Cover for an inflatable air bag housing
US5322324A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/21537
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A cover for an inflatable air bag housing is formed of integrally molded resinous plastic material and defined therein is a hinge area and a thin fracture line forming a door which pivots to an open position upon fracture of the cover along the fracture line when an air bag is inflated. A metal reinforcing element is embedded in the resinous plastic material and includes segments diverging and below the hinge area forming an open space or void which is filled in with a low density collapsible, energy absorbing, rigid foam which exhibits minimal spring back. The filler helps prevent sagging or read-through of the cover above the void when prolonged exposure to heat and sun is experienced. Moreover, the foam filler absorbs energy during bag deployment and aids in preventing plastic resin from leaking into the void space during the initial fabrication of the cover as the metal reinforcement element is molded in place.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.