The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 02, 1996
Filed:
Jan. 21, 1994
Lindley W Bark, Chandler, AZ (US);
Gershon Yaniv, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
David J Romeo, Alpine, WY (US);
Dirk J Hardtmann, Mesa, AZ (US);
Gregory A Mowry, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Simula Inc., Phoenix, AZ (US);
Abstract
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.