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:
Feb. 28, 2006
Filed:
Apr. 24, 2003
Michael Daines, Roy, UT (US);
Kurt Kottke, Bountiful, UT (US);
Travis Hess, Farr West, UT (US);
Atsushi Murakami, North Ogden, UT (US);
Kurt Gammil, Layton, UT (US);
Michael Daines, Roy, UT (US);
Kurt Kottke, Bountiful, UT (US);
Travis Hess, Farr West, UT (US);
Atsushi Murakami, North Ogden, UT (US);
Kurt Gammil, Layton, UT (US);
Other;
Abstract
The present invention provides a system and method for tethering that may be used to keep a cushion properly positioned for side impact protection, particularly in vehicles with limited space rearward of the cushion. A tethering assembly provides tension to keep the cushion in place. The tethering assembly may include a tether with first and second ends attached together such that the tether forms a loop. The first and/or second ends may also be attached to a lower portion of the cushion. Upper and lower anchors may be attached to a vehicle surface near the cushion to slidably retain the tether. When the cushion inflates, the first and second ends move downward. The lower anchor may be a locking mechanism that restricts withdrawal of the first end. During deployment and impact of a vehicle occupant with the cushion, the tensioning assembly exerts tension to keep the cushion in place.