Simula, Inc.

Bae Systems Aerospace & Defense Group Inc.

Zodiac Automotive US Inc.

Gregory Alan Mowry

David J Romeo

Gershon Yaniv

Gregory Brian Grace

Lindley W Bark

Curtis Phillip Parsons

Marvin K Richards

Nathan R Butters

Dirk J Hardtmann

David M Shilliday

Lih-Sheng Kang

John F Bartell

Marvin Kent Richards

A foot isolation platform for a vehicle includes a base for connection with the vehicle floor to be movable with the vehicle floor; a foot support movable relative to the base and having an upper surface for supporting the feet of the vehicle occupant above the base; and an isolation member connected in a force-transmitting relationship between the base and the foot support. The isolation member supports the foot support in an extended position above the base. The isolation member acts to isolate the foot support from the vehicle floor in the event of rapid upward movement of the vehicle floor thereby to help protect the lower extremities of the vehicle occupant.

Foot isolation platform

A vehicle seat that strokes during an energy absorption process is able to reset. The seat can therefore stroke again, in the same stroking volume, for example during a secondary ground impact after a mine blast. An energy absorber associated with the seat is operative to absorb energy once during the first stroke and is also operative to absorb energy a second time when the seat strokes a second time.

Resettable seat with energy absorber

Inflatable devices principally for vehicle occupant protection are addressed. Included among the devices are curtains or other cushions () with braided portions () along their lower edges () designed to form semi-rigid members when deployed. Unlike commercially-available vehicle curtains, inflation occurs from the bottom (where the semi-rigid member is formed) upward. The devices additionally optionally may include inflatable nodes () within the curtains () or otherwise extending from the cushions.

Inflatable cushioning device

A dynamically deployed device (&ldquo;DDD&rdquo;) assembly comprising a DDD, an anchor, and a mechanical stop, a vehicle member, a tether, or any other device that stops the rotation of the anchor. The anchor can be pivotally fastened to and stowed inside a vehicle structure member, with a DDD cord fastened to the end of the DDD anchor opposite the pivot attachment point. Upon deployment, the inflating DDD pulls the DDD cord tight. The DDD cord in turn pulls the anchor down such that the anchor rotates around its pivot attachment point and comes to rest against the stop, member, tether, or other similar device that stops the rotation. In this secured, locked position, the anchor provides a DDD attachment point offset from the vehicle structure member to which the anchor is fastened. Embodiments of the anchor include a link or cam.

Dynamically deployed device anchor and assembly

The present invention is a tubular structure which inflates upon side or oblique vehicle impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The structure is mounted in its undeployed state along the periphery of the vehicle's side pillars and roof rail. The primary component of the present invention is a braided tube linked to a gas generator. When a side impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases and its length decreases. The tube then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's side window.

Side impact head strike protection system

The present invention is a tubular structure which inflates upon side or oblique impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The structure is mounted in its undeployed state along the periphery of the vehicle's window. The primary component of the present invention is a braided tube containing a gas generator. When a side impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases and its length decreases. The tube then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's window.

Growing community of inventors

Phoenix, AZ, United States of America

Gregory Alan Mowry