Active bolster with directional vent into concealed buffer zone
US9440613B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2015 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/23169
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An active bolster includes a plastic trim wall that deploys toward a passenger compartment and a plastic-molded bladder member joined with the trim wall by a hot weld seam to form an inflatable bladder. The bladder member includes at least one substantially circumferential pleat for unfolding in response to an inflation gas. A reaction member is joined to a central region of the bladder member to provide a reaction surface. The pleat has a peak disposed proximate to the reaction member and an outer band between the peak and the weld seam at least a portion of which extends perpendicularly to the reaction member. A buffer zone is formed circumjacent the outer band between the trim wall and the reaction member. The pleat has a vent opening formed in the outer band providing an unobstructed path for inflation gas from the inflatable bladder to the buffer zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.