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. 29, 2008
Filed:
Dec. 10, 2004
Rico Scott Bertossi, Richmond, MI (US);
Rico Scott Bertossi, Richmond, MI (US);
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Washington, MI (US);
Abstract
An apparatus () helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle () that has a roof (), a side structure (), and a trim piece () overlying the side structure. The apparatus () includes an inflatable curtain () inflatable away from the vehicle roof () to a position adjacent the side structure (). The apparatus () also includes a deployment ramp () having a deployment position in which the deployment ramp directs the inflatable curtain () to deploy inboard of the trim piece (). The deployment ramp () is configured and arranged to deflect away from the deployment position in order to absorb forces from occupant impacts with the deployment ramp. Preferably, the deployment ramp () is also configured and arranged to return to the deployment position after absorbing forces from occupant impacts with the deployment ramp when the inflatable curtain () is not inflated.