Nancy Jo Evans

US Patent:

7384064, Jun 10, 2008

Filed:

Apr 20, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/828421

Inventors:

Scott David Thomas - Novi MI, US
Nancy C. Evans - Clinton Township MI, US

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/16
B60R 21/203

US Classification:

280731, 2807282

Abstract:

An air bag module includes an inflatable cushion, an inner plate receivable within the cushion and a cover adapted to contain the cushion prior to inflation thereof. The inner plate and cushion are receivable within the cover. The base plate attaches to the inner plate. A portion of the cushion and a portion of the cover abut one another and are sandwiched directly between the base plate and the inner plate. The sandwiched portion of the cover is retained between the inner plate and the base plate (and preferably cupped by the base plate). The cushion, cover and attached inner plate and base plate remain retained to one another when the cushion is inflated. A method of assembling the air bag module is also provided.

US Patent:

7621561, Nov 24, 2009

Filed:

Mar 7, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/369794

Inventors:

Scott D. Thomas - Novi MI, US
Nancy C. Evans - Clinton Township MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/16

US Classification:

2807432

Abstract:

An air bag system includes an inflator, an inflatable cushion having an outer face and inflatable upon release of inflation fluid from the inflator, and a restraining tether system. The restraining tether system includes a first tether attached to the outer face of the inflatable cushion, and a second tether attached to the first tether. The first tether is operable to restrain expansion of the inflatable cushion at a first location and a second location spaced from the first location. At least one of the first and second tethers includes a width-reduced portion having a plurality of fabric layers, thereby increasing strength within the restraining tether system.

US Patent:

7695064, Apr 13, 2010

Filed:

Jun 24, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/144712

Inventors:

Scott D. Thomas - Novi MI, US
Nancy C. Evans - Clinton Township MI, US
William A. Biondo - Beverly Hills MI, US
Diane K. McQueen - Leonard MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/00
B60R 21/20

US Classification:

29721616, 2807283

Abstract:

A vehicle seat includes a seat back frame, a foam cushion mounted on the frame, and an air bag assembly mounted upon the frame within a hollow provided in the cushion. A trim cover covers the cushion and conceals the air bag assembly, and includes a side panel facing the side of the vehicle and a front panel facing forwardly. The side panel and front panel are joined together at a vertical extending separable seam. The side panel has a lower portion and an upper portion joined together at a horizontal extending separable seam located adjacent to the lower edge of the air bag assembly. Upon inflation of the air bag, the inflating air bag forces the side panel outwardly causing separation of the separable seams and enabling the air bag to inflate both forwardly through the vertical extending separable seam and downwardly through the horizontal extending separable seam.