Patent · US Expired

Cover attachment for an air bag module

US5588669A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
33References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 26, 1995
Grant dateDec 31, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 26, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/2172
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An air bag cover attachment includes a housing formed by extrusion. The housing includes a section for receiving a gas generator, and a pair of spaced parallel side walls which define a storage area for the uninflated cushion. The free ends of the side walls include flanges which are notched to form a series of mounting tabs. The cover includes a depending skirt having slots which mate with the tabs. The strength of the extruded tabs permits the tabs and slots, with no other fastener, to secure the cover to the housing. The slots are oversized to permit the cover to float with respect to the housing. The cover also includes a set of placement tabs extending from the skirt. The placement tabs secure the cover to the dashboard in the proper position. The oversized slots and separate placement tabs ensure that the decorative cover is mounted on the dashboard in the proper position by absorbing tolerance buildup in the housing and housing position. The use of tabs and slots also permits the cover to be secured to the housing and mounted to the dashboard using only a translational pressing motion. This arrangement also permits the cover to be attached to the housing either before or aft…

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