초록 ▼

A seat restraint system whose torso belt includes an inflatable structure that inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The torso belt is secured to an anchor arm that is pivotally mounted on a side surface of a seat of the vehicle or a side structure of the

A seat restraint system whose torso belt includes an inflatable structure that inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The torso belt is secured to an anchor arm that is pivotally mounted on a side surface of a seat of the vehicle or a side structure of the vehicle. The anchor arm is rotationally biased to remove slack in the torso belt and locks up in the event of a vehicle crash or sudden stop. The inflatable structure is linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. The gas generator may be mounted in the seat or within the anchor arm itself. When an impact above a predetermined level of severity is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the inflatable structure which contracts in length as it inflates. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure is a braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contraction in length pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any additional slack out of the seat belt systems. In a frontal impact, the inflated structure restricts the forward motion of an occupant and distributes crash loads over a larger occupant surface area to reduce both primary and secondary injuries. In a side impact, the inflated structure passes over the occupant's shoulder, restricts occupant motion, distributes crash loads and provides head and neck protection.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A seat restraint system for a vehicle seat in a vehicle comprising:(a) a torso belt comprising an inflatable structure that contracts substantially in length and increases substantially in cross-sectional area when it is fully inflated, wherein the inflatable structure assumes a flat configuratio

1. A seat restraint system for a vehicle seat in a vehicle comprising:(a) a torso belt comprising an inflatable structure that contracts substantially in length and increases substantially in cross-sectional area when it is fully inflated, wherein the inflatable structure assumes a flat configuration prior to inflation; (b) a gas generator fluidly connected to the inflatable structure; (c) a crash sensor electrically connected to the gas generator, the crash sensor initiating generation of gas by the gas generator when an impact is detected such that the inflatable structure is fully inflated; and (d) an anchor arm pivotally mounted to one of the seat and a vehicle side structure, wherein one end of the torso belt is secured to the anchor arm and the anchor arm is rotationally biased to remove slack in the torso belt so that a full range of adult occupant sizes may be safely and comfortably accommodated.