公开(公告)号：US08205941B2

公开(公告)日：2012-06-26

申请号：US12510502

申请日：2009-07-28

Applicant: Bob L. McFalls ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  James M. McGowan ,  Michael W. Jagenow ,  Matthew J. McCann ,  John P. Wallner

Inventor： Bob L. McFalls ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  James M. McGowan ,  Michael W. Jagenow ,  Matthew J. McCann ,  John P. Wallner

IPC: B60N2/427

CPC classification number: B60N2/865 ,  B60N2/888

Abstract: A head restraint (14) for helping to protect an occupant (60) of a vehicle seat (20) includes a base frame (150) connected to the vehicle seat. A cushion carrier (350) is supported on the base frame (150) by a track assembly (440) that facilitates movement of the cushion carrier (350) relative to the base frame (150) along a deployment axis (18) from a non-deployed condition to a deployed condition. The track assembly (440) includes a fixed track member (182) that forms a portion of the base frame (150). The fixed track member (182) includes spaced axially extending beam portions (190) with opposing surfaces (200) that define a channel (184) between the beam portions (190). The track assembly (440) also includes a sliding track member (370) that forms a portion of the cushion carrier (350). The sliding track member (370) includes a sliding frame (372) positioned in the channel (184) and having portions (442) positioned in sliding contact with portions (444) on the opposing surfaces (200) defining the channel (184).

Abstract translation: 用于帮助保护车辆座椅（20）的乘员（60）的头枕（14）包括连接到车辆座椅的基座框架（150）。 缓冲支架（350）通过轨道组件（440）支撑在基座框架（150）上，轨道组件（440）便于沿着展开轴线（18）相对于基座框架（150）从非框架 将部署条件部署到部署状态。 轨道组件（440）包括形成基座框架（150）的一部分的固定轨道构件（182）。 固定轨道构件（182）包括间隔开的轴向延伸的梁部分（190），其具有在梁部分（190）之间限定通道（184）的相对表面（200）。 轨道组件（440）还包括形成缓冲托架（350）的一部分的滑动轨道构件（370）。 滑动轨道构件（370）包括定位在通道（184）中的滑动框架（372），并且具有与限定通道（184）的相对表面（200）上的部分（444）滑动接触的部分（442）。

公开(公告)号：US07216557B2

公开(公告)日：2007-05-15

申请号：US10930957

申请日：2004-09-01

Applicant: Raymond J. David ,  Jon K. Wallace ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

Inventor： Raymond J. David ,  Jon K. Wallace ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

IPC: G01P13/00 ,  G01P21/00 ,  B60R21/16

CPC classification number: B60R21/01538 ,  B60R21/0153 ,  B60R21/01554

Abstract: A method and apparatus (40) for testing an occupant position sensing system (12) of a vehicle (10) includes a motor (42) having a stationary portion (44) and a movable portion (46). A test object (90) is fixed relative to the movable portion (46) of the motor (42). A motor position sensor (64) senses a position of the movable portion (46) of the motor (42) relative to the stationary portion (44) and for providing a motor position signal indicative thereof. Motor drive electronics (58) are responsive to the motor position signal for controlling the motor (42) for moving the test object (90). A data recorder (80) is adapted to receive and record data from the occupant position sensing system (12) and is adapted to receive and record the motor position signal provided by the motor position sensor (64).

Abstract translation: 一种用于测试车辆（10）的乘员位置感测系统（12）的方法和设备（40）包括具有静止部分（44）和可移动部分（46）的马达（42）。 测试对象（90）相对于电动机（42）的可动部分（46）固定。 马达位置传感器（64）感测马达（42）相对于静止部分（44）的可移动部分（46）的位置，并提供指示马达（44）的马达位置信号。 电动机驱动电路（58）响应于电动机位置信号，用于控制用于移动测试对象（90）的电动机（42）。 数据记录器（80）适于接收和记录来自乘员位置感测系统（12）的数据，并适于接收和记录由电动机位置传感器（64）提供的电动机位置信号。

公开(公告)号：US06457743B1

公开(公告)日：2002-10-01

申请号：US09543005

申请日：2000-04-04

Applicant: Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

Inventor： Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

IPC: B60R2116

CPC classification number: B60R21/2035 ,  B62D1/10 ,  Y10T74/20834 ,  Y10T403/7026

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use in a vehicle comprises a steering shaft (12) rotatable about a first axis (B) and an activatable lock (18) operatively coupled with the steering shaft for preventing rotation of the steering shaft. The lock (18) is deactivated by a key (19). A vehicle steering wheel (20) includes a hub portion (130) and is non-rotatably connected to the steering shaft (12) by the hub portion for joint rotation with the steering shaft. The apparatus (10) further comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (70) attached to the steering wheel (20). A movable member (200) blocks axial movement of the steering wheel (20) relative to the steering shaft (12). A housing (160) encircles a portion of the steering shaft (12) and the hub portion (130). The housing (16) includes at least one opening (194). The movable member (200), upon rotation of the steering wheel (20) relative to the housing (16), moves from a first position in which the movable member is not aligned with the opening (194) to a second position in which the movable member is aligned with the opening to permit access to the movable member.

Abstract translation: 一种用于车辆的装置（10）包括可围绕第一轴线（B）旋转的转向轴（12）和与转向轴可操作地联接的可启动锁（18），用于防止转向轴旋转。 锁（18）由钥匙（19）停用。 车辆方向盘（20）包括轮毂部分（130），并且通过轮毂部分不可旋转地连接到转向轴（12），用于与转向轴联合旋转。 装置（10）还包括附接到方向盘（20）的可充气车辆乘员保护装置（70）。 可移动构件（200）阻止方向盘（20）相对于转向轴（12）的轴向运动。 壳体（160）围绕转向轴（12）和轮毂部分（130）的一部分。 壳体（16）包括至少一个开口（194）。 可移动构件（200）在方向盘（20）相对于壳体（16）旋转时从可移动构件不与开口（194）对准的第一位置移动到第二位置，在第二位置， 可动构件与开口对准以允许接近可移动构件。

公开(公告)号：US06183007B2

公开(公告)日：2001-02-06

申请号：US09212093

申请日：1998-12-15

Applicant: Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  Jinshou Xu ,  Kwen Hsu

Inventor： Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  Jinshou Xu ,  Kwen Hsu

IPC: B60R2126

CPC classification number: B60R21/261 ,  B60R21/2171 ,  B60R21/26

Abstract: An apparatus (12) includes an elongated pressure vessel (30) containing a source of inflation fluid for a vehicle occupant protection device (14). The apparatus (12) further includes an inflation fluid outlet manifold (32) at one end (34) of the pressure vessel (30). The manifold (32) has outlet openings (60, 62) defining first and second outlet flow areas. The manifold (32) is configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through the first outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a first direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (31) of the pressure vessel (30). The manifold (32) is further configured to direct inflation fluid flowing through the second outlet flow area to flow at least partially in a second, opposite direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (31) of the pressure vessel (30).

Abstract translation: 装置（12）包括细长的压力容器（30），其容纳用于车辆乘员保护装置（14）的充气流体源。 装置（12）还包括在压力容器（30）的一端（34）处的充气流体出口歧管（32）。 歧管（32）具有限定第一和第二出口流动区域的出口（60,62）。 歧管（32）构造成引导流过第一出口流动区域的膨胀流体至少部分地沿着平行于压力容器（30）的纵向轴线（31）的第一方向流动。 歧管（32）进一步构造成引导流过第二出口流动区域的膨胀流体至少部分地沿平行于压力容器（30）的纵向轴线（31）的相反方向流动。

公开(公告)号：US06179322B2

公开(公告)日：2001-01-30

申请号：US09212112

申请日：1998-12-15

Applicant: Ernst M. Faigle ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  Diane D. Ford

Inventor： Ernst M. Faigle ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  Diane D. Ford

IPC: B06R2116

CPC classification number: B60R21/217 ,  B60R21/2171 ,  B60R21/237

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) which is folded so as to be deployed from a reaction structure (24) in a first direction to restrain movement of a vehicle occupant in a second, opposite direction. The folded protection device (14) has a cross-section with a configuration defined by pleats (110). Each pleat (110) has an open end (112) and a closed end (114) spaced from the open end (112) in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second directions. An inflator (12) is received within one of the pleats (110′) and has inflation fluid outlet openings (124) adjacent to the closed end (114) of the pleat (110′). A retainer ring (56) engages and supports a peripheral edge portion (72) of the folded protection device (14) in an open configuration. The bag retainer ring (56) and the edge portion (72) of the folded protection device (14) are spaced fully from the inflator (12) on opposite sides of the pleated cross-section of the folded protection device (14).

Abstract translation: 车辆乘员保护装置（10）包括充气车辆乘员保护装置（14），所述充气车辆乘员保护装置（14）被折叠成在第一方向上从反作用结构（24）展开，以限制乘客在第二相反方向上的移动 。 折叠的保护装置（14）具有由褶（110）限定的构造的横截面。 每个褶（110）具有在大致平行于第一和第二方向的方向上与开口端（112）间隔开的开口端（112）和封闭端（114）。 充气机（12）被容纳在一个褶（110'）内，并且具有与褶（110'）的封闭端（114）相邻的充气流体出口（124）。 保持环（56）以打开的形式接合并支撑折叠的保护装置（14）的周边边缘部分（72）。 折叠的保护装置（14）的袋保持环（56）和边缘部分（72）在折叠保护装置（14）的折叠横截面的相对侧上与充气机（12）完全隔开。

公开(公告)号：US5823570A

公开(公告)日：1998-10-20

申请号：US728790

申请日：1996-10-10

Applicant: Wendell C. Lane, Jr. ,  Barney J. Bauer ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  Robert D. Sayles

Inventor： Wendell C. Lane, Jr. ,  Barney J. Bauer ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  Robert D. Sayles

IPC: B60R22/28 ,  B60R22/34

CPC classification number: B60R22/3413 ,  B60R2022/283 ,  B60R2022/288

Abstract: A spool sleeve (78) is rotatable in webbing withdrawal and webbing retraction directions (A, B). A lock pawl (122) engageable with a ratchet wheel (114), stops rotation of the spool sleeve (78) in the webbing withdrawal direction (A). The spool sleeve (78) is rotatable relative to the ratchet wheel (114) upon the occurrence of tension in webbing (16) above a predetermined amount. A cutter (94) is located radially within the spool sleeve (78) for cutting the spool sleeve (78) when the spool sleeve (78) rotates relative to the stopped ratchet wheel (114). In one preferred embodiment, the cutter (220) includes a portion (226) which is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to a rotational axis (164) of the spool sleeve (192) to cause the cutter (220) to move axially relative to the spool sleeve. In another preferred embodiment, the spool sleeve (284, 286) is comprised of a plurality of pieces fitted together to extend around the axis (164). In another preferred embodiment, the rotation of the spool sleeve (396, 398) is resisted and the amount of resistance can be changed. Two cutters (472, 510) provide different amounts of resistance when they cut the spool sleeve (396, 398).

Abstract translation: 卷筒套筒（78）可以在织带取出和织带退回方向（A，B）中旋转。 可与棘轮（114）接合的锁定棘爪（122）停止卷筒套筒（78）沿织带取出方向（A）的转动。 当在织带（16）中出现高于预定量的张力时，卷轴套（78）可相对于棘轮（114）旋转。 当卷筒套筒（78）相对于停止的棘轮（114）旋转时，切割器（94）径向位于卷轴套筒（78）内用于切割卷轴套筒（78）。 在一个优选实施例中，切割器（220）包括相对于垂直于卷轴套（192）的旋转轴线（164）的平面倾斜的部分（226），以使切割器（220）沿轴向相对移动 到卷轴套筒。 在另一个优选实施例中，卷轴套筒（284,286）包括多个装配在一起以围绕轴线（164）延伸的零件。 在另一个优选实施例中，阻塞卷轴套（396,398）的旋转，并且可以改变电阻量。 两个切割器（472,510）在切割卷轴套（396,398）时提供不同的阻力。

公开(公告)号：US5641198A

公开(公告)日：1997-06-24

申请号：US382083

申请日：1995-02-01

Applicant: Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

Inventor： Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

IPC: B60N2/42 ,  B60N2/68 ,  B60R22/18 ,  B60R22/26

CPC classification number: B60R22/26 ,  B60N2/4221 ,  B60N2/4249 ,  B60N2/688 ,  B60R2022/1825

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system (10) includes a seat (12) and a length of belt webbing (42) connected with the seat. A belt webbing engaging member (62) on the seat frame (18) engages the belt webbing (42) for transferring forces from the belt webbing to the seat frame. The belt webbing engaging member (62) is mounted on a first one (110) of a plurality of interconnected seat frame members (72, 90, 110, 130, 150, 170). The seat frame members are movable relative to each other to form a truss (70) in response to the application of force from the belt webbing (42) in excess of a predetermined force. The truss (70) resists deformation of the seat frame (18) due to the forces transmitted to the seat frame.

Abstract translation: 车辆乘员约束系统（10）包括座椅（12）和与座椅连接的一段带状织带（42）。 座椅框架（18）上的皮带织带接合构件（62）接合皮带织带（42），用于将力从皮带织带传递到座椅框架。 带状织带接合构件（62）安装在多个互连的座椅框架构件（72,90,110,130,150,170）中的第一个（110）上。 座椅框架构件可相对于彼此移动以响应于来自带状织带（42）的力超过预定力的响应而形成桁架（70）。 桁架（70）由于传递到座椅框架的力而抵抗座椅框架（18）的变形。

公开(公告)号：US5531472A

公开(公告)日：1996-07-02

申请号：US431570

申请日：1995-05-01

Applicant: John H. Semchena ,  Ernest M. Faigle ,  Richard J. Thompson ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

Inventor： John H. Semchena ,  Ernest M. Faigle ,  Richard J. Thompson ,  Joseph F. Mazur ,  Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

IPC: B60R21/01 ,  B60R21/015 ,  G07C5/08 ,  B60R21/16

CPC classification number: B60R21/01538 ,  G07C5/0891

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling an occupant restraint system in a vehicle (10) comprises storing in a ROM memory (220) a block of image data representative of a viewing field within the vehicle (10). The viewing field includes an unoccupied vehicle seat (18) located in the occupant compartment (12) of the vehicle. A new block of image data is obtained which is representative of the viewing field with an occupant (202) on the seat (18). This image data is obtained with an image sensor (200), such as a CCD sensor, mounted in the vehicle (10) for viewing the field. The new block of image data is compared with the stored block of image data by a controller (30) to obtain the occupant's size and/or position in the vehicle. The controller (30) provides a control signal having a value which is a function of the comparison. A restraint regulator (120), such as a vent valve, responds to the control signal for controlling the occupant restraint system.

Abstract translation: 用于控制车辆（10）中的乘员约束系统的装置和方法包括在ROM存储器（220）中存储代表车辆（10）内的视野的图像数据块。 观察区域包括位于车辆的乘员室（12）中的未占用的车辆座椅（18）。 获得代表座位（18）上的乘员（202）的观察区域的新的图像数据块。 该图像数据通过安装在车辆（10）中的用于观看场的CCD传感器等图像传感器（200）获得。 通过控制器（30）将新的图像数据块与存储的图像数据块进行比较，以获得乘客在车辆中的大小和/或位置。 控制器（30）提供具有作为比较的函数的值的控制信号。 诸如排气阀的约束调节器（120）响应于用于控制乘员约束系统的控制信号。

公开(公告)号：US5524924A

公开(公告)日：1996-06-11

申请号：US153074

申请日：1993-11-15

Applicant: Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  Louis R. Brown

Inventor： Charles E. Steffens, Jr. ,  Louis R. Brown

IPC: B60R21/08 ,  B60R21/16 ,  B60R21/21 ,  B60R21/215 ,  B60R21/216 ,  B60R21/231 ,  B60R21/233 ,  B60R21/22 ,  B60R21/28

CPC classification number: B60R21/23138 ,  B60R21/21 ,  B60R21/216 ,  B60R2021/2161

Abstract: A vehicle occupant shoulder restraint (51) is located on a vehicle door (16) and is inflatable from a stored condition on the door to an inflated condition between the door and the shoulder area of an occupant. When inflated, the occupant shoulder restraint (51) engages the shoulder of the occupant. A vehicle occupant upper rib restraint (52, 53) is located on the vehicle door (16) and is inflatable from a stored condition on the door to an inflated condition between the door and the upper rib area of the occupant. When inflated, the shoulder restraint (51) extends further into the vehicle passenger compartment than the upper rib restraint (52, 53). When inflated, the occupant rib restraint (52, 53) engages upper the rib area of the occupant. A vehicle occupant head restraint (210) is located on the vehicle door (16) and is inflatable from a stored condition on the door to an inflated condition between the door and the head of the occupant. When inflated, the occupant head restraint (210) engages the head of the occupant. The occupant head restraint (210) is inflated into position to restrain the head of the occupant after the occupant shoulder restraint (51) has been inflated and has restrained the shoulder of the occupant.

Abstract translation: 车辆乘员肩部约束装置（51）位于车门（16）上，并且可以从门上的存储状态充气到乘客的门与肩部区域之间的充气状态。 当充气时，乘员肩部约束装置（51）接合乘客的肩膀。 车辆乘员上部肋骨限制器（52,53）位于车门（16）上，并且可从门上的存储状态充气到乘客的门与上部肋区域之间的充气状态。 当充气时，肩部限制器（51）比上部肋条限制器（52,53）进一步延伸到车辆乘客舱内。 当充气时，乘员肋条限制器（52,53）接合乘员的肋部区域的上部。 车辆乘员头部保护器（210）位于车门（16）上，并且可从门上的存储状态充气至乘客的门和头部之间的充气状态。 当充气时，乘员头部保护装置（210）接合乘员的头部。 乘员头部保护装置（210）在乘员肩部限制（51）已经膨胀并且限制了乘员的肩膀之后被充气到位置以约束乘员的头部。

公开(公告)号：US5507521A

公开(公告)日：1996-04-16

申请号：US394602

申请日：1995-02-27

Applicant: Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

Inventor： Charles E. Steffens, Jr.

IPC: B60R21/20 ,  B60R21/203 ,  B60R21/217 ,  B62D1/19 ,  B60R21/22 ,  B62D1/18

CPC classification number: B60R21/203 ,  B62D1/197 ,  B60R2021/2173

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant restraint apparatus (26) and a steering wheel (22) are mounted on an upper portion (38) of a vehicle steering column (20). The upper portion (38) of the steering column (20) is supported for pivotal movement relative to a lower portion (40) of the steering column (20). A latch member (72) on the steering column (20) is moveable into and out of a locked condition. In its locked condition, the latch member (72) engages the upper and lower portions (38 and 40) of the steering column (20) with each other to block manual pivotal movement of the upper portion (38). An actuator (100) can pivot the upper portion (38) of the steering column (20) automatically when the latch member (72) is in the locked condition. The actuator (100) moves the latch member (72) relative to the lower portion (40) of the steering column (20) to pivot the upper portion ( 38) relative to the lower portion (40) when the actuator (100) is actuated. The actuator (100) is actuated in response to a vehicle condition indicative of a vehicle collision.

Abstract translation: 充气车辆乘员约束装置（26）和方向盘（22）安装在车辆转向柱（20）的上部（38）上。 转向柱（20）的上部（38）被支撑成相对于转向柱（20）的下部（40）枢转运动。 转向柱（20）上的闩锁构件（72）能够进入和离开锁定状态。 在其锁定状态下，闩锁构件（72）彼此接合转向柱（20）的上部和下部（38和40），以阻止上部（38）的手动枢转运动。 当闩锁构件（72）处于锁定状态时，致动器（100）可以自动地枢转转向柱（20）的上部（38）。 致动器（100）相对于转向柱（20）的下部（40）移动闩锁构件（72），以在致动器（100）为...时相对于下部（40）枢转上部（38） 启动。 致动器（100）响应于指示车辆碰撞的车辆状态被致动。