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:
May. 01, 2001
Filed:
Jul. 06, 1999
Kazuyoshi Nishijima, Shizuoka, JP;
Tetsuji Endo, Fujinomiya, JP;
Kazuhiro Kaneko, Fuji, JP;
Toshiyuki Sugiyama, Fuji, JP;
Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Fujinomiya, JP;
Nihon Plast Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, JP;
Abstract
An middle fabric portion (,) is disposed between a first fabric portion (,) and a second fabric portion (,) that constitute a pouch-shaped air bag (,). The middle fabric portion (,) divides the interior of the air bag (,) into a first compartment (,) and a second compartment (,). The two compartments (,) communicate by communicating openings (,) formed at locations near the outer edge of the middle fabric portion (,). A center communicating portion (,) at the center of the middle fabric portion (,) is fastened to a retainer (,). The first fabric portion (,) and the second fabric portion (,) communicate by a middle communicating portion (,) formed between the center communicating portion (,) and an outer edge portion (,). The communicating openings (,) are formed in the middle fabric portion (,), at locations near the outer edge of the middle fabric portion (,). When gas is introduced into the first compartment (,), the gas inflates the first compartment (,) into a flat shape and then flows through the communicating openings (,) into the second compartment (,) located at the occupant's side. The gas exits to the outside through a first gas outlet opening (,), which is formed in the second compartment. The second compartment (,) is provided with one or more second gas outlet openings, which serve as auxiliary gas outlets. Even if an air bag apparatus (,) is actuated in a situation where the occupant is at an out of the ordinary position, such that the occupant is in contact with the air bag apparatus (,), the invention ensures the reduction of the pressure applied to the occupant.