GB1301867A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1301867 Inflatable cushions J F GORMAN 29 Sept 1971 [29 Sept 1970] 46294/70 Heading B7B A vehicle safety device comprises a composite element 2 which is expandible from an inoperative retracted position in a mounting 12 to an expanded position similar in shape to a part spherical shell by a filler material, the element including an outer shield 5 and on inner shield 6 which extends inwardly therefrom and expansion of which is commenced after expansion of the outer shield has started. A housing member 12, Fig. 1, of channel section is connected to a base 13 of the seat 1 and its outer surface is covered with protective padding 14, Fig. 9. The expandible element 2 comprises a number of outer tubes 27, Fig. 6, each of which open into gas ducts 7 and are connected to an outer covering 32 which is gripped by a gripper member 23. The tubes 27 have attached to them tubes 33<SP>1</SP> in the form of vesicles which form the inner shield and which open into gas ducts 8. Attached to the vesicles are attachments 26 at a location near to gripper 23 where they are firmly clamped. The pressurizing medium may be a gas or a foam and the protective element constructed from plastics and/or fibrous material which is folded concertina fashion into the housing 12 and is held in place by a cap 40. The pressure sources 10 are carried in the head rest 9 with suitable delivery ducts to the element 2 being provided in a manifold 11. In operation an electrical impulse detonates an explosive charge to rupture a sealing diaphragm (not shown) in storage capsule 50, Fig. 12. Gas flows through nozzle 51 to gas distributer channel 7 and into tubes 27 via plugs 30. Some of the gas passes through a series of passages 52 to a centre channel 53 and through a valve 54 to transverse grooves 55 formed behind gripper members 23 and into the interior of cap 40 causing a sharp rise in pressure therein. A second electrical impulse releases gas from small capsule 57 which flows through probe 49 to bladders 43 causing them to inflate and thereby release rim latches 41 of cap 40 to allow ejection of element 2. Consequent movement of detection head 58, Fig. 9, closes the valve 54 so that full flow of gas from capsule 50 is now directed into tubes 27 to provide the outer shield. The vesicles 34 begin to receive a gas supply after tubes 27 have completed part of their movement, the gas being supplied from capsule 58 flowing through nozzle 59 and gas channel 8 into the tubes 33 through tapered wedge fittings 37. A reinforcing band 61 is provided on the shield along its lower level which also closes and pressure seals the tubes 27, 33. After operation release of the shield assembly is effected by inflation of a set of bladders 62, Fig. 10, which act through the ends of springs 60 to disengage abutments 20 formed on anchorage member 19 from the member 16, the gas being released by explosive rupture of a diaphragm from capsule 63 through probe 64 of the manifold 11. In the operative position of the shield the seat occupant may see out of the vehicle by means of light transmitting fibres 77, Fig. 13, projecting through eyelets 78 which provide attachment zones for the inner and outer shields. Some of the eyelets may be open as shown at 79 to allow the entry of air. Fibre optics may be employed to provide a viewing panel within the shields, Fig. 14 (not shown). The rear of the head rest also has an expandible element 112 which may operate simultaneously with the shields to provide protection for a rear seated passenger. The element 112 can be operated by gas from capsule 58 through probe 113 or from a further capsule connected to the probe. A signal generator including a piezo crystal which is subjected to mechanical deformation actuates a signal interrupter which performs a time delay in a sequence of signals for activating the operating means which may alternatively be manually initiated.