Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-03
2001-05-29
Dickson, Paul N. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
C280S730200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237934
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a vehicle air bag system including a housing having receptacles that are engageable with engaging elements of a cover material for securing the cover material to the housing.
BACKGROUND ART
Prior air bag systems for use with motor vehicles include an air bag that deploys through a sewn seam in a cover material. U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,615 to Miesik, for example, shows a vehicle seat including an air bag surrounded by a seat cover, and the air bag penetrates the seat cover by tearing open a sewn seam in the seat cover. Such an arrangement, however, is undesirable for at least two reasons. First, ballooning of the seat cover may occur prior to failure of the seam. Unfortunately, such an occurrence may increase the amount of time required for the air bag to exit the seat. Second, the seat cover may have flaws, such as holes, tears and snags, that may serve as potential exit points for the air bag.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an improved air bag system that provides efficient and predictable air bag deployment. Such an air bag system may, for example, be incorporated into a vehicle seat as explained below in greater detail.
Under the invention, an air bag system includes an inflatable air bag and a housing surrounding the air bag. The housing has first and second portions that are moveable away from each other upon inflation of the air bag. Furthermore, the first and second portions have first and second receptacles, respectively, that are engageable with first and second engaging members, respectively, of a cover material, for securing the cover material to the housing.
Preferably, the housing comprises a plastic material and has a frangible portion disposed between the receptacles. The frangible portion is configured to break upon inflation of the air bag so that the receptacles can move away from each other.
Further under the invention, an air bag system includes an inflatable air bag and a housing surrounding the air bag. The housing has first and second portions that are moveable away from each other upon inflation of the air bag. Furthermore, the first and second portions have first and second receptacles, respectively. The air bag system also includes a cover material that surrounds the housing, and the cover material has first and second sections. First and second engaging elements are connected to the first and second sections, respectively, and are disposed in the first and second receptacles, respectively, such that the engaging elements are moveable with the receptacles. When the air bag inflates, the receptacles move away from each other, thereby causing the sections of the cover material to move away from each other.
A vehicle seat according to the invention includes a frame and an air bag module connected to the frame. The module includes an inflatable air bag and a housing surrounding the air bag. The housing has first and second portions that are moveable away from each other upon inflation of the air bag. Furthermore, the first and second portions have first and second receptacles, respectively. The vehicle seat also includes a cover material surrounding the module and the frame, and the cover material has first and second sections. First and second engaging elements are connected to the first and second sections, respectively, and are disposed in the first and second receptacles, respectively, such that the engaging elements are moveable with the receptacles. With such a configuration, when the air bag inflates, the receptacles move away from each other, thereby causing the sections of the cover material to move away from each other.
For the air bag system and vehicle seat described above, the first and second receptacles may include first and second notches, respectively. The first and second engaging elements may also include first and second projections, respectively, that are engageable with the first and second notches, respectively.
Preferably, each of the engaging elements is plastic and has an arrow-shape. With such a configuration, the engaging elements may be easily inserted into the receptacles. Furthermore, the first and second engaging elements are preferably sewn to the first and second sections, respectively, of the cover material.
Further under the invention, a vehicle seat includes a frame and an air bag module connected to the frame. The module has an air bag and a housing surrounding the air bag. The housing has first and second receptacles and a rupturable portion disposed between the receptacles. Furthermore, the first and second receptacles have first and second notches, respectively. The seat also includes a cover material disposed about the module and frame, and the cover material has first and second sections. First and second plastic elements are connected to the first and second sections, respectively, and are disposed in the first and second receptacles, respectively. The first and second plastic elements have first and second projections, respectively, that are engageable with the first and second notches, respectively, so that the plastic elements are moveable with the receptacles. When the air bag is deployed, the rupturable portion ruptures so as to separate the first and second receptacles, thereby separating the first and second sections of the cover material and allowing the air bag to be released from the housing.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Dick, Jr. Walter
Harrell David J.
Peck Steven E.
Whitaker John F.
Brooks & Kushman P.C.
Dickson Paul N.
Lear Corporation
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