Inflatable cushioning devices

Abstract

Inflatable devices principally for vehicle occupant protection are addressed. Included among the devices are curtains or other cushions with braided portions along their lower edges designed to form semi-rigid members when deployed. Unlike commercially-available vehicle curtains, inflation occurs from the bottom (where the semi-rigid member is formed) upward. The devices additionally optionally may include inflatable nodes within the curtains or otherwise extending from the cushions.

1 . Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, the first portion being above the second portion when the vehicle is upright, and in which inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion.  
   
   
       2 . Protective device according to  claim 1  in which the second portion comprises a material that decreases in length when inflated so as to create tension.  
   
   
       3 . Protective device according to  claim 2  in which the length-decreasing material is distributed substantially uniformly and continuously throughout the second portion.  
   
   
       4 . Protective device according to  claim 1  in which the first portion comprises at least one inflatable node adapted, when inflated, to be positioned at approximately head level of the occupant.  
   
   
       5 . Protective device according to  claim 4  in which the first portion further comprises uninflated material adjacent the at least one inflatable node.  
   
   
       6 . Protective device according to  claim 1  further comprising an inflator connected to the vehicle and to the second portion and capable of moving as the second portion inflates.  
   
   
       7 . Protective device comprising: 
 a. an inflator;    b. an inflatable curtain in fluid communication with the inflator and comprising: 
 i. a first inflatable portion comprising material that decreases in length when inflation occurs; and  
 ii. a second inflatable portion; and  
   c. a cover in which the inflatable curtain is positioned when uninflated.    
   
   
       8 . Protective device according to  claim 7  in which inflation of the inflatable curtain pulls the inflatable curtain downward out of the cover.  
   
   
       9 . Protective device according to  claim 8  in which the material is braided and has generally circular or U-shaped cross-section.  
   
   
       10 . Protective device according to  claim 9  in which the material forms a taut, semi-rigid, generally linear member when the first inflatable portion is inflated.  
   
   
       11 . Protective device according to  claim 10  in which the inflator moves with the material when the inflatable curtain is pulled downward out of the cover.  
   
   
       12 . Protective device for an occupant of a vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion having first and second portions, and in which (i) inflation of the second portion commences before inflation of the first portion and (ii) the first portion comprises at least one inflatable node adapted, when inflated, to be positioned so as to provide torso protection for the occupant.