Dual seam air bag module cover
US6540252B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/21656
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant (15) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20), an inflator (30), and a cover (40) for the protection device (20). The inflator (30) provides inflation fluid to inflate the protection device (20). The cover (40) has side walls (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) and a front wall (44) for positioning between the vehicle occupant (15) and the protection device (20). The cover (40) has at least one strong tear seam (50) and at least one weak tear seam (60). The weak tear seam (60) tears when subjected to a first force by the protection device (20). The strong tear seam (50) tears when subjected to a second force by the protection device (20). The second force is larger than the first force. The strong and weak tear seams (50, 60) are located so that a first portion (22) of the protection device (20) initially ruptures the weak tear seams (60). The protection device (20) initially deploys primarily laterally relative to the vehicle occupant (15). A second portion (24) of the protection device (20) subsequently ruptures the strong tear seam (50), and the protection device deploys primarily in a direction toward the vehicl…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.