Knee protector with load distribution cage

US6193272A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Autoliv Development AB · SE

Inventors

• Joachim Aigner · Landshut, DE
• Werner Balser · Hamburg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 17, 1999
• Grant date: Feb 27, 2001
• Expiry date: Dec 17, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/23169
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A knee protector for vehicle passengers has a securing member for securing the knee protector within the vehicle. An inflatable air bag is mounted in an initially folded position on the securing member. A deformable cage is connected to the securing member and encloses the air bag in the initially folded state and in the deployed state as well as in all intermediate states. A cover is connected to a side of the cage opposite the securing member and attached to the securing member when the air bag is in the initially folded position. The cover is designed to detach from the securing member and to perform a movement away from the securing member upon deployment of the air bag in order to provide a load distribution plate for knee protection. The deformable cage guides the cover during the movement away from the securing member upon deployment of the air bag and during a return movement toward the securing member.