Leather trim panel skin hidden tear seam with disrupted fiber matrix
US9771044B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/2165
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle interior trim system such as an instrument panel or a door panel includes a panel substrate defining a deployment aperture. An inflatable device such as an air bag is adapted to deploy through the aperture during a crash. A natural, tanned leather skin covers the substrate, wherein the skin has a tear seam corresponding to the aperture on a hidden surface of the skin. An aperture door may be fitted within the deployment aperture which is adapted to open against the skin in response to deployment of the inflatable device. The tear seam is comprised of a region on the hidden surface of the skin having a disrupted fiber matrix from exposure to an alkaline solution such as ammonia, bleach, sodium tetraborate, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, trisodium phosphate, potassium hydroxide, and potassium carbonate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.