Deployment apparatus for an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint
US5609355A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/2171
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A deployment apparatus for use with an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint, such as an air bag (18), includes a pivotal door panel (80). The apparatus further includes three couplings (124, 126, and 128) which secure the door panel (80) in a closed position by blocking pivotal movement of the door panel (80). The couplings (124, 126, and 128) include rigid members (118, 120, and 122) which rupture a rupturable member (84) upon relative movement of those members under the influence of the inflating air bag (18). The couplings (124, 126, and 128) are opened so as to release the door panel (80) for pivotal movement upon such rupturing by the rigid members (118, 120, and 122). One of the couplings (124) is located near the middle of the door panel (80). The other couplings (126 and 128) are located closer to the opposite ends of the door panel (80). The coupling (124) near the middle of the door panel (80) is opened before the other couplings (126 and 128) are opened. The couplings (124, 126, and 128) thus release the door panel (80) near the middle of the door panel (80) before releasing the door panel (80) near its opposite ends.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.