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:
Jun. 16, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 09, 1997
J Kirk Storey, Farmington, UT (US);
Brent K Olson, Clearfield, UT (US);
Larry F Lunt, Brigham City, UT (US);
Davin G Saderholm, Salt Lake City, UT (US);
Daniel G Minert, Clearfield, UT (US);
Morton International, Inc., Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
An airbag module having a cushion with a compression-deployed volume. The module includes an inflator which produces a quantity of inflation gas. This gas inflates only a first volume of the cushion, which is positioned to protect a first portion of a passenger's body. Compression of the first volume by the passenger forces the gas from the first volume into a second volume, to thus inflate the second volume. The second volume is positioned to protect a second portion of the passenger's body. The initial quantity of inflation gas is thus reused, reducing the amount of gas required. This in turn reduces the size and cost of the inflator. The module is preferred for side impact protection, and a fold arrangement suited to accurate deployment is provided. The folded cushion may be secured to the inflator by a frangible film wrap, eliminating the need for an exterior housing. The module is preferably mounted upon the side of the passenger seat back.