Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-12
2001-03-06
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
C280S751000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06196576
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present relates to an apparatus for restraining an occupant of a vehicle seat upon the occurrence of a vehicle crash.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A vehicle crash may cause an occupant of a vehicle seat to move in a rearward direction relative to the seat. Therefore, a vehicle seat typically is equipped with a vehicle occupant protection device, such as a headrest and/or an inflatable device, for restraining rearward movement of a seated occupant's head and neck.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus comprises a vehicle seat having a cover which is extendible from an initial condition to an extended condition for restraining an occupant of the seat. The seat has a first volume enclosed by the cover when the cover is in the initial condition. The seat has a second, greater volume enclosed by the cover when the cover is in the extended condition. The second enclosed volume of the seat is greater than the first enclosed volume sufficiently for enlargement of the seat from the first enclosed volume to the second enclosed volume to enhance the degree to which the seat can restrain movement of a seated vehicle occupant under the influence of vehicle crash forces. An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device is supported on the seat. The protection device is movable against the cover so as to extend the cover from the initial condition to the extended condition upon inflation of the protection device from a stored condition to a fully deployed condition.
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Bowers Paul A.
Sutherland Daniel R.
Johnson Brian L.
Klebe Gerald
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
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