Integral steering wheel and airbag module
US5765861A · kind A · utility
4Cited by
5References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The rim and spoke armatures of an automotive steering wheel are molded into a plastic body which presents to the driver an unbroken front surface. The plastic body of the steering wheel includes a cavity in its back surface which is closed by a hub plate attached to the steering column. The cavity and the hub plate serve as an airbag module and house the inflator and the folded airbag therein. The front surface of the steering wheel body may be scored, preferably on its hidden side, to form tear lines to release the expanding airbag.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.