Applique for concealing and retaining cover tear seam for air bag
US5901977A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 11, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/2165
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A discrete air bag tear seam is provided in the finishing cover of an interior component of an automotive vehicle. An applique installed on the cover has an elongated external decorator head concealing the tear seam. Elongated and laterally spaced retention flanges of the applique stabilize and releasably retain the cover at the tear seam. The applique is secured to a fixed retainer part of the component and operates by releasing the cover at the tear seam to form an air bag door in response to the forced outward movement of an underlying door substrate on air bag deployment. The underlying door substrate exerts a force on the cover and particularly the outer skin thereof and causes it to pull away from the applique starting at the concealed tear seam to establish an opening for improved air bag deployment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.