Abstract:
An inflatable band restraint system mounted to a strap structure which is in turn movably mounted on a tongue for reception in a buckle for positioning of the inflatable band restraint on an occupant.
Abstract:
A seat belt buckle assembly is provided which comprises a tongue portion; a buckle portion adapted to lockably engage with the tongue portion; the tongue portion being connected to an inflatable seat belt; first chamber means provided in the buckle portion; second chamber means provided in the tongue portion and communicating with the inflatable seat belt; second chamber means being adapted to communicate with the first chamber means when tongue and buckle portions are lockably engaged; and inflating means communicating with the first chamber means, the inflating means including a gas source; whereby the inflating means and the inflatable seat belt are interconnected through the first and second chamber means when the tongue and buckle portions are lockably engaged so as to allow gas released from the gas source to pass through the first and second chamber means and inflate the inflatable seat belt.
Abstract:
A vehicle seat belt buckle adapted for use in a warning system comprising in combination a buckle with slot for receiving a tongue in locking engagement, which tongue upon insertion into the buckle depresses a plunger switch either from a closed circuit position to an open circuit position or from an open circuit position to a closed circuit position, as desired. The plane surface of the tongue maintains the plunger switch in the depressed position until said tongue is unlatched and withdrawn from the buckle.
Abstract:
A safety apparatus for vehicle passengers comprising a plurality of gas producing components in communication with a substantially annular inflatable bag. Gas is delivered from the gas producing components into the bag upon receipt of an electrical current from an impact detecting means responsive to impact of a vehicle in which the apparatus is disposed. The bag can be disposed around the hub of the vehicle''s steering wheel so as to provide for continuous access to the hub, and inflates to produce a stronger bag than results when a spherical bag having the same volume is inflated.
Abstract:
An apparatus for holding an explosive charge in place at the outlet of a gas filled chamber. A holding means which may be provided with a plurality of legs, is provided with a receptacle means to accommodate and keep stationary the explosive charge, against the outlet, inside the chamber. Means are provided on the inside surface of the chamber to accommodate the legs, if provided, to assist in keeping the holding means and thus the explosive charge, stationary.
Abstract:
A reel-type retractor for a vehicle safety belt having the feature that a spring-biased light-weight ratchet wheel, rotatable within limits with respect to a ratchet wheel serving as a flange for the reel, is biased with its teeth maintained slightly in advance of those of the flange. This light-weight rotatable auxiliary ratchet wheel prevents the pawl from striking the tip of the teeth of the flange and rebounding, to thereby skip teeth. In such a situation, the pawl strikes the advanced tooth of the auxiliary ratchet wheel causing it to give way against its bias. As a result, the pawl will not rebound, but engage the first tooth presented.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the procedure of redundancy, without operational compromise, in the supply of generated gas from a pyrotechnic device to an inflatible bag assembly.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for filling motor vehicle gas bags. A gas-filled cylinder is provided with an inlet pressure sensitive rupture disc and a dislodgeable outlet plug. The inlet disc is in communication with a combustible material. The material is fired, yielding a gaseous product. The outlet plug is dislodged before the rupture of the inlet disc at least substantially emptying the cylinder before said disc ruptures. The liberated gas flows to a diffuser, about which a motor vehicle gas bag or bags are disposed, whereby the filling of gas bag (or bags) is delayed, it being filled first with gas filling the cylinder and then with gas generated from the combustible material when the disc ruptures.
Abstract:
Safety apparatus disposed within a motor vehicle subject to impact for transmitting an electrical current from a power source to a gas releasing means connected to a gas containing portion of a gas source during a fixed time interval and to a plurality of gas generating charges within a gas generating portion of the gas source during successive time intervals at least two of which are caused to vary in inverse proportion to the impact velocity of the vehicle by means differently responsive to the impact velocity. Pressurized gas is released from the gas containing portion upon receipt of the electrical current by the gas releasing means. Gas generated by each charge receiving an electrical current enters the gas containing portion and admixes with the pressurized gas therein. As a result, the combined pressurized and generated gases pass into a bag, which inflates during a controlled time interval varying inversely with the impact velocity to a controlled pressure varying directly with the impact velocity.
Abstract:
A vehicle safety assembly for passengers seated in the rear seat assembly of a vehicle passenger compartment. The assembly includes an inflatable bag which is stored in a non-inflated condition above and behind the front seat of the vehicle for limiting forward movement of the rear seat assembly passengers. The assembly includes gas generating means disposed along the roof rail of the vehicle in communication with manifold means disposed across the roof of the vehicle above the rear seat assembly. In turn, the manifold means is in communication with the inflatable bag which is disposed about the manifold in a coil-like fashion. Upon impact or collision of the vehicle the gas generating means is triggered with the resultant inflation of the inflatable gas bag.