US 2001/0054813 A1 · Structurally efficient airbag cushion exhibiting high available inflation volume

Abstract

The present invention relates to an airbag cushion which exhibits a low amount of seam usage (in order to attach at least two fabric panels or portions of a panel together) in correlation to an overall high amount of available inflation airspace within the cushion itself. These correlated elements are now combined for the first time in what is defined as an effective seam usage index (being the quotient of the length of overall seams on the cushions and the available inflation airspace volume). The inventive cushion must have at least one substantially straight seam and must possess an effective seam usage factor of less than about 0.11. A cushion exhibiting such a low seam usage factor and also comprising an integrated looped pocket for the disposition of an inflator can is also provided as well as an overall vehicle restraint system comprising the inventive airbag cushion.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A method of forming an airbag cushion exhibiting a high available inflation volume, comprising the steps of

(a) providing a first fabric blank having a first end and a second end with two shared edges, wherein said fabric blank also comprises a cut-out pattern for eventual placement of an inflation canister or attachment to an inflation assembly, and wherein said fabric blank optionally comprises reinforcing layers of fabric attached adjacent to said cut-out pattern;
(b) folding said first fabric blank of step “a” such that at least one of said shared edges is in complete contact with itself;
(c) connecting only one of said at least one shared edge in contact with itself to form a folded composite having a first opening and a second opening, wherein said first opening exhibits edges in a single plane and is wider than said second opening, and wherein said second opening is said cut-out pattern of step “a”;
(d) providing a second fabric blank;
and
(e) connecting said second fabric blank to said edges of said first opening of said folded composite of step “c”.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Structurally efficient airbag cushion exhibiting high available inflation volume

Life of this patent

Structurally efficient airbag cushion exhibiting high available inflation volume

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22