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Inflatable bolster

a technology of bolster and bolster body, which is applied in the direction of vehicle components, pedestrian/occupant safety arrangements, thin material handling, etc., can solve the problems of reducing the effect of bolster, etc., to facilitate installation and/or

Inactive Publication Date: 2011-05-12
ABC GROUP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]As can be appreciated, an inflatable bolster according to either of the above-mentioned aspects may advantageously facilitate installation and / or may be attached without requiring an opening or drilling of the bolster.

Problems solved by technology

Also known are the problems which arise when mounting such bolsters to the vehicle's interior, which is typically difficult to access.
Moreover, it has been found that the reaction forces generated during inflation of the bolster can be violent enough to break the bolster free from its mounting within the vehicle, thereby significantly reducing its efficacy.
However, such opening and / or drilling of the hollow body can weaken the hollow body and / or leave debris therein.
In addition, it is known that significant pull-out forces are generated at the mounting points during inflation of a bolster.
Mounting points with a conventional bonding structure, such as a simple bolt, may be insufficient to retain the bolster and the expanding vessel tear loose.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

first embodiment

[0066]In this embodiment, the fastener projection 28 is similar to that of the

fifth embodiment

[0067]With reference to FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, an inflatable bolster 10 according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bolster 10 is substantially similar to the fifth embodiment, with the exception of the fastener projection 28 which is provided herein as a clip.

[0068]With reference to FIGS. 8, 8A and 8B, an inflatable bolster 10 according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bolster 10 is substantially similar to the first embodiment, with the exception of the attachment means 16. In this embodiment, the attachment means 16 is a spring bolt. The spring bolt 16 comprises a coil portion 52 attached to a hook portion 54.

[0069]In use, the spring bolt 16 is twisted through a reaction plate 56 (FIG. 8A) and into the bolster 10. The reaction plate 56 comprises a contoured surface 60 which is tapers upwardly. Once inserted into the hollow body 12, the coil portion 52 engages the first wall 18. A 180° rotation of the sp...

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PUM

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Abstract

An inflatable bolster for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle is provided having a hollow body, an inflator and an attachment mechanism for attaching the hollow body to the vehicle's mating surface. The attachment mechanism includes a base retained within a molded cavity within the hollow body, and a fastener projection extending outward from both the base and the hollow body. Another attachment mechanism is provided including a dovetail portion which extends outward from the hollow body and engages a slot in the mating surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to the field of safety devices for vehicles. More particularly, it concerns an inflatable bolster for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Bolsters and the like are known in the art. A conventional bolster is mounted within a passenger compartment and includes a hollow body and an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the hollow body. In order to reduce the potential for injuries caused during an impact event or the like, the inflator is activated upon detection of such an event and the bolster is inflated.[0003]For example, the impact event may be a front, rear or side impact, a rollover, or any other event which is likely to cause a rapid change in the vehicle's momentum and thereby cause the occupant to strike some portion of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The fluid released by the inflator into the hollow body serves to inflate the bolster, bringing its o...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B60R21/20B60R21/217
CPCB60R2021/0293B60R2021/23169B60R21/02Y10T428/1334B60R21/206
Inventor BEST, MICHAEL JAMESROYCHOUDHURY, RAJ S.CIPLIJAUSKAS, RIMASFANA, BABAK
Owner ABC GROUP