Interpretation ID: nht92-5.9

DATE: July 28, 1992

FROM: Office of Chief Counsel -- NHTSA

TO: Thomas E. Wilde

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 9/9/92 from Paul Jackson Rice to Thomas E. Wilde (A39; Std. 208; VSA 108(a)(2)(A)

TEXT:

I am in the process of obtaining a patent for an airbag device designed to be installed in automobiles that do not already have factory-installed airbags (a.k.a. "retro-fit air bag"). The device will use current air- bag sensor/trigger technology and as such only the "bag" device and delivery method will be patented.

I would appreciate your office's advice or comments on any vehicle safety standards that may exist regarding the placement of a retro-fit device in a vehicle. My concern is that there may be some regulations that restrict the use of such devices. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you!