Patent ID: 6688642
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An airbag system for use on vehicle seatbelts comprising:a tubular inflatable structure having an inflated configuration and an uninflated configuration, wherein in said inflated configuration said tubular inflatable structure comprises a longitudinal central axis, an open end and a closed end, said tubular inflatable structure further having a first seatbelt passageway positioned along said longitudinal central axis; wherein said open end of said inflatable structure is attached to a housing member, thereby forming a closed system, and wherein said inflatable structure is positioned in the uninflated configuration within said housing member; said housing member having a second seatbelt passageway in communication with said first seatbelt passageway, said first and second seatbelt passageways being aligned with reference to said longitudinal central axis so that a seatbelt may freely pass through said second seatbelt passageway when said tubular structure is in said uninflated configuration; and wherein upon a collision event, said tubular structure becomes inflated and extends from said housing member along the length of said seat belt, to an inflated configuration parallel to said longitudinal central axis,, thereby providing an inflated cushion between said seatbelt and a user, so that said tubular structure is positioned in the inflated configuration about an extended length of said seatbelt.