Patent · US Expired

Break-away airbag retaining flap

US5452913A · kind A · utility

41Cited by
11References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 31, 1993
Grant dateSep 26, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 31, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R21/201
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A break-away retaining flap for containing a deflated, folded-up airbag in a rigid housing of an airbag module while a pivotable cover is attached with fasteners to close an open end of the housing comprises a sheet of thin flexible woven fabric material having a first portion designed for attachment to the housing on a line spaced away from the open end and a second portion adapted to be secured onto a row of fasteners adjacent the open end of the housing while the cover is attached. The retaining flap holds the folded-up airbag in place in the housing during the assembly process and prevents crimping, binding or damage when the cover is installed at final assembly. The retaining flap has a weakened portion intermediately between the first and second attached portions defining a tear-away line adapted to facilitate break-away of the retaining flap into at least two parts when the airbag is inflated without impeding the rapid inflation of the airbag during deployment.

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