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:
Oct. 14, 2003
Filed:
Jul. 10, 2001
Travis B. Hess, West Farr West, UT (US);
Kurt E. Kottke, Bountiful, UT (US);
Autoliv ASP, Inc., Ogden, UT (US);
Abstract
A system and method for enhancing the interchangeability, cost effectiveness, and protective capacity of side impact, inflatable curtains is disclosed. An inflatable curtain module may have multiple cushions attached together by a separately manufactured inflatable tension coupling. The tension coupling may be attached to the cushions prior to folding of the cushions by, for example, sewing one end of the tension coupling to each cushion. The tension coupling may also be attached to the cushions after the cushions have been folded. The cushions may each have one or more tabs positioned to extend inward toward the tension coupling; the tabs may protrude from the folded cushions so that the tension coupling can be attached to the tabs after the cushions have been folded. The tension coupling may have a plurality of expanses configured to be attached between the cushions parallel to each other, and a flexible central portion connecting a pair of expanses to provide a barrier against occupant excursion while still permitting compaction of the tension coupling. Several combinations of compaction methods may be used to compact the cushions and the tension coupling. The tension coupling may alternatively have an array of holes at each end configured to be aligned with an array of holes on each cushion, so that one or more attachment mechanisms such as laces can be inserted through the holes to provide attachment.