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. 14, 2003
Filed:
Mar. 07, 2001
Kenneth D. Brannon, Mesa, AZ (US);
Wael S. Elqadah, Gilbert, AZ (US);
Timothy A. Swann, Mesa, AZ (US);
John P. O'Loughlin, Gilbert, AZ (US);
James K. O'Docherty, Mesa, AZ (US);
Nathan R. Butters, Tempe, AZ (US);
Other;
Abstract
An apparatus ( ) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle ( ) that has a side structure ( ) and a roof ( ) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device ( ) that is inflatable away from the roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The device ( ) has a perimeter ( ) defined by an upper edge ( ) positioned adjacent the roof ( ), an opposite lower edge ( ), and front and rear edges ( and ) spaced apart along the upper and lower edges. The device ( ) includes overlying panels secured together along the perimeter ( ) to define an inflatable volume ( ) and is free from association with an inflatable tube. An inflator ( ) provides inflation fluid for inflating the device ( ). A flexible elongated member ( ) extends through the device ( ) and is coiled around a portion ( ) of the inflatable volume ( ) of the device. The member ( ) has a first end ( ) and an opposite second end ( ) fixed to the vehicle side structure ( ). The member ( ) resists movement of the device ( ) away from the vehicle side structure ( ) when the device is inflated.