US20050206140A1 - Inflatable curtain - Google Patents
Inflatable curtain Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050206140A1 US20050206140A1 US11/126,439 US12643905A US2005206140A1 US 20050206140 A1 US20050206140 A1 US 20050206140A1 US 12643905 A US12643905 A US 12643905A US 2005206140 A1 US2005206140 A1 US 2005206140A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- pillar
- edge
- inflatable
- along
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/237—Inflatable members characterised by the way they are folded
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/232—Curtain-type airbags deploying mainly in a vertical direction from their top edge
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/233—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other
- B60R2021/23316—Inner seams, e.g. creating separate compartments or used as tethering means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus including an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a side impact to the vehicle and/or a vehicle rollover.
- an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device It is known to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device to help protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision.
- One particular type of inflatable vehicle occupant protection device is an inflatable curtain that inflates away from the roof of the vehicle downward inside the passenger compartment between a vehicle occupant and the side structure of the vehicle in the event of a side impact and/or a vehicle rollover.
- a known inflatable curtain is inflated from a deflated condition by inflation fluid directed from an inflator to the inflatable curtain.
- the present invention relates to an apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure and a roof.
- the apparatus comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device and an inflator.
- the protection device is inflatable from a stored condition to a deployed position between a side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant.
- the protection device includes an upper edge, an opposite lower edge, and inflatable front and rear portions spaced away from each other and extending between the upper and lower edges.
- the protection device further includes an inflatable main portion positioned between the front and rear portions and extending between the upper and lower edges.
- the main portion is rolled up into a rolled condition extending along the intersection of the side structure and the roof when in the stored condition.
- the front portion is folded into a folded condition extending along the A pillar when in the stored condition.
- the rear portion is folded into a folded condition extending along the C pillar when in the stored condition.
- the present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a main portion including an upper edge, a front portion including forward edge, and a rear portion including tear edge.
- An inflation fluid source is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device.
- the protection device has a stored condition in which the main portion is rolled up leaving the upper edge exposed for connection to the vehicle along the vehicle roof while in the stored condition along the intersection of the side structure and the vehicle roof.
- the front portion is folded up along fold lines extending generally parallel to the forward edge leaving the forward edge exposed and connectable along a vehicle A pillar while in the stored condition.
- the rear portion is folded up along fold lines extending generally parallel to the rear edge leaving the rear edge exposed and connectable along a vehicle C pillar while in the stored condition.
- the present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device including a front portion having a forward edge connectable along an A pillar of the vehicle and a rear portion having a rear edge connectable along a C pillar of the vehicle.
- An inflation fluid source is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device.
- the forward edge is extendable forward of the A pillar at an acute angle relative to the A pillar when the protection device is in the non-inflated condition. When extended forward of the A pillar, the forward edge diverges from the A pillar with increasing distance along the forward edge away from the vehicle roof.
- the rear edge is extendable rearward of the C pillar at an acute angle relative to the C pillar when the protection device is in the non-inflated condition. When extended rearward of the C pillar, the rear edge diverges from the C pillar with increasing distance along the rear edge away from the vehicle roof.
- the present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device including an upper edge positioned along an intersection of a side structure of a vehicle and a vehicle roof and an opposite lower edge.
- the protection device further includes a front portion having a forward edge connectable along an A pillar of the vehicle and a rear portion having a rear edge connectable along a C pillar of the vehicle.
- An inflation fluid source is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device. Slack exists in the protection device when in the non-inflated condition between the forward edge and the rear edge. The amount of slack between the forward edge and the rear edge increases with increasing distance along the forward edge and the rear edge away from the vehicle roof.
- the protection device includes at least one inflatable chamber having a length extending in a generally vertical direction from near the upper edge to near the lower edge of the protection device.
- the chamber has a tapered width with a narrowed width near the upper edge.
- the width of the chamber increases with increasing distance from the upper edge.
- the chamber is adapted to contract when inflated in a direction generally along the width of the chamber. The degree of contraction increases as the width of the chamber increases.
- the tapered width of the chamber is predetermined so as to take up the increasing slack between the forward edge and the rear edge and to tension the protection device when inflated.
- the present invention also relates to a method for placing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in a stored condition.
- the method includes the step of providing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device including an upper edge, an opposite lower edge, and inflatable front and rear portions spaced away from each other and extending between the upper and lower edges.
- the protection device further comprises an inflatable main portion positioned between the front and rear portions and extending between the upper and lower edges.
- the method also includes the step of rolling up the main portion into a stored condition extendable along an intersection of a side structure of a vehicle and a vehicle roof.
- the method further includes the step of folding the front portion into a stored condition extendable along an A pillar of the vehicle.
- the method still further includes the step of folding the rear portion into a stored condition extendable along a C pillar of the vehicle.
- the present invention also relates to a method for placing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in a stored condition.
- the method includes the step of providing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a main portion including an upper edge, a front portion including forward edge, and a rear portion including rear edge.
- the upper edge is connectable to a vehicle along an intersection of a side structure of the vehicle and a roof of the vehicle.
- the forward edge is connectable to the side structure along an A pillar of the vehicle.
- the rear edge being connectable to the side structure along a C pillar of the vehicle.
- the method also includes the step of rolling up the main portion, leaving the upper edge exposed and connectable along the intersection of the side structure and the vehicle roof.
- the method also includes the step of folding the front portion along fold lines extending generally parallel to the forward edge, leaving the forward edge exposed and connectable along the A pillar.
- the method further includes the step of folding the rear portion along fold lines extending generally parallel to the rear edge, leaving the rear edge exposed and connectable along the C pillar.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant illustrating the apparatus in a deflated condition, according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in an inflated condition
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally along line 3 - 3 in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the apparatus illustrating the apparatus in a non-inflated and flattened out condition
- FIGS. 5A-5D are schematic views illustrating a method for placing the apparatus in a stored condition, according to a first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 6A is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally along line 6 A- 6 A in FIG. 5B ;
- FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally along line 6 B- 6 B in FIG. 5C ;
- FIG. 6C is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally along line 6 C- 6 C in FIG. 5C ;
- FIG. 7A is a schematic view illustrating a method for placing the apparatus in a stored condition, according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally along line 7 B- 7 B in FIG. 7A .
- an apparatus 10 helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle 12 .
- the apparatus 10 includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in the form of an inflatable curtain 14 that is mounted along the side structure 16 of the vehicle 12 and a roof 18 of the vehicle.
- the side structure 16 of the vehicle 12 includes side window openings 20 , an A pillar 22 , a B pillar 24 , and a C pillar 26 .
- the side structure 16 may also include a D pillar 28 .
- An inflator 30 is connected in fluid communication with the inflatable curtain 14 through a fill tube 32 .
- the fill tube 32 has a first end portion 34 for receiving fluid from the inflator 30 .
- the fill tube 32 has a second end portion 36 disposed in the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the second end portion 36 of the fill tube 32 has a plurality of openings (not shown) that provide fluid communication between the fill tube 32 and the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the inflator 30 contains a stored quantity of pressurized inflation fluid (not shown) in the form of a gas for inflating the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the inflator 30 alternatively could contain a combination of pressurized inflation fluid and ignitable material for heating the inflation fluid, or could be a pyrotechnic inflator that uses the combustion of gas-generating material to generate inflation fluid.
- the inflator 30 could be of any suitable type or construction for supplying a medium for inflating the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the apparatus 10 has a stored condition in which the inflatable curtain 14 is stowed in a deflated condition. This is illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the deflated inflatable curtain 14 has an elongated configuration and extends along the vehicle roof 18 and along the side structure 16 of the vehicle 12 above the side window openings 20 .
- portions of the inflatable curtain 14 extend along the A pillar 22 and C pillar 26 of the vehicle 12 .
- the apparatus 10 may include a housing 38 (shown only in FIG. 1 ) that houses the inflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition.
- the inflatable curtain 14 comprises first and second panels 40 and 42 that are arranged in an overlying manner.
- the first and second panels 40 and 42 are interconnected to form a perimeter connection 46 ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) that extends along a perimeter 48 of the panels.
- the first and second panels 40 and 42 are also interconnected to form connections 70 within the perimeter 48 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the perimeter connection 46 and the connections 70 are formed by weaving the panels 40 and 42 together.
- the inflatable curtain 14 is formed by weaving the first and second panels 40 and 42 simultaneously while also interweaving the perimeter connection 46 and the connections 70 as single layers of fabric. This can be accomplished by using, for example, a Jacquard or Dobby weaving machine.
- the weaving machines are pre-programmed to weave the first and second panels 40 and 42 along with the perimeter connection 46 and connections 70 at the same time. No intermediate steps are required.
- the inflatable curtain 14 in an alternative construction of the inflatable curtain 14 , means such as stitching, dielectric sealing, ultrasonic bonding, heat sealing, and adhesives may be used to interconnect the first and second panels 40 and 42 in order to form the perimeter connection 46 and the connections 70 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 may be formed by interconnecting two separate fabric pieces together along the perimeter connection 46 and the connections 70 .
- a single piece of fabric may be folded over to form the overlying first and second panels 40 and 42 . In this alternative, the fold would form part of the perimeter connection 46 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 may have a variety of material constructions.
- the inflatable curtain 14 may be constructed of a woven fabric, such as nylon, that is coated with a gas impermeable material, such as urethane or silicone.
- the inflatable curtain 14 thus may have a substantially gas-tight construction.
- Other materials, such as elastomers, plastic films, or combinations thereof, may also be used to construct the inflatable curtain 14 , in which case the curtain may have a non-woven construction.
- the materials used to construct the inflatable curtain 14 may also be single or multi-layered materials.
- the first and second panels 40 and 42 , the perimeter connection 46 , and the connections 70 may be coated using a laminate film, slurry, and/or a spray coating, such as silicone, urethane, or other suitable material, in order to achieve a substantially gas-tight construction. This helps to prevent gas from permeating directly through the first and second panels 40 and 42 , or through the perimeter connection 46 or connections 70 .
- the perimeter 48 ( FIG. 2 ) of the inflatable curtain 14 is defined by upper and lower edges 50 and 52 , respectively, of the curtain and front and rear edges 54 and 56 , respectively, of the curtain that are spaced apart horizontally along the upper and lower edges.
- the perimeter connection 46 ( FIG. 2 ) defines an inflatable volume 60 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the perimeter connection 46 and the connections 70 help define a main portion 62 , a front portion 64 and a rear portion 66 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the main portion 62 , front portion 64 , and rear portion 66 may have a variety of configurations defined by the shape of the perimeter connection 46 and the arrangement of the connections 70 within the perimeter connection.
- One such configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 . It will be appreciated, however, that the configuration of the main portion 62 , front portion 64 , and rear portion 66 could vary without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- the main portion 62 is partially defined by the upper and lower edges 50 and 52 of the curtain and extends from the upper edge to the lower edge.
- a forward extent of the main portion 62 is defined by a front connection 80 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- a rearward extent of the main portion 62 is defined by a rear connection 90 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the front connection 80 intersects the perimeter connection 46 at the upper edge 50 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the front connection 80 extends from the upper edge 50 of the inflatable curtain 14 towards the lower edge 52 of the curtain.
- the front connection 80 includes a portion 82 that extends forward into the front portion 64 .
- the portion 82 is spaced from the perimeter connection 46 and positioned near the lower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the front connection 80 further includes branches 84 that extend from the portion 82 toward the upper edge 50 .
- the front portion 64 of the inflatable curtain 14 is partially defined by the upper edge 50 , lower edge 52 , front edge 54 , and front connection 80 .
- the front portion 64 has a generally tapered configuration that is narrowed toward the upper edge 50 and widens toward the bottom edge 52 .
- the upper and lower edges 50 and 52 have portions that extend at an angle towards each other in the front portion 64 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the angled portion of the upper edge 50 forms a forward edge 72 of the front portion 64 .
- the angled portion of the lower edge 52 forms a bottom edge 74 of the front portion 64 .
- the front connection 80 forms a rear edge 76 of the front portion 64 .
- the front edge 54 of the inflatable curtain 14 extends a relatively short distance between terminal ends of the upper and lower edges 50 and 52 , i.e., between the forward edge 72 and bottom edge 74 of the front portion 64 .
- the front edge 54 could, however, be omitted and the upper and lower edges 50 and 52 could be extended until they intersect, in which case the front portion 64 would be partially defined by the intersecting upper and lower edges.
- the portion 82 of the front connection 80 being spaced from the perimeter connection 46 , helps define a first inflation fluid passage 106 along the lower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain.
- the first inflation fluid passage 106 provides fluid communication between the main portion 62 and the front portion 64 .
- the branches 84 of the front connection 80 extend in a generally diagonally upward and rearward direction as viewed in FIG. 2 .
- the branches 84 help define four inflatable chambers 120 in the front portion 64 .
- Each of the chambers 120 has a generally tapered configuration including a narrow portion and an opposite wide portion.
- the narrow portion of each chamber 120 is positioned near the intersection of the forward edge 72 and the rear edge 76 of the front portion 64 .
- the wide portion of each chamber 120 is positioned near the bottom edge 74 of the front portion 64 .
- the chambers 120 are thus oriented such that the tapered configuration of the chambers coincides with the tapered configuration of the front portion 64 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 includes a plurality of fastener receiving apertures 130 spaced along the forward edge 72 of the front portion 64 of the curtain from a position near the upper edge 50 to a position near the forward edge 54 and lower edge 52 .
- the fastener receiving apertures 130 extend through the perimeter connection 46 .
- the perimeter connection 46 may be widened along the forward edge 72 in order to accommodate the apertures 130 .
- Each of the fastener receiving apertures 130 receives a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or screw, for helping to connect the forward edge 72 of the front portion 64 to the A pillar 22 of the vehicle 12 .
- the forward edge 72 may thus be connected to the vehicle along the A pillar 22 from a position near the roof 18 to a position near a lower edge of an adjacent side window opening 20 , as shown in FIG. 2 . It will be appreciated, however, that the inflatable curtain 14 could be adapted to cooperate with any suitable means for connecting the forward edge 72 to the A pillar 22 .
- the front connection 80 may help define a pocket 102 for receiving the second end portion 36 of the fill tube 32 .
- the pocket 102 surrounds the second end portion 36 of the fill tube 32 and forms a snug fit with the fill tube.
- the pocket 102 may thus help position the fill tube 32 in the inflatable curtain 14 and helps to maintain the position of the fill tube relative to the curtain.
- the rear connection 90 intersects the perimeter connection 46 at the rear edge 56 of the curtain 14 at a position spaced close to the upper edge 50 .
- the rear connection 90 and the perimeter connection 46 define an opening for receiving the fill tube 32 .
- the rear connection 90 includes two branches 92 that extend in a generally diagonal direction rearward and downward as viewed in FIG. 2 towards the lower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the branches 92 of the rear connection 90 terminate at locations spaced from the perimeter connection 46 and positioned near the lower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the rear portion 66 has a generally tapered configuration that is narrowed toward the upper edge 50 and widens toward the bottom edge 52 .
- a forward edge 94 of the rear portion 66 is defined by the forwardmost one of the branches 92 .
- a rear edge 96 of the rear portion 66 is defined by the rear edge 56 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- a lower edge 98 of the rear portion 66 is defined by a portion of the lower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- a second inflation fluid passage 108 is defined between the terminal end of the rear connection 90 and the perimeter connection of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the second inflation fluid passage 108 provides fluid communication between the main portion 62 and the rear portion 66 .
- the branches 92 of the rear connection 90 extend in a direction generally diagonally downward and rearward in the vehicle 12 , as viewed in FIG. 2 .
- the branches 92 help define two inflatable chambers 210 of the rear portion 66 .
- the chambers 210 extend in a direction generally diagonally downward and rearward in the rear portion 64 towards the lower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- Each of the chambers 210 has a generally tapered configuration including a narrow portion and an opposite wide portion.
- the narrow portion of each chamber 210 is positioned towards the intersection of the forward edge 94 and the rear edge 96 of the rear portion 66 .
- the wide portion of each chamber 210 is positioned towards the bottom edge 98 of the rear portion 66 .
- the chambers 210 are thus oriented such that the tapered configuration of the chambers coincides with the tapered configuration of the rear portion 66 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 includes a plurality of fastener receiving apertures 220 spaced along the rear edge 56 of the curtain from a position near the upper edge 50 to a position near the lower edge 52 .
- the fastener receiving apertures 220 extend through the perimeter connection 46 .
- the perimeter connection 46 may be widened along the rear edge 56 of the inflatable curtain 14 to accommodate the apertures 220 .
- Each of the fastener receiving apertures 220 receives a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or screw, for helping to connect the rear edge 96 of the rear portion 66 to the C pillar 26 of the vehicle 12 .
- the rear edge 96 may thus be connected to the vehicle along the A pillar 22 from a position near the roof 18 to a position near a lower edge of an adjacent side window opening 20 , as shown in FIG. 2 . It will be appreciated, however, that the inflatable curtain 14 could be adapted to cooperate with any suitable means for helping to connect the rear edge 96 to the C pillar 26 .
- the main portion 62 of the inflatable curtain 14 includes four middle connections 140 .
- the middle connections 140 have a generally arc-shaped configuration.
- the middle connections 140 help to define three inflatable middle chambers 150 located in the main portion 62 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the middle chambers 150 are generally arc-shaped and are positioned facing concavely downward, as viewed in FIG. 2 , toward the lower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- Each of the middle chambers 150 includes opposite terminal end portions that comprise inflation fluid inlets positioned near the lower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 also includes a connection 160 located in the main portion 62 of the curtain.
- the connection 160 extends from a position near the upper edge 50 of the inflatable curtain 14 generally diagonally downward and forward as viewed in FIG. 2 to a position near the lower edge 52 of the curtain.
- the front connection 80 , perimeter connection 46 , connection 160 , and an outermost one of the middle connections 140 help to define a pair of inflatable chambers 170 located in the main portion 62 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the chambers 170 extend in a generally diagonal direction between the upper and lower edges 50 and 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the rear connection 90 , perimeter connection 46 , and an outermost one of the middle connections 140 help to define an inflatable chamber 180 located in the main portion 62 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the chamber 180 extends in a generally diagonal direction between the upper and lower edges 50 and 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 also includes a bottom chamber 212 that extends along the lower edge 52 of the curtain in the main portion 62 of the curtain.
- the bottom chamber 212 is in fluid communication with the chambers 170 and 180 and the middle chambers 150 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the bottom chamber 212 is also in fluid communication with the front and rear portions 64 and 66 of the inflatable curtain 14 via the first and second inflation fluid passages 106 and 108 , respectively.
- the main portion 62 , front portion 64 and rear portion 66 of the inflatable curtain 14 may also be adapted to receive fastening devices 100 ( FIG. 2 ), such as clamps, for helping to connect the inflatable curtain 14 and the fill tube 32 to the vehicle 12 .
- the front connection 80 , rear connection 90 , and the connection 160 each may receive a fastening device 100 at their respective upper ends.
- the outermost one of the middle connections 140 may receive a fastening device 100 at its uppermost portion (as viewed in FIG. 2 ).
- the upper edge 50 of the inflatable curtain 14 is thus connected along the vehicle roof 18 by the fastening devices 100 and fill tube 30 .
- the forward and rear edges 72 and 96 of the curtain 14 are connected along the A pillar 22 and C pillar 26 by fasteners.
- the vehicle 12 includes a sensor mechanism 250 (shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) for sensing the occurrence of an event for which occupant protection is desired, such as a side impact to the vehicle 12 and/or a rollover of the vehicle.
- the sensor mechanism 250 actuates the inflator 30 in response to sensing such an event.
- the sensor mechanism 250 Upon sensing the event for which actuation of the curtain 14 is desired to help protect a vehicle occupant, the sensor mechanism 250 provides an electrical signal over lead wires 252 to the inflator 30 .
- the electrical signal causes the inflator 30 to be actuated in a known manner.
- the inflator 30 discharges fluid under pressure into the fill tube 32 .
- the fill tube 32 directs the fluid into the main portion 62 of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 inflates under the pressure of the inflation fluid from the inflator 30 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 inflates away from the roof 18 in a downward direction as shown in the drawings and in a downward direction with respect to the direction of forward travel of the vehicle 12 into the position illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 when inflated, extends along the side structure 16 of the vehicle 12 and is positioned between the side structure and any occupant of the vehicle.
- the first panel 40 FIG. 3
- the upper edge 50 FIG. 2
- the front edge 54 of the inflatable curtain 14 is positioned along the A pillar 22 of the vehicle 12 .
- the rear edge 56 of the inflatable curtain 14 is positioned along the C pillar 26 of the vehicle 12 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 extends between the A pillar 22 and the C pillar 26 of the vehicle 12 and may overlie portions of the A pillar, C pillar, and B pillar 24 of the vehicle.
- the inflatable curtain may have alternative configurations.
- the inflatable curtain 14 extends between the A pillar 22 and the C pillar 26 of the vehicle 12 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 could, however, extend between the A pillar 22 and the B pillar 24 only or between the B pillar and the C pillar 26 only.
- the inflatable curtain 14 could extend between the A pillar 22 and the D pillar 28 of the vehicle 12 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 when inflated, helps to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle rollover or a side impact to the vehicle 12 .
- the connections 70 help to limit the thickness of the inflated inflatable curtain 14 and help to reduce the overall volume of the curtain.
- the inflatable chambers 150 , 170 , and 180 of the main portion 62 , the chambers 120 of the front portion 64 , the chambers 210 of the rear portion 66 , and the bottom chamber 212 when inflated, help to absorb the energy of impacts with the inflatable curtain 14 and help to distribute the impact energy over a large area of the curtain.
- inflation fluid is directed from the fill tube 32 into the main portion 62 of the curtain.
- the inflation fluid is directed into the chambers 170 and 180 of the main portion 62 .
- the inflation fluid inflates the chambers 170 and 180 and passes through the chambers into the bottom chamber 212 and then into the middle chambers 150 .
- Inflation fluid is also directed from the bottom chamber 212 into the front portion 64 through the first inflation fluid passage 106 and into the rear portion 66 through the second inflation fluid passage 108 .
- Inflation fluid enters the front portion 64 and inflates the chambers 120 of the front portion.
- Inflation fluid also enters the rear portion 66 and inflates the chambers 210 of the rear portion.
- the chambers 120 of the front portion 64 when inflated, expand radially, which causes the front portion to contract in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the chambers, i.e., in a direction generally along the length of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the degree or distance that the chambers contract is related directly to the width of the chamber.
- the wide portions of the chambers 120 thus contract to a greater degree or a greater distance than the narrow portions of the chambers.
- the front portion 64 when inflated, experiences the greatest amount of contraction along the bottom edge 74 because the wide portions of the chambers 120 are positioned near the bottom edge.
- the chambers 210 of the rear portion 66 when inflated, expand radially, which causes the rear portion to contract in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the chambers, i.e., in a direction generally along the length of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the degree or distance that the chambers 210 contract is related directly to the width of the chambers.
- the wide portions of the chambers 210 thus contract to a greater degree or a greater distance than the narrow portions of the chambers.
- the rear portion 66 when inflated, experiences the greatest amount of contraction along the bottom edge 98 because the wide portions of the chambers 210 are positioned near the bottom edge.
- the chambers 150 , 170 , and 180 of the main portion 62 when inflated, also expand radially, which causes the main portion to contract in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the chambers, i.e., in a direction generally along the length of the inflatable curtain 14 .
- the main portion 62 and the front and rear portions 64 and 66 thus contract lengthwise along the length of the inflatable curtain 14 , as measured in a generally horizontal direction, as viewed in FIG. 2 .
- the inflatable curtain 14 being connected to the vehicle 12 along the A pillar 22 and the C pillar 26 , is thus tensioned between the A pillar and C pillar when the portions 62 , 64 and 66 contract lengthwise due to the inflation of the chambers 120 , 150 , 170 , 180 , and 212 . This helps to maintain the inflatable curtain 14 in the inflated position of FIG. 2 throughout the duration of a side impact to the vehicle 12 and/or a vehicle rollover.
- the main portion 62 begins to inflate before the front and rear portions 64 and 66 begin to inflate. More specifically, the chambers 170 and 180 begin to inflate before the front and rear portions 64 and 66 begin to inflate. The rate at which the front and rear portions 64 and 66 are inflated depends partially upon the size of the inflation fluid passages 106 and 108 . Also, as the main portion 62 is inflated, the chambers 170 and 180 begin to inflate before the middle chambers 150 begin to inflate. The rate at which the middle chambers 150 inflate depends partially on the distance between the terminal ends of the middle connections 140 and the lower edge 52 . It will be appreciated, however, that the order in which the portions and/or the chambers of the inflatable curtain 14 inflate may vary depending on the configuration of the curtain.
- the inflatable curtain 14 when in a non-inflated and “flattened out” condition, extends forward beyond the A pillar 22 and rearward beyond the C pillar 26 .
- the length of the flattened out inflatable curtain 14 is such that the forward edge 72 of the front portion 64 may be positioned forward of the A pillar 22 while the rear edge 96 of the rear portion 66 may simultaneously be positioned rearward of the C pillar 26 .
- the forward edge 72 extends away from the vehicle roof 18 and forward of the A pillar 22 at an acute angle with the A pillar. As shown in FIG. 4 , the forward edge 72 is spaced relatively close to the A pillar 22 at a position on the forward edge near the roof 18 of the vehicle 12 . The distance between the forward edge 72 and the A pillar 22 increases as the distance along the forward edge away from the roof 18 increases.
- the rear edge 96 of the rear portion 66 extends away from the vehicle roof 18 at an acute angle with the C pillar 26 .
- the rear edge 96 is spaced relatively close to the C pillar 26 at a position on the rear edge near the roof 18 of the vehicle 12 .
- the distance between the rear edge 96 and the C pillar 26 increases as the distance along the rear edge away from the roof 18 increases.
- the inflatable curtain 14 extends beyond the A pillar 22 and C pillar 36 in the flattened condition, it will be appreciated that the curtain, when connected to the A and C pillars, will exhibit some looseness or slack when in a non-inflated condition. Upon inflation of the inflatable curtain 14 , however, this looseness or slack will be taken up as the inflating curtain contracts lengthwise, and the curtain will become taut or tensioned between the A pillar 22 and the C pillar 26 .
- the chambers 120 of the front portion 64 and the chambers 210 of the rear portion 66 exhibit an increasing degree of contraction as the distance from the vehicle roof 18 increases from the narrow portion to the widened portion of their respective tapered configurations. This increasing degree of contraction helps account for the increasing distances between the forward edge 72 and the A pillar 22 and between the rear edge 96 and the C pillar 26 as the distance along the edges and away from the vehicle roof 18 increases.
- the configuration of the inflatable curtain 14 allows the curtain to be connected to the vehicle 12 along the roof 18 , along the A pillar 22 , and along the C pillar 26 .
- the looseness or slack in the inflatable curtain 14 when in the non-inflated and flattened out condition allows the curtain to be placed in the stored condition while remaining connected along the roof 18 , A pillar 22 , and C pillar 26 .
- rolling the inflatable curtain into the stored condition while remaining connected along the roof 18 , A pillar 22 , and C pillar 26 may be undesirable because twisting and bunching of the curtain may occur.
- a folding technique used to place the inflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition is conducive to the curtain being connected to the vehicle 12 along the A pillar 22 via the forward edge 72 , along the C pillar 26 via the rear edge 96 , and along the roof 18 via the fill tube 32 and the fastening devices 100 . Since the inflatable curtain 14 is connected to the vehicle 12 along these forward, rearward, and upper extents of the curtain, one may encounter difficulties while placing the curtain in the stored condition. This is because the curtain 14 , being connected to the vehicle 12 along these extents, may become twisted or bunched while placing the curtain in the stored condition. This could also negatively affect deployment of the curtain.
- the inflatable curtain 14 is placed in the stored condition by rolling the curtain in the area of the main portion 62 and folding the curtain in the area of the front and rear portions 64 and 66 . This is shown in FIGS. 5A-5D .
- the inflatable curtain 14 is illustrated in a simplified schematic form in which the connections have been omitted for clarity.
- the areas of the main portion 62 and the front and rear portions 64 and 66 are delineated by the dashed front and rear lines indicated at 300 and 302 , respectively.
- the main portion 62 is indicated generally between the front and rear lines 300 and 302 .
- the front portion 64 is positioned forward of the front line 300 .
- the rear portion 66 is positioned rearward of the rear line 302 .
- this description of an embodiment of the invention when reference is made to rolling the main portion 62 or folding the front and/or rear portions 64 and 66 , it is meant that the curtain is rolled or folded in the area of the respective portions.
- the main portion 62 may have portions near its intersection with the front portion 64 and/or rear portion 66 that exhibit some degree of folding. Also, the front portion 64 and/or the rear portion 66 may have portions near their respective intersections with the main portion 62 that exhibit some degree of rolling.
- the main portion 62 when placing the inflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition, the main portion 62 is initially rolled in a direction indicated by the curved arrow in FIG. 5A .
- the main portion 62 is rolled in an outboard direction.
- This “outboard roll” of the main portion 62 is illustrated at 310 in FIG. 6A .
- the lower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain 14 is rolled in an outboard direction in the vehicle toward the side structure 16 of the vehicle. This is the preferred roll direction. It will be appreciated, however, that the main portion 62 of the inflatable curtain 14 could be rolled in an inboard direction away from the side structure 16 .
- the front and rear portions 64 and 66 are maintained in a generally flat and unfolded/unrolled condition.
- the main portion 62 may assume a curved or arched shape while initially rolled in the outboard direction. This is shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C .
- the front and rear portions 64 and 66 are folded.
- the front and rear portions 64 and 66 are folded back and forth in what is referred to herein as a “fan fold.”
- the fan fold used to place the front and rear portions 64 and 66 in the stored condition is illustrated at 312 in FIGS. 6B and 6C , respectively.
- the front and rear portions 64 and 66 are folded in a back and forth manner in the area of the fan folds 312 .
- the front portion 64 is folded along fold lines that extend in a direction generally parallel to the forward edge 72 in order to form the fan folds 312 of the front portion.
- the rear portion 66 is folded along fold lines that extend in a direction generally parallel to the rear edge 96 in order to form the fan folds 312 of the rear portion.
- the inflatable curtain 14 may experience “bunching” at the transition between the rolled main portion 62 and the folded front and/or rear portions 64 and 66 . This is illustrated generally at 320 in FIG. 5C .
- This bunching 320 can be minimized by exercising care in placing the inflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition. This is done by maintaining the yet-unfolded portions of the front and rear portions 64 and 66 in a smooth and flattened out condition so as to help prevent the bunching from occurring.
- the fan folds 312 used to place the front and rear portions 64 and 66 in the stored condition may also help prevent formation of bunching 320 . This is because, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C , every other fold of the fan folds 312 is folded in the outboard direction, i.e., in the same direction as the outboard roll 310 .
- the main portion 62 continues to be rolled and the front and rear portions 64 and 66 continue to be folded in the manner described above until the inflatable curtain 14 is placed in the condition illustrated in FIG. 5D .
- the front and rear portions 64 and 66 are in a folded condition and the main portion 62 is in a rolled condition.
- the inflatable curtain 14 is thus ready to be connected to the vehicle 12 to place the curtain in the stored condition of FIG. 1 .
- the forward edge 72 When the front portion 64 is placed in the folded condition via the fan folding technique of the present invention, the forward edge 72 , and the apertures 130 on the forward edge, are left exposed outside the fan fold 312 .
- the rear portion 66 when the rear portion 66 is placed in the folded condition via the fan folding technique of the present invention, the rear edge 96 , and the apertures 220 on the rear edge, are left exposed outside the fan fold 312 . This is because the front portion 64 is folded along fold lines generally parallel to the forward edge 72 and the rear portion 66 is folded along fold lines generally parallel to the rear edge 96 .
- the upper edge 50 is left exposed on the outside of the roll.
- the forward edge 72 , rear edge 96 , and upper edge 50 are left exposed.
- the inflatable curtain 14 when in the stored condition, may be connected to the vehicle 12 along the A pillar 22 , C pillar 26 , and the intersection of the side structure 16 and the roof 18 .
- the fan folds 312 of the front and rear portions 64 and 66 are stored along the A pillar 22 and C pillar 26 , respectively.
- the outboard roll 310 of the main portion 62 is stored along the vehicle roof 18 . Portions of the fan folds 312 near the transition between the fan folds and the outboard roll 310 could, however, be positioned along the vehicle roof 18 . Conversely, portions of the outboard roll 310 near the transition between the outboard roll and the fan folds 312 could be positioned along the A pillar 22 and/or C pillar 26 .
- the method for placing the inflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition described herein helps facilitate connecting the inflatable curtain 14 to the vehicle 12 along the A pillar 22 , C pillar 26 , and roof 18 .
- the outboard roll 310 of the main portion 62 helps ensure that the inflatable curtain 14 inflates along the vehicle side structure 16 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) between the side structure and any occupants of the vehicle 12 .
- the fan fold 312 of the front and rear portions 64 and 66 helps allow the front and rear portions to remain connected to the A pillar 22 and C pillar 26 , respectively, while in the stored condition.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B .
- the second embodiment of the invention is similar to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-6C . Accordingly, numerals similar to those of FIGS. 1-6C will be utilized in FIGS. 7A and 7B to identify similar components, the suffix letter “a” being associated with the numerals of FIGS. 7A and 7B to avoid confusion.
- the apparatus 10 a of the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the apparatus 10 of the first embodiment ( FIGS. 1-6C ), except that the main portion, like the front and rear portions, is folded into the stored condition.
- the inflatable curtain 14 a is placed in the stored condition by folding the main portion 62 a , front portion 64 a , and rear portion 66 a using a fan fold as described above with regard to the first embodiment.
- This fan folded portion 320 thus extends along the entire length of the inflatable curtain 14 a .
- This fan fold 320 of the inflatable curtain 14 a helps allow the front and rear portions 64 a and 66 a to remain connected to the A pillar and C pillar (not shown), respectively, while in the stored condition.
- the rolling and folding of the portions of the inflatable curtain coincides with distinct inflatable portions of the curtain, i.e., the front, middle, and rear portions.
- the rolling and/or folding need not, however, coincide with separate inflatable portions.
- the inflatable curtain could have any desired internal chamber configuration and still be placed in the stored condition in accordance with the rolling of the central portion and folding of the front and rear portions as disclosed herein. It is desirable, however, for reasons described herein, that the chamber configuration be arranged to provide a degree of contraction sufficient to provide a desired amount of tension along the curtain when inflated.
Abstract
Apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable from a stored condition to a deployed position between a side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The protection device (14) includes an upper edge (50), an opposite lower edge (52), and inflatable front and rear portions (64 and 66) and an inflatable main portion (62) positioned between the front and rear portions. The main portion (62) is rolled up into a rolled condition extending along the intersection of the side structure (16) and the roof (18) when in the stored condition. The front portion (64) is folded into a folded condition extending along the A pillar (22) when in the stored condition. The rear portion (66) is folded into a folded condition extending along the C pillar (26) when in the stored condition.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/337,536, filed Jan. 7, 2003.
- The present invention relates to an apparatus including an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a side impact to the vehicle and/or a vehicle rollover.
- It is known to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device to help protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle collision. One particular type of inflatable vehicle occupant protection device is an inflatable curtain that inflates away from the roof of the vehicle downward inside the passenger compartment between a vehicle occupant and the side structure of the vehicle in the event of a side impact and/or a vehicle rollover. A known inflatable curtain is inflated from a deflated condition by inflation fluid directed from an inflator to the inflatable curtain.
- The present invention relates to an apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure and a roof. The apparatus comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device and an inflator. The protection device is inflatable from a stored condition to a deployed position between a side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The protection device includes an upper edge, an opposite lower edge, and inflatable front and rear portions spaced away from each other and extending between the upper and lower edges. The protection device further includes an inflatable main portion positioned between the front and rear portions and extending between the upper and lower edges. The main portion is rolled up into a rolled condition extending along the intersection of the side structure and the roof when in the stored condition. The front portion is folded into a folded condition extending along the A pillar when in the stored condition. The rear portion is folded into a folded condition extending along the C pillar when in the stored condition.
- The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a main portion including an upper edge, a front portion including forward edge, and a rear portion including tear edge. An inflation fluid source is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device. The protection device has a stored condition in which the main portion is rolled up leaving the upper edge exposed for connection to the vehicle along the vehicle roof while in the stored condition along the intersection of the side structure and the vehicle roof. The front portion is folded up along fold lines extending generally parallel to the forward edge leaving the forward edge exposed and connectable along a vehicle A pillar while in the stored condition. The rear portion is folded up along fold lines extending generally parallel to the rear edge leaving the rear edge exposed and connectable along a vehicle C pillar while in the stored condition.
- The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device including a front portion having a forward edge connectable along an A pillar of the vehicle and a rear portion having a rear edge connectable along a C pillar of the vehicle. An inflation fluid source is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device. The forward edge is extendable forward of the A pillar at an acute angle relative to the A pillar when the protection device is in the non-inflated condition. When extended forward of the A pillar, the forward edge diverges from the A pillar with increasing distance along the forward edge away from the vehicle roof. The rear edge is extendable rearward of the C pillar at an acute angle relative to the C pillar when the protection device is in the non-inflated condition. When extended rearward of the C pillar, the rear edge diverges from the C pillar with increasing distance along the rear edge away from the vehicle roof.
- The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device including an upper edge positioned along an intersection of a side structure of a vehicle and a vehicle roof and an opposite lower edge. The protection device further includes a front portion having a forward edge connectable along an A pillar of the vehicle and a rear portion having a rear edge connectable along a C pillar of the vehicle. An inflation fluid source is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device. Slack exists in the protection device when in the non-inflated condition between the forward edge and the rear edge. The amount of slack between the forward edge and the rear edge increases with increasing distance along the forward edge and the rear edge away from the vehicle roof. The protection device includes at least one inflatable chamber having a length extending in a generally vertical direction from near the upper edge to near the lower edge of the protection device. The chamber has a tapered width with a narrowed width near the upper edge. The width of the chamber increases with increasing distance from the upper edge. The chamber is adapted to contract when inflated in a direction generally along the width of the chamber. The degree of contraction increases as the width of the chamber increases. The tapered width of the chamber is predetermined so as to take up the increasing slack between the forward edge and the rear edge and to tension the protection device when inflated.
- The present invention also relates to a method for placing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in a stored condition. The method includes the step of providing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device including an upper edge, an opposite lower edge, and inflatable front and rear portions spaced away from each other and extending between the upper and lower edges. The protection device further comprises an inflatable main portion positioned between the front and rear portions and extending between the upper and lower edges. The method also includes the step of rolling up the main portion into a stored condition extendable along an intersection of a side structure of a vehicle and a vehicle roof. The method further includes the step of folding the front portion into a stored condition extendable along an A pillar of the vehicle. The method still further includes the step of folding the rear portion into a stored condition extendable along a C pillar of the vehicle.
- The present invention also relates to a method for placing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in a stored condition. The method includes the step of providing an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a main portion including an upper edge, a front portion including forward edge, and a rear portion including rear edge. The upper edge is connectable to a vehicle along an intersection of a side structure of the vehicle and a roof of the vehicle. The forward edge is connectable to the side structure along an A pillar of the vehicle. The rear edge being connectable to the side structure along a C pillar of the vehicle. The method also includes the step of rolling up the main portion, leaving the upper edge exposed and connectable along the intersection of the side structure and the vehicle roof. The method also includes the step of folding the front portion along fold lines extending generally parallel to the forward edge, leaving the forward edge exposed and connectable along the A pillar. The method further includes the step of folding the rear portion along fold lines extending generally parallel to the rear edge, leaving the rear edge exposed and connectable along the C pillar.
- The foregoing and other features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon consideration of the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant illustrating the apparatus in a deflated condition, according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 in an inflated condition; -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally along line 3-3 inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the apparatus illustrating the apparatus in a non-inflated and flattened out condition; -
FIGS. 5A-5D are schematic views illustrating a method for placing the apparatus in a stored condition, according to a first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6A is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally alongline 6A-6A inFIG. 5B ; -
FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally alongline 6B-6B inFIG. 5C ; -
FIG. 6C is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally alongline 6C-6C inFIG. 5C ; -
FIG. 7A is a schematic view illustrating a method for placing the apparatus in a stored condition, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the apparatus taken generally alongline 7B-7B inFIG. 7A . - As representative of the present invention, an
apparatus 10 helps to protect an occupant of avehicle 12. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , theapparatus 10 includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in the form of aninflatable curtain 14 that is mounted along theside structure 16 of thevehicle 12 and aroof 18 of the vehicle. Theside structure 16 of thevehicle 12 includesside window openings 20, anA pillar 22, aB pillar 24, and aC pillar 26. Theside structure 16 may also include aD pillar 28. An inflator 30 is connected in fluid communication with theinflatable curtain 14 through afill tube 32. - The
fill tube 32 has afirst end portion 34 for receiving fluid from theinflator 30. Thefill tube 32 has asecond end portion 36 disposed in theinflatable curtain 14. Thesecond end portion 36 of thefill tube 32 has a plurality of openings (not shown) that provide fluid communication between thefill tube 32 and theinflatable curtain 14. - The inflator 30 contains a stored quantity of pressurized inflation fluid (not shown) in the form of a gas for inflating the
inflatable curtain 14. The inflator 30 alternatively could contain a combination of pressurized inflation fluid and ignitable material for heating the inflation fluid, or could be a pyrotechnic inflator that uses the combustion of gas-generating material to generate inflation fluid. As a further alternative, the inflator 30 could be of any suitable type or construction for supplying a medium for inflating theinflatable curtain 14. - The
apparatus 10 has a stored condition in which theinflatable curtain 14 is stowed in a deflated condition. This is illustrated inFIG. 1 . When theapparatus 10 is in the stored condition, the deflatedinflatable curtain 14 has an elongated configuration and extends along thevehicle roof 18 and along theside structure 16 of thevehicle 12 above theside window openings 20. In the stored condition, portions of theinflatable curtain 14 extend along theA pillar 22 andC pillar 26 of thevehicle 12. Theapparatus 10 may include a housing 38 (shown only inFIG. 1 ) that houses theinflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , theinflatable curtain 14 comprises first andsecond panels second panels FIGS. 2 and 3 ) that extends along aperimeter 48 of the panels. The first andsecond panels connections 70 within theperimeter 48 of theinflatable curtain 14. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 , theperimeter connection 46 and theconnections 70 are formed by weaving thepanels inflatable curtain 14 is formed by weaving the first andsecond panels perimeter connection 46 and theconnections 70 as single layers of fabric. This can be accomplished by using, for example, a Jacquard or Dobby weaving machine. The weaving machines are pre-programmed to weave the first andsecond panels perimeter connection 46 andconnections 70 at the same time. No intermediate steps are required. - In an alternative construction of the
inflatable curtain 14, means such as stitching, dielectric sealing, ultrasonic bonding, heat sealing, and adhesives may be used to interconnect the first andsecond panels perimeter connection 46 and theconnections 70. In such alternative constructions, theinflatable curtain 14 may be formed by interconnecting two separate fabric pieces together along theperimeter connection 46 and theconnections 70. As a further alternative, a single piece of fabric may be folded over to form the overlying first andsecond panels perimeter connection 46 of theinflatable curtain 14. - The
inflatable curtain 14 may have a variety of material constructions. For example, theinflatable curtain 14 may be constructed of a woven fabric, such as nylon, that is coated with a gas impermeable material, such as urethane or silicone. Theinflatable curtain 14 thus may have a substantially gas-tight construction. Other materials, such as elastomers, plastic films, or combinations thereof, may also be used to construct theinflatable curtain 14, in which case the curtain may have a non-woven construction. The materials used to construct theinflatable curtain 14 may also be single or multi-layered materials. - The first and
second panels perimeter connection 46, and theconnections 70 may be coated using a laminate film, slurry, and/or a spray coating, such as silicone, urethane, or other suitable material, in order to achieve a substantially gas-tight construction. This helps to prevent gas from permeating directly through the first andsecond panels perimeter connection 46 orconnections 70. - The perimeter 48 (
FIG. 2 ) of theinflatable curtain 14 is defined by upper andlower edges rear edges FIG. 2 ) defines aninflatable volume 60 of theinflatable curtain 14. Theperimeter connection 46 and theconnections 70 help define amain portion 62, afront portion 64 and arear portion 66 of theinflatable curtain 14. - The
main portion 62,front portion 64, andrear portion 66 may have a variety of configurations defined by the shape of theperimeter connection 46 and the arrangement of theconnections 70 within the perimeter connection. One such configuration is illustrated inFIGS. 1-4 . It will be appreciated, however, that the configuration of themain portion 62,front portion 64, andrear portion 66 could vary without departing from the spirit of the present invention. - The
main portion 62 is partially defined by the upper andlower edges main portion 62 is defined by afront connection 80 of theinflatable curtain 14. A rearward extent of themain portion 62 is defined by arear connection 90 of theinflatable curtain 14. - The
front connection 80 intersects theperimeter connection 46 at theupper edge 50 of theinflatable curtain 14. Thefront connection 80 extends from theupper edge 50 of theinflatable curtain 14 towards thelower edge 52 of the curtain. Thefront connection 80 includes aportion 82 that extends forward into thefront portion 64. Theportion 82 is spaced from theperimeter connection 46 and positioned near thelower edge 52 of theinflatable curtain 14. Thefront connection 80 further includesbranches 84 that extend from theportion 82 toward theupper edge 50. - The
front portion 64 of theinflatable curtain 14 is partially defined by theupper edge 50,lower edge 52,front edge 54, andfront connection 80. Thefront portion 64 has a generally tapered configuration that is narrowed toward theupper edge 50 and widens toward thebottom edge 52. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , the upper andlower edges front portion 64 of theinflatable curtain 14. The angled portion of theupper edge 50 forms aforward edge 72 of thefront portion 64. The angled portion of thelower edge 52 forms abottom edge 74 of thefront portion 64. Thefront connection 80 forms arear edge 76 of thefront portion 64. Thefront edge 54 of theinflatable curtain 14 extends a relatively short distance between terminal ends of the upper andlower edges forward edge 72 andbottom edge 74 of thefront portion 64. Thefront edge 54 could, however, be omitted and the upper andlower edges front portion 64 would be partially defined by the intersecting upper and lower edges. - The
portion 82 of thefront connection 80, being spaced from theperimeter connection 46, helps define a firstinflation fluid passage 106 along thelower edge 52 of the inflatable curtain. The firstinflation fluid passage 106 provides fluid communication between themain portion 62 and thefront portion 64. - The
branches 84 of thefront connection 80 extend in a generally diagonally upward and rearward direction as viewed inFIG. 2 . Thebranches 84 help define fourinflatable chambers 120 in thefront portion 64. Each of thechambers 120 has a generally tapered configuration including a narrow portion and an opposite wide portion. The narrow portion of eachchamber 120 is positioned near the intersection of theforward edge 72 and therear edge 76 of thefront portion 64. The wide portion of eachchamber 120 is positioned near thebottom edge 74 of thefront portion 64. Thechambers 120 are thus oriented such that the tapered configuration of the chambers coincides with the tapered configuration of thefront portion 64. - The
inflatable curtain 14 includes a plurality offastener receiving apertures 130 spaced along theforward edge 72 of thefront portion 64 of the curtain from a position near theupper edge 50 to a position near theforward edge 54 andlower edge 52. Thefastener receiving apertures 130 extend through theperimeter connection 46. Theperimeter connection 46 may be widened along theforward edge 72 in order to accommodate theapertures 130. Each of thefastener receiving apertures 130 receives a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or screw, for helping to connect theforward edge 72 of thefront portion 64 to theA pillar 22 of thevehicle 12. Theforward edge 72 may thus be connected to the vehicle along theA pillar 22 from a position near theroof 18 to a position near a lower edge of an adjacentside window opening 20, as shown inFIG. 2 . It will be appreciated, however, that theinflatable curtain 14 could be adapted to cooperate with any suitable means for connecting theforward edge 72 to theA pillar 22. - The
front connection 80 may help define apocket 102 for receiving thesecond end portion 36 of thefill tube 32. Thepocket 102 surrounds thesecond end portion 36 of thefill tube 32 and forms a snug fit with the fill tube. Thepocket 102 may thus help position thefill tube 32 in theinflatable curtain 14 and helps to maintain the position of the fill tube relative to the curtain. - The
rear connection 90 intersects theperimeter connection 46 at therear edge 56 of thecurtain 14 at a position spaced close to theupper edge 50. Therear connection 90 and theperimeter connection 46 define an opening for receiving thefill tube 32. Therear connection 90 includes twobranches 92 that extend in a generally diagonal direction rearward and downward as viewed inFIG. 2 towards thelower edge 52 of theinflatable curtain 14. Thebranches 92 of therear connection 90 terminate at locations spaced from theperimeter connection 46 and positioned near thelower edge 52 of theinflatable curtain 14. - The
rear portion 66 has a generally tapered configuration that is narrowed toward theupper edge 50 and widens toward thebottom edge 52. Aforward edge 94 of therear portion 66 is defined by the forwardmost one of thebranches 92. Arear edge 96 of therear portion 66 is defined by therear edge 56 of theinflatable curtain 14. Alower edge 98 of therear portion 66 is defined by a portion of thelower edge 52 of theinflatable curtain 14. - A second
inflation fluid passage 108 is defined between the terminal end of therear connection 90 and the perimeter connection of theinflatable curtain 14. The secondinflation fluid passage 108 provides fluid communication between themain portion 62 and therear portion 66. - The
branches 92 of therear connection 90 extend in a direction generally diagonally downward and rearward in thevehicle 12, as viewed inFIG. 2 . Thebranches 92 help define twoinflatable chambers 210 of therear portion 66. Thechambers 210 extend in a direction generally diagonally downward and rearward in therear portion 64 towards thelower edge 52 of theinflatable curtain 14. - Each of the
chambers 210 has a generally tapered configuration including a narrow portion and an opposite wide portion. The narrow portion of eachchamber 210 is positioned towards the intersection of theforward edge 94 and therear edge 96 of therear portion 66. The wide portion of eachchamber 210 is positioned towards thebottom edge 98 of therear portion 66. Thechambers 210 are thus oriented such that the tapered configuration of the chambers coincides with the tapered configuration of therear portion 66. - The
inflatable curtain 14 includes a plurality offastener receiving apertures 220 spaced along therear edge 56 of the curtain from a position near theupper edge 50 to a position near thelower edge 52. Thefastener receiving apertures 220 extend through theperimeter connection 46. Theperimeter connection 46 may be widened along therear edge 56 of theinflatable curtain 14 to accommodate theapertures 220. Each of thefastener receiving apertures 220 receives a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or screw, for helping to connect therear edge 96 of therear portion 66 to theC pillar 26 of thevehicle 12. Therear edge 96 may thus be connected to the vehicle along theA pillar 22 from a position near theroof 18 to a position near a lower edge of an adjacentside window opening 20, as shown inFIG. 2 . It will be appreciated, however, that theinflatable curtain 14 could be adapted to cooperate with any suitable means for helping to connect therear edge 96 to theC pillar 26. - The
main portion 62 of theinflatable curtain 14 includes fourmiddle connections 140. Themiddle connections 140 have a generally arc-shaped configuration. Themiddle connections 140 help to define three inflatablemiddle chambers 150 located in themain portion 62 of theinflatable curtain 14. Themiddle chambers 150 are generally arc-shaped and are positioned facing concavely downward, as viewed inFIG. 2 , toward thelower edge 52 of theinflatable curtain 14. Each of themiddle chambers 150 includes opposite terminal end portions that comprise inflation fluid inlets positioned near thelower edge 52 of theinflatable curtain 14. - The
inflatable curtain 14 also includes aconnection 160 located in themain portion 62 of the curtain. Theconnection 160 extends from a position near theupper edge 50 of theinflatable curtain 14 generally diagonally downward and forward as viewed inFIG. 2 to a position near thelower edge 52 of the curtain. - The
front connection 80,perimeter connection 46,connection 160, and an outermost one of themiddle connections 140 help to define a pair ofinflatable chambers 170 located in themain portion 62 of theinflatable curtain 14. Thechambers 170 extend in a generally diagonal direction between the upper andlower edges inflatable curtain 14. - The
rear connection 90,perimeter connection 46, and an outermost one of themiddle connections 140 help to define aninflatable chamber 180 located in themain portion 62 of theinflatable curtain 14. Thechamber 180 extends in a generally diagonal direction between the upper andlower edges inflatable curtain 14. - The
inflatable curtain 14 also includes abottom chamber 212 that extends along thelower edge 52 of the curtain in themain portion 62 of the curtain. Thebottom chamber 212 is in fluid communication with thechambers middle chambers 150 of theinflatable curtain 14. Thebottom chamber 212 is also in fluid communication with the front andrear portions inflatable curtain 14 via the first and secondinflation fluid passages - The
main portion 62,front portion 64 andrear portion 66 of theinflatable curtain 14 may also be adapted to receive fastening devices 100 (FIG. 2 ), such as clamps, for helping to connect theinflatable curtain 14 and thefill tube 32 to thevehicle 12. As shown inFIG. 2 , thefront connection 80,rear connection 90, and theconnection 160 each may receive afastening device 100 at their respective upper ends. The outermost one of themiddle connections 140 may receive afastening device 100 at its uppermost portion (as viewed inFIG. 2 ). Theupper edge 50 of theinflatable curtain 14 is thus connected along thevehicle roof 18 by thefastening devices 100 and filltube 30. The forward andrear edges curtain 14 are connected along theA pillar 22 andC pillar 26 by fasteners. - The
vehicle 12 includes a sensor mechanism 250 (shown schematically inFIGS. 1 and 2 ) for sensing the occurrence of an event for which occupant protection is desired, such as a side impact to thevehicle 12 and/or a rollover of the vehicle. Thesensor mechanism 250 actuates the inflator 30 in response to sensing such an event. - Upon sensing the event for which actuation of the
curtain 14 is desired to help protect a vehicle occupant, thesensor mechanism 250 provides an electrical signal overlead wires 252 to theinflator 30. The electrical signal causes the inflator 30 to be actuated in a known manner. The inflator 30 discharges fluid under pressure into thefill tube 32. Thefill tube 32 directs the fluid into themain portion 62 of theinflatable curtain 14. - The
inflatable curtain 14 inflates under the pressure of the inflation fluid from theinflator 30. Theinflatable curtain 14 inflates away from theroof 18 in a downward direction as shown in the drawings and in a downward direction with respect to the direction of forward travel of thevehicle 12 into the position illustrated inFIG. 2 . - The
inflatable curtain 14, when inflated, extends along theside structure 16 of thevehicle 12 and is positioned between the side structure and any occupant of the vehicle. When theinflatable curtain 14 is in the inflated condition, the first panel 40 (FIG. 3 ) is positioned adjacent theside structure 16 of thevehicle 12. The upper edge 50 (FIG. 2 ) of theinflatable curtain 14 is positioned along the intersection of theroof 18 and theside structure 16 of thevehicle 12. Thefront edge 54 of theinflatable curtain 14 is positioned along theA pillar 22 of thevehicle 12. Therear edge 56 of theinflatable curtain 14 is positioned along theC pillar 26 of thevehicle 12. Theinflatable curtain 14 extends between theA pillar 22 and theC pillar 26 of thevehicle 12 and may overlie portions of the A pillar, C pillar, andB pillar 24 of the vehicle. - It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the inflatable curtain may have alternative configurations. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
inflatable curtain 14 extends between theA pillar 22 and theC pillar 26 of thevehicle 12. Theinflatable curtain 14 could, however, extend between theA pillar 22 and theB pillar 24 only or between the B pillar and theC pillar 26 only. Also, theinflatable curtain 14 could extend between theA pillar 22 and theD pillar 28 of thevehicle 12. - The
inflatable curtain 14, when inflated, helps to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a vehicle rollover or a side impact to thevehicle 12. Theconnections 70 help to limit the thickness of the inflatedinflatable curtain 14 and help to reduce the overall volume of the curtain. Theinflatable chambers main portion 62, thechambers 120 of thefront portion 64, thechambers 210 of therear portion 66, and thebottom chamber 212, when inflated, help to absorb the energy of impacts with theinflatable curtain 14 and help to distribute the impact energy over a large area of the curtain. - As the
inflatable curtain 14 is inflated, inflation fluid is directed from thefill tube 32 into themain portion 62 of the curtain. The inflation fluid is directed into thechambers main portion 62. The inflation fluid inflates thechambers bottom chamber 212 and then into themiddle chambers 150. - Inflation fluid is also directed from the
bottom chamber 212 into thefront portion 64 through the firstinflation fluid passage 106 and into therear portion 66 through the secondinflation fluid passage 108. Inflation fluid enters thefront portion 64 and inflates thechambers 120 of the front portion. Inflation fluid also enters therear portion 66 and inflates thechambers 210 of the rear portion. - The
chambers 120 of thefront portion 64, when inflated, expand radially, which causes the front portion to contract in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the chambers, i.e., in a direction generally along the length of theinflatable curtain 14. The degree or distance that the chambers contract is related directly to the width of the chamber. The wide portions of thechambers 120 thus contract to a greater degree or a greater distance than the narrow portions of the chambers. Thefront portion 64, when inflated, experiences the greatest amount of contraction along thebottom edge 74 because the wide portions of thechambers 120 are positioned near the bottom edge. - The
chambers 210 of therear portion 66, when inflated, expand radially, which causes the rear portion to contract in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the chambers, i.e., in a direction generally along the length of theinflatable curtain 14. The degree or distance that thechambers 210 contract is related directly to the width of the chambers. The wide portions of thechambers 210 thus contract to a greater degree or a greater distance than the narrow portions of the chambers. Therear portion 66, when inflated, experiences the greatest amount of contraction along thebottom edge 98 because the wide portions of thechambers 210 are positioned near the bottom edge. - The
chambers main portion 62, when inflated, also expand radially, which causes the main portion to contract in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the chambers, i.e., in a direction generally along the length of theinflatable curtain 14. - The
main portion 62 and the front andrear portions inflatable curtain 14, as measured in a generally horizontal direction, as viewed inFIG. 2 . Theinflatable curtain 14, being connected to thevehicle 12 along theA pillar 22 and theC pillar 26, is thus tensioned between the A pillar and C pillar when theportions chambers inflatable curtain 14 in the inflated position ofFIG. 2 throughout the duration of a side impact to thevehicle 12 and/or a vehicle rollover. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , themain portion 62 begins to inflate before the front andrear portions chambers rear portions rear portions inflation fluid passages main portion 62 is inflated, thechambers middle chambers 150 begin to inflate. The rate at which themiddle chambers 150 inflate depends partially on the distance between the terminal ends of themiddle connections 140 and thelower edge 52. It will be appreciated, however, that the order in which the portions and/or the chambers of theinflatable curtain 14 inflate may vary depending on the configuration of the curtain. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , according to the present invention, theinflatable curtain 14, when in a non-inflated and “flattened out” condition, extends forward beyond theA pillar 22 and rearward beyond theC pillar 26. The length of the flattened outinflatable curtain 14 is such that theforward edge 72 of thefront portion 64 may be positioned forward of theA pillar 22 while therear edge 96 of therear portion 66 may simultaneously be positioned rearward of theC pillar 26. - In the non-inflated and flattened out condition, the
forward edge 72 extends away from thevehicle roof 18 and forward of theA pillar 22 at an acute angle with the A pillar. As shown inFIG. 4 , theforward edge 72 is spaced relatively close to theA pillar 22 at a position on the forward edge near theroof 18 of thevehicle 12. The distance between theforward edge 72 and theA pillar 22 increases as the distance along the forward edge away from theroof 18 increases. - The
rear edge 96 of therear portion 66 extends away from thevehicle roof 18 at an acute angle with theC pillar 26. Therear edge 96 is spaced relatively close to theC pillar 26 at a position on the rear edge near theroof 18 of thevehicle 12. The distance between therear edge 96 and theC pillar 26 increases as the distance along the rear edge away from theroof 18 increases. - Because the
inflatable curtain 14 extends beyond theA pillar 22 andC pillar 36 in the flattened condition, it will be appreciated that the curtain, when connected to the A and C pillars, will exhibit some looseness or slack when in a non-inflated condition. Upon inflation of theinflatable curtain 14, however, this looseness or slack will be taken up as the inflating curtain contracts lengthwise, and the curtain will become taut or tensioned between theA pillar 22 and theC pillar 26. As stated above, thechambers 120 of thefront portion 64 and thechambers 210 of therear portion 66 exhibit an increasing degree of contraction as the distance from thevehicle roof 18 increases from the narrow portion to the widened portion of their respective tapered configurations. This increasing degree of contraction helps account for the increasing distances between theforward edge 72 and theA pillar 22 and between therear edge 96 and theC pillar 26 as the distance along the edges and away from thevehicle roof 18 increases. - According to the present invention, the configuration of the
inflatable curtain 14 allows the curtain to be connected to thevehicle 12 along theroof 18, along theA pillar 22, and along theC pillar 26. The looseness or slack in theinflatable curtain 14 when in the non-inflated and flattened out condition allows the curtain to be placed in the stored condition while remaining connected along theroof 18, Apillar 22, andC pillar 26. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that rolling the inflatable curtain into the stored condition while remaining connected along theroof 18, Apillar 22, andC pillar 26 may be undesirable because twisting and bunching of the curtain may occur. This is because rolling theinflatable curtain 14 in a uniform roll that is free or substantially free from twisting and bunching requires that the forward andrear edges inflatable curtain 14 be disconnected from theA pillar 22 andC pillar 26 in order to be free to roll up into the stored condition. - According to the present invention, a folding technique used to place the
inflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition is conducive to the curtain being connected to thevehicle 12 along theA pillar 22 via theforward edge 72, along theC pillar 26 via therear edge 96, and along theroof 18 via thefill tube 32 and thefastening devices 100. Since theinflatable curtain 14 is connected to thevehicle 12 along these forward, rearward, and upper extents of the curtain, one may encounter difficulties while placing the curtain in the stored condition. This is because thecurtain 14, being connected to thevehicle 12 along these extents, may become twisted or bunched while placing the curtain in the stored condition. This could also negatively affect deployment of the curtain. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, theinflatable curtain 14 is placed in the stored condition by rolling the curtain in the area of themain portion 62 and folding the curtain in the area of the front andrear portions FIGS. 5A-5D . - In
FIGS. 5A-5D , theinflatable curtain 14 is illustrated in a simplified schematic form in which the connections have been omitted for clarity. The areas of themain portion 62 and the front andrear portions main portion 62 is indicated generally between the front andrear lines front portion 64 is positioned forward of thefront line 300. Therear portion 66 is positioned rearward of therear line 302. In this description of an embodiment of the invention, when reference is made to rolling themain portion 62 or folding the front and/orrear portions main portion 62 may have portions near its intersection with thefront portion 64 and/orrear portion 66 that exhibit some degree of folding. Also, thefront portion 64 and/or therear portion 66 may have portions near their respective intersections with themain portion 62 that exhibit some degree of rolling. - Referring to
FIG. 5A , when placing theinflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition, themain portion 62 is initially rolled in a direction indicated by the curved arrow inFIG. 5A . In the illustrated embodiment, themain portion 62 is rolled in an outboard direction. This “outboard roll” of themain portion 62 is illustrated at 310 inFIG. 6A . Referring toFIG. 6A , in the area of theoutboard roll 310, thelower edge 52 of theinflatable curtain 14 is rolled in an outboard direction in the vehicle toward theside structure 16 of the vehicle. This is the preferred roll direction. It will be appreciated, however, that themain portion 62 of theinflatable curtain 14 could be rolled in an inboard direction away from theside structure 16. - Referring to
FIG. 5B , as themain portion 62 is initially rolled in the outboard direction, the front andrear portions main portion 62 may assume a curved or arched shape while initially rolled in the outboard direction. This is shown inFIGS. 5B and 5C . - Referring to
FIG. 5C , as themain portion 62 is rolled further, the front andrear portions rear portions rear portions FIGS. 6B and 6C , respectively. As illustrated inFIGS. 6B and 6C , the front andrear portions front portion 64 is folded along fold lines that extend in a direction generally parallel to theforward edge 72 in order to form the fan folds 312 of the front portion. Therear portion 66 is folded along fold lines that extend in a direction generally parallel to therear edge 96 in order to form the fan folds 312 of the rear portion. - Referring to
FIG. 5C , theinflatable curtain 14 may experience “bunching” at the transition between the rolledmain portion 62 and the folded front and/orrear portions FIG. 5C . This bunching 320, however, can be minimized by exercising care in placing theinflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition. This is done by maintaining the yet-unfolded portions of the front andrear portions rear portions FIGS. 6A-6C , every other fold of the fan folds 312 is folded in the outboard direction, i.e., in the same direction as theoutboard roll 310. - The
main portion 62 continues to be rolled and the front andrear portions inflatable curtain 14 is placed in the condition illustrated inFIG. 5D . When theinflatable curtain 14 is in the condition illustrated inFIG. 5D , the front andrear portions main portion 62 is in a rolled condition. Theinflatable curtain 14 is thus ready to be connected to thevehicle 12 to place the curtain in the stored condition ofFIG. 1 . - When the
front portion 64 is placed in the folded condition via the fan folding technique of the present invention, theforward edge 72, and theapertures 130 on the forward edge, are left exposed outside thefan fold 312. Similarly, when therear portion 66 is placed in the folded condition via the fan folding technique of the present invention, therear edge 96, and theapertures 220 on the rear edge, are left exposed outside thefan fold 312. This is because thefront portion 64 is folded along fold lines generally parallel to theforward edge 72 and therear portion 66 is folded along fold lines generally parallel to therear edge 96. When themain portion 62 is in the rolled condition, theupper edge 50 is left exposed on the outside of the roll. - Advantageously, when the
inflatable curtain 14 is in the folded and rolled condition, theforward edge 72,rear edge 96, andupper edge 50 are left exposed. This allows for placement of theforward edge 72 along theA pillar 22, placement of therear edge 96 along theC pillar 26, and placement of theupper edge 50 along the intersection of theside structure 16 and theroof 18. As a result, theinflatable curtain 14, when in the stored condition, may be connected to thevehicle 12 along theA pillar 22,C pillar 26, and the intersection of theside structure 16 and theroof 18. - In the stored condition, the fan folds 312 of the front and
rear portions A pillar 22 andC pillar 26, respectively. Theoutboard roll 310 of themain portion 62 is stored along thevehicle roof 18. Portions of the fan folds 312 near the transition between the fan folds and theoutboard roll 310 could, however, be positioned along thevehicle roof 18. Conversely, portions of theoutboard roll 310 near the transition between the outboard roll and the fan folds 312 could be positioned along theA pillar 22 and/orC pillar 26. - The method for placing the
inflatable curtain 14 in the stored condition described herein helps facilitate connecting theinflatable curtain 14 to thevehicle 12 along theA pillar 22,C pillar 26, androof 18. Theoutboard roll 310 of themain portion 62 helps ensure that theinflatable curtain 14 inflates along the vehicle side structure 16 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) between the side structure and any occupants of thevehicle 12. Thefan fold 312 of the front andrear portions A pillar 22 andC pillar 26, respectively, while in the stored condition. - A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 7A and 7B . The second embodiment of the invention is similar to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated inFIGS. 1-6C . Accordingly, numerals similar to those ofFIGS. 1-6C will be utilized inFIGS. 7A and 7B to identify similar components, the suffix letter “a” being associated with the numerals ofFIGS. 7A and 7B to avoid confusion. Theapparatus 10 a of the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to theapparatus 10 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-6C ), except that the main portion, like the front and rear portions, is folded into the stored condition. - Referring to
FIGS. 7A and 7B , according to the second embodiment of the present invention, theinflatable curtain 14 a is placed in the stored condition by folding themain portion 62 a,front portion 64 a, andrear portion 66 a using a fan fold as described above with regard to the first embodiment. This fan foldedportion 320 thus extends along the entire length of theinflatable curtain 14 a. Thisfan fold 320 of theinflatable curtain 14 a helps allow the front andrear portions - From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rolling and folding of the portions of the inflatable curtain coincides with distinct inflatable portions of the curtain, i.e., the front, middle, and rear portions. The rolling and/or folding need not, however, coincide with separate inflatable portions. The inflatable curtain could have any desired internal chamber configuration and still be placed in the stored condition in accordance with the rolling of the central portion and folding of the front and rear portions as disclosed herein. It is desirable, however, for reasons described herein, that the chamber configuration be arranged to provide a degree of contraction sufficient to provide a desired amount of tension along the curtain when inflated. These and other such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
Claims (5)
1. Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure said apparatus comprising:
an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device that is inflatable from a stored condition to a deployed position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant;
an inflation fluid source that is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device;
said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a portion rolled up into a rolled condition, and another portion being folded into a folded condition.
2. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein a front portion of said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device is folded into said folded condition via a fan fold, said front portion being folded along fold lines extending generally parallel to a forward edge of said front portion.
3. Apparatus as recited in claim 1 , wherein a rear portion of said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, said rear portion is in said folded condition.
4. Apparatus as recited in claim 3 , wherein said rear portion is folded into said folded condition via a fan fold, said rear portion being folded along fold lines extending generally parallel to said rear edge of said rear portion.
5. Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure and a roof, said apparatus comprising:
an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a main portion including an upper edge, a front portion including forward edge, and a rear portion including rear edge; and
said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device having a stored condition wherein said main portion is rolled up leaving and connectable to the vehicle along an intersection of the side structure and the vehicle roof, said front portion is folded up along fold lines extending generally parallel to said forward edge connectable along the A pillar, and said rear portion is folded up along fold lines extending generally parallel to said rear edge and connectable along the C pillar.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/126,439 US20050206140A1 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2005-05-11 | Inflatable curtain |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/337,536 US6899350B2 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Inflatable curtain |
US11/126,439 US20050206140A1 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2005-05-11 | Inflatable curtain |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/337,536 Continuation US6899350B2 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Inflatable curtain |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050206140A1 true US20050206140A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
Family
ID=32655434
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/337,536 Expired - Lifetime US6899350B2 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Inflatable curtain |
US11/126,439 Abandoned US20050206140A1 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2005-05-11 | Inflatable curtain |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/337,536 Expired - Lifetime US6899350B2 (en) | 2003-01-07 | 2003-01-07 | Inflatable curtain |
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US (2) | US6899350B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE10361372A1 (en) |
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US20070108742A1 (en) * | 2005-11-14 | 2007-05-17 | Suzuki Motor Corporation | Structure for attaching interior trim panel around automotive front pillar |
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US7198293B2 (en) * | 2004-01-20 | 2007-04-03 | Key Safety Systems, Inc. | Side impact air bag with head protection region |
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US20060208466A1 (en) * | 2005-03-18 | 2006-09-21 | Takata Restraint Systems, Inc. | Curtain airbag bottom fill |
US7789418B2 (en) * | 2005-05-10 | 2010-09-07 | Key Safety Systems, Inc. | Curtain air bag assembly |
DE102007022152B4 (en) * | 2007-05-11 | 2015-04-09 | Autoliv Development Ab | Side airbag with at least one prefixed retaining extension |
JP4992784B2 (en) * | 2008-03-24 | 2012-08-08 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Head protection airbag |
JP5635687B2 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2014-12-03 | オートリブ ディベロップメント エービー | Curtain airbag device |
JP5334068B2 (en) * | 2011-06-13 | 2013-11-06 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Curtain airbag device |
EP2969663B1 (en) * | 2013-03-13 | 2018-08-22 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. | Inflatable curtain and method for placing an inflatable curtain in a stored condition |
KR101995477B1 (en) * | 2013-09-03 | 2019-07-02 | 코오롱인더스트리 주식회사 | Airbag and process for preparing the same |
JP6836186B2 (en) * | 2017-08-24 | 2021-02-24 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Folded body of head protection airbag |
JP6848839B2 (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2021-03-24 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle curtain airbag device |
DE102019118975A1 (en) | 2019-07-12 | 2021-01-14 | Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. | METHOD OF FOLDING UP A GAS BAG |
US11685332B2 (en) * | 2019-09-03 | 2023-06-27 | ZF Passive Safety Systems US Inc. | Vehicle airbag |
CN113815559B (en) * | 2021-10-22 | 2022-12-30 | 上海临港均胜汽车安全系统有限公司 | Air curtain device |
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US8814202B2 (en) * | 2010-08-06 | 2014-08-26 | Autoliv Development Ab | Curtain airbag |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE10361372A1 (en) | 2004-07-29 |
US20040130128A1 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
US6899350B2 (en) | 2005-05-31 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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