U.S. patent application number 09/730132 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for inflatable curtain with anchor device.
This patent application is currently assigned to TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.. Invention is credited to Osentoski, Thomas, Wallner, John P..
Application Number | 20020074777 09/730132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24934052 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020074777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osentoski, Thomas ; et
al. |
June 20, 2002 |
INFLATABLE CURTAIN WITH ANCHOR DEVICE
Abstract
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a
vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection
device (14) inflatable away from a vehicle roof (18) between a
vehicle side structure (16) and a vehicle occupant. The apparatus
(10) further comprises an anchoring device (70) that comprises a
track (72) and an element (74) that is slidable along the track.
The track (72) is connected to the side structure (16) and has a
wall (82, 200) comprising a smooth uninterrupted surface (94, 202).
The element (74) is connected to the device (14) and has a surface
(130, 242) that is in continuous engagement with the surface (94,
202) of the wall (82, 200). The device (14) applies a first force
to the element (74) which causes the element to slide in a first
direction along the track (72). The element (74) is urged to slide
along the track (72) in a second direction, opposite the first
direction, when a second force is applied to the element. The
surface (130, 242) of the element (74) engages the surface (94,
202) of the wall (82, 200) to block the element from sliding in the
second direction.
Inventors: |
Osentoski, Thomas;
(Marysville, MI) ; Wallner, John P.; (Rochester
Hills, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TAROLLI, SUNDHEIM, COVELL, TUMMINO & SZABO L.L.P.
1111 LEADER BLDG.
526 SUPERIOR AVENUE
CLEVELAND
OH
44114-1400
US
|
Assignee: |
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
24934052 |
Appl. No.: |
09/730132 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/730.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/232 20130101;
B60R 2021/161 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/730.2 |
International
Class: |
B60R 021/22 |
Claims
Having described the invention, the following is claimed:
1. 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 adapted to inflate
away from the vehicle roof into a deployed position between the
side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant; an inflation
fluid source for providing inflation fluid for inflating said
inflatable vehicle occupant protection device; and an anchoring
device comprising: a track adapted to be connected to the vehicle
side structure, said track having a wall comprising a smooth
uninterrupted surface extending along the length of said track; and
an element that is slidable along said track, said element being
connected to said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device and
having a surface in continuous engagement with said smooth
uninterrupted surface of said wall, said inflatable vehicle
occupant protection device applying a first force to said element
during inflation of said inflatable vehicle occupant protection
device, said first force causing said element to slide in a first
direction along said track, said element being urged to slide along
said track in a second direction, opposite said first direction,
when a second force is applied to said element, said surface of
said element engaging said smooth uninterrupted surface of said
wall to block said element from sliding in said second direction
along said track.
2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said first force causes
said element to pivot in a first rotational direction relative to
said track, said surface of said element including at least one
first portion that moves away from said wall when said element
rotates in said first rotational direction, said element pivoting
in a second rotational direction, opposite said first rotational
direction when said second force is applied to said element, said
at least one first portion moving toward said wall and frictionally
engaging said smooth uninterrupted surface of said wall when said
element rotates in said second rotational direction, said at least
one first portion blocking movement of said element in said second
direction along said track.
3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said at least one first
portion of said surface frictionally engages said smooth
uninterrupted surface of said wall and blocks movement of said
element along said track when said second force is applied to said
element and said element rotates in said second rotational
direction.
4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said first portion of
said surface includes a plurality of teeth.
5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein said surface includes a
second portion that moves toward said wall and engages said smooth
uninterrupted surface of said wall when said element rotates in
said first rotational direction, said second surface providing low
frictional resistance to said element sliding along said smooth
uninterrupted surface of said wall in said first direction.
6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said second portion is
generally smooth.
7. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said wall helps to
define a channel of said track, said element being slidable in said
channel.
8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said surface of said
element comprises a spherical member, said spherical member being
positioned between said wall and a ramp of said element, said
spherical member being capable of movement along said track.
9. Apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein said spherical member
has a diameter, said ramp having a first end spaced away from said
wall a distance greater than the diameter of said spherical member
and an opposite second end spaced away from said wall a distance
less than the diameter of said spherical member.
10. Apparatus as defined in claim 9, wherein said element further
comprises a biasing member that biases said spherical member away
from said second end of said ramp towards said first end of said
ramp to maintain said spherical member in continuous engagement
with said ramp and said smooth uninterrupted surface of said wall,
said spherical member becoming jammed between said ramp and said
wall and frictionally engaging said smooth uninterrupted surface of
said wall when said element is urged to slide along said track in
said second direction by said second force, said spherical member
blocking movement of said element along said track in said second
direction.
11. Apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said smooth
uninterrupted surface of said wall comprises a cylindrical channel
extending along the length of said track, said cylindrical channel
receiving said spherical member, said cylindrical channel including
a slot that extends along the length of said cylindrical channel,
said ramp extending through said slot and engaging said spherical
member in said cylindrical channel, said spherical member being
movable in said cylindrical along the length of said track.
12. Apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said biasing member
comprises a spring.
13. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said element helps to
maintain said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in said
deployed position when said inflatable vehicle occupant protection
device is inflated.
14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13, wherein said vehicle occupant
protection device is an inflatable curtain having a stored position
extending along the side structure adjacent the roof of the
vehicle.
15. Apparatus as defined in claim 14, further including a fill tube
having a portion located in said inflatable curtain, said inflation
fluid source being in fluid communication with said fill tube, said
inflation fluid source, when actuated, providing inflation fluid to
said fill tube, said fill tube directing said inflation fluid into
said inflatable curtain to inflate said inflatable curtain.
16. Apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said inflatable
curtain when inflated has an upper edge positioned adjacent to the
vehicle roof, an opposite lower edge, and front and rear edges
spaced apart horizontally along said upper and lower edges, said
element being connected to said inflatable curtain at a position
adjacent said lower edge.
17. Apparatus as defined in claim 16, wherein said element is
connected to said inflatable curtain adjacent the intersection of
said lower edge and said rear edge of said inflatable curtain.
18. Apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein a tether connects
said element to said inflatable curtain.
19. Apparatus as defined in claim 14, wherein said track is
connected to the side structure of the vehicle at a location on or
near a pillar of the vehicle.
20. Apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein said pillar is a C
pillar of the vehicle.
21. Apparatus as defined in claim 14, further including a sensor
for sensing a predetermined vehicle condition and providing a
signal in response to said predetermined vehicle condition that
causes said inflation fluid source to provide said inflation fluid
to inflate said inflatable curtain.
22. Apparatus as defined in claim 21, wherein said predetermined
vehicle condition is one of a side impact and a vehicle
rollover.
23. 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 adapted to inflate
away from the vehicle roof into a deployed position between the
side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant; an inflation
fluid source for providing inflation fluid for inflating said
inflatable vehicle occupant protection device; and an anchoring
device comprising: a track adapted to be connected to the vehicle
side structure; and an element that is slidable along said track,
said element being connected to said inflatable vehicle occupant
protection device, said inflatable vehicle occupant protection
device applying a force to said element in a first direction during
inflation of said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device,
said force causing said element to pivot in a first rotational
direction relative to said track and to slide along said track in a
first linear direction, said element including at least one first
portion that moves away from said track when said element rotates
in said first rotational direction, said element pivoting in a
second rotational direction, opposite said first rotational
direction when a force is applied to said element in a second
direction different than said first direction, said at least one
first portion moving toward said track and frictionally engaging
said track when said element rotates in said second rotational
direction, said at least one first portion blocking movement of
said element along said track in a second linear direction,
opposite said first linear direction.
24. 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 adapted to inflate
away from the vehicle roof into a deployed position between the
side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant; an inflation
fluid source for providing inflation fluid for inflating said
inflatable vehicle occupant protection device; and an anchoring
device comprising: a track adapted to be connected to the vehicle
side structure, said track having a wall comprising a smooth
uninterrupted surface extending along the length of said track; and
an element that is slidable along said track, said element being
connected to said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device,
said element comprising a ramp and a spherical member disposed
between said ramp and said smooth uninterrupted surface of said
wall, said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device applying a
first force to said element during inflation of said inflatable
vehicle occupant protection device, said first force causing said
element to slide in a first direction along said track, said
element being urged to slide along said track in a second
direction, opposite said first direction, when a second force is
applied to said element, said spherical member being jammed between
said ramp and said smooth uninterrupted surface of said wall to
block said element from sliding in said second direction along said
track.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an inflatable vehicle
occupant protection device for helping to protect an occupant of a
vehicle in the event of a side impact t o the vehicle and/or a
vehicle rollover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is known to inflate a 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 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 or rollover. Such an inflatable curtain
is inflated by inflation fluid directed from an inflator to the
inflatable curtain through a fill tube.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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 includes an inflatable vehicle occupant
protection device. The inflatable vehicle occupant protection
device is adapted to inflate away from the vehicle roof into a
deployed position between the side structure of the vehicle and a
vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source provides inflation
fluid for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection
device. The apparatus also includes an anchoring device.
[0004] The anchoring device comprises a track and an element that
is slidable along the track. The track is connected to the vehicle
side structure and has a wall comprising a smooth uninterrupted
surface extending along the length of the track. The element is
connected to the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device and
has a surface that is in continuous engagement with the smooth
uninterrupted surface of the wall.
[0005] The inflatable vehicle occupant protection device applies a
first force to the element during inflation of the inflatable
vehicle occupant protection device. The first force causes the
element to slide in a first direction along the track. The element
is urged to slide along the track in a second direction, opposite
the first direction, when a second force is applied to the element.
The surface of the element engages the smooth uninterrupted surface
of the wall to block the element from sliding in the second
direction along the track.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] 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:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic view depicting a deflated condition of
an apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle,
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in an
inflated condition;
[0009] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus of
FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view, taken generally along
line 4-4 of FIG. 3, of a portion of the apparatus;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view, taken generally along
line 5-5 of FIG. 4, of a portion of the apparatus;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the
apparatus in a first condition;
[0013] FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the
apparatus in a second condition;
[0014] FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of an
apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle,
according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the
apparatus of FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] As representative of the present invention, an apparatus 10
helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle 12. As shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, the apparatus 10 includes an inflatable vehicle occupant
protection device in the form of an inflatable curtain 14 that is
mounted adjacent 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 windows 20. An inflator 24 is connected in fluid communication
with the inflatable curtain 14 through a fill tube 22.
[0017] The fill tube 22 has a first end portion 30 for receiving
fluid from the inflator 24 and a second end portion 32 positioned
in the inflatable curtain 14. The fill tube 22 has a plurality of
openings (not shown) that provide fluid communication between the
fill tube 22 and the inflatable curtain 14.
[0018] The inflator 24 contains a stored quantity of pressurized
inflation fluid (not shown) in the form of a gas to inflate the
inflatable curtain 14. The inflator 24 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 22 could be
of any suitable type or construction for supplying a medium for
inflating the inflatable curtain 14.
[0019] The apparatus 10 includes a housing 26 (FIG. 1) that stores
the inflatable curtain 14 in a deflated condition. The fill tube
22, the deflated inflatable curtain 14, and the housing 26 have an
elongated configuration and extend along the vehicle roof 18 and
along the side structure 16 of the vehicle 12 above the side
windows 20.
[0020] The inflatable curtain 14 preferably comprises overlying
panels that are woven together along the perimeter 44 (FIG. 2) of
the curtain to define an inflatable volume. The perimeter 44 is
defined at least partially by an upper edge 50 of the inflatable
curtain 14, an opposite lower edge 52 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.
[0021] The front and rear edges 54 and 56 of the inflatable curtain
14 partially define front and rear portions 58 and 60,
respectively, that are spaced apart horizontally along the upper
and lower edges 50 and 52 and extend between the upper and lower
edges. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the front and rear
edges 54 and 56 extend between the upper and lower edges 50 and 52.
The front and rear edges 54 and 56 could, however, be omitted and
the upper and lower edges 50 and 52 extended until they intersect,
in which case the front and rear portions 58 and 60 would be
defined by the intersecting upper and lower edges.
[0022] Preferably, the inflatable curtain 14 is woven as a single
piece of material to form the overlying panels. It will be
recognized by those skilled in the art, however, that the
inflatable curtain 14 could have alternative constructions. For
example, the overlying panels could be formed from a sheet of
material that is folded over and secured along a portion of the
perimeter 44 by means such as stitching to form the inflatable
curtain 14. The panels could also be formed from separate sheets of
material arranged in an overlying manner and secured together by
means such as stitching that extends around the entire perimeter 44
of the panels to form the inflatable curtain 14.
[0023] The inflatable curtain is 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
multilayered materials.
[0024] The apparatus 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2) includes an anchoring
device indicated generally at 70. The anchoring device 70 includes
a track 72 and an element 74 that is slidable within the track 72.
The track 72 is connected to the side structure 16 of the vehicle
12. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the track 72 is connected to the
side structure 16 on a C pillar 76 of the vehicle 12.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the track 72 is generally
elongated and tubular in construction. The track 72 may be
constructed of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic, by
known means such as machining, extrusion, and molding. The track 72
forms a channel 80 (FIGS. 4 and 5) that extends along the length of
the track 72. The track 72 consists generally of a single elongated
piece of material, such as metal, that is bent to form the
generally tubular shape of the track. As best viewed in FIG. 4, the
track 72 includes a first end wall 82, a first side wall 84 and a
second side wall 86. Turned-in portions 88 extend from the first
and second side walls 84 and 86 toward each other to form a second
end wall 90 spaced opposite the first end wall 82. The second end
wall 90 extends generally parallel to the first end wall 82. The
first and second side walls 84 and 86 extend parallel to each other
between the first and second end walls 82 and 90, from opposite
ends of the end wall 82 to the turned-in portions 88. The turned-in
portions 88 are spaced apart to form a slot 92 that extends along
the length of the second end wall 90.
[0026] The first end wall 82 forms a smooth uninterrupted surface
94 that extends along the length of the track 72. The second end
wall 90 forms a smooth uninterrupted surface 96 that extends along
the length of the track 72 on both sides of the slot 92. By
uninterrupted, it is meant that the surfaces 94 and 96 are
generally free from apertures, indentations, dentations, or any
other similar structural features that may block or help to block
movement of the element 74 along the track 72.
[0027] The track 72 (FIG. 3) includes mounting flanges 100 that
extend from the second side wall (not shown in FIG. 3) at first and
second ends 102 and 104, respectively, of the track 72. Each
mounting flange 100 includes a fastener aperture 106 for receiving
a fastener (not shown), such as a bolt or screw, that fastens the
track 72 to the side structure 16 (FIG. 2) of the vehicle 12. Those
skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the mounting
flanges 100 may comprise separate pieces, such as brackets, that
are connected to the track 72. The track 72 is positioned on the
side structure 16 such that the length of the track 72 extends in a
generally vertical direction with respect to the direction of
forward travel of the vehicle 12. The track 72 could, however, be
positioned such that the length of the track extends at any desired
angle relative to the vehicle 12.
[0028] The element 74 (FIGS. 4 and 5) includes a body portion 110
and a flange portion 112 that extends from the body portion. The
body portion 110 is disposed in the channel 80 and the flange
portion 112 extends from the channel through the slot 92. The
outside dimensions of the body portion 110 of the element 74 are
smaller than the inside dimensions of the channel 80. Thus, the
element 74 is slidable within the channel 80 along the length of
the track 72 and is also pivotable relative to the track.
[0029] The element 74 (FIGS. 3 and 4) is connected to the
inflatable curtain 14 by a tether 120. The tether 120 has a first
end 122 connected to the flange portion 112 of the element 74 by a
rivet that extends through an aperture 124 in the flange portion.
The tether 120 also has an opposite second end 126 (FIG. 3)
connected to the inflatable curtain 14 at a location adjacent to or
near the intersection of the lower edge 52 and the rear edge 56 of
the curtain. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art,
however, that the tether 120 may be connected to the inflatable
curtain 14 at other locations on the curtain. Also, the tether 120
may be omitted altogether, in which case the inflatable curtain 14
would be connected directly to the flange portion 112 of the
element 74.
[0030] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the body portion 110 of the
element 74 includes a first surface 130 presented toward the smooth
uninterrupted surface 94 of the first end wall 82 and a second
surface 140 presented toward the smooth uninterrupted surface 96 of
the second end wall 90. The first surface 130 includes a first
portion 132 and a second portion 134. The second surface 140
includes a first portion 142 and a second portion 144. The first
portions 132 and 142 each include a plurality of projections, such
as teeth 150 or other similar dentations. The second portions 134
and 144 are generally smooth.
[0031] The teeth 150 on the first portion 132 of the first surface
130 are positioned along a generally curved path extending from a
position adjacent the first end wall 82 toward the second end wall
90. The teeth 150 on the first portion 142 of the second surface
140 are positioned along a generally curved path extending from a
position adjacent the second end wall 90 toward the first end wall
82. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the second portions
134 and 144 of the first and second surfaces 130 and 140,
respectively, have a slightly curved contour. The second portions
134 and 144 could, however, have a more curved contour or could be
generally flat.
[0032] The vehicle 12 includes a sensor mechanism 160 (shown
schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2) for sensing a side impact to the
vehicle 12 and/or a rollover of the vehicle 12. The sensor
mechanism 160 actuates the inflator 24 in response to the sensing
of a side impact or a vehicle rollover.
[0033] In the event of a rollover of the vehicle or a side impact
to the vehicle 12 of a magnitude greater than a predetermined
threshold value, the sensor mechanism 160 provides an electrical
signal over lead wires 162 to the inflator 24. The electrical
signal causes the inflator 24 to be actuated in a known manner. The
inflator 24 discharges fluid under pressure into the fill tube 22.
The fill tube 22 directs the fluid into the inflatable curtain
14.
[0034] The inflatable curtain 14 inflates under the pressure of the
inflation fluid from the inflator 24. The housing 26 (FIG. 1) opens
and 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. The inflatable curtain 14 inflates to a deployed
position illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0035] 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 upper edge 50
(FIG. 2) is positioned adjacent to the intersection of the roof 18
and the side structure 16 of the vehicle 12. The front portion 58
is positioned adjacent to an A pillar 174 of the vehicle 12. The
rear portion 60 of the inflatable curtain 14 is positioned adjacent
to the C pillar 76 of the vehicle 12. The inflatable curtain 14
extends between the A pillar 174 and the C pillar 76 of the vehicle
12 and overlies at least a portion of the A pillar, C pillar, and a
B pillar 176 of the vehicle.
[0036] It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the
apparatus 10 may have alternative configurations. For example, the
anchoring device 70 may be connected to the vehicle side structure
16 at a location different than the C pillar 76, such as the A
pillar 174 or the B pillar 176. As a further example, the
inflatable curtain 14 could extend between the A pillar 174 and the
B pillar 176 only, in which case the anchoring device 70 may be
connected to the side structure 16 on the A pillar or the B pillar.
Alternatively, the inflatable curtain 14 could extend between the B
pillar 176 and the C pillar 76 only, in which case the anchoring
device 70 may be connected to the side structure 16 on the B pillar
or the C pillar. Also, in a vehicle having A, B, C, and D pillars
(not shown), the inflatable curtain 14 could, when inflated, extend
between the A pillar and the D pillar, in which case the anchoring
device 70 may be connected to the side structure 16 on the A pillar
or the D pillar.
[0037] 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. When inflated, the inflatable curtain 14
helps to absorb the energy of impacts with the curtain and helps to
distribute the impact energy over a large area of the curtain.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 6, as the inflatable curtain 14 inflates,
the curtain 14 applies a first force to the element 74 which pulls
on the element 74 in a first direction via the tether 120. The
first direction is indicated generally by the straight arrow in
FIG. 6. The inflating curtain 14 causes the element 74 to slide
along the track 72 in a first linear direction, generally parallel
to the first direction, from the first end 102 (FIG. 3) towards the
second end 104. The inflating curtain 14 (FIG. 6) also causes the
element 74 to rotate in a first rotational direction,
counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 6. The first rotational
direction is indicated generally by the curved arrow in FIG. 6.
[0039] When the element 74 rotates in the first rotational
direction, the first portion 132 of the first surface 130 moves
away from the first end wall 82 and the first portion 142 of the
second surface 140 moves away from the second end wall 90.
Consequently, the second portion 134 of the first surface 130 moves
toward the first end wall 82 and the second portion 144 of the
second surface 140 moves toward the second end wall 90. The second
portions 134 and 144 are thus biased against the smooth
uninterrupted surfaces 94 and 96 of the first and second end walls
82 and 90, respectively. The second portions 134 and 144, being
generally smooth, provide relatively little frictional resistance
to impede the movement of the element 74 in the first linear
direction. As the element 74 slides along the track 72 in the first
linear direction, the second portions 134 and 144 slide along the
smooth uninterrupted surfaces 94 and 96 of the first and second end
walls 82 and 90.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, a second force may act on the
inflatable curtain 14 to move the curtain in a direction different
than the first direction. This may cause the curtain 14 to pull on
the element 74 via the tether 120 in a direction opposite the first
direction. The direction opposite the first direction is indicated
generally by the straight arrow in FIG. 7. The curtain 14, pulling
on the element 74 in the direction opposite the first direction,
would urge the element 74 to slide along the track 72 in a second
linear direction, opposite the first linear direction. This would
also cause the element 74 to rotate in a second rotational
direction, clockwise as viewed in FIG. 7. The second rotational
direction is indicated generally by the curved arrow in FIG. 7.
[0041] When the element 74 rotates in the second rotational
direction, the first portion 132 of the first surface 130 moves
towards the first end wall 82 and the first portion 142 of the
second surface 140 moves towards the second end wall 90.
Consequently, the second portion 134 of the first surface 130 moves
away from the first end wall 82 and the second portion 144 of the
second surface 140 moves away from the second end wall 90. The
first portions 132 and 142 are thus biased against the smooth
uninterrupted surfaces 94 and 96 of the first and second end walls
82 and 90, respectively. The teeth 150 on the first portions 132
and 142 frictionally engage the smooth uninterrupted surfaces 94
and 96 of the first and second end walls 82 and 90 to help block
movement of the element 74 in the second linear direction.
[0042] Preferably, as the element 74 is pulled in the second linear
direction, the teeth 150 "dig into" the smooth uninterrupted
surfaces 94 and 96 of the first and second end walls 82 and 90,
causing material deformation in the material used to construct the
track 72. This material deformation helps to increase the friction
between the first surfaces 132 and 142 and the first and second end
walls 82 and 90, respectively, and thus helps to block movement of
the element 74 in the second linear direction.
[0043] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, since the
teeth 150 cause material deformation of the first and second end
walls 82 and 90, the materials selected to construct the element 74
and the track 72 may affect the operation of the anchor device 70.
For example, the track 72 may be constructed of a metal, in which
case the element 74 may be constructed of a metal or other material
having a hardness greater than that of metal used to construct the
track. As an alternative construction, the track 72 may be
constructed of an elastomer or may be constructed of a metal with
an elastomeric coating. In either of the aforementioned cases, the
ability of the teeth 150 to deform the track material would be
increased.
[0044] The element 74 is thus permitted to slide relatively easily
along the track 72 in the first linear direction and is blocked
from sliding along the track in the second linear direction. The
element 74 is blocked against movement in the second linear
direction at the farthest position the element reaches along the
track 72 in the first linear direction. In other words, the element
74 is blocked from moving in the second linear direction at the
farthest position from the first end 102 of the track that the
element reaches.
[0045] In the inflated condition of the curtain 14, the anchoring
device 70 helps maintain the position of the curtain between any
occupant of the vehicle 12 and the side structure 16 of the vehicle
12 throughout the duration of the vehicle collision and/or
rollover. The anchoring device 70 also helps to limit movement of
the inflatable curtain 14 in a direction opposite the first
direction.
[0046] A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 8 and 9. The second embodiment of the invention is similar
to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-7.
Accordingly, numerals similar to those of FIGS. 1-7 will be
utilized in FIGS. 8 and 9 to identify similar components, the
suffix letter "a" being associated with the numerals of FIGS. 8 and
9 to avoid confusion. The apparatus 10a (FIGS. 8 and 9) of the
second embodiment is identical to the apparatus 10 (FIGS. 1-7),
except that the anchoring device 70a (FIGS. 8 and 9) of the second
embodiment has a different configuration than the anchoring device
70 (FIGS. 1-7) of the first embodiment.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the track 72a has a
generally rectangular cross-section. The track 72a includes a
cylindrical channel 200 that forms a smooth uninterrupted surface
202 extending along the length of the track. The track 72a also
includes a rectangular channel 210 that extends parallel to the
cylindrical channel 200 along the length of the track. The
rectangular channel 210 is partially defined by a first side wall
212 and an opposite second side wall 214.
[0048] A first slot 220 extends from the smooth uninterrupted
surface 202 of the cylindrical channel 200 to the first side wall
212 of the rectangular channel 210. The first slot 220 extends
along the length of the track 72a. A second slot 222 extends from
the second side wall 214 to an outer surface 224 of the track 72a.
The second slot 222 also extends along the length of the track
72a.
[0049] The element 74a includes a body portion 110a, a flange
portion 112a, a ramp 240 and a spherical member 242, such as a ball
bearing. The body portion 110a is disposed in the rectangular
channel 204. The body portion 110a has a generally rectangular
cross-section with dimensions that provide a clearance fit with the
rectangular channel 204. The body portion 110a is thus capable of
sliding along the rectangular channel 204. As illustrated in FIG.
8, the body portion 110a may include tapered end portions 250 that
help guide the body portion and prevent the body portion from
binding-up or getting jammed in the rectangular channel 204.
[0050] The flange portion 112a extends perpendicularly from a first
surface 252 of the body portion 110a through the second slot 222.
The ramp 240 extends perpendicularly from a second surface 254 of
the body portion 110a, opposite the first surface 252, through the
first slot 220. The spherical member 242 has a diameter that is
smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical channel 200.
Preferably, the diameter of the spherical member 242 is only
slightly smaller than the cylindrical channel 200. This provides a
clearance fit between the cylindrical channel 200 and the spherical
member 242. Thus, the spherical member 242 may slide or roll along
the cylindrical channel 200.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the ramp 240 has a first end 260
and an opposite second end 262. The first end 260 is positioned
outside the cylindrical channel 200, in the first slot 220. The
second end 262 is disposed in the cylindrical channel 200. A
central portion 264 of the ramp 240 extends at an acute angle
between the first and second ends 260 and 262. A retainer arm 270
includes a support portion 272 that extends generally
perpendicularly from the first end 260 of the ramp 240. A pin
portion 274 of the retainer arm 270 extends in a perpendicular
direction from the end of the support portion 272 opposite the ramp
240 towards the second end 262 of the ramp.
[0052] The second end 262 of the ramp 240 extends into the
cylindrical channel 200 a distance such that the spherical member
242 is blocked from moving past the second end. The retainer arm
270 also extends into the cylindrical channel 200 a distance such
that the spherical member 242 is blocked from moving past the
retainer arm. The spherical member 242 is thus retained between the
retainer arm 270 and the second end 262 of the ramp.
[0053] The spherical member 242 is positioned in the cylindrical
channel 200 adjacent the ramp 240. The spherical member 242 is
biased away from the retainer arm 270 and into engagement with the
cylindrical channel 200 and the ramp 240 by a biasing member, such
as a spring 280. The spring 280 has a first end 282 that slides
over the pin portion 274 of the retainer arm 270 and an opposite
second end 284 that engages the spherical member 242. Preferably,
the length of the spring 280 is such that the spring is maintained
in a compressed condition and, thus, the spherical member 242 is
maintained in continuous engagement with the smooth uninterrupted
surface 202 of the cylindrical channel 200 and the ramp 240.
[0054] When a first force acts on the element 74a, the element is
pulled in a first direction, indicated generally by the arrow
labeled 300 in FIG. 8. When the element 74a is pulled in the first
direction, the body portion 110a slides along the rectangular
channel 204 in the first direction. The first and second surfaces
252 and 254 of the body portion slide along the first and second
side walls 212 and 214, respectively, of the rectangular channel
204.
[0055] The spring 280 maintains the spherical member 242 in
continuous engagement with the ramp 240 and the smooth
uninterrupted surface 202 of the cylindrical channel 200. As the
element 74a slides along the track 72a in the first direction, the
spring 280 pushes the spherical member 242 in the first direction
along the cylindrical channel 200. The amount of friction between
the spherical member 242 and the smooth uninterrupted surface 202
of the cylindrical channel 200 is not great enough to overcome the
first force. Thus, the element 74a is permitted to slide in the
first direction along the track 72a.
[0056] When a second force acts on the element 74a, the element is
pulled in a second direction, indicated generally by the arrow
labeled 310 in FIG. 8. When the element 74a is pulled in the second
direction, the body portion 110a slides along the rectangular
channel 204 in the second direction. The first and second surfaces
252 and 254 of the body portion slide along the first and second
side walls 212 and 214 of the rectangular channel 204.
[0057] When the element 74a slides in the second direction, the
second end 262 of the ramp 240 is urged towards from the spherical
member 242. The spring 280 urges the spherical member 242 towards
the second end 262 of the ramp 242. As the second end 262 of the
ramp 240 and the spherical member 242 are urged towards each other,
the spherical member 242 thus becomes jammed between the ramp 240
and the smooth uninterrupted surface 204 of the cylindrical channel
200. Thus, the amount of friction between the spherical member 242
and the smooth uninterrupted surface 202 of the cylindrical channel
200 increases. This blocks movement of the element 74a in the
second direction along the track 72a.
[0058] The element 74a is thus permitted to slide relatively easily
along the track 72a in the first direction and is blocked from
sliding along the track in the second direction. The element 74a is
blocked against movement in the second direction at the farthest
position the element reaches along the track 72a in the first
direction.
[0059] When the inflatable curtain (not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) is
in the inflated condition, the anchoring device 70a helps maintain
the position of the curtain between any occupant of the vehicle and
the side structure of the vehicle throughout the duration of the
vehicle collision and/or rollover. The anchoring device 70a also
helps to limit movement of the inflatable curtain in a direction
opposite the first direction.
[0060] Advantageously, the biasing force produced by the spring 280
is of a magnitude sufficient to maintain the spherical member 242
positioned against the ramp 240 and the smooth uninterrupted
surface 204 of the cylindrical channel 200, regardless of the
physical orientation of the element 74a. For example, if the
element 74a is oriented such that gravity urges the spherical
member 242 in the second direction, the spring 280 would bias the
spherical member against the ramp 240 and the first end wall 82a.
This helps to ensure that the spherical member 242 will help block
movement of the element 74a in the second direction regardless of
the physical orientation of the element.
[0061] From the above description of the invention, those skilled
in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications.
Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of
the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *