Patent · US Expired

Instrument panel with invisible airbag deployment door

US5072967A · kind A · utility

51Cited by
3References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 12, 1990
Grant dateDec 17, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 12, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R21/2165
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A cover assembly for an airbag restraint has a smooth cover and a load bearing insert for concealing an airbag restraint system having a housing, an airbag and a gas generator which includes an inflatant for inflating the airbag for deploying the airbag through the smooth outer cover member. The outer cover member has weakened sections on the inboard surface and filler material is disposed against the cover member to prevent inward collapse of the outer cover member at the weakened sections. An insert is formed in situ of the filler material in an opening in a restraint member and the insert is engaged during initial inflation of the airbag to displace the filler material so as to stress the outer cover member at the weakened sections thereof for separating a hidden door segment from the cover member as the airbag is inflated and solely in response to such inflation prior to deployment of the airbag into the passenger compartment.

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