David J Romeo

US Patent:

6336653, Jan 8, 2002

Filed:

May 21, 1997

Appl. No.:

08/861122

Inventors:

Gershon Yaniv - Scottsdale AZ
David J. Romeo - Etna WY
Dirk J. Hardtmann - Phoenix AZ

Assignee:

Simula, Inc. - Phoenix AZ

International Classification:

B60R 2122

US Classification:

2807301, 280732

Abstract:

This invention is an Inflatable Tubular Bolster (ITB) which prevents or limits injury to an occupant of a motor vehicle due to a frontal or semi-frontal crash. In particular, the invention protects the front seat occupants legs and lower torso by providing a cushioned barrier that absorbs impact energy and restricts the occupants lower body from moving forward and into or underneath the instrument panel and toward the foot well. This invention can be effective in any vehicle where an occupants lower body is subject to crash injury from a dashboard, instrument panel, or similar structure.

US Patent:

58397531, Nov 24, 1998

Filed:

Mar 31, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/829750

Inventors:

Gershon Yaniv - Scottsdale AZ
David J. Romeo - Etna WY
Dirk J. Hardtmann - Phoenix AZ
Lindley W. Bark - Chandler AZ

Assignee:

Simula Inc. - Phoenix AZ

International Classification:

B60R 2118

US Classification:

280733

Abstract:

A seat restraint system whose torso belt inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The inflating component of the present invention is a braided tube linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. When an impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contracting tube pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any slack out of the seat belt systems. The inflated structure restricts the forward motion of an occupant and distributes crash loads over a larger occupant surface area to reduce both primary and secondary injuries. In a side impact the inflated structure restricts occupant motion, distributes crash loads and provides head protection.

US Patent:

61261947, Oct 3, 2000

Filed:

Oct 9, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/169302

Inventors:

Gershon Yaniv - Scottsdale AZ
David J. Romeo - Etna WY
Gregory B. Grace - Mesa AZ
Nathan R. Butters - Tempe AZ
Marvin K. Richards - Gilbert AZ

Assignee:

Simula, Inc. - Phoeniz AZ

International Classification:

B60R 2118

US Classification:

280733

Abstract:

A seat restraint system whose torso belt includes an inflatable structure that inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The inflatable structure is linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. When an impact above a predetermined level of severity is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the inflatable structure which contracts in length as it inflates. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure is a braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contraction in length pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any slack out of the seat belt systems. In a frontal impact, the inflated structure restricts the forward motion of an occupant and distributes crash loads over a larger occupant surface area to reduce both primary and secondary injuries. In a side impact, the inflated structure passes over the occupant's shoulder, restricts occupant motion, distributes crash loads and provides head and neck protection.