Patent · US Expired

Self aligning and locking fastener

US6382665B2 · kind B2 · utility

20Cited by
16References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 28, 2001
Grant dateMay 7, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 28, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/161
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention provides the combination of a seat frame and a cover, having a seam, covering the seat frame. An air bag unit, having an air bag, is disposed inside the cover and is supported by the frame. An intensifier sleeve, having a pair of sheets, sandwiches the air bag therebetween with the sheets being connected to the seam of the cover and supported by the seat frame. A fastener is included and has outboard and inboard portions with the portions being connected the free edges of the sheets. The portions each include a back panel and a series of J-shaped hooks. The seat assembly is characterized by an alignment device disposed on the portions to ensure that the J-shaped hooks are aligned when the J-shaped hooks are interleaved with one another such that the outboard portion is securely interconnected to the inboard portion. This ensures that the sheets are securely supported on the seat frame and that the sheets will remain supported on the seat frame during a deployment of the air bag.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.