Patent US6805404B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6805404B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicular seats including occupant protection apparatus
Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLC
•
Filing: 2000-07-11
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Granted: 2004-10-19
•
Expires: 2020-07-11
Abstract
Abstract Headrest for a seat of a vehicle including a frame attachable to the seat and a fluid-containing bag attached to the frame. The bag allows movement of the fluid within the bag to thereby alter its shape and enable it to conform to the head and neck of an occupant. A deformable cover substantially surrounds the bag and is elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in the bag. A protection system for protecting an occupant in an impact includes an anticipatory crash sensor for determining that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur and a movable cushioning arrangement coupled to the anticipatory crash sensor. The cushioning arrangement is movable toward a likely position of the occupant, ideally into contact with the occupant, upon a determination by the anticipatory crash sensor that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur. The cushioning arrangement includes a frame coupled to the vehicle and a fluid-containing bag attached to the frame. The bag allows movement of the fluid therewithin to thereby alter its shape and enable it bag to conform to the occupant.
Inventors
- 👤 David S. Breed
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 07:58
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/01; B60R21/015; B60R21/01512; B60R21/0153; B60R21/01536; B60N; B60N2/00; B60N2/002; B60N2/0021; B60N2/0024; B60N2/0027; B60N2/0028; B60N2/80; B60N2/806; B60N2/838; B60N2/853; B60N2/0026; B60N2210/00; B60N2210/10; B60N2210/26; B60N2220/00; B60N2220/20; B60N2220/30; B60N2230/00; B60N2230/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement comprising: a frame coupled to a seat of the vehicle, said frame extending upward from a top of the seat such that said cushioning arrangement constitutes a headrest, a fluid-containing bag attached to said frame, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement, the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact; and constraining means arranged within said bag for automatically constraining flow of fluid from a first portion of said bag to a second portion of said bag upon contact by the occupant with a portion of said cushioning arrangement opposite said first portion of said bag prior to or during the impact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement comprising: a frame coupled to a seat of the vehicle, said frame extending upward from a top of the seat such that said cushioning arrangement constitutes a headrest, a fluid-containing bag attached to said frame, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement, the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact; and constraining means arranged within said bag for automatically constraining flow of fluid from a first portion of said bag to a second portion of said bag upon contact by the occupant with a portion of said cushioning arrangement opposite said first portion of said bag prior to or during the impact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a deformable cover substantially surrounding said bag, said cover being elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in said bag.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein said cover comprises stretch seams to allow elastic deformation of said cover.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vehicle of claim 2 , wherein said cover defines an interior, said bag occupying the entire interior of said cover.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein said constraining means are arranged to constrain the flow of fluid from an upper portion of said bag to a lower portion of said bag.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein said constraining means are structured and arranged such that when said upper portion contracts, said lower portion expands.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
86 words
The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the cushioning arrangement is structured and arranged such that when the occupant comes into contact with the cushioning arrangement, fluid within said bag flows substantially within said bag to change the shape of said bag so as to approximately conform to the head and neck of the occupant thereby providing a force on the head and neck of the occupant to substantially accelerate both the head and neck at substantially the same acceleration in order to minimize whiplash injuries.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein said open cell foam includes channels which facilitate the flow of fluid within said bag.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the fluid in said bag is air.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
54 words
The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the cushioning arrangement further comprises a flow restriction arranged in connection with said bag to permit a controlled flow of fluid out of said bag when the occupant is in contact with the cushioning arrangement to thereby dampen the impact of the occupant with the cushioning arrangement.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
101 words
A vehicle including a protection system for protecting an occupant in an impact, the protection system comprising: an anticipatory crash sensor for determining that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur, and a movable, continuously inflated cushioning arrangement coupled to said anticipatory crash sensor, said cushioning arrangement being movable prior to and independent of contact with the occupant toward a likely position of the occupant upon a determination by said anticipatory crash sensor that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur such that said cushioning arrangement is movable prior to the crash into contact with the occupant.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
101 words
A vehicle including a protection system for protecting an occupant in an impact, the protection system comprising: an anticipatory crash sensor for determining that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur, and a movable, continuously inflated cushioning arrangement coupled to said anticipatory crash sensor, said cushioning arrangement being movable prior to and independent of contact with the occupant toward a likely position of the occupant upon a determination by said anticipatory crash sensor that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur such that said cushioning arrangement is movable prior to the crash into contact with the occupant.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The vehicle of claim 13 , wherein said anticipatory crash sensor is arranged to determine that the crash involving the vehicle is a rear impact.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
57 words
The vehicle of claim 13 , wherein said cushioning arrangement comprises a frame coupled to the vehicle, and a fluid-containing bag attached to said frame, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to the occupant.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
11 words
The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein said bag is preinflated.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein said cushioning arrangement further comprises a deformable cover substantially surrounding said bag, said cover being elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in said bag.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle of claim 17 , wherein said cover comprises stretch seams to allow elastic deformation of said cover.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein said frame is coupled to a seat of the vehicle and extends upward from a top of the seat such that said cushioning arrangement constitutes a headrest.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The vehicle of claim 19 , wherein said bag includes constraining means for constraining flow of fluid from an upper portion to a lower portion.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle of claim 20 , wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The vehicle of claim 20 , wherein said constraining means are structured and arranged such that when said upper portion contracts, said lower portion expands.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
86 words
The vehicle of claim 19 , wherein said cushioning arrangement is structured and arranged such that when the occupant comes into contact with said cushioning arrangement, fluid within said bag flows substantially within said bag to change the shape of said bag so as to approximately conform to the head and neck of the occupant thereby providing a force on the head and neck of the occupant to substantially accelerate both the head and neck at substantially the same acceleration in order to minimize whiplash injuries.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein said cushioning arrangement further comprises cell foam having openings arranged in said bag.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein the fluid in said bag is air.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
54 words
The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein said cushioning arrangement further comprises a flow restriction arranged in connection with said bag to permit a controlled flow of fluid out of said bag when the occupant is in contact with said cushioning arrangement to thereby dampen the impact of the occupant with said cushioning arrangement.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
58 words
The vehicle of claim 13 , further comprising displacement means for moving said cushioning arrangement, and a control unit coupled to said anticipatory crash sensor and said displacement means for controlling said displacement means to move said cushioning arrangement based on the determination by said anticipatory crash sensor that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
73 words
The vehicle of claim 13 , wherein said cushioning arrangement has a first position not in contact with the occupant and a second position in contact with the occupant and upon a determination by said anticipatory crash sensor that the crash involving the vehicle is about to occur, said cushioning arrangement being movable prior to the crash from the first position to the second position and toward the likely position of the occupant.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for protecting an occupant in an impact, comprising the steps of: positioning a continuously inflated cushioning arrangement in a first position relative to the occupant in which the cushioning arrangement is not in contact with the occupant, determining that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur, and upon a determination that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur, moving the cushioning arrangement from the first position into a second position in which the cushioning arrangement is in contact with the occupant such that the cushioning arrangement is in the second position in contact with the occupant during the crash.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for protecting an occupant in an impact, comprising the steps of: positioning a continuously inflated cushioning arrangement in a first position relative to the occupant in which the cushioning arrangement is not in contact with the occupant, determining that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur, and upon a determination that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur, moving the cushioning arrangement from the first position into a second position in which the cushioning arrangement is in contact with the occupant such that the cushioning arrangement is in the second position in contact with the occupant during the crash.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein the cushioning arrangement comprises a frame coupled to the vehicle, and a fluid-containing bag attached to the frame, the bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within the bag to thereby alter the shape of the bag and enable the bag to conform to the occupant.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the cushioning arrangement further comprises a deformable cover substantially surrounding the bag, the cover being elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in the bag.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 30 , wherein the frame is coupled to a seat of the vehicle and extends upward from a top of the seat such that the cushioning arrangement constitutes a headrest.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 30 , further comprising the step of: arranging a flow restriction in connection with the bag to permit a controlled flow of air out of the bag when the occupant comes into contact with the cushioning arrangement to thereby dampen the impact of the occupant with the cushioning arrangement.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein the step of moving the cushioning arrangement into contact with the occupant comprises the step of: moving the cushioning arrangement toward the occupant, detecting when the cushioning arrangement comes into contact with the occupant and then ceasing movement of the cushioning arrangement.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 34 , wherein the step of detecting when the cushioning arrangement comes into contact with the occupant comprises the step of arranging a contact switch in connection with the cushioning arrangement.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein the step of determining that a crash involving the vehicle is about to occur comprises the step of determining that the crash involving the vehicle is a rear impact.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
152 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement consisting of: a frame coupled to the vehicle; a deformable cover defining an interior, at least a part of said frame being arranged in said interior of said cover; a single fluid-containing bag attached to said frame and surrounded by said cover, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement, the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact; and said bag being the only fluid-containing bag in the interior of said cover; and open cell foam arranged in said bag and including channels which facilitate the flow of the fluid within said bag.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
152 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement consisting of: a frame coupled to the vehicle; a deformable cover defining an interior, at least a part of said frame being arranged in said interior of said cover; a single fluid-containing bag attached to said frame and surrounded by said cover, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement, the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact; and said bag being the only fluid-containing bag in the interior of said cover; and open cell foam arranged in said bag and including channels which facilitate the flow of the fluid within said bag.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vehicle of claim 37 , wherein said cover is elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in said bag.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle of claim 38 , wherein said cover comprises stretch seams to allow elastic deformation of said cover.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The vehicle of claim 37 , wherein said bag occupies the entire interior of said cover.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
34 words
The vehicle of claim 37 , wherein said frame is coupled to a seat of the vehicle and extends upward from a top of the seat such that the cushioning arrangement constitutes a headrest.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
87 words
The vehicle of claim 41 , wherein the cushioning arrangement is structured and arranged such that when the occupant comes into contact with the cushioning arrangement, fluid within said bag flows automatically substantially within said bag to change the shape of said bag so as to approximately conform to the head and neck of the occupant thereby providing a force on the head and neck of the occupant to substantially accelerate both the head and neck at substantially the same acceleration in order to minimize whiplash injuries.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
31 words
The vehicle of claim 37 , wherein said bag includes constraining means for constraining flow of fluid from an upper portion of said bag to a lower portion of said bag.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The vehicle of claim 43 , wherein said constraining means comprise said open cell foam.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The vehicle of claim 43 , wherein said constraining means are structured and arranged such that when said upper portion contracts, said lower portion expands.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle of claim 37 , wherein the fluid in said bag is air.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
148 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement comprising: a frame coupled to the vehicle; a deformable cover defining an interior, at least a part of said frame being arranged in said interior of said cover, and a fluid-containing bag attached to said frame and occupying the entire interior of said cover aside from said at least a part of said frame, said cover surrounding said bag, said cover being elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in said bag, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
148 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement comprising: a frame coupled to the vehicle; a deformable cover defining an interior, at least a part of said frame being arranged in said interior of said cover, and a fluid-containing bag attached to said frame and occupying the entire interior of said cover aside from said at least a part of said frame, said cover surrounding said bag, said cover being elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in said bag, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
The vehicle of claim 47 , wherein said cover comprises stretch seams to allow elastic deformation of said cover.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
The vehicle of claim 47 , wherein said frame is coupled to a seat of the vehicle and extends upward from a top of the seat such that the cushioning arrangement constitutes a headrest.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
87 words
The vehicle of claim 49 , wherein the cushioning arrangement is structured and arranged such that when the occupant comes into contact with the cushioning arrangement, fluid within said bag automatically flows substantially within said bag to change the shape of said bag so as to approximately conform to the head and neck of the occupant thereby providing a force on the head and neck of the occupant to substantially accelerate both the head and neck at substantially the same acceleration in order to minimize whiplash injuries.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
31 words
The vehicle of claim 47 , wherein said bag includes constraining means for constraining flow of fluid from an upper portion of said bag to a lower portion of said bag.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle of claim 51 , wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The vehicle of claim 51 , wherein said constraining means are structured and arranged such that when said upper portion contracts, said lower portion expands.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
The vehicle of claim 47 , wherein the cushioning arrangement further comprises open cell foam.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vehicle of claim 54 , wherein said open cell foam includes channels which facilitate the flow of fluid within said bag.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
The vehicle of claim 47 , wherein the fluid in said bag is air.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
124 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement comprising: a frame coupled to the vehicle; a single fluid-containing bag attached to said frame, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement, the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact; and a deformable cover substantially surrounding said bag, said cover being elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in said bag, said cover comprising stretch seams to allow elastic deformation of said cover.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
124 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement comprising: a frame coupled to the vehicle; a single fluid-containing bag attached to said frame, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement, the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact; and a deformable cover substantially surrounding said bag, said cover being elastically deformable in response to changes in pressure in said bag, said cover comprising stretch seams to allow elastic deformation of said cover.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
113 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement comprising: a frame coupled to the vehicle; a single fluid-containing bag attached to said frame, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement, the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact; and open cell foam arranged in said bag, said open cell foam including channels which facilitate the flow of fluid within said bag.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
113 words
A vehicle including a cushioning arrangement for protecting an occupant in an impact involving the vehicle, the cushioning arrangement comprising: a frame coupled to the vehicle; a single fluid-containing bag attached to said frame, said bag being structured and arranged to allow movement of the fluid within said bag to thereby alter the shape of said bag and enable said bag to conform to a portion of an occupant engaging the cushioning arrangement, the cushioning arrangement being arranged to be in contact with the occupant at least during the impact; and open cell foam arranged in said bag, said open cell foam including channels which facilitate the flow of fluid within said bag.
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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) | 2007-10-19 | 2008-04-19 | 2008-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-10-19 | 2012-04-19 | 2012-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-10-19 | 2016-04-19 | 2016-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |