U.S. patent application number 13/828092 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for airbag with deflector.
This patent application is currently assigned to AUTOLIV ASP, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is AUTOLIV ASP, INC.. Invention is credited to Brian Joseph Borton, Changsoo Choi.
Application Number | 20140265280 13/828092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51524184 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140265280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Borton; Brian Joseph ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
AIRBAG WITH DEFLECTOR
Abstract
An airbag can include a base panel and a cushioning panel that
cooperate to define an inflatable chamber. A deflector can be
positioned between the base panel and the cushioning panel. The
deflector can be attached to the base panel so as to define a lower
inflation aperture that directs inflation gas toward a bottom end
of the base panel. In some arrangements, the airbag can include a
tether that extends through the lower inflation aperture.
Inventors: |
Borton; Brian Joseph; (Grand
Blanc, MI) ; Choi; Changsoo; (Rochester, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AUTOLIV ASP, INC. |
Ogden |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
Ogden
UT
|
Family ID: |
51524184 |
Appl. No.: |
13/828092 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/743.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/2346 20130101;
B60R 21/2338 20130101; B60R 21/203 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/743.2 |
International
Class: |
B60R 21/2338 20060101
B60R021/2338 |
Claims
1. An airbag comprising: a base panel defining an inflator opening
with which an inflator for delivering inflation gas into the airbag
can be coupled, the base panel comprising a top end and a bottom
end, wherein the base panel is configured to be mounted to a
vehicle such that the top end of the base panel is at an upper
position and the bottom end of the base panel is at a lower
position, relative to the vehicle, when the airbag is in a deployed
state; a cushioning panel attached to the base panel and
cooperating therewith to define an inflatable chamber; a deflector
attached to the base panel and positioned between the base panel
and the cushioning panel, wherein the deflector covers the inflator
opening of the base panel and cooperates with the base panel to
define a lower inflation aperture that is closer to the bottom end
of the base panel than is the inflator opening, and wherein the
deflector is configured to direct inflation gas downwardly through
the lower inflation aperture toward the bottom end of the base
panel during deployment of the airbag; and a tether attached to the
base panel and the cushioning panel, wherein the tether extends
through the lower inflation aperture defined by the deflector and
the base panel.
2. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the tether defines a reaction
surface that faces the lower inflation aperture, and wherein
inflation gases exert a downward force on the reaction surface of
the tether during deployment of the airbag, which downward force is
transmitted to the cushioning panel to draw the cushioning panel in
a downward direction during deployment of the airbag.
3. The airbag of claim 2, wherein a first portion of the tether
extends downwardly through the lower inflation aperture and a
second portion of the tether rotates upwardly and extends toward
the cushioning panel, and wherein an upper side of the second
portion of the tether that rotates upwardly comprises the reaction
surface.
4. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the tether is configured to
maintain a fixed expansion distance between the base panel and the
cushioning panel when the tether is taut during deployment of the
airbag, and wherein the tether contacts a portion of the deflector
that assists in defining the lower inflation aperture when the
tether is taut.
5. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the deflector is attached to the
base panel via a pair of lower seams that delimit a maximum lateral
width of the lower inflation aperture, wherein the pair of lower
seams are positioned at opposite lateral sides of the tether and
are spaced outwardly from the tether such that the maximum lateral
width of the lower inflation aperture is greater than a maximum
width of a portion of the tether that is at an interior of the
lower inflation aperture.
6. The airbag of claim 5, wherein the pair of lower seams taper
inwardly toward the tether in a downward direction to concentrate
inflation gas toward the lower inflation aperture.
7. The airbag of claim 5, further comprising one or more upper
seams that attach an upper end of the deflector to the base
panel.
8. The airbag of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the one or
more upper seams is closer to the top end of the base panel than is
the inflator opening.
9. The airbag of claim 7, wherein the deflector cooperates with the
base panel to define a first lateral inflation aperture and a
second lateral inflation aperture, wherein a maximum width of the
first lateral inflation aperture is delimited by the one or more
upper seams and one of the lower seams and a maximum width of the
second lateral inflation aperture is delimited by the one or more
upper seams and the other of the lower seams, and wherein the
deflector is configured to direct inflation gas downwardly and in
laterally opposite directions through the first and second lateral
inflation apertures.
10. The airbag of claim 9, wherein the one or more upper seams
extend laterally outwardly to a greater extent than do the upper
ends of the pair of lower seams, and wherein the first and second
lateral inflation apertures are angled downwardly such that
inflation gas exits through the first and second lateral apertures
in directions having downward and laterally outward components
without upward components.
11. The airbag of claim 7, wherein the deflector cooperates with
the base panel to define an inflation cavity, and wherein the one
or more upper seams comprise a continuous seam that extends
laterally outwardly beyond a lateral extent of the lower seams to
prevent inflation gases from exiting the inflation cavity in any
direction having an upward component.
12. The airbag of claim 1, wherein a first portion of the tether is
attached to a central region of the base panel and a second portion
of the tether is attached to a central region of the cushioning
panel.
13. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the base panel is configured to
be mounted to the vehicle via one or more mounting apertures
through which mounting hardware can extend.
14. The airbag of claim 1, wherein the tether is the only tether
attached to both the base panel and the cushioning panel, and
wherein an intermediate portion of the tether that extends between
the base panel and the cushioning panel is constrained to a lower
half of the airbag.
15. The airbag of claim 1, further comprising a trunk vent attached
to a release tether that extends through a tether aperture defined
by the deflector.
16. An airbag comprising: a base panel defining an inflator opening
with which an inflator for delivering inflation gas into the airbag
can be coupled, the base panel comprising a top end and a bottom
end, wherein the base panel is configured to be mounted to a
vehicle such that the top end of the base panel is at an upper
position and the bottom end of the base panel is at a lower
position, relative to the vehicle, when the airbag is in a deployed
state; a cushioning panel attached to the base panel and
cooperating therewith to define an inflatable chamber; and a
deflector positioned between the base panel and the cushioning
panel and covering the inflator opening of the base panel, wherein
the deflector cooperates with the base panel to define: an
inflation cavity; a first lateral inflation aperture configured to
direct inflation gas out of the inflation cavity in a direction
having components in a first laterally outward direction and in a
downward direction, without a component in an upward direction,
during deployment of the airbag; a second lateral inflation
aperture configured to direct inflation gas out of the inflation
cavity in a direction having components in a second laterally
outward direction and in the downward direction, without a
component in the upward direction, during deployment of the airbag,
wherein the second laterally outward direction is opposite of the
first laterally outward direction; and a lower inflation aperture
that is closer to the bottom end of the base panel than is the
inflator opening, wherein the lower inflation aperture is
configured to direct inflation gas out of the inflation cavity in
the downward direction toward the bottom end of the base panel
during deployment of the airbag.
17. The airbag of claim 16, wherein the first lateral inflation
aperture, the second lateral inflation aperture, and the lower
inflation aperture are the only apertures defined by the deflector
through which inflation gas is permitted to exit the inflation
cavity into the inflatable chamber.
18. The airbag of claim 17, wherein the deflector is configured to
direct all inflation gas out of the inflation cavity in directions
that have no upward component.
19. The airbag of claim 16, wherein the deflector is configured to
concentrate inflation gas toward the lower inflation aperture.
20. The airbag of claim 16, further comprising a pair of lower
seams that attach a portion of the deflector to the base panel,
wherein the pair of lower seams delimit a maximum lateral width of
the lower inflation aperture, and wherein the pair of lower seams
taper inwardly in a downward direction to concentrate inflation gas
toward the lower inflation aperture.
21. The airbag of claim 20, further comprising one or more upper
seams that attach an upper end of the deflector to the base panel,
wherein at least a portion of the one or more upper seams is closer
to the top end of the base panel than is the inflator opening.
22. The airbag of claim 21, wherein the one or more upper seams
extend laterally outwardly to a greater extent than do the upper
ends of the pair of lower seams, and wherein the first and second
lateral inflation apertures are angled downwardly such that
inflation gas exits through the first and second lateral apertures
in directions having downward and laterally outward components
without upward components.
23. The airbag of claim 21, wherein the one or more upper seams
extend laterally outwardly beyond a lateral extent of the lower
seams and close an upper end of the inflation cavity to prevent
inflation gases from exiting the inflation cavity in any direction
having an upward component.
24. The airbag of claim 16, further comprising one or more upper
seams that extend laterally outwardly beyond a lateral extent of
the lower inflation aperture and close an upper end of the
inflation cavity to prevent inflation gases from exiting the
inflation cavity in any direction having an upward component.
25. The airbag of claim 16, further comprising a tether that
extends through the lower inflation aperture, wherein the tether is
attached to the cushioning panel.
26. The airbag of claim 25, wherein a first portion of the tether
is attached to a central region of the base panel and a second
portion of the tether is attached to a central region of the
cushioning panel.
27. The airbag of claim 16, further comprising a trunk vent
attached to a release tether that extends through a tether aperture
defined by the deflector.
28. An airbag assembly comprising: a housing configured to be
mounted to a vehicle; an inflator coupled to the housing; and an
airbag packaged within the housing and coupled with the inflator,
wherein the airbag comprises: a base panel defining an inflator
opening with which the inflator is coupled, the base panel
comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein the housing is
configured to be mounted to the vehicle such that the top end of
the base panel is at an upper position and the bottom end of the
base panel is at a lower position, relative to the vehicle, when
the airbag is in a deployed state; a cushioning panel attached to
the base panel and cooperating therewith to define an inflatable
chamber; and a deflector attached to the base panel and positioned
between the base panel and the cushioning panel, an inflation
cavity; a first lateral inflation aperture configured to direct
inflation gas out of the inflation cavity in a direction having
components in a first laterally outward direction and in a downward
direction, without a component in an upward direction, during
deployment of the airbag; a second lateral inflation aperture
configured to direct inflation gas out of the inflation cavity in a
direction having components in a second laterally outward direction
and in the downward direction, without a component in the upward
direction, during deployment of the airbag, wherein the second
laterally outward direction is opposite of the first laterally
outward direction; and a lower inflation aperture that is closer to
the bottom end of the base panel than is the inflator opening,
wherein the lower inflation aperture is configured to direct
inflation gas out of the inflation cavity in the downward direction
toward the bottom end of the base panel during deployment of the
airbag.
29. The assembly of claim 28, wherein the airbag further comprises
a tether attached to the base panel and to an interior surface of
the cushioning panel, wherein the tether extends through the lower
inflation aperture defined by the deflector and the base panel.
30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the tether defines a reaction
surface that faces the lower inflation aperture, and wherein
inflation gases exert a downward force on the reaction surface of
the tether during deployment of the airbag, which downward force is
transmitted to the cushioning panel to draw the cushioning panel in
a downward direction during deployment of the airbag.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Airbags can be mounted in a steering wheel or other
vehicular structure and deployed so as to prevent a vehicle
occupant from impacting the vehicular structure in a collision
event. In some instances, the airbags can suffer from one or more
drawbacks or may perform less than optimally in one or more
respects. Certain embodiments disclosed herein can address one or
more of these issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] The written disclosure herein describes illustrative
embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is
made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted
in the figures, in which:
[0003] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an airbag
assembly mounted in a vehicle, wherein an embodiment of an airbag
is shown in a packaged or undeployed state;
[0004] FIG. 1B is another perspective view of the airbag assembly
of FIG. 1A showing the airbag in a deployed state;
[0005] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the airbag of
FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the airbag of FIGS. 1A and
1B shown in an assembled state, wherein an embodiment of a base
panel is shown;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a perspective partial cutaway view of the airbag
of FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a direction opposite of that depicted in
FIG. 3, wherein a portion of an embodiment of a cushioning panel is
shown and a portion of an embodiment of a tether is also shown,
wherein a seam that attaches the tether to the cushioning panel is
omitted from the illustrated view;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the airbag of FIGS. 1A and
1B similar to the view shown in FIG. 4, wherein the tether is shown
attached to the cushioning panel;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a plan view of various components of the airbag of
FIGS. 1A and 1B, wherein the cushioning panel is not shown;
[0010] FIG. 7 is a perspective partial cutaway view of the airbag
of FIGS. 1A and 1B in the process of being inflated;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the airbag assembly of
FIG. 1A depicting the airbag in the deployed state within a
vehicle, wherein a profile of a comparative airbag is also shown in
broken lines;
[0012] FIG. 9 is a perspective partial cutaway view of another
embodiment of an airbag that is compatible with the airbag assembly
of FIG. 1A; and
[0013] FIG. 10 is a perspective partial cutaway view of another
embodiment of an airbag that is compatible with the airbag assembly
of FIG. 1A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] It will be readily understood that the components of the
embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures
herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures,
is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but
is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various
aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings
are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically
indicated.
[0015] The phrases "connected to" and "coupled to" are used in
their ordinary sense, and are broad enough to refer to any suitable
coupling or other form of interaction between two or more entities,
including mechanical, fluid and thermal interaction. Two components
may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct
contact with each other. The phrases "attached to" or "attached
directly to" refer to interaction between two or more entities
which are in direct contact with each other and/or are separated
from each other and/or coupled to each other by a fastener of any
suitable variety (e.g., mounting hardware, adhesive, stitching),
regardless of whether the fastener extends through additional
components. The phrase "fluid communication" is used in its
ordinary sense, and is broad enough to refer to arrangements in
which a fluid (e.g., a gas and/or a liquid) can flow from one
element to another element when the elements are in fluid
communication with each other.
[0016] Inflatable airbag systems are widely used to reduce or
minimize occupant injury in a collision scenario. Airbag modules
have been installed at various locations within a vehicle,
including, but not limited to, the steering wheel, the instrument
panel, within the side doors or side seats, adjacent to roof rail
of the vehicle, in an overhead position, or at the knee or leg
position. In the following disclosure, "airbag" generally refers to
an inflatable front airbag, such as a driver airbag, although the
principles discussed may apply to other airbag types in other
embodiments.
[0017] Front airbags are typically installed in the steering wheel
and instrument panel of a vehicle. During installation, the airbags
are rolled and/or folded, and may be retained in the packaged state
behind a cover. During a collision event, an inflator is triggered,
which rapidly fills the airbag with inflation gas. Thus, the airbag
rapidly changes from a rolled and/or folded configuration (also
referred to as a packaged configuration) to an expanded or deployed
configuration. For example, the expanding airbag can open the cover
(e.g., tear through a burst seam or open a door-like structure) so
as to exit a housing. The inflator may be triggered by any suitable
device or system, and the triggering may be in response to and/or
influenced by one or more vehicle sensors.
[0018] Certain embodiments of airbag assemblies that are disclosed
herein are particularly well suited for use as driver airbags, and
may be mounted in a steering wheel. The airbag assemblies can
include airbags that are configured to deploy in an advantageous
way. In particular, in some embodiments, the airbags are configured
to initially deploy in a downward direction and can cover a lower
end of the steering wheel. In some embodiments, the airbags can
include a tether that provides the airbag with a desired shape
and/or can maintain a desired shape and/or orientation during ride
down of the vehicle occupant. In certain arrangements, the tether
can provide the airbag with stability and can maintain the
stability during ride down of the vehicle occupant. In certain
embodiments, the airbag can reduce the risk of entrapping the chin
of the vehicle occupant during deployment, such as by deploying
downwardly more quickly and/or by deploying in a less vehicle
rearward direction as other airbags. One or more of the foregoing
advantages and/or other advantages of various embodiments described
below will be evident from the present disclosure.
[0019] FIGS. 1A-1B depict airbag assembly 100 in two different
configurations. FIG. 1A depicts airbag assembly 100 in a packaged
configuration, and FIG. 1B depicts the airbag assembly 100 in a
deployed and inflated configuration. FIGS. 1A-1B further depict a
steering wheel 52 and a steering column 54 of a vehicle 50. The
steering wheel 52 includes a cover 56, behind which airbag assembly
100 is located. The cover 56 may be of any suitable variety, and
may include a tear seam or burst seam 58 through which an airbag
can deploy.
[0020] The airbag assembly 100 can include an inflatable airbag
110, an inflator 112, and an airbag housing 114. In the illustrated
embodiment, the airbag 110 includes a cushioning panel 120, which
in the deployed and inflated configuration is generally directed
toward an occupant or an occupant position (e.g., a vehicle seat),
and may at least partially define a cabin side of the airbag 110. A
base panel 122 is located opposite the cushioning panel 120. In the
illustrated embodiment, the base panel 122 is adjacent to the
steering wheel 52 when the airbag 110 is in the deployed and
inflated configuration. The cushioning panel 120 and the base panel
122 may also be referred to as a rear panel 120 and a front panel
122, in view of the relative positions of these panels within the
vehicle when the airbag 110 is deployed. The base panel 122 and the
cushioning panel 120 cooperate to define an inflatable chamber 130.
The panels 120, 122 may also be referred to as airbag cushion
membranes, and may be formed of any suitable material. For example,
in some embodiments, the panels 120, 122 are formed of a woven
nylon fabric. Moreover, a variety of types and configurations of
airbag cushion membranes can be utilized in various embodiments.
For example, the size, shape, and proportions of the cushion
membrane may vary according to its use in different vehicles or
different locations within a vehicle.
[0021] The airbag 110 can further include a deflector 140 that is
configured to direct inflation gases in a desired manner or pattern
during deployment of the airbag, as discussed further below. The
deflector 140 may comprise a panel, which can be formed of any
suitable material, such as, for example, any of the materials
discussed above with respect to the panels 120, 122. For example,
in some embodiments, the deflector 140 and the panels 120, 122 may
be formed of the same material. In other embodiments, the deflector
140 may be formed of a material that is stiffer, thicker, stronger,
and/or more heat-resistant than the material of which the panels
120, 122 are formed, and yet may still able to be folded and/or
rolled into a packaged configuration. In some embodiments, the
deflector 140 may include a woven nylon material, which in further
embodiments, may be coated with one or more materials, such as
silicone.
[0022] In some embodiments, the airbag 110 can further include a
tether 150, which can be attached to the cushioning panel 120. The
tether 150 may be referred to as a depth delimiting tether and/or
as a stabilizing tether. The tether 150 can assist with achieving a
desired profile of the airbag 110 during deployment, once the
airbag 110 is fully inflated, and/or during ride down of a vehicle
occupant after the vehicle occupant impacts the inflated airbag
110, as discussed further below. The tether 150 may be formed of
any suitable material, such as, for example, any of the materials
discussed above with respect to the panels 120, 122. For example,
in some embodiments, the tether 150 and the panels 120, 122 may be
formed of the same material. In other embodiments, the tether 150
may be formed of a material that is stiffer, thicker, and/or
stronger than the material of which the panels 120, 122 are
formed.
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the airbag 110, or stated
otherwise, the airbag 110 is shown in an unassembled state. FIGS.
3-5 depict various perspective views of the airbag 110 in an
assembled state. In particular, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the
assembled airbag 110 that is directed toward the base panel 122,
FIG. 4 is a perspective partial cutaway view of the assembled
airbag 110 that is directed toward the cushioning panel 120, and
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled airbag 110 that is
directed toward the cushioning panel 120. For clarity, a seam 176
that joins a portion of the tether 150 to the cushioning panel is
not depicted in the partial cutaway view of FIG. 4, but is shown
instead in the perspective view of FIG. 5.
[0024] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, in the illustrated embodiment,
the cushioning panel 120 and the base panel 122 are each
substantially circular and are the same size, such that their
peripheries substantially overlap or align with each other if the
cushioning panel 120 is placed on top of the base panel 122. As
previously mentioned, the base panel 122 and the cushioning panel
120 can cooperate to define the inflatable chamber 130 (see FIG.
4). The cushioning panel 120 and the base panel 122 can be joined
together in any suitable manner, such as via a seam 175. The seam
175 may be of any suitable variety, whether sealed or unsealed, and
may be formed via stitching, one or more adhesives, taping, welding
(e.g., radio frequency welding), heat sealing, or any other
suitable technique or combination of techniques, and thus the seam
175 may comprise one or more of stitches, welds (e.g.,
radiofrequency welds), and/or adhesives. In some embodiments, the
seam 175 may comprise a single row of stitches. In other
embodiments, the seam 175 may include multiple rows of stitches,
which may aid in reinforcing the seam 175. Such options for forming
seams apply equally to other seams discussed herein. In the
illustrated embodiment, the seam 175 comprises a single row of
stitches, although multiple rows of stitches (e.g., two parallel
rows) are possible. During assembly of the airbag 110, in some
embodiments, the exterior surfaces of the panels 120, 122 are
positioned so as to face one another and the seam 175 is formed
about the periphery of the panels 120, 122. The panels 120, 122 can
subsequently be inverted such that the seam 175 is at an interior
of the airbag 110, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0025] The cushioning panel 120 may be configured to expand so as
to define a cushion for receiving a head and/or torso of a
passenger. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushioning panel 120
is substantially dome-shaped when in the inflated configuration,
and may be circularly or rotationally symmetric. Any other suitable
shape or configuration of the rear panel 120 is contemplated.
[0026] The base panel 122 can define an inflator opening 123 that
is configured to be coupled with the inflator 112. For example, in
some embodiments, the inflator opening 123 is sized to receive at
least a portion of the inflator 112 therein, as shown in FIG. 7. In
other embodiments, the inflator opening 123 may merely be fluidly
coupled with the inflator 112, without being physically coupled to
the inflator 112. For example, in other embodiments, the inflator
may not extend through the inflator opening 123, but may be
positioned so as to introduce inflation gas into the airbag 110
through the inflator opening 123.
[0027] With continued reference to FIGS. 2-5, the base panel 122
can define one or more mounting apertures 124 through which
mounting hardware (not shown) can extend. Any suitable mounting
hardware is possible, such as bolts, screws, etc. The mounting
apertures 124 can be used to secure the base panel 122 directly to
the airbag housing 114, which may in turn be secured to any
suitable portion of the vehicle 50, such as via a mounting bracket.
In other embodiments, the mounting hardware that is inserted
through the mounting apertures 124 may directly attach both the
base panel 122 and the airbag housing 114 to the vehicle 50.
[0028] The base panel 122 may further define one or more venting
apertures 125, 126, 127. In the illustrated embodiment, the venting
aperture 125 is coupled with a venting tube or venting trunk 168 so
as to permit selective or active venting through the venting
aperture 125, as discussed further below. The venting trunk 168 may
be joined to the base panel 122 in any suitable manner, such as via
a seam 178. In some embodiments, the base panel 122 defines a
venting aperture 128 through which a venting tether 160 can pass.
The venting tether 160 is described in further detail below. The
one or more venting apertures 126, 127 may permit passive venting,
such as when a vehicle occupant is cushioned by the airbag 110
during ride down.
[0029] The deflector 140 can be shaped and/or attached to the base
panel 122 in a manner suitable for achieving a desired fill pattern
for the airbag 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the deflector
140 has four discrete ends: a lower end 142, an inboard end 143,
and outboard end 144, and an upper end 145. As used herein, the
terms "upper," "lower," "inboard," and "outboard" refer to relative
positions within the vehicle 50 when the airbag 110 is deployed and
when the airbag 110 is installed as a driver-side airbag. In other
arrangements, such as where the airbag 110 is used in vehicles
having oppositely oriented driver and passenger sides and/or as a
passenger-side airbag, the inboard and outboard ends 143, 144 may
be reversed. Each of the lower end 142 and the inboard and outboard
ends 143, 144 includes an edge that is substantially flat or
linear. The upper end 145 includes an edge that is substantially
semicircular, or is arc-shaped, rounded, or curved. The linear
edges of the inboard and outboard ends 143, 144 can extend
downwardly from lateral ends of the semicircular edge defined by
the upper end 145 and can taper inwardly into contact with lateral
ends of the linear edge defined by the lower end 142. In the
illustrated embodiment, the deflector 140 resembles a portion of a
baseball diamond. The deflector 140 may also be said to have a
rounded upper end 145 that is joined to a substantially trapezoidal
region that narrows in a downward direction. Other suitable shapes,
configurations, and arrangements of the deflector 140 are also
possible, as discussed further below.
[0030] The deflector 140 can be attached to the base panel 122 via
one or more seams. In the illustrated embodiment, a continuous
upper seam 172 attaches the upper end 145 to the base panel 122 and
a pair of lower seams 173, 174 attach the inboard and outboard ends
143, 144 to the base panel 122, respectively. Each seam 172, 173,
174 can be inset slightly from the outermost edges defined by each
of the upper, inboard, and outboard ends 145, 143, 144,
respectively. Whereas the upper seam 172 is continuous and extends
along an entirety of the upper end 145, the lower seams 173, 174
extend along only the lower portion of the inboard and outboard
ends 143, 144. A portion of the inboard end 143 of the deflector
140 that is between the upper seam 172 and an upper end of the
inboard lower seam 173 is unattached to the base panel 122 and
cooperates with the base panel 122 to define an inboard lateral
inflation aperture 182. Similarly a portion of the outboard end 144
of the deflector 140 that is between the upper seam 172 and an
upper end of the outboard lower seam 174 is unattached to the base
panel 122 and cooperates with the base panel 122 to define an
outboard lateral inflation aperture 184. The portion of the lower
end 142 of the deflector 140 that is between the lower seams 173,
174 is unattached to the base panel 122 and cooperates with the
base panel 122 to define a lower inflation aperture 180.
[0031] In general, the deflector 140 can cover, or be positioned
over, the inflator opening 123. The deflector 140 can cooperate
with the base panel 122 to define an inflation cavity 132 (see FIG.
7) into which inflation gases are initially introduced by the
inflator 112. The inboard lateral inflation aperture 182, the
outboard lateral inflation aperture 184, and the lower inflation
aperture 180 can each provide fluid communication between the
inflation cavity 132 and the inflatable chamber 130, such that
inflation gases can exit from the inflation cavity 132 into the
inflatable chamber 130 in predetermined directions. Stated
otherwise, the inflation apertures 180, 182, 184 inflation
apertures can direct inflation gases to specific regions of the
airbag 110 during deployment of the airbag. In some embodiments,
the various seams 172, 173, 174 that connect the deflector 140 to
the base panel 122 can be substantially airtight so as to prevent
inflation gas from exiting the inflation cavity 132 thereat. In
some embodiments, the one or more seams 172, 173, 174 can extend
beyond the outer edges of the deflector 140, such as for purposes
of reinforcement. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper seam 172
extends from an inboard lateral end 196 to an outboard lateral end
197 of the base panel 122. In other embodiments, the upper seam 172
may be shorter, and may extend only slightly past the lateral edges
of the deflector 140, such as by the same amount by which the lower
seams 173, 174 extend past the lower edge of the deflector 140.
[0032] In other embodiments, two or more separate seams may be used
for any of the seams 172, 173, 174. For example, in some
embodiments, the upper seam 172 may comprise a series of seams that
are connected to prevent inflation gases from exiting the inflation
cavity 132 at the upper end of the deflector 140. Moreover, in
other embodiments, the deflector 140 may have a different shape
than that shown in the illustrated embodiment. For example,
although a differently shaped deflector 140 may be used, similarly
functioning inflation apertures 180, 182, 184 may be achieved via
similarly oriented seams 172, 173, 174. For example, in some
embodiments, the deflector 140 may extend outwardly beyond the
seams 172, 173, 174 by a greater extent than the illustrated
embodiment, and may have a perimeter that is not closely matched to
the configuration of the seams 172, 173, 174 (e.g., the upper edge
may be other than semicircular and/or the lateral and lower edges
may be other than linear), yet the deflector 140 may define
inflation apertures 180, 182, 184 between the seams 172, 173, 174
that function the same or similarly to those of the illustrated
embodiment. However, in some instances, providing the deflector 140
having a shape that closely resembles, and extends outwardly
relative to the seams 172, 173, 174 by a small amount, such as in
the illustrated embodiment, can keep material costs low.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the deflector 140 is
substantially planar when in attached to the base panel 122 and
laid flat in the orientation shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4.
In other embodiments, the material of which the deflector 140 is
formed may be larger, or wider, than the spacing between adjacent
attachment seams 172, 173, 174. In other words, the material of
deflector 140 may not be pulled taut by the seams 143, such that
the deflector 140 can be in a non-planar shape when the airbag 110
is laid flat. Stated otherwise, due to a greater length or amount
of deflector material that is present at each of the inflation
apertures 180, 182, 184, as compared with a distance between
adjacent seams 172, 173, 174, when the deflector 140 is viewed
end-on at any of the apertures 180, 182, 184, there can be slack in
the material of deflector 140, such that even when inflation gas is
not passing through the deflector 140, the deflector 140 defines a
non-planer shape. Other arrangements of the deflector 140 are also
possible.
[0034] With continued reference to FIGS. 2-5, in some embodiments,
the airbag 110 includes the venting trunk 168, which can be used
for active venting of the inflatable chamber 130. The venting
tether 160 can be attached to the venting trunk 168 at a distal end
164 thereof. A proximal end 162 of the venting tether 160 may be
selectively attached to an active release mechanism of any suitable
variety (not shown). As used herein, the terms proximal and distal
refer to proximity to the inflator 112 and/or direction of
inflation gas flow during deployment, where more proximally
oriented features are closer to the inflator and/or contact
inflation gases sooner than do more distally oriented features.
When conditions within the vehicle 50 are such that rapid venting
from the inflatable chamber 130 are desired, the release mechanism
may be triggered to release the venting tether 160 and allow the
venting trunk 168 to open and permit inflation gases to rapidly
escape the inflatable chamber 130.
[0035] In certain embodiments, the deflector 140 defines a tether
aperture 141 through which the venting tether 160 extends. For
example, in some embodiments, the release mechanism can be at or
near the inflator 112 such that it can be desirable for the venting
tether 160 to extend through the deflector 140 so as to couple the
venting trunk 168 to the release mechanism. In the illustrated
embodiment, the release mechanism is near the inflator 112 at an
exterior of the airbag 110, and the venting tether 160 can extend
through both the deflector 140 and the base panel 122 via the
tether apertures 128, 141. In some embodiments, the tether
apertures 128, 141 can closely or snugly fit the venting tether 160
so as to prevent or inhibit inflation gas from exiting the
inflation cavity 132 through the venting apertures 128, 141.
[0036] With continued reference to FIGS. 2-5, in the illustrated
embodiment, the airbag 110 includes the tether 150, which can
provide the airbag with a desired inflated shape and/or filling
pattern, as discussed below. The tether 150 may serve to stabilize
the airbag 110, such as during initial cushioning of a vehicle
occupant and/or subsequent ride down, which is also discussed
below. The tether 150 can include a proximal end 151, a distal end
153, and an intermediate region 154 that extends between the
proximal and distal ends 151,153. The proximal end 151 can be
attached to the base panel 122 in any suitable manner, such as via
the seam 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 151
of the tether 150 defines an inflator opening 152 that is
configured to be coupled with the inflator 112 in any suitable
manner, such as one or more of physically and fluidly. In the
illustrated embodiment, the inflator opening 152 is aligned with
the inflator opening 123 of the base panel 122. The proximal end
151 of the tether 150 thus can encompass the inflator 112 when the
airbag assembly 100 is in an assembled state.
[0037] A proximal portion of the intermediate region 154 of the
tether 150 can extend downwardly through the inflation aperture
180, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. A more distal portion of the
intermediate region 154 can be rotated, bent, folded, curved, or
otherwise redirected in an upward direction. The distal end 153 of
the tether 150 can be attached to the cushioning panel 120 via the
seam 176, as shown in FIG. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the
proximal end 151 of the tether 150 is attached to a central region
of the base panel 122 and the distal end 153 of the tether 150 is
attached to a central region of the cushioning panel 123. A first
surface 156 of the tether 150 can face each of the cushioning and
base panels 120, 122, whereas a second surface 155 can face the
lower inflation aperture 180. At least a portion of the second
surface 155 may comprise a reaction surface that can interact with
or be influence by inflation gas that exits the lower inflation
aperture 180. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate
region 154 of the tether 150 is relatively wide, and thus the
reaction surface 155, which is at an upper surface of the tether
150, can be readily influenced by the inflation gas.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 6, a width W.sub.T of the tether 150
may be a significant fraction of a maximum lateral width W.sub.LA
of the lower aperture 180, which is delimited by the lower seams
173, 174. In some embodiments, the greater the size of the width
W.sub.T of the tether 150 in proportion to the maximum lateral
width W.sub.LA of the lower aperture 180, the greater the influence
inflation gas exiting the lower inflation aperture 180 can have on
the tether 150, particularly during early stages of deployment. In
various embodiments, the width W.sub.T of the tether 150 is no less
than about 1/6, 1/5, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, or 2/3 the value of the maximum
lateral width W.sub.LA of the lower aperture 180.
[0039] The base panel 122 is depicted in FIG. 6, and a longitudinal
axis 191, a lateral axis 192, a top end 194, a bottom end 195, an
inboard lateral end 196, and an outboard lateral end 197 thereof
are identified. The foregoing directional terms are made with
respect to the orientation shown in FIG. 6. However, these
directional terms are also consistent with other directional terms
used herein, which reference relative positions when the airbag 110
is installed in a vehicle and inflated. The longitudinal and
lateral axes 191, 192 are orthogonal to one another, with the
longitudinal axis 191 shown as vertical and the lateral axis 192
shown as horizontal in FIG. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the
base panel 122 is substantially circular, such that the
longitudinal and lateral axes 191, 192 divide the base panel 122
into four equal quadrants. Moreover, the lateral axis 192 divides
the base panel 122 into an upper half, or upper portion, and a
lower half, or lower portion. Both axes 191, 192 are centered on
the inflator opening 123 in the illustrated embodiment. In other
embodiments, the base panel 122 may define other shapes, and may
not be symmetrical about one or more of the axes 191, 192. In such
embodiments, the axes 191, 192 may nevertheless be centered on the
inflator opening 123, with the lateral axis 192 dividing the base
panel 122 into an upper portion and a lower portion.
[0040] As can be appreciated from the downwardly directed arrows,
the lower inflation aperture 180 can be configured to direct
inflation gas toward the bottom end 195 of the base panel 122
during deployment of the airbag 110. In the illustrated embodiment,
the lower seams 173, 174 taper inwardly toward the longitudinal
axis 191 in the downward direction, and thus are configured to
concentrate inflation gas toward the lower inflation aperture 180.
This is represented by the downwardly directed arrows each having a
laterally inward component. Stated otherwise, the arrows
representing gas flow out of the lower inflation aperture 180 are
directed downwardly toward the bottom end 195 of the base panel 122
and inwardly toward the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the
lower seams 173, 174 are configured to concentrate the inflation
gas toward a focal point 199, which may be at the lower end 195 of
the base panel 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the focal point
199 is somewhat inward of a peripheral edge 198 of the base panel
122. In other embodiments, the focal point 199 may be at an
exterior of the peripheral edge 198, such that the inflation gas is
concentrated toward the focal point 199, but is redirected by the
lower end of the airbag 110 so as not to in fact reach the focal
point 199. In other embodiments, the lower seams 173, 174 may be
parallel to each other or may flare outwardly away from the
longitudinal axis 191 in a downward direction so as not to
concentrate inflation gases that exit from the lower inflation
aperture 180.
[0041] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the portion of the upper
seam 172 that joins the deflector 140 to the base panel 122 can
extend laterally outwardly to a greater extent than do the upper
ends of the lower seams 173, 174. As a result, the lateral
inflation apertures 182, 184, which are delimited by the upper seam
172 and the upper ends of the lower seams 173, 174, can be angled
downwardly. Stated otherwise, the lateral inflation apertures 182,
184 can be oriented so as to direct inflation gas toward the
lateral ends 196, 197 of the base panel 122 (e.g., toward the
peripheral edge 198 of the base panel 122) and in a downward
direction. Arrows are provided in FIG. 6 that depict the general
directions at which inflation gas can exit the lateral inflation
apertures 182, 184. In the illustrated embodiment, the directions
have components in laterally outward directions (e.g., components
outwardly along or parallel to the lateral axis 192) and components
in the downward direction (e.g., downwardly along or parallel to
the longitudinal axis 191). In the illustrated embodiment, the
deflector 140 is configured to direct all inflation gas downwardly.
Stated otherwise, the deflector 140 is configured to direct the
inflation gas out of the inflation cavity without any momentum
components in the upward direction. Stated in yet another manner,
the deflector 140 is configured to direct all inflation gas toward
a lower portion of the airbag 110, such as a portion of the airbag
that is below the lateral axis 192 (or below a plane passing
through the lateral axis and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
191).
[0042] The angles at which inflation gas is expelled at the lateral
inflation apertures 182, 184 can be adjusted by moving the upper
ends of the lower seams 173, 174 outwardly or inwardly. In the
illustrated embodiment, the lateral edges of the deflector 140 are
linear and are symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 191. Each
lateral edge defines an angle .alpha. relative to the longitudinal
axis 191. The lateral inflation apertures 182, 184 can each define
an angle relative to the lateral axis 197. The angles defined by
the lateral inflation apertures 182, 184 can be the same as each
other or different from each other, depending on the desired
inflation characteristics of the airbag 110 such as whether it is
desirable to initially inflate upper or lower portions of the
inboard and/or outboard sides of the airbag 110. In the illustrated
embodiment, each inflation aperture 182, 184 defines an angle
.beta. relative to the lateral axis. In the illustrated embodiment,
as can be appreciated from the geometry of the deflector 140, the
angles .alpha. and .beta. have the same value. Other arrangements
are also possible. In various embodiments, one or more of the
angles .alpha. and .beta. can be no greater than about 15, 20, 25,
30, 35, 40, or 45 degrees.
[0043] Each lateral inflation aperture 182, 184 can define a
maximum width W.sub.TA1, W.sub.TA2, respectively. The maximum
widths W.sub.TA1, W.sub.TA2 can be the same as each other or
different from each other, depending on the desired inflation
characteristics of the airbag 110, such as whether it is desirable
to inflate the inboard or outboard side of the airbag 110 more
rapidly. A larger aperture may provide more rapid filling.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper seam 172 is
semicircular. In some instances, such a geometry can facilitate
manufacture. In some instances, such a smoothly sloped shape may
also reduce turbulence of inflation gas, such that inflation gas is
more smoothly directed to the lateral inflation apertures 182, 184.
Other shapes and configurations for the upper seam 172 are also
possible. For example, the upper seam 172 may be shaped
substantially as a trapezoid, and the trapezoidal shape may be
enlarged (in at least the lateral direction) relative to the
trapezoidal shape defined by the lower portion of the deflector
140.
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates a stage during inflation of the airbag
110. Paths followed by inflation gas are depicted by large broken
arrows. The inflation gas can exit the inflator 112 into the
inflation cavity 132 that is defined by the deflector 140 and the
base panel 122. The inflation gas can exit the inflation cavity 132
through the inflation apertures 180, 182, 184 in manners such as
described above.
[0046] In some embodiments, a large proportion of inflation gas
that exits the lower inflation aperture 180 is initially directed
toward the reaction surface 155 of the tether 150. The inflation
gases thus can exert a downward force on the reaction surface 155
of the tether 150, which force is transmitted to the cushioning
panel 120 to drawn the cushioning panel in a downward direction
during deployment of the airbag 110. Moreover, inflation gas that
exits the lower inflation aperture 180 and passes about the lateral
edges of the tether 150 continues toward the lower end of the
airbag 110 to initially inflate the lower end of the airbag, which
can cause the airbag 110 to initially deploy downwardly rapidly,
such as over a lower end of the steering wheel 52 for initial
coverage of the portion of the steering wheel that is closest to
the vehicle occupant.
[0047] As the airbag 110 fills with inflation gas, additional
forces can act on the tether 150 as the cushioning panel 120
expands away from the base panel 122. In some embodiments, when the
airbag 110 has been fully inflated and equilibrium is reached, the
tether 150 may be taut. The taut tether 150 can maintain a fixed
expansion distance between the base panel 122 and the cushioning
panel 120, thus limiting a depth to which the airbag 110 can be
expanded. In some embodiments, the tether 150 contacts the lower
end of the deflector 140 when the tether is taut (see FIG. 8). In
some instances, this additional contact between the tether 150 and
the deflector 140 can stabilize the tether 150. For example, the
lower end of the deflector 140 can also be taut, as it is held by
the lower seams 173, 174, such that the lower end of the deflector
140 can brace the tether 150 at the intermediate region 154 of the
tether 150.
[0048] As can be appreciated from FIG. 7, in the illustrated
embodiment, the intermediate region 154 of the tether 150 is
constrained to a lower portion of the airbag 110. In particular,
the intermediate region 154 of the tether 150 is constrained to the
portion of the airbag that is below the lateral axis 192, which is
the lower half of the airbag 110 in the illustrated embodiment.
Moreover, the stabilizing tether 150 does not extend upwardly into
the upper regions of the airbag 110.
[0049] The lateral inflation apertures 182, 184 can cause the
airbag 110 to initially deploy radially, or laterally, outward in
rapid fashion. Accordingly, the apertures 180, 182, 184 can provide
the airbag 110 with an initial deployment pattern that spreads
rapidly downwardly and outwardly over a lower portion (e.g., lower
half) of the steering wheel 52. The shape and surface area of the
diffuser 140 can aid with this deployment pattern.
[0050] The diffuser 140 can also reduce material and/or
manufacturing costs relative to other diffuser arrangements. For
example, in some arrangements, the diffuser 140 consists of a
single piece of cut material that is readily attached to the base
panel 122 via relatively few seams. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, only three separate seams are used. Moreover, the seams
172, 173, 174 used to attach the diffuser 140 to the base panel 122
can be spaced from the inflator opening 123 and from the inflator
112 so as not to be in close proximity therewith. The spacing may
reduce the amount of force and/or heat acting on the seams 172,
173, 174. Such an arrangement can preserve the integrity of the
back panel 122 during deployment.
[0051] FIG. 8 depicts the airbag 110 in a fully inflated state just
prior to receiving the head and torso of a vehicle occupant 80. As
previously discussed, the tether 150 can achieve a desired fill
pattern and filled profile of the inflated airbag 110, and in some
embodiments, may be further stabilized by interaction with the
deflector 140. With respect to the filled profile, a filled profile
of a comparative airbag 90 is shown in broken lines. The airbag 110
may be restrained from deploying in a vehicle-rearward direction to
the same extent as the comparative airbag 90. This can be safer for
the vehicle occupant 80. For example, in some instances, the
downwardly and laterally (or radially) outwardly directed initial
fill pattern of the airbag 110 and/or the filled profile of the
airbag 110 that is positioned in a more car-forward (or less
car-rearward) position can reduce the risk of chin entrapment of
the vehicle occupant 80. By way of illustration, if the vehicle
occupant 80 in FIG. 8 were leaning forward and/or positioned closer
to the steering wheel 52 at the time of airbag deployment, it can
be appreciated that the airbag 90 would be more likely to entrap
the chin of the vehicle occupant 80.
[0052] FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of an inflatable airbag
210 that can resemble the inflatable airbag 110 described above in
certain respects, and that can be compatible with the airbag
assembly 100. Accordingly, like features are designated with like
reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to "2."
Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified
features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific
features of the airbag 210 may not be shown or identified by a
reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the
written description that follows. However, such features may
clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features
depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such
embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such
features apply equally to the features of the airbag 210. Any
suitable combination of the features and variations of the same
described with respect to the airbag 110 can be employed with the
airbag 210, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies
equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and
described hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be further
incremented.
[0053] The airbag 210 includes a base panel 222, a deflector 240, a
stabilizing tether 250, and a venting tether 260 connected to an
active vent 268. The deflector 240 is attached to the base panel
222 via a plurality of seams, including an upper seam 272. The
deflector defines a tether aperture 241 at its upper end through
which the venting tether 260 can pass. Unlike the tether aperture
141, the tether aperture 241 is formed by a notch in an upper end
245 of the deflector 240. In particular, the upper edge of the
deflector 240 is substantially semicircular, but the tether
aperture 241 forms a recess at the apex of the semicircle. In
certain embodiments, as with the tether aperture 141, the tether
aperture 241 can snugly engage the tether 260 and may prevent or
inhibit inflation gas from exiting the deflector 240 through the
upper end 245 thereof. However, in some instances, a small amount
of inflation gas may exit through the tether aperture 241 and may
be directed toward an upper end of the airbag 210. This is in
contrast to an arrangement such as the illustrated embodiment of
the tether aperture 141, in which any inflation gases passing
therethrough would be directed generally away from the base panel
122 and toward the cushioning panel 120.
[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of an airbag 310 that can
resemble the airbags 110, 210 discussed above. The airbag 310
includes a base panel 322, a deflector 340, and a stabilizing
tether 350, but does not include an active vent or associated
venting tether. The deflector 340 can be attached to the base panel
322 via one or more upper seams, including an upper seam 372. As
with the upper seam 172, the upper seam 372 is semicircular and is
configured to deflect all upwardly directed inflation gas laterally
outward and in a somewhat downward direction. In other embodiments,
the upper seam 372 can comprise one or more seams that define a
different pattern. However, the lateral edges of the upper seam 372
can be angled downward in a similar manner so as to direct
inflation gas in a lateral and somewhat downward direction.
[0055] In some embodiments, one or more of the airbags 110, 210,
310 may be devoid of a stabilizing tether 150, 250, 350. Moreover,
in various embodiments, the lower seams 173, 174 may define a
profile other than linear. For example, in some embodiments, the
lower seams 173, 174 may be curved or arcuate. Such curved or
arcuate seams may taper inwardly to concentrate inflation gas in a
manner such as described above. Additionally, although the
foregoing disclosure has been presented primarily in the context of
driver airbags, it is to be understood that certain embodiments may
be used in other regions of the vehicle 50. For example, in some
embodiments, an airbag 110, 210, 310 may have a different profile
and may be used as a front passenger airbag. In certain
embodiments, the passenger airbags 110, 210, 310 can be configured
to deploy rapidly in a downward direction due to the deflector 140,
240, 340 and/or the tether 150, 250, 350. The tether 150, 250, 350
can provide the airbag 110, 210, 310 with a desired shape when
inflated and can assist with ride down, in manners such as
described above.
[0056] References to approximations are made throughout this
specification, such as by use of the terms "about,"
"approximately," or "substantially." For each such reference, it is
to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or
characteristic may be specified without approximation. Stated
otherwise, the terms of approximation include within their scope
the exact feature modified by the term of approximation. For
example, it is noted that in various embodiments, the panels 120,
122 are substantially circular. It is thus understood that in
certain of such embodiments, the panels 120, 122 can be exactly
circular.
[0057] Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or
actions for performing the described method. The method steps
and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other
words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for
proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of
specific steps and/or actions may be modified.
[0058] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment"
or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or
variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are
not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0059] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above
description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped
together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for
the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of
disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that any claim require more features than those expressly
recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features
of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims
following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly
incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure
includes all permutations of the independent claims with their
dependent claims.
[0060] Recitation in the claims of the term "first" with respect to
a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a
second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in
means-plus-function format are intended to be construed in
accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112(f). It will be apparent to
those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the
details of the above-described embodiments without departing from
the underlying principles of the invention. Embodiments of the
invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed
are defined as follows.
* * * * *