WO1999022966A1 - Cushion system for mobile subject - Google Patents

Cushion system for mobile subject Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999022966A1
WO1999022966A1 PCT/US1998/023506 US9823506W WO9922966A1 WO 1999022966 A1 WO1999022966 A1 WO 1999022966A1 US 9823506 W US9823506 W US 9823506W WO 9922966 A1 WO9922966 A1 WO 9922966A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cushion
deployable
vehicle
mechanism according
interior surface
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/023506
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO1999022966B1 (en
Inventor
Dean L. Kamen
Robert R. Ambrogi
Christopher C. Langenfeld
Stanley B. Smith, Iii
Adam Epstein
Original Assignee
Deka Products Limited Partnership
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Deka Products Limited Partnership filed Critical Deka Products Limited Partnership
Priority to JP2000518864A priority Critical patent/JP4210430B2/en
Priority to DE69821513T priority patent/DE69821513T2/en
Priority to AU13809/99A priority patent/AU747738B2/en
Priority to CA002305731A priority patent/CA2305731C/en
Priority to NZ503678A priority patent/NZ503678A/en
Priority to AT98957582T priority patent/ATE258859T1/en
Priority to EP98957582A priority patent/EP1027233B1/en
Priority to BR9813925-8A priority patent/BR9813925A/en
Publication of WO1999022966A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999022966A1/en
Publication of WO1999022966B1 publication Critical patent/WO1999022966B1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G5/00—Chairs or personal conveyances specially adapted for patients or disabled persons, e.g. wheelchairs
    • A61G5/10—Parts, details or accessories
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R19/00—Wheel guards; Radiator guards, e.g. grilles; Obstruction removers; Fittings damping bouncing force in collisions
    • B60R19/02—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects
    • B60R19/18—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects characterised by the cross-section; Means within the bumper to absorb impact
    • B60R19/20—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects characterised by the cross-section; Means within the bumper to absorb impact containing mainly gas or liquid, e.g. inflatable
    • B60R19/205—Bumpers, i.e. impact receiving or absorbing members for protecting vehicles or fending off blows from other vehicles or objects characterised by the cross-section; Means within the bumper to absorb impact containing mainly gas or liquid, e.g. inflatable inflatable in the direction of an obstacle upon impending impact, e.g. using air bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/13—Roll-over protection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/30—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means
    • A61G2203/42—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means for inclination
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
    • A61G2203/70—General characteristics of devices with special adaptations, e.g. for safety or comfort
    • A61G2203/72—General characteristics of devices with special adaptations, e.g. for safety or comfort for collision prevention
    • A61G2203/723—Impact absorbing means, e.g. bumpers or airbags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/13—Roll-over protection
    • B60R2021/138—Roll-over protection using external airbags

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to a deployable cushion, and, in particular, to a deployable cushion for preventing injury to the passenger of a personal vehicle.
  • bumpers on cars which absorb kinetic energy in crumpling metal
  • airbags which couple the mechanical energy of car passengers into the compression and redistribution of gas in a bag before enough time has elapsed for the bodies of the passengers to hit the steering wheel or windshield of the car with resulting serious injury.
  • pyrochemical means are used to inflate the airbag.
  • Pyrochemical means are able to inflate the airbag extremely rapidly, but are relatively expensive and frequently use toxic chemicals.
  • Other drawbacks include the requirement of special training and tools for service and replacement, and the danger of deployment with excessive and injury-producing force.
  • the forcible inflation- of an airbag by pyrochemical means is impractical, unsafe, and unnecessary.
  • Other means are known to employ the kinetic energy present in a subcomponent of the vehicle, to inflate a bellows or other cushion to protect the vehicle occupants in the case of a head-on collision.
  • a deployable cushion mechanism for protecting the passenger of a personal vehicle.
  • the cushion mechanism has a cushion for absorbing energy that has an interior surface and is coupled to the vehicle in such a manner as to permit inflation of the cushion outward from the vehicle.
  • the cushion mechanism also has an actuator which releases the stored energy in such a manner as to introduce air from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion.
  • the cushion also has an energy reservoir for storing energy for inflation of the cushion, and t least one orifice for enabling air flow from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion.
  • the valve for restricting airflow such that air may flow only in the direction from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion.
  • the energy reservoir may include a spring for storing mechanical energy, and the spring may be a compressible member.
  • the deployable cushion may be coupled to the vehicle to permit inflation of the cushion backward, forward, or sideward of the vehicle.
  • the cushion includes a valve for enabling air flow from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion, a plurality of bladders for constraining lateral motion of the passenger, an air-forcing device for propelling air from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion, and an aspirator adapted for increasing the volume of gas from outside the cushion introduced to within the interior surface of the cushion.
  • the cushion may also have a latching mechanism which may be released upon pressurization of the cushion.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a wheelchair-type vehicle employing an embodiment of the invention wherein a deployable cushion is shown in a stowed position.
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 , wherein the deployable cushion is shown in a partially deployed rear-facing position.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the wheelchair- type vehicle of FIG. 1, wherein the deployable cushion is shown in a deployed rear-facing position.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 , wherein the deployable cushion is shown prior to contact with the ground.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of the wheelchair- type vehicle of FIG. 1, wherein the deployable cushion is shown in contact with the ground.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the deployable cushion shown in a stowed position.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the deployable cushion shown in a deployed position.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded front view of an another embodiment of the invention shown in a deployed position.
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, showing a back bumper in a partially deployed position.
  • FIG. 10A is a front view of the wheelchair type vehicle of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 10B is a front view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 employing an embodiment of the invention, wherein a deployable cushion is shown in a partially- deployed side-facing position.
  • FIG. IOC is a front view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 employing an embodiment of the invention, wherein a deployable cushion is shown in a fully-deployed side-facing position.
  • FIG. 10D is a front view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 employing an embodiment of the invention, wherein a deployable cushion is shown in contact with the ground.
  • FIGS. 1 through 5 wherein like elements are designated by identical numerals, a side-view is shown of a wheelchair-type vehicle, designated generally by numeral 10, in progressive stages of a backward-tipping motion. While the invention is applicable to many types of vehicles, the personal wheelchair-type vehicle is used, solely as an example, in the present description. One particular example of such a vehicle is described in U.S. patent no. 5,701,965, issued December 30, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Referring, particularly, to FIG. 1 , vehicle 10 is shown supported on a pair of laterally disposed wheels 12 which provide ground contact for vehicle 10.
  • the deployable cushion mechanism which is the subject of the present invention is designated by numeral 14 and is shown in FIG. 1 in a stowed position, attached at hinge 16 to seat assembly 18.
  • vehicle 10 undergoes rapid acceleration, with respect to the wheels, in rearward direction 20, it becomes necessary to protect passenger 22 from injury due to backward tipping of the vehicle. Similarly, it may be necessary to protect passenger 22 from injury due to collision or tipping in either a forward or sideward direction.
  • one or more deployable cushion mechanisms 14 are attached to vehicle 10.
  • structural members 24 and 26 of deployable cushion mechanism 14 are shown in a retracted position, adjacent to one another.
  • Structural members 24 and 26 are made of a stiff material such as metal, and, according to an embodiment of the invention, are held together, during routine operation of vehicle 10, against a spring force tending to separate them about hinge 16.
  • the spring force may be provided, for example, by a coiled strip of spring metal contained within hinge 16, or otherwise as known in the mechanical arts.
  • the potential energy of the compressed spring is but one example of a reservoir of energy used for deployment of the cushion mechanism.
  • a supply of compressed gas such as air, is provided as a reservoir both of energy and gas for the inflation of the deployable cushion mechanism.
  • cushion 28 may be used to impel air into cushion 28 while acting as a pressure regulator during deflation by helping to keep pressure in cushion 28 but allowing a substantial quantity of air to escape from the cushion, thereby providing displacement that dissipates kinetic energy.
  • the pressure in cushion 28 produced by inflation may be used to release a latch 27, such as a magnetic latch, that holds cushion 28 in a folded configuration.
  • a latch 27 such as a magnetic latch
  • two flap valves are employed. The energy required to inflate cushion 28 is governed by the flow of air through valves 40.
  • cushion 28 is initially held under an internal vacuum.
  • the sensing of a tilt or rate of tilt provides for the release of a latching mechanism, such as latch 27, which prevents the opening of valves 40 during normal operation of the vehicle.
  • FIG.4 shows vehicle 10 in a further state of rearward tilt towards the ground, with cushion 28 deployed to absorb the force of impact, and passenger 22 supported by seat assembly 18 and head support 30.
  • FIG. 5 shows vehicle 10 tipped backward, with cushion 28 in contact with the ground, having absorbed the energy of impact by compressing and redistributing the air contained within cushion 28. Escape of air from the interior of cushion 28 is regulated through complete or partial closure of valves 40 (shown in FIG. 8).
  • FIG. 6 shows the attachment of deployable cushion mechanism 14 to seat assembly 18 at hinge 16.
  • Deployable cushion mechanism 14 is shown here in its stowed position.
  • An electric fan 32 provided in one embodiment, forces air into cushion 28 when a specified tilt or tilt rate is sensed and inflation of cushion 28 is initiated, in order to allow more rapid inflation than is provided through valves 40 (shown in FIG. 8).
  • Deployable cushion mechanism 14 is shown in its deployed condition in FIG. 7.
  • deployable cushion mechanism 14 is shown in its deployed condition, showing the position of flap valves 40 and fan 32.
  • FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which a back bumper 42 is shown attached to seat assembly 18.
  • Back bumper 42 is a deployable mechanism, operating in the same manner as described above with respect to deployable cushion mechanism 14.
  • Back bumper 42 contains one or more spring devices (not shown) which expand a bellows when an impending tip is sensed, to provide additional abso ⁇ tion of energy and protection for passenger 22, either instead of, or in addition to, the abso ⁇ tion of energy provided by deployable cushion mechanism 14.
  • deployable cushion mechanism 14 is shown attached to seat assembly 18 at hinge 16.
  • FIGS. 10A-10D in which front views are shown of wheelchair-type vehicle 10, shown, again, by way of example, although other vehicles are within the scope of the appended claims.
  • FIG. 10A passenger 22 is shown seated in vehicle 10 during normal operation of the vehicle.
  • the initial stage of a sideward tip such as might be caused by a surface irregularity, is shown and now described with reference to FIG. 10B.
  • a tilt or tilt rate is sensed in one of the ways described above with reference to a backward tilt, deployment of cushion mechanism is initiated, and the reservoir of energy is actuated to cause cushion 28 to unfold about axis 16.
  • Air, or another gas is either drawn or forced into the volume within the interior surface of cushion 28.
  • an aspirator (not shown) is used to entrain an additional volume of gas, such as ambient air, in order to more rapidly fill the expanding cushion 28.
  • FIG. IOC shows cushion mechanism 14 fully inflated.
  • FIG. 10D shows vehicle 10 tipped fully sideward, with cushion 28 in contact with the ground, having absorbed the energy of impact by compressing and redistributing the air, or other gas, contained within cushion

Abstract

A deployable cushion mechanism for a vehicle that provides a cushion deployed in case of vehicle tipping. The cushion is inflated from a folded condition through rapid release of stored energy. Air is allowed to enter the cushion by way of valves or other orifices. Ground contact of the tipped vehicle occurs with the inflated cushion so as to prevent injury to the passenger.

Description

Cushion System for Mobile Subject
Technical Field The present invention pertains to a deployable cushion, and, in particular, to a deployable cushion for preventing injury to the passenger of a personal vehicle.
Background of the Invention In the design of vehicles, stability may be traded for maneuverability and certain vehicles may, by design, lack a certain degree of stability. Vehicles of such design are susceptible to tipping, whether due to collision, mechanical failure, sudden turns on inclines, operator error, or an encounter with a surface irregularity which a stabilization mechanism is incapable of overcoming. Under these circumstances, the occupant or contents of the vehicle must be protected so that injury or damage does not result from propulsion of the occupant or contents toward the ground. Methods are known for absorbing or diverting kinetic energy inherent in the motion of a vehicle to insure that it is not converted to propulsion of the occupant of the vehicle into a solid body such as the ground. Common examples are bumpers on cars, which absorb kinetic energy in crumpling metal, and airbags, which couple the mechanical energy of car passengers into the compression and redistribution of gas in a bag before enough time has elapsed for the bodies of the passengers to hit the steering wheel or windshield of the car with resulting serious injury.
In automobiles, pyrochemical means are used to inflate the airbag. Pyrochemical means are able to inflate the airbag extremely rapidly, but are relatively expensive and frequently use toxic chemicals. Other drawbacks include the requirement of special training and tools for service and replacement, and the danger of deployment with excessive and injury-producing force. In an unenclosed vehicle such as a wheelchair, the forcible inflation- of an airbag by pyrochemical means is impractical, unsafe, and unnecessary. Other means are known to employ the kinetic energy present in a subcomponent of the vehicle, to inflate a bellows or other cushion to protect the vehicle occupants in the case of a head-on collision. Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the invention, in one of its embodiments, there is provided a deployable cushion mechanism for protecting the passenger of a personal vehicle. The cushion mechanism has a cushion for absorbing energy that has an interior surface and is coupled to the vehicle in such a manner as to permit inflation of the cushion outward from the vehicle. The cushion mechanism also has an actuator which releases the stored energy in such a manner as to introduce air from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion. In other embodiments of the invention, the cushion also has an energy reservoir for storing energy for inflation of the cushion, and t least one orifice for enabling air flow from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion. The valve for restricting airflow such that air may flow only in the direction from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the energy reservoir may include a spring for storing mechanical energy, and the spring may be a compressible member. In further alternate embodiments, the deployable cushion may be coupled to the vehicle to permit inflation of the cushion backward, forward, or sideward of the vehicle. In yet further alternate embodiments, the cushion includes a valve for enabling air flow from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion, a plurality of bladders for constraining lateral motion of the passenger, an air-forcing device for propelling air from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion, and an aspirator adapted for increasing the volume of gas from outside the cushion introduced to within the interior surface of the cushion. The cushion may also have a latching mechanism which may be released upon pressurization of the cushion.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following description, taken- with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a wheelchair-type vehicle employing an embodiment of the invention wherein a deployable cushion is shown in a stowed position. FIG. 2 is a side view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 , wherein the deployable cushion is shown in a partially deployed rear-facing position.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the wheelchair- type vehicle of FIG. 1, wherein the deployable cushion is shown in a deployed rear-facing position.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 , wherein the deployable cushion is shown prior to contact with the ground.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the wheelchair- type vehicle of FIG. 1, wherein the deployable cushion is shown in contact with the ground.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the deployable cushion shown in a stowed position. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the deployable cushion shown in a deployed position.
FIG. 8 is an exploded front view of an another embodiment of the invention shown in a deployed position.
FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, showing a back bumper in a partially deployed position.
FIG. 10A is a front view of the wheelchair type vehicle of FIG. 1.
FIG. 10B is a front view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 employing an embodiment of the invention, wherein a deployable cushion is shown in a partially- deployed side-facing position. FIG. IOC is a front view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 employing an embodiment of the invention, wherein a deployable cushion is shown in a fully-deployed side-facing position.
FIG. 10D is a front view of the wheelchair-type vehicle of FIG. 1 employing an embodiment of the invention, wherein a deployable cushion is shown in contact with the ground.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 5, wherein like elements are designated by identical numerals, a side-view is shown of a wheelchair-type vehicle, designated generally by numeral 10, in progressive stages of a backward-tipping motion. While the invention is applicable to many types of vehicles, the personal wheelchair-type vehicle is used, solely as an example, in the present description. One particular example of such a vehicle is described in U.S. patent no. 5,701,965, issued December 30, 1997, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Referring, particularly, to FIG. 1 , vehicle 10 is shown supported on a pair of laterally disposed wheels 12 which provide ground contact for vehicle 10. The deployable cushion mechanism which is the subject of the present invention is designated by numeral 14 and is shown in FIG. 1 in a stowed position, attached at hinge 16 to seat assembly 18. In case vehicle 10 undergoes rapid acceleration, with respect to the wheels, in rearward direction 20, it becomes necessary to protect passenger 22 from injury due to backward tipping of the vehicle. Similarly, it may be necessary to protect passenger 22 from injury due to collision or tipping in either a forward or sideward direction. In a preferred embodiment, one or more deployable cushion mechanisms 14 are attached to vehicle 10.
In FIG. 1, structural members 24 and 26 of deployable cushion mechanism 14 are shown in a retracted position, adjacent to one another. Structural members 24 and 26 are made of a stiff material such as metal, and, according to an embodiment of the invention, are held together, during routine operation of vehicle 10, against a spring force tending to separate them about hinge 16. The spring force may be provided, for example, by a coiled strip of spring metal contained within hinge 16, or otherwise as known in the mechanical arts. The potential energy of the compressed spring is but one example of a reservoir of energy used for deployment of the cushion mechanism. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a supply of compressed gas, such as air, is provided as a reservoir both of energy and gas for the inflation of the deployable cushion mechanism.
The initial stage of a backward tip, caused by an accelerating force along direction 20, is shown and now described with reference to FIG. 2. When a tilt or tilt rate is sensed, either by the controller (not shown) which monitors position angles of the wheels 12 and torques on the wheel drive motors (not shown), or else by a one of many tilt sensors known in the art, deployment of cushion mechanism 14 is initiated and the spring force is released to separate structural members 24 and 26 about hinge 16. Other structural members may also be provided. This, in turn, causes cushion 28 to unfold, and to fill with air. Air enters cushion 28 from the ambient atmosphere or from a container of compressed gas via a series of valves 40 (shown in FIG. 8). A fan 32 (shown in FIG. 8) may be used to impel air into cushion 28 while acting as a pressure regulator during deflation by helping to keep pressure in cushion 28 but allowing a substantial quantity of air to escape from the cushion, thereby providing displacement that dissipates kinetic energy. Additionally, the pressure in cushion 28 produced by inflation may be used to release a latch 27, such as a magnetic latch, that holds cushion 28 in a folded configuration. In a preferred embodiment, two flap valves are employed. The energy required to inflate cushion 28 is governed by the flow of air through valves 40.
In an alternate embodiment, cushion 28 is initially held under an internal vacuum. The sensing of a tilt or rate of tilt provides for the release of a latching mechanism, such as latch 27, which prevents the opening of valves 40 during normal operation of the vehicle.
Referring now to FIG. 3, cushion 28 is shown fully inflated, and structural members 24 and 26 are fully separated about hinge 16. FIG.4 shows vehicle 10 in a further state of rearward tilt towards the ground, with cushion 28 deployed to absorb the force of impact, and passenger 22 supported by seat assembly 18 and head support 30. FIG. 5 shows vehicle 10 tipped backward, with cushion 28 in contact with the ground, having absorbed the energy of impact by compressing and redistributing the air contained within cushion 28. Escape of air from the interior of cushion 28 is regulated through complete or partial closure of valves 40 (shown in FIG. 8).
FIG. 6 shows the attachment of deployable cushion mechanism 14 to seat assembly 18 at hinge 16. Deployable cushion mechanism 14 is shown here in its stowed position. An electric fan 32, provided in one embodiment, forces air into cushion 28 when a specified tilt or tilt rate is sensed and inflation of cushion 28 is initiated, in order to allow more rapid inflation than is provided through valves 40 (shown in FIG. 8). Deployable cushion mechanism 14 is shown in its deployed condition in FIG. 7.
Referring now to FIG. 8, deployable cushion mechanism 14 is shown in its deployed condition, showing the position of flap valves 40 and fan 32.
FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which a back bumper 42 is shown attached to seat assembly 18. Back bumper 42 is a deployable mechanism, operating in the same manner as described above with respect to deployable cushion mechanism 14. Back bumper 42 contains one or more spring devices (not shown) which expand a bellows when an impending tip is sensed, to provide additional absoφtion of energy and protection for passenger 22, either instead of, or in addition to, the absoφtion of energy provided by deployable cushion mechanism 14. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, deployable cushion mechanism 14 is shown attached to seat assembly 18 at hinge 16. Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10D, in which front views are shown of wheelchair-type vehicle 10, shown, again, by way of example, although other vehicles are within the scope of the appended claims. With more particular reference to FIG. 10A, passenger 22 is shown seated in vehicle 10 during normal operation of the vehicle. The initial stage of a sideward tip, such as might be caused by a surface irregularity, is shown and now described with reference to FIG. 10B. When a tilt or tilt rate is sensed in one of the ways described above with reference to a backward tilt, deployment of cushion mechanism is initiated, and the reservoir of energy is actuated to cause cushion 28 to unfold about axis 16. Air, or another gas, is either drawn or forced into the volume within the interior surface of cushion 28. In one embodiment of the invention, an aspirator (not shown) is used to entrain an additional volume of gas, such as ambient air, in order to more rapidly fill the expanding cushion 28. FIG. IOC shows cushion mechanism 14 fully inflated. FIG. 10D shows vehicle 10 tipped fully sideward, with cushion 28 in contact with the ground, having absorbed the energy of impact by compressing and redistributing the air, or other gas, contained within cushion
28.
The described embodiments of the invention are intended to be merely exemplary and numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:
1. A deployable cushion mechanism for protecting a passenger of a personal vehicle, the deployable cushion mechanism comprising:
(a) a cushion for absorbing energy, having an interior surface, coupled to the vehicle in such a manner as to permit inflation of the cushion outward from the vehicle; and
(b) an actuator for triggering the introduction of a gas from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion.
2. A deployable cushion according to claim 1 , further including an energy reservoir for storing energy for inflation of the cushion.
3. A deployable cushion according to claim 2, wherein the energy reservoir includes at least one spring for storing mechanical energy.
4. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the spring is a compressible member.
5. A deployable cushion according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is coupled to the vehicle to permit inflation of the cushion rearward of the vehicle.
6. A deployable cushion according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion is coupled to the vehicle to permit inflation of the cushion forward of the vehicle.
7. A deployable cushion according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is coupled to the vehicle to permit inflation of the cushion sideward of the vehicle.
8. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the cushion includes at least one orifice for enabling air flow from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion.
9. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the at least one orifice is a valve.
10. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the cushion includes a plurality of bladders for constraining lateral motion of the passenger.
11. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising an air-forcing device for propelling air from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion.
12. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 1 , further comprising an aspirator adapted for increasing the volume of gas from outside the cushion introduced to within the interior surface of the cushion.
13. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator triggers the introduction of a gas from outside the cushion to within the interior surface in response to at least one of a specified tilt and a specified tilt rate of the personal vehicle.
14. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a latching mechanism for retaining the cushion in an undeployed condition.
15. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 14, wherein the latching mechanism is a magnetic latch.
16. A deployable cushion mechanism according to claim 14, wherein the latching mechanism is released upon pressurization of the cushion.
PCT/US1998/023506 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 Cushion system for mobile subject WO1999022966A1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000518864A JP4210430B2 (en) 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 Cushion system for movable body
DE69821513T DE69821513T2 (en) 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 PILLOW DEVICE FOR MOVING PERSONS
AU13809/99A AU747738B2 (en) 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 Cushion system for mobile subject
CA002305731A CA2305731C (en) 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 Cushion system for mobile subject
NZ503678A NZ503678A (en) 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 Deployable cushion for protecting a passenger of a slow moving personal vehicle
AT98957582T ATE258859T1 (en) 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 CUSHION DEVICE FOR MOVING PERSONS
EP98957582A EP1027233B1 (en) 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 Cushion system for mobile subject
BR9813925-8A BR9813925A (en) 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 Padded system for moving object

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US6417597P 1997-11-04 1997-11-04
US60/064,175 1997-11-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999022966A1 true WO1999022966A1 (en) 1999-05-14
WO1999022966B1 WO1999022966B1 (en) 1999-07-08

Family

ID=22054085

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1998/023506 WO1999022966A1 (en) 1997-11-04 1998-11-02 Cushion system for mobile subject

Country Status (14)

Country Link
US (1) US6386576B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1027233B1 (en)
JP (2) JP4210430B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100582971B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1102513C (en)
AT (1) ATE258859T1 (en)
AU (1) AU747738B2 (en)
BR (1) BR9813925A (en)
CA (1) CA2305731C (en)
DE (1) DE69821513T2 (en)
MY (1) MY120776A (en)
NZ (1) NZ503678A (en)
TW (1) TW396118B (en)
WO (1) WO1999022966A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001082854A1 (en) 2000-05-01 2001-11-08 National Institute Of Industrial Safety Independent Administrative Institution Tipping impact absorbing device for wheelchair
JP2002205698A (en) * 2001-01-11 2002-07-23 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Astronomical probe
JP2003079669A (en) * 2001-09-11 2003-03-18 Prop:Kk Overturning shock absorbing device for wheelchair
US8160794B2 (en) 2007-07-09 2012-04-17 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Inverted wheel type moving body and method of controlling the same

Families Citing this family (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7090040B2 (en) * 1993-02-24 2006-08-15 Deka Products Limited Partnership Motion control of a transporter
US6594835B2 (en) * 2001-10-05 2003-07-22 Raymond O. West Impact cushioning system sensor to detect and prevent fall related injuries
US9107615B2 (en) 2002-12-18 2015-08-18 Active Protective Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for body impact protection
EP1618021A4 (en) * 2002-12-18 2007-08-29 Jay A Lenker Air bag inflation device
JP4252843B2 (en) * 2003-05-22 2009-04-08 株式会社プロップ wheelchair
US20050062274A1 (en) * 2003-09-18 2005-03-24 Snellgrove Brett Stewart Inflatable airbag spinal protector for paraglider pilots
CA2549793A1 (en) * 2003-12-17 2005-06-30 David T. Davis Pneumatic lift
JP2005212681A (en) * 2004-01-30 2005-08-11 Honda Motor Co Ltd Motorcycle
US20070000048A1 (en) * 2004-12-16 2007-01-04 Davis David T Pneumatic lift and method for transferring an invalid patient
US7744331B2 (en) * 2006-01-26 2010-06-29 Xerox Corporation Transport vehicle and method
JP4291822B2 (en) * 2006-02-03 2009-07-08 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Inverted wheel type traveling body
US20080072942A1 (en) * 2006-09-21 2008-03-27 Sydney Warren Walker Having Automatically Activated Protective Dynamic Padding
JP5263059B2 (en) * 2009-07-29 2013-08-14 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Moving body
US8322492B1 (en) 2011-01-05 2012-12-04 Balzano John F Ladder system with integrated air bags at base
US20140005577A1 (en) * 2012-06-28 2014-01-02 Amit Goffer Airbag for exoskeleton device
US9205854B1 (en) * 2014-10-20 2015-12-08 Man Lin Lee Protection devices for shopping carts
US10908045B2 (en) 2016-02-23 2021-02-02 Deka Products Limited Partnership Mobility device
US11399995B2 (en) 2016-02-23 2022-08-02 Deka Products Limited Partnership Mobility device
CA3015608A1 (en) 2016-02-23 2017-08-31 Deka Products Limited Partnership Mobility device control system
US10926756B2 (en) 2016-02-23 2021-02-23 Deka Products Limited Partnership Mobility device
US10802495B2 (en) 2016-04-14 2020-10-13 Deka Products Limited Partnership User control device for a transporter
USD941948S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2022-01-25 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD807457S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2018-01-09 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD840872S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2019-02-19 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD803963S1 (en) 2016-07-20 2017-11-28 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
USD837323S1 (en) 2018-01-03 2019-01-01 Razor Usa Llc Two wheeled board
US10772774B2 (en) 2016-08-10 2020-09-15 Max Mobility, Llc Self-balancing wheelchair
USD846452S1 (en) 2017-05-20 2019-04-23 Deka Products Limited Partnership Display housing
USD829612S1 (en) 2017-05-20 2018-10-02 Deka Products Limited Partnership Set of toggles
US10611314B2 (en) * 2017-09-29 2020-04-07 Faurecia Automotive Seating, Llc Vehicle privacy screen
EP3728009A4 (en) 2017-12-22 2021-09-29 Razor USA LLC Electric balance vehicles
EP3803736A1 (en) 2018-06-07 2021-04-14 DEKA Products Limited Partnership System and method for distributed utility service execution
CN108904160A (en) * 2018-07-23 2018-11-30 扬州工业职业技术学院 One kind can speeling stairway wheelchair
CN109646757B (en) * 2018-12-29 2021-04-20 中国人民解放军陆军军医大学第一附属医院 Air bag type anti-toppling infusion vehicle
CN112957188A (en) * 2021-02-03 2021-06-15 金华市伊凯动力科技有限公司 Safety protection type wheelchair

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2020360A1 (en) * 1970-04-25 1971-11-11 Daimler Benz Ag Motor vehicle
FR2093757A5 (en) * 1970-05-27 1972-01-28 Gic Ltd
US3791669A (en) * 1972-08-16 1974-02-12 Allied Chem Cone aspirating structure for air cushion inflation
GB1462125A (en) * 1974-05-18 1977-01-19 Bothwell P W Inflatable protectors
DE8710043U1 (en) * 1987-07-22 1987-11-19 Vilz, Brigitte, 8044 Lohhof, De
EP0362524A1 (en) * 1988-09-08 1990-04-11 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Patentabteilung AJ-3 Cabriolet with pivotally located roll bar
WO1992009456A1 (en) * 1990-11-24 1992-06-11 Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. Impact-protection cell for air and land vehicles
DE4441365A1 (en) * 1994-11-21 1995-10-12 Daimler Benz Ag Closure for airbag container in passenger area of vehicle

Family Cites Families (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2168669A5 (en) 1972-01-19 1973-08-31 Poudres & Explosifs Ste Nale
US3822076A (en) * 1972-01-24 1974-07-02 Peugeot & Renault Fluid shock absorbing buffer
US3840922A (en) 1972-11-03 1974-10-15 Thermo Flex Inc Landing cushion for falling objects
US3975042A (en) * 1974-09-05 1976-08-17 Anthony Montenare Pneumatic cycle bumper
US4275901A (en) 1978-07-21 1981-06-30 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Inflatable safety bag system for vehicles
US4227717A (en) * 1979-04-04 1980-10-14 Bouvier Julien J Motorcycle safety device
GB8515992D0 (en) * 1985-06-25 1985-07-31 Hester R Wheelchair
CA1275296C (en) * 1987-05-04 1990-10-16 Pierre Decelles Climbing and descending vehicle
US4877264A (en) 1988-12-27 1989-10-31 Talley Automotive Products, Inc. Aspirating/venting air bag module assembly
US5129674A (en) 1990-11-27 1992-07-14 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Reaction device for air bag module
US5052065A (en) 1991-01-08 1991-10-01 West Raymond O Impact cushioning device for bed or wheelchair
US5137295A (en) * 1991-02-28 1992-08-11 Peek Gregory A Wheelchair with anti-tip assembly
US5249826A (en) 1991-10-03 1993-10-05 Amerigon, Inc. Inertial mass safety system activation for personal vehicles
JPH0532171U (en) * 1991-10-08 1993-04-27 ヤンマー農機株式会社 Safety device for rollover of four-wheel work vehicle
US5207450A (en) 1991-12-12 1993-05-04 Takata, Inc. Aspirated air cushion restraint system
JPH06105415A (en) 1992-09-18 1994-04-15 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Door handle device of switchboard
US5301979A (en) 1993-07-23 1994-04-12 Morton International, Inc. Piston driven cold gas air bag inflator
CA2128369A1 (en) * 1993-12-29 1995-06-30 David M. Rinehart Co-extruded polymer pressure plate
US5458367A (en) 1994-04-11 1995-10-17 Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company Air bag restraint device
US5669086A (en) * 1994-07-09 1997-09-23 Mangar International Limited Inflatable medical lifting devices
US5593111A (en) * 1994-07-18 1997-01-14 Jackson; Troy Safety system for removing a rider from a vehicle by deploying a parachute
US5802651A (en) * 1995-01-31 1998-09-08 Kelley Company, Inc. Dock leveler with a movable ramp and an inflatable member
US5592705A (en) 1995-02-27 1997-01-14 West; Raymond O. Impact cushioning device to prevent fall related injuries
DE19512600B4 (en) 1995-04-04 2007-07-26 Albrecht Dr.-Ing. Hartmann Vehicle, in particular compact vehicle
US5791597A (en) 1995-06-22 1998-08-11 East/West Industries, Inc. Energy attenuation system
JP3592447B2 (en) * 1996-07-25 2004-11-24 本田技研工業株式会社 Airbag device for motorcycles

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2020360A1 (en) * 1970-04-25 1971-11-11 Daimler Benz Ag Motor vehicle
FR2093757A5 (en) * 1970-05-27 1972-01-28 Gic Ltd
US3791669A (en) * 1972-08-16 1974-02-12 Allied Chem Cone aspirating structure for air cushion inflation
GB1462125A (en) * 1974-05-18 1977-01-19 Bothwell P W Inflatable protectors
DE8710043U1 (en) * 1987-07-22 1987-11-19 Vilz, Brigitte, 8044 Lohhof, De
EP0362524A1 (en) * 1988-09-08 1990-04-11 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Patentabteilung AJ-3 Cabriolet with pivotally located roll bar
WO1992009456A1 (en) * 1990-11-24 1992-06-11 Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. Impact-protection cell for air and land vehicles
DE4441365A1 (en) * 1994-11-21 1995-10-12 Daimler Benz Ag Closure for airbag container in passenger area of vehicle

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001082854A1 (en) 2000-05-01 2001-11-08 National Institute Of Industrial Safety Independent Administrative Institution Tipping impact absorbing device for wheelchair
JP2002017790A (en) * 2000-05-01 2002-01-22 Natl Inst Of Industrial Safety Ministry Of Labour Turn over impact absorbing device for wheelchair
EP1208829A1 (en) * 2000-05-01 2002-05-29 National Institute of Industrial Safety Independent Administrative Institution Tipping impact absorbing device for wheelchair
EP1208829A4 (en) * 2000-05-01 2007-03-14 Nat Inst Of Ind Safety Indepen Tipping impact absorbing device for wheelchair
JP2002205698A (en) * 2001-01-11 2002-07-23 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Astronomical probe
JP4558215B2 (en) * 2001-01-11 2010-10-06 富士重工業株式会社 Astronomical probe
JP2003079669A (en) * 2001-09-11 2003-03-18 Prop:Kk Overturning shock absorbing device for wheelchair
JP4700239B2 (en) * 2001-09-11 2011-06-15 株式会社プロップ Fall shock absorber for wheelchair
US8160794B2 (en) 2007-07-09 2012-04-17 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Inverted wheel type moving body and method of controlling the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2305731C (en) 2007-01-16
ATE258859T1 (en) 2004-02-15
KR20010031719A (en) 2001-04-16
DE69821513T2 (en) 2004-12-23
DE69821513D1 (en) 2004-03-11
KR100582971B1 (en) 2006-05-24
AU747738B2 (en) 2002-05-23
EP1027233B1 (en) 2004-02-04
US6386576B1 (en) 2002-05-14
CA2305731A1 (en) 1999-05-14
MY120776A (en) 2005-11-30
BR9813925A (en) 2000-09-26
JP2008110760A (en) 2008-05-15
WO1999022966B1 (en) 1999-07-08
AU1380999A (en) 1999-05-24
TW396118B (en) 2000-07-01
NZ503678A (en) 2001-08-31
CN1276760A (en) 2000-12-13
EP1027233A1 (en) 2000-08-16
JP4210430B2 (en) 2009-01-21
CN1102513C (en) 2003-03-05
JP2001521856A (en) 2001-11-13

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6386576B1 (en) Cushion system for mobile subject
US7441799B2 (en) Non-circular steering wheel assembly and airbag module
JP2780937B2 (en) Occupant restraint means and side restraint method for side impact of vehicle
US5160164A (en) Gas deflection device for an air bag assembly
CN101987608B (en) Side airbag unit for vehicles
US20050098994A1 (en) Airbag cushion with angled recess
US6176511B1 (en) Air bag module
JPH04224438A (en) Passenger protective device at time of collision accident of automobile
CN1196705A (en) Side air bag incorporated in vehicle outer armrest
US5607180A (en) Airbag inflation devices and methods
EP3419864B1 (en) Seat of a commercial or industrial vehicle
JP2001239872A (en) Occupant crash protection device
US3819204A (en) Safety device for motor vehicle
US6464252B1 (en) Vehicular impact protection device
US3799578A (en) Vehicle safety device
JP2003507233A (en) Improvements in or related to airbag mechanisms
JP3071015B2 (en) Car airbag structure
KR100489986B1 (en) safety seat with shock-absorber for a car
KR100500677B1 (en) Airbag system of head rest
JPH06344842A (en) Air bag structure for vehicle
JPH0672268A (en) Air bag integrated with safety belt
KR200222316Y1 (en) Car Rear Seat Passenger Protection
KR19990005093U (en) Car airbag structure
JPH05229395A (en) Occupant crash protection device
KR100255448B1 (en) Side-door airbag structure

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 98810363.X

Country of ref document: CN

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG UZ VN YU ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG UZ VN YU ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 13809/99

Country of ref document: AU

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 503678

Country of ref document: NZ

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2305731

Country of ref document: CA

Ref document number: 2305731

Country of ref document: CA

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1998957582

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2000 518864

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1020007004782

Country of ref document: KR

Ref document number: PA/A/2000/004315

Country of ref document: MX

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1998957582

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1020007004782

Country of ref document: KR

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 13809/99

Country of ref document: AU

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 1998957582

Country of ref document: EP

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 1020007004782

Country of ref document: KR