Instrument panel having integrated airbag deployment door
US5783016A · kind A · utility
11Cited by
11References
5Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1082
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automotive instrument panel includes a molded plastic retainer formed with an integral airbag deployment door surrounded by a channel defining a tear seam enabling the door to separate and hinge outwardly upon deployment of the airbag. A foam-backed cover of flexible plastic material is applied over the outer surface of the panel and is severed along the length of the channel to eliminate any influence that the cover may have on resisting the opening of the door. The severed cover portion can either be removed to expose the door or else be left in tact and bonded to the door.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.