Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-13
2001-12-18
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
C280S728100, C280S730200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331015
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle air bag module, and more particularly to an air bag module having an improved fold configuration.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well known in motor vehicles to employ inflatable air bags to restrain an occupant during an impact. Air bags are commonly mounted in an air bag module subassembly with an inflator for generating gas to inflate the air bag upon sensing predetermined vehicle conditions. The air bag module may be mounted in the instrument panel, seat, door, or other locations within the vehicles. It is also known to provide a side impact air bag for protecting the head and/or torso of the occupant. Two such air bag modules are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,730,463 and 5,667,243 and are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an alternate air bag fold and a method of folding an air bag for use with air bags in modules for side impact. The air bag has a neck portion for containing an inflator and receiving the inflator gas therein. A main body portion extends from the neck portion to an outermost edge. The main body portion is folded about a main fold line intermediate the top and bottom edges to substantially fold the main body portion in half. The main body portion is then folded about a plurality of accordion folds working from the outer edge to the neck portion to form a compact stack. The stack may be further folded about a pleat fold line to position the folded stack adjacent the neck portion. The air bag fold inhibits the air bag from unfolding about the main fold line until the air bag is fully extended thereby possibly helping to reduce injury for certain module and vehicle configurations.
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Doxey Mark Harvey
Weckesser David Scott
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Marra Kathryn A.
Shriver J. Allen
Swann J. J.
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