Patent · US Expired

Air bag cover door retainer

US5211421A · kind A · utility

43Cited by
4References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 24, 1992
Grant dateMay 18, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 24, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R21/216
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle air bag installation includes an inflatable air bag mounted in an instrument panel recess for deployment through a rectangular opening. A rectangular cover door engages a recessed abutment around the opening when closed. The abutment includes two apertures which mount rubber fasteners adjacent its rear corners. The fasteners comprise enlarged heads at one end, an intermediate shaft, a shaft enlargement spaced from the head and a mounting shank at the other end received in the abutment apertures. Bifurcated engagement flanges on the door releasably engage the fastener shafts between the heads and the enlargements to mount the door rear edge in the panel opening. Interengageable surfaces on the door and panel have an interference fit to retain the door front edge mounted to the panel. Each fastener has a conical mounting shank having a nipple extending from its end. The nipple extends through and beyond the apertures to enable it to be grasped to deform and pull the shanks through the apertures to secure the fasteners against removal. Air bag inflation applies an upward force to the door which initially disengages the interengageable surfaces which frees the front door edge…

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