Inflatable multilayer bolster and method of manufacture
US8388020B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/1334
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Described is an inflatable multilayer bolster for a vehicle passenger compartment including a hollow body with back and front walls, an air chamber formed between them, and an inflator for injecting pressurized fluid to inflate the hollow body. Preferably, both the front and back walls have an inner layer made of a structural deformable material and an outer surfacing layer co-extruded with the inner layer. Also described is a method of manufacturing the multilayer bolster by co-extruding first and second polymers through a die to produce a parison, and then blow-molding the parison to form the hollow body. Thus the front wall and preferably the back wall as well have an inner layer made of the first polymer in a structural deformable condition and an outer surfacing layer made of the second polymer. This co-extruded multilayer constructed bolster allows efficient manufacturing, structural, inflation and aesthetic characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.