Patent · US Expired

Single cutter self-piercing cover assembly for airbag

US5035444A · kind A · utility

42Cited by
4References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 22, 1990
Grant dateJul 30, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 22, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/21652
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A cover assembly for an air cushion restraint has a smooth cover with a layer of foam between the cover and a load bearing insert for covering a housing for an airbag and a gas generator which generates an inflatant for the airbag for deploying the airbag; the cover assembly includes a single cutter which has three blade edges of a depth to cut through the layer of foam and smooth cover before a cover insert member is actuated to form a three sided opening through the cover assembly through which the airbag is deployed; the single cutter is pivoted on a retainer insert member as the airbag is inflated to cause cutting edges on the cutter to pierce the smooth outer cover member. The cutter is recessed within the cover assembly to avoid incidental contact with the cutting edges prior to deployment. The cutter is bent to be self-retained following airbag deployment to shield the cutting edges from passenger contact during secondary impacts.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.