Airbag assembly concealed within an instrument panel
US6158763A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/161
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automotive safety airbag installation includes a padded instrument panel having a U-shaped tearable seam in the panel skin, and a concealed airbag assembly having two hinged lids spaced from the instrument panel internal surface, such that during inflation of the airbag the lids swing outwardly to cause a flap-like section of the panel to deflect upwardly for expansion of the airbag into the passenger compartment. One of the lids closes a gap between the airbag and instrument panel to guide the airbag through the instrument panel and to protect both the airbag and the instrument panel from damage. The padded instrument panel is designed to achieve good shock absorbing action when struck by a human body, in the absence of airbag deployment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.