Steering wheel air bag module
US6394489B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/2035
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises a steering column (18) of a vehicle (12) and a vehicle steering wheel (14). The steering wheel (14) comprises a hub (16), a rim (22), and at least one spoke (24) extending from the hub to the rim. The steering wheel hub (16) supports the steering wheel (14) on the steering column (18) for rotation about an axis (20). The spoke (24) moves through a path of movement (30) as the steering wheel (14) rotates about the axis (20). The apparatus (10) further comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (44) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition. The protection device (44) is supported below the spoke (24) and for rotation with the steering wheel (14) about the axis (20). The protection device (44) is inflatable through the path of movement (30) of the spoke (24) to an inflated condition to help protect a driver of the vehicle (12).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.