross section sized to slidably contain a cross section of the rear tether.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , wherein the retractor is substantially constructed of a plastic material.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , wherein providing the retractor comprises providing a rotationally biased spindle that winds a flexible connector attached to the sliding mechanism.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , wherein attaching the second end to a tether anchoring point comprises attaching the second end proximate a roof rail of the vehicle.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , wherein attaching the second end to a tether anchoring point comprises attaching the second end to an abrupt rear surface of the vehicle.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , wherein attaching the second end to a tether anchoring point comprises attaching the second end to an attachment surface of the vehicle, wherein the attachment surface is substantially rearward of and parallel to the lateral surface.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
57 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , wherein attaching the retractor to the sliding mechanism comprises attaching a flexible connector to the sliding mechanism and the retractor, wherein the flexible connector is selected from the group consisting of a webbing material, a chain, a fiber-based rope, a polymer-based cord, and a metal cable.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 48 , further comprising: providing a locking mechanism; and connecting the locking mechanism to the sliding mechanism to restrict withdrawal of the sliding mechanism from the retractor.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
79 words
A method for restraining a cushion as in claim 58 , wherein providing a locking mechanism comprises providing a structure selected from the group consisting of a gear rotationally coupled to the rotationally biased spindle with a blocking member that impedes rotation of the gear in a direction corresponding to withdrawal of the flexible connector from the retractor, and a rotatable engagement member that grips the flexible connector to restrain motion of the flexible connector out of the retractor.
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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) | 2007-03-23 | 2007-09-22 | 2008-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-03-23 | 2011-09-22 | 2012-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-03-23 | 2015-09-22 | 2016-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |