Knee bolster
US7331606B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/0051
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides an apparatus and method for absorbing energy in response to a vehicle crash. The apparatus includes a knee bolster disposable in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The apparatus also includes a connecting device associated with the knee bolster. The connecting device includes a breakable portion for releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions. The method according to the invention includes the step of disposing a knee bolster in a vehicle for absorbing an impact from at least one knee of a driver. The method also includes the step of releasably connecting the knee bolster to the vehicle such that the knee bolster breaks away from the vehicle under predetermined conditions with a connecting device associated with the knee bolster and having a breakable portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.