Protective occupant knee restraint device in a vehicle

US6338501B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Alexander Heilig · Schwäbisch Gmünd, DE
• Dirk Schultz · Schwäbisch Gmünd, DE
• Gerd Zischka · Schwäbisch Gmünd, DE
• Werner Freisler · Schwäbisch Gmünd, DE
• Bernd Kleinmann · Schwäbisch Gmünd, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 20, 2000
• Grant date: Jan 15, 2002
• Expiry date: Apr 20, 2020

Classification

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

Abstract

The invention relates to a knee restraint device for the knee protection of occupants in motor vehicles, comprising a load distribution plate for direct contact with the knees of the occupant. The knee restraint device further comprises a drive device which in a cage of restraint moves the load distribution plate from a starting position toward the knees up to a restraint position. A retracting device is provided which moves the load distribution plate from the restraint position back toward the starting position.