Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-20
2001-11-06
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
C280S728100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312010
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system. More specifically the invention relates to a window bag covering the side windows of a front and a rear occupant. Further, the invention relates to a gas bag restraint system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Such a gas bag is known from DE 297 09 389 in the form of a so-called side gas bag. A side gas bag extends similar to a curtain in the case of restraint between the occupant and the side windows of the vehicle and in particular reduces the risk of head injuries in the case of a side impact. Along the outer periphery of the gas bag the fabric layers are connected to each other by interweaving. The inner edge of the interwoven periphery is wave-shaped with successive concave shaped sections.
The walls of the gas bag are stressed most intensively during the inflation process in the region of the interwoven portions in the form of the peaks of adjacent concave shaped sections.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a gas bag in which the stress on the warp and weft threads is reduced during inflation in fact at the edge of the interwoven regions. The gas bag according to the present invention has several walls of layers of fabric, which delimit the interior of the gas bag, adjacent walls being connected in one piece with each other by interweaving and interwoven regions having an edge adjoining the interior of the gas bag. The edge runs at least in sections in an undulating shape which shape is defined by successive concave and convex portions of the edge.
Through this measure, the edge is prevented from extending alongside of warp or weft threads. Through the measure according to the invention, the force peaks are reduced at the edge of the interwoven regions. The forces are introduced into the fabric so as to be distributed onto warp and weft threads.
The interwoven regions are preferably undulating lines which define the outer periphery of the gas bag and/or also define separations between gas bag chambers.
It is possible according to the invention that the entire line or else only the edge of the interwoven region adjoining the interior of the gas bag runs in an undulating shape which shape is defined by successive concave and convex portions of the edge.
The preferred embodiment of the gas bag makes provision that it is constructed as a side gas bag similar to a curtain. The interwoven region runs along the outer periphery. In addition, several chambers which are in flow connection with each other are provided, which are separated from each other by one or more interwoven regions. These interwoven regions run obliquely to the warp and weft threads. For this, they can run in a straight line or else also in an undulating shape, as was already previously indicated.
In particular at the end of an interwoven region running in a linear form, stress peaks occur, which can lead to the tearing of the fabric material. In order that this is prevented, provision is made according to the invention that such an end runs out in a rounding or in a drop shape. By means of this rounding or drop shape, the tensile forces in the region of the end are introduced into the fabric over a larger area so that stress peaks are reduced.
The invention, furthermore, relates to a gas bag restraint system which comprises a side gas bag according to the invention, which has been previously explained, and also a gas lance which is inserted into the gas bag in the region of its upper outer periphery. In the region of the upper outer periphery and at a distance therefrom, an interwoven region runs substantially parallel hereto. Between this interwoven region and the outer periphery the gas lance is inserted and thereby positioned.
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patent: 5685347 (1997-11-01), Graham et al.
patent: 5975564 (1999-11-01), Smith et al.
patent: 6032977 (2000-03-01), Reh et al.
patent: 6042141 (2000-03-01), Welch et al.
patent: 6059311 (2000-05-01), Wipasuramonton
patent: 6059312 (2000-05-01), Staub et al.
patent: 6073961 (2000-06-01), Bailey et al.
patent: 6086092 (2000-07-01), Hill
patent: 6099029 (2000-08-01), Haland et al.
patent: 6106004 (2000-08-01), Heinz et al.
patent: 29709389 (1997-11-01), None
Lum L.
Swann J. J.
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
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