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:
Mar. 23, 2004
Filed:
Nov. 09, 2001
David L. Dominissini, Allen Park, MI (US);
Michael K. Hishon, New Baltimore, MI (US);
Autoliv ASP, Inc., Ogden, UT (US);
Abstract
A tether assembly attachable to an inflatable cushion airbag module is disclosed that is usable in vehicles including trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles with abrupt rear surfaces. The tether assembly does not require that the rear tether be extended back from the rear edge of the airbag. The tether assembly may be used in connection with an inflatable cushion airbag secured to the front portion of the vehicle using a standard front tether system. The tether assembly is attached via a sliding mechanism to a rear tether used to secure an inflatable cushion module airbag to an anchoring point within the vehicle. The sliding mechanism is also connected to a retractor, preferably through a flexible connector made of the webbing material used in seat belts. The tether assembly is configured so that when the inflatable cushion airbag deploys during an accident, the retractor supplies rearward tension on the airbag by causing the sliding mechanism to move along the path of the tether. This tension on the airbag prevents it from shifting from the position designated to give the occupant optimal protection against lateral impact and rollover. Preferably, the retractor does not supply tension to the airbag until after it has deployed. A locking mechanism can be attached to the retractor to prevent a reduction in the tension applied to the inflatable cushion by restraining motion of the sliding mechanism in a direction away from the retractor.