Uniroyal Plastics Co., Inc.

Delbert A Davis

James P Enniss

An elastomer-coated fabric for use as a confinement. The confinement is formed by conforming a fabric to a mold having the shape of the desired confinement, and subsequently applying a layer of elastomer to the fabric. A curing operation then cures the elastomer such that the elastomer-coated fabric retains the shape of the mold. Advantageously, the curing operation also relaxes and heat sets the fabric in order to permit a controlled amount of further stretch, even if the fabric was stretched a maximum amount when it was conformed to the mold.

Production of radiation cured elastomer coated passive restraint device

An air bag restraint system for protecting vehicle occupants during a collision comprising a seamless inflatable confinement of braided fabric constructed by strands of multiple fibers which are interlocked by diagonally crossing a number of these strands alternately over and under one or more of the other strands. The seamless air bag is formed by braiding textile yarns to a mold having the shape of the desired confinement. An elastomer coating may be applied to render the braided fabric either essentially non-porous and non-permeable to air or semi-permeable to control air flow. Also, methods for manufacturing such seamless braided fabric confinements.

Growing community of inventors

Mishawaka, IN, United States of America

Delbert A Davis