Patent ID: 6126194
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A seat restraint system in a vehicle comprising:(a) a torso belt comprising an inflatable structure that contracts substantially in length and increases substantially in cross-sectional area when it is fully inflated, wherein the inflatable structure assumes a flat configuration prior to inflation;(b) a gas generator fluidly connected to the inflatable structure;(c) a crash sensor electrically connected to the gas generator, said crash sensor initiating generation of gas by the gas generator when an impact is detected such that the inflatable structure is fully inflated; and(d) a constraint mounted on the top of a vehicle seat, wherein the inflatable structure is routed through the constraint such that portions of the inflatable structure on both sides of the constraint are inflatable, and such that the inflated portion of the torso belt lying over the top of the vehicle seat would push an occupant of the seat down into the seat, thus controlling the position of the occupant during a collision.