Double door closure for an air bag deployment opening
US4989896A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1988 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/21652
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A double door closure for an air bag depolyment opening is disclosed in which bridging portions extend across a line of separation between the doors and are weakened to define a frangible seam fractured by the pressure exerted by the inflating bag. The doors also each have an integral hinge flange formed along the opposite side from the frangible seam and inward raised surfaces defining an area of contact with the air bag to exert maximum shearing stress along the line of separation. In a first embodiment, the doors are of one piece molded construction with the weakening of the bridging portion created by a series of blind pockets molded in from the inside along the line of separation to create a hidden seam. In a second embodiment, the doors are constructed of a support layer and stiffening pieces secured together. In the second embodiment a decorative skin layer overlies the doors, and a piercing piece is driven by the air bag to penetrate the skin layer and initiate tearing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.