US20110109064A1 - Inflatable bolster - Google Patents
Inflatable bolster Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110109064A1 US20110109064A1 US12/937,096 US93709609A US2011109064A1 US 20110109064 A1 US20110109064 A1 US 20110109064A1 US 93709609 A US93709609 A US 93709609A US 2011109064 A1 US2011109064 A1 US 2011109064A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bolster
- inflatable bolster
- hollow body
- wall
- inflatable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
- B60R21/205—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in dashboards
- B60R21/206—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in dashboards in the lower part of dashboards, e.g. for protecting the knees
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R2021/0293—Additional pads or cushions in vehicle compartments, e.g. movably mounted
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R2021/23169—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration specially adapted for knee protection
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1334—Nonself-supporting tubular film or bag [e.g., pouch, envelope, packet, etc.]
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of safety devices for vehicles. More particularly, it concerns an inflatable bolster for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
- a conventional bolster is mounted within a passenger compartment and includes a hollow body and an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the hollow body.
- the inflator is activated upon detection of such an event and the bolster is inflated.
- the impact event may be a front, rear or side impact, a rollover, or any other event which is likely to cause a rapid change in the vehicle's momentum and thereby cause the occupant to strike some portion of the vehicle's passenger compartment.
- the fluid released by the inflator into the hollow body serves to inflate the bolster, bringing its outer surface closer to an occupant. By decreasing the distance between the occupant and its outer surface, the bolster can absorb more of the occupant's momentum over a longer period of time, thereby lessening the force experienced.
- Bolsters may be provided as part of an instrument panel, a door panel, roof panel, a head rest, or other interior portion of the vehicle.
- an inflatable bolster comprising a hollow body with a first wall devised to face a mating surface of the vehicle, the first wall being provided with a molded cavity, a second wall opposite the first wall and devised to face the passenger compartment, and an air chamber formed between the first and second walls.
- the bolster also comprises an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the air chamber and thereby inflating the hollow body, the inflator being mounted to the hollow body, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the hollow body to the mating surface.
- the attachment mechanism includes a base retained within the molded cavity, and a fastener projection extending outward from the base and the first wall, the fastener projection devised to engage a complementary element on the mating surface and attach the inflatable bolster thereto.
- the molded cavity is formed around the base during molding of the hollow body, thereby encapsulating the base in the first wall.
- the base portion may include a male dovetail portion and the molded cavity includes a corresponding female dovetail portion having a side opening for allowing insertion of the male dovetail portion therein.
- an inflatable bolster comprising a hollow body with a first wall devised to face a mating surface of the vehicle, a second wall opposite the first wall and devised to face the passenger compartment, and an air chamber formed between the first and second walls.
- the bolster also comprises an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the air chamber and thereby inflating the hollow body, the inflator being mounted to the hollow body, and an attachment means for attaching the hollow body to the mating surface, the attachment means includes a dovetail portion extending outward from the first wall, the dovetail portion devised to engage a slot on the mating surface and attach the inflatable bolster thereto.
- the mating surface includes a reaction plate for strengthening the inflatable bolster
- the complementary element includes a slot, the slot having a side opening for allowing insertion of the dovetail portion therein; wherein the engagement of the dovetail portion and the slot retains the reaction plate to the inner wall.
- an inflatable bolster may advantageously facilitate installation and/or may be attached without requiring an opening or drilling of the bolster.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 1B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 2B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 3B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 4B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 6D is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 6C .
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 7C is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 7D is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line J-J of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 8B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line K-K of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 .
- an inflatable bolster 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
- the vehicle interior into which the bolster 10 is to be installed has not been shown. It will be appreciated however that the bolster 10 could be installed, or adapted to be installed, in a variety of places within the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
- the bolster 10 comprises a hollow body 12 , an inflator 14 mounted thereto, and attachment means 16 for mounting the hollow body 12 to a mating surface within the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the expression mating surface should not be considered in a limiting manner, but rather should be considered to include all manner of structures, such as brackets and the like, to which the bolster 10 may be similarly mounted.
- attachment means 16 is illustrated in cross-section and in close-up, respectively.
- the hollow body 12 is preferably molded from a suitable plastic material. More preferably, the hollow body 12 is made by extrusion blow molding, which is known in the art and will not be discussed further herein.
- the hollow body 12 comprises a first wall 18 and a second wall 20 which is opposite the first wall 18 .
- An air chamber 22 is formed between the two opposite walls 18 and 20 . When installed, the first wall 18 engages the vehicle's mating surface, and is therefore hidden from view, while the second faces the passenger compartment and any driver, passengers or otherwise therein.
- the inflator 14 is typically provided as a cartridge, although it will be appreciated that various other types of inflators are within the scope of the present embodiment.
- the inflator 14 is in fluid communication with the air chamber 22 and able to inject a pressurized fluid, typically a gas, therewithin.
- a pressurized fluid typically a gas
- the inflator 14 is linked to various vehicle sensors which detect impact events and the like and are operable to activate the inflator 14 accordingly.
- the first wall 18 is provided with a plurality of pleats 24 , sometimes referred to as ribs, which surround the inflator 14 and the attachment means 16 concentrically. As is known in the art, these pleats 24 permit the bolster 10 to expand outward from the vehicle's mating surface and into the passenger compartment when inflated.
- the attachment means 16 which can also be called an insert, comprises a base 26 and a fastener projection 28 which extends outwards therefrom.
- the first wall 18 comprises a molded cavity 30 which is formed as the hollow body 10 is molded and serves to receive and retain the base 26 .
- the base 26 preferably has a flat shape which, when received within the molded cavity 30 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the first wall 18 .
- the base 26 is preferably encapsulated within the first wall 18 .
- a molten plastic parison is extruded from a die and inflated within a mold.
- the attachment means 16 is held within the mold such that the first wall 18 envelops the base 26 , as seen in FIG. 1A .
- the molded cavity 30 has formed around the base 26 such that it is now retained by the first wall 18 .
- the fastener projection 28 is a threaded stud which is able to engage a corresponding component, such as a nut, in order to attach the bolster 10 to the vehicle.
- a corresponding component such as a nut
- four such attachment means 16 are provided around the first wall 18 and within the pleats 24 , although it will be appreciated that various other arrangements are similarly possible. These mounting points are operable to accommodate the bolster reaction forces that occur during inflation.
- the base 26 can be injection molded around the threaded stud 28 .
- the base 26 preferably has a disk-like shape and comprises a series of radial alternating ridges 32 , as illustrated, which provide a greater surface area for contact with the material of the first wall 18 and further provide mechanical means for preventing the attachment means 16 from spinning within the molded cavity 30 .
- the base 26 is preferably formed from a material which is compatible with the first wall 18 . Specifically, it is preferable that the materials of the base 26 and the first wall 18 have similar surface energies in order to promote polymer bonding therebetween.
- compatible materials include, but are in no way limited to, polyolefins with similar surface energies such as thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), polypropylene or polyethylene-polypropylene copolymers.
- TPO thermoplastic polyolefin
- the bolster 10 bonds a TPO to a TPO
- an inflatable bolster 10 according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
- the bolster 10 is substantially similar to the first preferred embodiment, with the exception of the attachment means 16 .
- the fastener projection 28 is a clip which is operable to be received in a corresponding component in the vehicle's mating surface.
- the base 26 and the fastener projection 28 are preferably injection molded as a single piece. It will be appreciated that various other types of clips may similarly be used, such as snaps and catches.
- attachment means 16 of the second preferred embodiment is illustrated.
- the circular-shaped attachment means 16 a of FIGS. 2 , 2 A and 2 B is provided in the lower right hand side of the first wall 18
- alternate attachment means 16 b and 16 c are further provided.
- the attachment means 16 b comprises an oval base 26 and an additional projection, for example for alignment.
- the attachment 16 c comprises an irregular-shaped base 26 , for example for strengthening its retention within the molded cavity 30 .
- the attachment means 16 is preferably encapsulated in the first wall 18
- an inflatable bolster 10 according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
- the bolster 10 is substantially similar to the first and second embodiments, with the exception of the attachment means 16 .
- the fastener projection 28 is a duel level snap clip.
- the attachment means 16 is provided duel level snap clip 28 , which is operable to be received in a corresponding component in the vehicle's mating surface.
- the clip 28 is preferably integrally injection molded with the base 26 .
- a first snap 34 allows the vehicle assembler to attach the bolster 10 to the mating surface using a low force.
- the expansion forces will generate a higher force pushing the clip 28 further into the corresponding component which causes the clip 28 to engage the second snap 36 .
- the second snap 36 requires significantly higher extraction force and as a result is able to remain installed when experiencing high pull out forces during deployment.
- an inflatable bolster 10 according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
- the bolster 10 is substantially similar to the previous preferred embodiments, and in particular the second preferred embodiment, with the exception of the first wall 18 which comprises angled sections 38 which allow the bolster 10 to be installed in an orientation that is not parallel to the molding line of draw 40 .
- the bolster 10 may be snapped into a structure such as an instrument panel, a door panel or a door pillar within the vehicle.
- the orientation of this structure may be normal to that of the bolster's line of draw.
- a different orientation of the feature may be preferable.
- the orientation of the mating surface may therefore be accommodated while considering any interference from other parts of the vehicle.
- the molded cavity 30 comprises a female dovetail portion 42 .
- the female dovetail portion 42 comprises a pair of opposing sides which taper inwardly from the outside of the first wall 18 .
- the base 26 of the attachment means 16 forms a corresponding male dovetail portion 44 having a pair of opposing sides which taper outwardly.
- the molded cavity 30 further comprises a side opening 46 for allowing the male dovetail portion 44 to be slid therein, as seen in FIG. 6C .
- the “male” and “female” features of a dovetail construction may similarly be referred to as “positive” and “negative” features, respectively.
- the molded cavity 30 and the female dovetail portion 42 are formed during molding of the hollow body 12 .
- the molded cavity 30 further comprises an alignment area 48 which is at least as wide as the male dovetail portion 44 and provided adjacent the side opening 46 .
- the vehicle assembler can place the male dovetail portion 44 within the alignment area 48 before sliding it into the female dovetail portion 42 .
- the corresponding angled surfaces of the female and male dovetail portions 42 and 44 will prevent the attachment means 16 from being pulled out.
- molded cavity 30 preferably comprises a snap feature 50 which allows sliding of the male dovetail portion 44 into the female dovetail portion 42 , but prevents it from sliding outward therefrom and back into the alignment area 48 .
- the fastener projection 28 is similar to that of the first embodiment.
- an inflatable bolster 10 according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
- the bolster 10 is substantially similar to the fifth embodiment, with the exception of the fastener projection 28 which is provided herein as a clip.
- an inflatable bolster 10 according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
- the bolster 10 is substantially similar to the first embodiment, with the exception of the attachment means 16 .
- the attachment means 16 is a spring bolt.
- the spring bolt 16 comprises a coil portion 52 attached to a hook portion 54 .
- the spring bolt 16 is twisted through a reaction plate 56 ( FIG. 8A ) and into the bolster 10 .
- the reaction plate 56 comprises a contoured surface 60 which is tapers upwardly.
- the coil portion 52 engages the first wall 18 .
- a 180° rotation of the spring bolt 16 drives the hook portion 54 along the surface contour, thereby pushing the reaction plate 56 towards the first wall 18 .
- the contoured surface locks the hook portion 54 in place once the spring bolt 16 has been fully rotated, preventing unintended unwinding and/or disassembly of the parts in the field.
- the spring bolt is made from a resilient material which can stretch during deployment of the bolster 10 in order to reduce the local force concentrations thereon while maintaining the bolster 10 in its desired position. It will be appreciated that the reduced internal bolster forces will increase the bolster operating window.
- an inflatable bolster 10 according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
- the bolster 10 is substantially similar to the previous preferred embodiments, with the exception of the attachment means 16 .
- the attachment means 16 comprises a dovetail portion 58 which tapers outwardly from the first wall 18 .
- the dovetail portion 58 is devised to engage a corresponding slot 60 on the reaction plate 56 , although it will be appreciated that such a slot 60 would similarly be used in a variety of other types of mating surfaces.
- the slot comprises a side opening 62 for allowing the dovetail portion 58 to be slid therein.
- the slot 60 comprises an alignment area 64 adjacent the side opening 62 . During assembly, the alignment area 64 can be placed around the dovetail portion 58 , or vice-versa, before sliding the dovetail portion into the slot 60 .
- the dovetail portion 58 provides strength required to hold the bolster in position under operating conditions and allows for installation without access to the rear side of the bolster 10 . It will be appreciated that the dovetail portion 58 may be of various configurations known as being male or female.
Abstract
An inflatable bolster for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle is provided having a hollow body, an inflator and an attachment mechanism for attaching the hollow body to the vehicle's mating surface. The attachment mechanism includes a base retained within a molded cavity within the hollow body, and a fastener projection extending outward from both the base and the hollow body. Another attachment mechanism is provided including a dovetail portion which extends outward from the hollow body and engages a slot in the mating surface.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to the field of safety devices for vehicles. More particularly, it concerns an inflatable bolster for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.
- Bolsters and the like are known in the art. A conventional bolster is mounted within a passenger compartment and includes a hollow body and an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the hollow body. In order to reduce the potential for injuries caused during an impact event or the like, the inflator is activated upon detection of such an event and the bolster is inflated.
- For example, the impact event may be a front, rear or side impact, a rollover, or any other event which is likely to cause a rapid change in the vehicle's momentum and thereby cause the occupant to strike some portion of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The fluid released by the inflator into the hollow body serves to inflate the bolster, bringing its outer surface closer to an occupant. By decreasing the distance between the occupant and its outer surface, the bolster can absorb more of the occupant's momentum over a longer period of time, thereby lessening the force experienced.
- Bolsters may be provided as part of an instrument panel, a door panel, roof panel, a head rest, or other interior portion of the vehicle.
- Known in the art are the following patent and patent applications which disclose inflatable bolsters and the like: US 2007/0108747; U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,978; U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,057; U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,710; U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,103; U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,867; U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,689; U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,493; U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,715; U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,706; U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,852; and WO 2006/132990.
- Also known are the problems which arise when mounting such bolsters to the vehicle's interior, which is typically difficult to access. Moreover, it has been found that the reaction forces generated during inflation of the bolster can be violent enough to break the bolster free from its mounting within the vehicle, thereby significantly reducing its efficacy.
- As such, it would be advantageous to provide an inflatable bolster which may be more conveniently installed. It would also be advantageous to provide an inflatable bolster which is mounted to vehicle in a robust and reliable way.
- In addition, it is also known that conventional bolsters are often attached to the vehicle interior by bolts which are passed from inside the hollow body in order to connect with a complementary component such as a nut or a clip. It will be appreciated that this requires accessing the inside of the hollow body and drilling holes therein. However, such opening and/or drilling of the hollow body can weaken the hollow body and/or leave debris therein. In addition, it is known that significant pull-out forces are generated at the mounting points during inflation of a bolster. Mounting points with a conventional bonding structure, such as a simple bolt, may be insufficient to retain the bolster and the expanding vessel tear loose.
- It would therefore be advantageous to provide an inflatable bolster which could be attached to the vehicle interior in a more robust way, without requiring an opening or drilling of the bolster.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an inflatable bolster for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle that satisfies at least one of the above-mentioned needs.
- In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, that object is achieved with an inflatable bolster comprising a hollow body with a first wall devised to face a mating surface of the vehicle, the first wall being provided with a molded cavity, a second wall opposite the first wall and devised to face the passenger compartment, and an air chamber formed between the first and second walls. The bolster also comprises an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the air chamber and thereby inflating the hollow body, the inflator being mounted to the hollow body, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the hollow body to the mating surface. The attachment mechanism includes a base retained within the molded cavity, and a fastener projection extending outward from the base and the first wall, the fastener projection devised to engage a complementary element on the mating surface and attach the inflatable bolster thereto.
- Preferably, the molded cavity is formed around the base during molding of the hollow body, thereby encapsulating the base in the first wall. Alternatively, the base portion may include a male dovetail portion and the molded cavity includes a corresponding female dovetail portion having a side opening for allowing insertion of the male dovetail portion therein.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the above mentioned object is achieved with an inflatable bolster comprising a hollow body with a first wall devised to face a mating surface of the vehicle, a second wall opposite the first wall and devised to face the passenger compartment, and an air chamber formed between the first and second walls. The bolster also comprises an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the air chamber and thereby inflating the hollow body, the inflator being mounted to the hollow body, and an attachment means for attaching the hollow body to the mating surface, the attachment means includes a dovetail portion extending outward from the first wall, the dovetail portion devised to engage a slot on the mating surface and attach the inflatable bolster thereto.
- Preferably, the mating surface includes a reaction plate for strengthening the inflatable bolster, the complementary element includes a slot, the slot having a side opening for allowing insertion of the dovetail portion therein; wherein the engagement of the dovetail portion and the slot retains the reaction plate to the inner wall.
- As can be appreciated, an inflatable bolster according to either of the above-mentioned aspects may advantageously facilitate installation and/or may be attached without requiring an opening or drilling of the bolster.
- Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood upon reading of preferred embodiments thereof with respect to the appended drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 1B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 2B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a variation of the embodiment ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 3B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to third preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 4B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the embodiment ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 6D is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 6C . -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 7C is an exploded view of the embodiment ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 7D is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line J-J ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 8B is a close up of an attachment means in accordance with the embodiment ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inflatable bolster according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along line K-K ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the embodiment ofFIG. 9 . - While the invention will be described in conjunction with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included as defined by the present description and appended claims.
- In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals and in order to lighten the figures, some elements are not referred to in some figures if they were already identified in a preceding figure.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , an inflatable bolster 10 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. For the sake of clarity, the vehicle interior into which the bolster 10 is to be installed has not been shown. It will be appreciated however that the bolster 10 could be installed, or adapted to be installed, in a variety of places within the passenger compartment of a vehicle. - The bolster 10 comprises a
hollow body 12, an inflator 14 mounted thereto, and attachment means 16 for mounting thehollow body 12 to a mating surface within the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the expression mating surface should not be considered in a limiting manner, but rather should be considered to include all manner of structures, such as brackets and the like, to which the bolster 10 may be similarly mounted. - With additional reference to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , the attachment means 16 is illustrated in cross-section and in close-up, respectively. - The
hollow body 12 is preferably molded from a suitable plastic material. More preferably, thehollow body 12 is made by extrusion blow molding, which is known in the art and will not be discussed further herein. Thehollow body 12 comprises afirst wall 18 and asecond wall 20 which is opposite thefirst wall 18. Anair chamber 22 is formed between the twoopposite walls first wall 18 engages the vehicle's mating surface, and is therefore hidden from view, while the second faces the passenger compartment and any driver, passengers or otherwise therein. - The inflator 14, as is known in the art, is typically provided as a cartridge, although it will be appreciated that various other types of inflators are within the scope of the present embodiment. The inflator 14 is in fluid communication with the
air chamber 22 and able to inject a pressurized fluid, typically a gas, therewithin. When installed, theinflator 14 is linked to various vehicle sensors which detect impact events and the like and are operable to activate the inflator 14 accordingly. - The
first wall 18 is provided with a plurality ofpleats 24, sometimes referred to as ribs, which surround the inflator 14 and the attachment means 16 concentrically. As is known in the art, thesepleats 24 permit the bolster 10 to expand outward from the vehicle's mating surface and into the passenger compartment when inflated. - The attachment means 16, which can also be called an insert, comprises a
base 26 and afastener projection 28 which extends outwards therefrom. Thefirst wall 18 comprises a moldedcavity 30 which is formed as thehollow body 10 is molded and serves to receive and retain thebase 26. The base 26 preferably has a flat shape which, when received within the moldedcavity 30 extends in a direction substantially parallel to thefirst wall 18. - In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1 , 1A and 1B, thebase 26 is preferably encapsulated within thefirst wall 18. For example, during blow molding of thehollow body 12, a molten plastic parison is extruded from a die and inflated within a mold. The attachment means 16 is held within the mold such that thefirst wall 18 envelops thebase 26, as seen inFIG. 1A . Once the moldedhollow body 12 has cooled and hardened, the moldedcavity 30 has formed around thebase 26 such that it is now retained by thefirst wall 18. - Also in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1 , 1A and 1B, thefastener projection 28 is a threaded stud which is able to engage a corresponding component, such as a nut, in order to attach the bolster 10 to the vehicle. Preferably, four such attachment means 16 are provided around thefirst wall 18 and within thepleats 24, although it will be appreciated that various other arrangements are similarly possible. These mounting points are operable to accommodate the bolster reaction forces that occur during inflation. - The base 26 can be injection molded around the threaded
stud 28. In order to increase the strength of its encapsulation, the base 26 preferably has a disk-like shape and comprises a series ofradial alternating ridges 32, as illustrated, which provide a greater surface area for contact with the material of thefirst wall 18 and further provide mechanical means for preventing the attachment means 16 from spinning within the moldedcavity 30. In addition, thebase 26 is preferably formed from a material which is compatible with thefirst wall 18. Specifically, it is preferable that the materials of thebase 26 and thefirst wall 18 have similar surface energies in order to promote polymer bonding therebetween. Examples of such compatible materials include, but are in no way limited to, polyolefins with similar surface energies such as thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), polypropylene or polyethylene-polypropylene copolymers. Preferably, the bolster 10 bonds a TPO to a TPO - With reference to
FIGS. 2 , 2A and 2B, an inflatable bolster 10 according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bolster 10 is substantially similar to the first preferred embodiment, with the exception of the attachment means 16. In this embodiment, thefastener projection 28 is a clip which is operable to be received in a corresponding component in the vehicle's mating surface. In addition, thebase 26 and thefastener projection 28 are preferably injection molded as a single piece. It will be appreciated that various other types of clips may similarly be used, such as snaps and catches. - With reference to
FIGS. 3 , 3A and 3B, a variation of the attachment means 16 of the second preferred embodiment is illustrated. In particular, the circular-shaped attachment means 16 a ofFIGS. 2 , 2A and 2B is provided in the lower right hand side of thefirst wall 18, while alternate attachment means 16 b and 16 c are further provided. The attachment means 16 b comprises anoval base 26 and an additional projection, for example for alignment. Theattachment 16 c comprises an irregular-shapedbase 26, for example for strengthening its retention within the moldedcavity 30. In each case, the attachment means 16 is preferably encapsulated in thefirst wall 18 - With reference to
FIGS. 4 , 4A and 4B, an inflatable bolster 10 according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bolster 10 is substantially similar to the first and second embodiments, with the exception of the attachment means 16. In this embodiment, thefastener projection 28 is a duel level snap clip. In order to achieve a snap fit installation requiring a low installation force and the ability to have a second stage elevated retention force, the attachment means 16 is provided duellevel snap clip 28, which is operable to be received in a corresponding component in the vehicle's mating surface. Theclip 28 is preferably integrally injection molded with thebase 26. - In use, a
first snap 34 allows the vehicle assembler to attach the bolster 10 to the mating surface using a low force. During deployment of the bolster, the expansion forces will generate a higher force pushing theclip 28 further into the corresponding component which causes theclip 28 to engage thesecond snap 36. Once engaged, thesecond snap 36 requires significantly higher extraction force and as a result is able to remain installed when experiencing high pull out forces during deployment. - With reference to
FIGS. 5 and 5A , an inflatable bolster 10 according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bolster 10 is substantially similar to the previous preferred embodiments, and in particular the second preferred embodiment, with the exception of thefirst wall 18 which comprisesangled sections 38 which allow the bolster 10 to be installed in an orientation that is not parallel to the molding line ofdraw 40. This enables the bolster 10 to be utilized in applications where the attachment means 16 parallel to the line of draw is not acceptable. For example, the bolster 10 may be snapped into a structure such as an instrument panel, a door panel or a door pillar within the vehicle. The orientation of this structure may be normal to that of the bolster's line of draw. In order to enable the snapping in of the bolster 10, a different orientation of the feature may be preferable. In order to ease assembly, the orientation of the mating surface may therefore be accommodated while considering any interference from other parts of the vehicle. - With reference to
FIGS. 6 , 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D, an inflatable bolster 10 according to a fifth preferred embodiment is illustrated. In this embodiment, the moldedcavity 30 comprises afemale dovetail portion 42. As seen in particular inFIG. 6A , thefemale dovetail portion 42 comprises a pair of opposing sides which taper inwardly from the outside of thefirst wall 18. Thebase 26 of the attachment means 16 forms a correspondingmale dovetail portion 44 having a pair of opposing sides which taper outwardly. The moldedcavity 30 further comprises aside opening 46 for allowing themale dovetail portion 44 to be slid therein, as seen inFIG. 6C . It will be appreciated that the “male” and “female” features of a dovetail construction may similarly be referred to as “positive” and “negative” features, respectively. - The molded
cavity 30 and thefemale dovetail portion 42 are formed during molding of thehollow body 12. Preferably, the moldedcavity 30 further comprises analignment area 48 which is at least as wide as themale dovetail portion 44 and provided adjacent theside opening 46. During assembly, the vehicle assembler can place themale dovetail portion 44 within thealignment area 48 before sliding it into thefemale dovetail portion 42. Once inserted, the corresponding angled surfaces of the female andmale dovetail portions cavity 30 preferably comprises asnap feature 50 which allows sliding of themale dovetail portion 44 into thefemale dovetail portion 42, but prevents it from sliding outward therefrom and back into thealignment area 48. - In this embodiment, the
fastener projection 28 is similar to that of the first embodiment. - With reference to
FIGS. 7 , 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, an inflatable bolster 10 according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bolster 10 is substantially similar to the fifth embodiment, with the exception of thefastener projection 28 which is provided herein as a clip. - With reference to
FIGS. 8 , 8A and 8B, an inflatable bolster 10 according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bolster 10 is substantially similar to the first embodiment, with the exception of the attachment means 16. In this embodiment, the attachment means 16 is a spring bolt. Thespring bolt 16 comprises acoil portion 52 attached to ahook portion 54. - In use, the
spring bolt 16 is twisted through a reaction plate 56 (FIG. 8A ) and into the bolster 10. Thereaction plate 56 comprises a contouredsurface 60 which is tapers upwardly. Once inserted into thehollow body 12, thecoil portion 52 engages thefirst wall 18. A 180° rotation of thespring bolt 16 drives thehook portion 54 along the surface contour, thereby pushing thereaction plate 56 towards thefirst wall 18. Preferably, the contoured surface locks thehook portion 54 in place once thespring bolt 16 has been fully rotated, preventing unintended unwinding and/or disassembly of the parts in the field. - Preferably, the spring bolt is made from a resilient material which can stretch during deployment of the bolster 10 in order to reduce the local force concentrations thereon while maintaining the bolster 10 in its desired position. It will be appreciated that the reduced internal bolster forces will increase the bolster operating window.
- With reference to
FIGS. 9 , 9A and 9B, an inflatable bolster 10 according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bolster 10 is substantially similar to the previous preferred embodiments, with the exception of the attachment means 16. In this embodiment, the attachment means 16 comprises adovetail portion 58 which tapers outwardly from thefirst wall 18. - The
dovetail portion 58 is devised to engage acorresponding slot 60 on thereaction plate 56, although it will be appreciated that such aslot 60 would similarly be used in a variety of other types of mating surfaces. The slot comprises aside opening 62 for allowing thedovetail portion 58 to be slid therein. Preferably, theslot 60 comprises analignment area 64 adjacent theside opening 62. During assembly, thealignment area 64 can be placed around thedovetail portion 58, or vice-versa, before sliding the dovetail portion into theslot 60. - The
dovetail portion 58 provides strength required to hold the bolster in position under operating conditions and allows for installation without access to the rear side of the bolster 10. It will be appreciated that thedovetail portion 58 may be of various configurations known as being male or female. - Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
1. An inflatable bolster for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the inflatable bolster comprising:
a) a hollow body comprising:
i. a first wall devised to face a mating surface of the vehicle, the first wall being provided with a molded cavity;
ii. a second wall opposite the first wall and devised to face the passenger compartment; and
iii. an air chamber formed between the first and second walls;
b) an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the air chamber and thereby inflating the hollow body, the inflator being mounted to the hollow body; and
c) attachment means for attaching the hollow body to the mating surface, the attachment means comprising:
i. a base retained within the molded cavity; and
ii. a fastener projection extending from the base and outward from the first wall, the fastener projection devised to engage a complementary element on the mating surface and attach the inflatable bolster thereto.
2. The inflatable bolster of claim 1 , wherein the molded cavity is formed around the base during molding of the hollow body, thereby encapsulating the base in the first wall.
3. The inflatable bolster of claim 2 , wherein the base and the hollow body are formed of compatible materials having compatible surface energies which enables polymer bonding therebetween.
4. The inflatable bolster of claim 2 , wherein the base has a disk-like shape and comprises a series of radial alternating ridges.
5. The inflatable bolster of claim 2 , wherein the fastener projection is a threaded stud.
6. The inflatable bolster of claim 2 , wherein the fastener projection is a clip.
7. The inflatable bolster of claim 6 , wherein the fastener projection is a duel level snap clip.
8. The inflatable bolster of claim 1 , wherein the first wall comprises angled sections.
9. The inflatable bolster of claim 1 , wherein the base portion comprises a male dovetail portion and the molded cavity comprises a corresponding female dovetail portion having a side opening for allowing insertion of the male dovetail portion therein.
10. The inflatable bolster of claim 9 , wherein the molded cavity further comprises a clip proximate the opening for retaining the base within the molded cavity after insertion.
11. The inflatable bolster of claim 9 , wherein the fastener projection is a threaded stud.
12. The inflatable bolster of claim 9 , wherein the fastener projection is a clip.
13. The inflatable bolster of claim 12 , wherein the fastener projection is a duel level snap clip.
14. An inflatable bolster for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, the inflatable bolster comprising:
a) a hollow body comprising:
i. an first wall devised to face a mating surface of the vehicle;
ii. a second wall opposite the first wall and devised to face the passenger compartment; and
iii. an air chamber formed between the first and second walls;
b) an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the air chamber and thereby inflating the hollow body, the inflator being mounted to the hollow body; and
c) attachment means for attaching the hollow body to the mating surface, the attachment means comprising:
i. a dovetail portion extending outward from the first wall, the dovetail portion devised to engage a slot on the mating surface and attach the inflatable bolster thereto.
15. The inflatable bolster of claim 14 , wherein the mating surface comprises a reaction plate for strengthening the inflatable bolster, the complementary element comprises a slot, the slot having a side opening for allowing insertion of the dovetail portion therein; wherein the engagement of the dovetail portion and the slot retains the reaction plate to the inner wall.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/937,096 US20110109064A1 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2009-04-14 | Inflatable bolster |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US4429408P | 2008-04-11 | 2008-04-11 | |
US12/937,096 US20110109064A1 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2009-04-14 | Inflatable bolster |
PCT/CA2009/000507 WO2009124401A1 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2009-04-14 | Inflatable bolster |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110109064A1 true US20110109064A1 (en) | 2011-05-12 |
Family
ID=41161496
Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/422,389 Expired - Fee Related US7980589B2 (en) | 2005-11-17 | 2009-04-13 | Inflatable bolster |
US12/937,096 Abandoned US20110109064A1 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2009-04-14 | Inflatable bolster |
US12/937,100 Expired - Fee Related US8544876B2 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2009-04-14 | Inflatable bolster |
US12/937,104 Expired - Fee Related US8388020B2 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2009-04-14 | Inflatable multilayer bolster and method of manufacture |
US13/180,182 Expired - Fee Related US8827307B2 (en) | 2005-11-17 | 2011-07-11 | Inflatable bolster |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/422,389 Expired - Fee Related US7980589B2 (en) | 2005-11-17 | 2009-04-13 | Inflatable bolster |
Family Applications After (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/937,100 Expired - Fee Related US8544876B2 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2009-04-14 | Inflatable bolster |
US12/937,104 Expired - Fee Related US8388020B2 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2009-04-14 | Inflatable multilayer bolster and method of manufacture |
US13/180,182 Expired - Fee Related US8827307B2 (en) | 2005-11-17 | 2011-07-11 | Inflatable bolster |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (5) | US7980589B2 (en) |
DE (3) | DE112009000826B4 (en) |
WO (3) | WO2009124395A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8388020B2 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2013-03-05 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Inflatable multilayer bolster and method of manufacture |
US8459689B2 (en) | 2009-12-24 | 2013-06-11 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Passenger side active knee bolster |
US8491008B2 (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2013-07-23 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Injection molded inflatable active bolster |
US8544880B2 (en) | 2005-06-03 | 2013-10-01 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Active bolster |
US8579325B2 (en) | 2010-11-09 | 2013-11-12 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Active bolster |
US20130300091A1 (en) * | 2011-01-11 | 2013-11-14 | Autoliv Development Ab | Cover for airbag device, and airbag device |
US20130328291A1 (en) * | 2011-02-07 | 2013-12-12 | Salflex Polymers Limited | Active Bolster Assembly |
US9156423B1 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2015-10-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with active vent formed in attachment bosses |
US9327672B1 (en) | 2015-03-12 | 2016-05-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with bladder member hot welded to reaction plate |
US9636888B2 (en) | 2015-02-04 | 2017-05-02 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Injection molding of hollow articles |
Families Citing this family (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ATE494186T1 (en) | 2005-11-17 | 2011-01-15 | Salflex Polymers Ltd | UPHOLSTERY INFLATION PATTERN |
EP2647531A1 (en) * | 2010-11-30 | 2013-10-09 | Ashimori Industry Co., Ltd. | Airbag device |
DE102011001364B4 (en) * | 2011-03-17 | 2024-03-21 | Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Gas bag and airbag module |
US8408590B2 (en) | 2011-03-30 | 2013-04-02 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with internal tear joints |
US8448985B2 (en) | 2011-07-11 | 2013-05-28 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with double-hinged tether tabs |
US8336908B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2012-12-25 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Insert molded TPO chute for automotive air bag system |
US8336910B1 (en) | 2011-10-03 | 2012-12-25 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with integrated tear seam |
US8414024B1 (en) | 2011-10-17 | 2013-04-09 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Blow-molded active side bolster with tear tabs |
US8950735B2 (en) * | 2011-12-14 | 2015-02-10 | Xenith, Llc | Shock absorbers for protective body gear |
US8573643B1 (en) * | 2012-05-08 | 2013-11-05 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with gas directing channels |
DE102012011191A1 (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2013-12-12 | Autoliv Development Ab | Knee protection device for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with such a knee protection device |
US8544878B1 (en) * | 2012-06-11 | 2013-10-01 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with cross-connected pleats |
US8454054B1 (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2013-06-04 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with vented hermetic seal |
US8544879B1 (en) * | 2012-09-25 | 2013-10-01 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with stepped bladder spacing |
US8720948B2 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2014-05-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with protected weld for bladder |
US8973942B1 (en) * | 2013-08-26 | 2015-03-10 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with integrated vent |
US9156408B1 (en) * | 2014-05-28 | 2015-10-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active glove box door with reaction surface catcher |
US9067557B1 (en) * | 2014-07-14 | 2015-06-30 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with heat-staked reinforcement |
US9156422B1 (en) | 2014-08-18 | 2015-10-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with multiple bladders on single trim piece |
US9180830B1 (en) * | 2014-12-17 | 2015-11-10 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Inflatable device for armrest of vehicle door |
US9327668B1 (en) * | 2015-01-28 | 2016-05-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Corrugated weld seam for active bolster |
US9421933B1 (en) | 2015-04-21 | 2016-08-23 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active glove box door with intermediate skeleton member |
US9663058B1 (en) * | 2016-01-27 | 2017-05-30 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Deployable plastic knee bolster with off-centered telescoping support chamber |
US9994167B2 (en) * | 2016-05-17 | 2018-06-12 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active vehicle interior trim panel with accordion fold |
Citations (91)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2834606A (en) * | 1955-10-05 | 1958-05-13 | Harry A Bertrand | Safety device for passengers |
US3185497A (en) * | 1963-09-23 | 1965-05-25 | Lagace Charles | Automobile back-rest |
US3473824A (en) * | 1967-08-18 | 1969-10-21 | Eaton Yale & Towne | Safety device |
US3963362A (en) * | 1974-11-27 | 1976-06-15 | Carlisle Corporation | Road marker |
US3981518A (en) * | 1975-05-05 | 1976-09-21 | Liberty Mutual Insurance Company | Vehicle restraint system |
US4203616A (en) * | 1977-02-08 | 1980-05-20 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Air bag device for cars |
US4297051A (en) * | 1979-06-01 | 1981-10-27 | Robinson Jesse L | Deformable highway marker |
US4362425A (en) * | 1980-12-16 | 1982-12-07 | Dixon Byron P | Road marker |
US4511281A (en) * | 1981-10-14 | 1985-04-16 | Carsonite International Corporation | Road-surface mountable delineator support member |
US4518172A (en) * | 1981-12-23 | 1985-05-21 | Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft | Energy-dissipatingly flexible knee-restraining element |
US4597691A (en) * | 1981-10-06 | 1986-07-01 | Animotion Inc. | Retractable traffic delineator |
US4721329A (en) * | 1986-04-11 | 1988-01-26 | Breed Corporation | Elastically restoring knee bolster for motor vehicles |
US4951963A (en) * | 1989-10-02 | 1990-08-28 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Self-adjusting knee bolster |
US5082310A (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1992-01-21 | Tip Engineering Group, Inc. | Arrangement for providing an air bag deployment opening |
US5138721A (en) * | 1988-06-13 | 1992-08-18 | Donald Spector | Pneumatic bolster |
US5273309A (en) * | 1992-06-19 | 1993-12-28 | General Motors Corporation | Air bag for side impact |
US5324070A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1994-06-28 | Takata Corporation | Air bag device for a knee of an occupant |
US5324072A (en) * | 1992-09-23 | 1994-06-28 | Morton International, Inc. | Side impact air bag |
US5364125A (en) * | 1993-10-19 | 1994-11-15 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Apparatus for protecting an occupant of a vehicle upon a side impact to the vehicle |
US5370417A (en) * | 1994-04-18 | 1994-12-06 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Automotive knee bolster |
US5382051A (en) * | 1991-08-28 | 1995-01-17 | Concept Analysis Corporation | Pneumatic pads for the interior of vehicles |
US5456490A (en) * | 1992-08-13 | 1995-10-10 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Hidden door for an air bag restraint system |
US5476283A (en) * | 1994-02-02 | 1995-12-19 | Mascotech Automotive Systems, Inc. | Selectively deployable vehicle knee restraint |
US5498026A (en) * | 1992-12-02 | 1996-03-12 | Larry J. Winget | Air bag cover having a hidden break seam |
US5524924A (en) * | 1993-11-15 | 1996-06-11 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Method and apparatus for restraining an occupant of a vehicle upon a side impact against the vehicle |
US5533748A (en) * | 1994-12-01 | 1996-07-09 | Morton International, Inc. | Invisible instrument panel or dashboard airbag cover door |
US5536043A (en) * | 1994-05-23 | 1996-07-16 | Morton International, Inc. | Air bag activated knee bolster |
US5544913A (en) * | 1994-04-26 | 1996-08-13 | Takata Corporation | Protective device for protecting vehicle occupant |
US5556128A (en) * | 1994-11-24 | 1996-09-17 | Volkswagen Ag | Safety arrangement for a vehicle occupant |
US5567375A (en) * | 1995-06-05 | 1996-10-22 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Method for casting a thermoplastic automotive air bag cover skin with a lesser strength thermoplastic tear seam strip insert |
US5716093A (en) * | 1991-01-22 | 1998-02-10 | Abc Group | Energy absorbing bolster for vehicle door |
US5816613A (en) * | 1996-07-08 | 1998-10-06 | Trw Occupant Restraint Systems Gmbh | Knee restraining device for vehicles |
US5845937A (en) * | 1997-02-10 | 1998-12-08 | Morton International, Inc. | Structural assembly |
US5865468A (en) * | 1995-07-28 | 1999-02-02 | Daewoo Motor Co., Ltd. | Knee bolster of a vehicle |
US5931493A (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 1999-08-03 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Actuatable knee bolster |
USD412880S (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 1999-08-17 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Air bag activated knee bolster |
US5957493A (en) * | 1997-12-19 | 1999-09-28 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Airbag check valve |
US5967594A (en) * | 1998-05-26 | 1999-10-19 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Vehicle door structure and armrest |
US5968431A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1999-10-19 | Chrysler Corporation | Soft touch cover and method of manufacture |
US6032978A (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2000-03-07 | Abc Group Interior Systems | Inflatable knee bolster |
US6131950A (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 2000-10-17 | Trw Occupant Restraint Systems Gmbh | Knee restraint device for vehicles |
US6142520A (en) * | 1996-08-12 | 2000-11-07 | Bridgestone Corporation | Air bag |
US6158766A (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-12-12 | Lear Corporation | Vehicle floor system incorporating airbag |
US6193272B1 (en) * | 1998-12-18 | 2001-02-27 | Autoliv Development Ab | Knee protector with load distribution cage |
US6213497B1 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2001-04-10 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Inflatable knee bolster |
US6231072B1 (en) * | 1999-10-15 | 2001-05-15 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Headliner based supplemental restraint assembly |
US6250665B1 (en) * | 1998-12-15 | 2001-06-26 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Retainer structure for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device |
US6305710B1 (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2001-10-23 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable knee bolster module assembly |
US6336653B1 (en) * | 1996-05-22 | 2002-01-08 | Simula, Inc. | Inflatable tubular knee bolster |
US6338501B1 (en) * | 1999-04-22 | 2002-01-15 | Trw Occupant Restraint Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg | Protective occupant knee restraint device in a vehicle |
US20020125691A1 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2002-09-12 | Conlee James Kent | Passenger side active knee bolster |
US6471242B2 (en) * | 2001-03-01 | 2002-10-29 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable knee airbag |
US6517103B1 (en) * | 2000-01-25 | 2003-02-11 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable knee bolster module assembly |
US6536802B1 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2003-03-25 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Vehicle instrument panel assembly |
US6568743B1 (en) * | 2002-08-07 | 2003-05-27 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Active armrest for side impact protection |
US6578867B2 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2003-06-17 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Inflatable system for protection of lower extremities |
US20030197354A1 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2003-10-23 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Inflatable headliner system |
US20040007856A1 (en) * | 2002-07-11 | 2004-01-15 | Enders Mark L. | Expandable rigid knee airbag system |
US6688643B2 (en) * | 2001-03-06 | 2004-02-10 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable airbag bolster panel retention apparatus |
US6712385B2 (en) * | 2002-07-11 | 2004-03-30 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Dent and vibration resistant rigid knee airbag |
US20040075252A1 (en) * | 2002-10-21 | 2004-04-22 | Pan James Y.M. | Inflatable head restraint |
US20040100075A1 (en) * | 2002-11-21 | 2004-05-27 | Takata Corporation | Occupant protection system |
US20040135353A1 (en) * | 2003-01-14 | 2004-07-15 | Enders Mark L. | Glove compartment airbag system |
US20040145163A1 (en) * | 2002-12-05 | 2004-07-29 | Etienne Galmiche | Set of equipment comprising an inflatable structure and means for guiding its deployment, and corresponding motor vehicle |
US20040155447A1 (en) * | 2003-02-06 | 2004-08-12 | Smith Bradley W. | Inflatable bolster with decorative front panel and expandable metal rear panel |
US20040163872A1 (en) * | 2003-01-16 | 2004-08-26 | Paul Lincoln | Anti-submarining airbag module |
US20040163873A1 (en) * | 1999-05-17 | 2004-08-26 | Edscha Ag | Front hood assembly |
US20040178616A1 (en) * | 2003-03-12 | 2004-09-16 | Takata Corporation | Occupant protection system |
US6817625B2 (en) * | 2000-03-14 | 2004-11-16 | Autoliv Development Ab | Safety arrangement |
US20040232666A1 (en) * | 2003-05-08 | 2004-11-25 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Side airbag apparatus |
US6848715B2 (en) * | 2002-08-26 | 2005-02-01 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Folded rigid knee airbag |
US20050023802A1 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-02-03 | Enders Mark L. | Adapter unit for a knee airbag |
US20050029781A1 (en) * | 2003-08-08 | 2005-02-10 | Enders Mark L. | Dual cushion passenger airbag |
US20050052010A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-10 | Best Michael James | Structural knee bolster |
US20050052005A1 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2005-03-10 | Larry Lunt | Expandable pelvic side airbag |
US20050052011A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-10 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Instrument panel subassembly including a glove box door |
US20050057024A1 (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2005-03-17 | Weston Douglas Stephen | Method and apparatus for providing an inflatable cushion for use with a vehicle door |
US20050073134A1 (en) * | 2002-07-18 | 2005-04-07 | Hirokazu Matsuura | Knee protection airbag device |
US20050098996A1 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-05-12 | Enders Mark L. | Knee bolster cover |
US20050116449A1 (en) * | 2003-12-01 | 2005-06-02 | Enders Mark L. | Knee airbag and glove box assembly |
US20050253369A1 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2005-11-17 | Yoshifumi Taoka | Instrument panel structure for vehicles |
US6991252B2 (en) * | 2002-07-24 | 2006-01-31 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Airbag to load plate attachment mechanism |
US7021652B2 (en) * | 2002-02-25 | 2006-04-04 | Takata Corporation | Airbag apparatus |
US7055083B2 (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2006-05-30 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for allocating CRC codes in a flash ROM |
US7055853B2 (en) * | 2002-01-31 | 2006-06-06 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Side airbag apparatus |
US7086663B2 (en) * | 2002-07-08 | 2006-08-08 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Side air bag device |
US7093851B2 (en) * | 2001-03-13 | 2006-08-22 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Tunable control side air bag cushion |
US7093846B2 (en) * | 2002-08-01 | 2006-08-22 | Autoliv Development Ab | Airbag system designed for two persons |
US20060214400A1 (en) * | 2005-03-22 | 2006-09-28 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Airbag cushion with integrated inflator |
US7168733B2 (en) * | 2002-12-27 | 2007-01-30 | Takata Corporation | Airbag apparatus |
US20070052219A1 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2007-03-08 | Rust John C | Inflatable interior panel for a vehicle |
Family Cites Families (67)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1112266B (en) | 1953-06-03 | 1961-08-03 | Wolfgang Dichmann | Guide for drawers or the like in furniture |
JPS632741A (en) | 1986-06-20 | 1988-01-07 | Tonen Sekiyukagaku Kk | Instrument panel for automobile |
DE3737081A1 (en) | 1987-10-30 | 1989-05-11 | Koller Metallbau Ag | FACADE CONSTRUCTION FOR BUILDINGS |
US20040256842A1 (en) * | 1994-05-23 | 2004-12-23 | Breed David S. | Knee bolster airbag system |
JPH0637011A (en) | 1992-07-13 | 1994-02-10 | Toray Ind Inc | Thin-film forming device |
JP2977000B2 (en) | 1992-07-28 | 1999-11-10 | 有限会社戸谷建設工業 | Car occupant safety equipment |
US5447326A (en) | 1992-11-20 | 1995-09-05 | Ford Motor Company | Vehicle door with pre-deployed air bag |
US5312133A (en) | 1992-12-17 | 1994-05-17 | Ford Motor Company | Cross vehicular assembly including knee bolsters |
DE4417835A1 (en) | 1994-05-20 | 1995-11-23 | Lignotock Gmbh | Shock absorber to improve safety in passenger compartments of motor vehicles |
US5458366A (en) | 1994-06-01 | 1995-10-17 | Morton International, Inc. | Compartmentalized airbag knee bolster |
JPH08142789A (en) | 1994-11-21 | 1996-06-04 | Tokai Rika Co Ltd | Air bag body for vehicle side part |
US5615914A (en) | 1995-01-17 | 1997-04-01 | Olin Corporation | Inflatable metal bladders for automobile passenger protection |
AT404746B (en) | 1995-05-23 | 1999-02-25 | Falb Karl | PLATE FASTENING |
DE19546143A1 (en) | 1995-11-28 | 1997-06-05 | Petri Ag | Airbag for vehicle passenger restraint system |
US5630621A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1997-05-20 | Morton International, Inc. | Knee bag cover retention design |
CA2242339C (en) | 1996-11-07 | 2002-07-09 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Arrangement and construction of crew protective device for automobile |
FR2758115B1 (en) | 1997-01-08 | 1999-04-02 | Rockwell Lvs | VEHICLE DOOR WITH PASSENGER PUSH-BUTTON FOR PASSENGER SAFETY |
JP3475694B2 (en) | 1997-01-31 | 2003-12-08 | いすゞ自動車株式会社 | Knee bolster structure |
US5775729A (en) * | 1997-05-06 | 1998-07-07 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Integral head/torso airbag and knee airbag restraint system |
JPH1191454A (en) | 1997-09-26 | 1999-04-06 | Idemitsu Petrochem Co Ltd | Interior trim member for automobile |
US6170871B1 (en) * | 1998-06-24 | 2001-01-09 | Breed Automotive Technology, Inc. | Inflatable trim panel assembly for safety restraint systems |
JP3846036B2 (en) | 1998-06-26 | 2006-11-15 | マツダ株式会社 | Vehicle occupant protection device |
US6416079B1 (en) * | 1998-07-20 | 2002-07-09 | Trw Occupant Restraint Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg | Knee-retaining device for a vehicle |
GB9904266D0 (en) | 1999-02-24 | 1999-04-21 | Automotive Dev Specialists Ltd | Inflatable protection apparatus |
GB2357466B (en) | 1999-12-21 | 2003-04-02 | Autoliv Dev | Improvements in or relating to a vehicle seat |
US6302437B1 (en) * | 2000-04-06 | 2001-10-16 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Vehicle glove box assembly having knee restraint capabilities |
US6491346B1 (en) * | 2000-06-01 | 2002-12-10 | Dow Global Technologies, Inc. | Seating system and method for making the same |
JP5016758B2 (en) | 2000-09-04 | 2012-09-05 | キヤノン株式会社 | Inkjet recording head and inkjet recording apparatus |
US6435554B1 (en) | 2000-11-21 | 2002-08-20 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Knee bolster apparatus with center tether |
US20020130474A1 (en) | 2001-03-19 | 2002-09-19 | Richardson Gregory A. | Air spring vehicle suspension with roll control and negligible creep |
US6588557B2 (en) | 2001-04-04 | 2003-07-08 | Daimlerchrysler Corporation | Blow molded (HIC) formation with energy buffers |
DE10123207C1 (en) | 2001-05-12 | 2002-07-04 | Audi Ag | Vehicle occupant protection, on an impact collision, is a carrier plate covered by the layers forming a folded airbag with an outer cladding, to be inflated by gas from a generator on impact |
US6715789B2 (en) * | 2001-05-21 | 2004-04-06 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Knee protecting airbag device |
US6752417B2 (en) * | 2001-05-21 | 2004-06-22 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Knee protecting airbag device |
FR2828462B1 (en) | 2001-08-07 | 2003-10-31 | Faurecia Ind | AIR BAG ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE |
DE10224138A1 (en) | 2002-05-24 | 2003-12-11 | Takata Petri Ag | Driver or front passenger airbag |
JP3933540B2 (en) | 2002-07-25 | 2007-06-20 | オートリブ・ジャパン株式会社 | Inflator bag and occupant restraint device using the same |
DE60319164T2 (en) * | 2002-10-15 | 2008-05-21 | Daikyonishikawa Corp. | Airbag cover for a vehicle |
US20040099644A1 (en) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-05-27 | Allen John R. | System and method for post weld conditioning |
DE10321066B4 (en) | 2003-05-10 | 2008-07-31 | Autoliv Development Ab | Airbag arrangement for motor vehicles |
JP4193578B2 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2008-12-10 | タカタ株式会社 | Passenger leg protection device |
JP2005053250A (en) | 2003-08-01 | 2005-03-03 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Airbag device for automobile |
JP4083653B2 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2008-04-30 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Active knee bolster |
JP4136876B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2008-08-20 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Active knee bolster |
DE102004005571B4 (en) | 2004-02-05 | 2008-07-10 | Daimler Ag | Connection area for connecting an attachment to a vehicle body |
GB2410918A (en) | 2004-02-10 | 2005-08-17 | Autoliv Dev | Improvements in or relating to a blow-moulded air-bag |
KR101379620B1 (en) | 2005-06-03 | 2014-03-28 | 샐플렉스 폴리머스 리미티드 | Active Bolster |
US7530599B2 (en) | 2005-07-05 | 2009-05-12 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Flexible housing for an airbag module |
US7568722B2 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2009-08-04 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Arrangement structure of air bag device |
JP2007090954A (en) | 2005-09-27 | 2007-04-12 | Toyota Motor Corp | Active knee bolster |
US7578518B2 (en) | 2005-11-17 | 2009-08-25 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Occupant protection device |
US7980589B2 (en) | 2005-11-17 | 2011-07-19 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Inflatable bolster |
ATE494186T1 (en) * | 2005-11-17 | 2011-01-15 | Salflex Polymers Ltd | UPHOLSTERY INFLATION PATTERN |
US7744120B2 (en) * | 2006-01-05 | 2010-06-29 | Chrysler Group Llc | Integrated overhead side airbag module |
JP4481254B2 (en) | 2006-02-02 | 2010-06-16 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Airbag device |
US7874587B2 (en) | 2006-02-07 | 2011-01-25 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Glove box assembly exhibiting knee impact force transferring structure with respect to an associated vehicle dash/instrument panel and reinforcing bar and including removable strengthening ribs for tuning of crash safety characteristics |
US7448645B2 (en) | 2006-03-31 | 2008-11-11 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Contoured side impact airbag |
US7654557B2 (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2010-02-02 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Blow molded knee airbag with integrated reaction plate |
EP1967422B1 (en) * | 2007-03-08 | 2012-04-18 | nolax AG | Airbag |
US7735865B2 (en) | 2007-07-19 | 2010-06-15 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Knee bolster assembly |
US20090152849A1 (en) * | 2007-12-13 | 2009-06-18 | Saraf Bijoy K | Side impact bolster |
JP4582163B2 (en) | 2008-03-12 | 2010-11-17 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Airbag device for vehicle |
JP4591574B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2010-12-01 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Knee airbag device for vehicle |
JP2010052484A (en) | 2008-08-26 | 2010-03-11 | Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd | Airbag device for protecting knee |
JP4623170B2 (en) | 2008-09-02 | 2011-02-02 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Knee airbag device for vehicle |
US7810837B2 (en) | 2009-02-03 | 2010-10-12 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Inflatable restraint system with deployment trajectory controller |
US8459689B2 (en) | 2009-12-24 | 2013-06-11 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Passenger side active knee bolster |
-
2009
- 2009-04-13 US US12/422,389 patent/US7980589B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-04-14 DE DE112009000826.7T patent/DE112009000826B4/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-04-14 US US12/937,096 patent/US20110109064A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-04-14 US US12/937,100 patent/US8544876B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-04-14 WO PCT/CA2009/000476 patent/WO2009124395A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-04-14 DE DE112009000827T patent/DE112009000827T5/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2009-04-14 WO PCT/CA2009/000507 patent/WO2009124401A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-04-14 WO PCT/CA2009/000475 patent/WO2009124394A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-04-14 DE DE112009000840.2T patent/DE112009000840B4/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-04-14 US US12/937,104 patent/US8388020B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-07-11 US US13/180,182 patent/US8827307B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (99)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2834606A (en) * | 1955-10-05 | 1958-05-13 | Harry A Bertrand | Safety device for passengers |
US3185497A (en) * | 1963-09-23 | 1965-05-25 | Lagace Charles | Automobile back-rest |
US3473824A (en) * | 1967-08-18 | 1969-10-21 | Eaton Yale & Towne | Safety device |
US3963362A (en) * | 1974-11-27 | 1976-06-15 | Carlisle Corporation | Road marker |
US3981518A (en) * | 1975-05-05 | 1976-09-21 | Liberty Mutual Insurance Company | Vehicle restraint system |
US4203616A (en) * | 1977-02-08 | 1980-05-20 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Air bag device for cars |
US4297051A (en) * | 1979-06-01 | 1981-10-27 | Robinson Jesse L | Deformable highway marker |
US4362425A (en) * | 1980-12-16 | 1982-12-07 | Dixon Byron P | Road marker |
US4597691A (en) * | 1981-10-06 | 1986-07-01 | Animotion Inc. | Retractable traffic delineator |
US4511281A (en) * | 1981-10-14 | 1985-04-16 | Carsonite International Corporation | Road-surface mountable delineator support member |
US4518172A (en) * | 1981-12-23 | 1985-05-21 | Volkswagenwerk Aktiengesellschaft | Energy-dissipatingly flexible knee-restraining element |
US4721329A (en) * | 1986-04-11 | 1988-01-26 | Breed Corporation | Elastically restoring knee bolster for motor vehicles |
US5138721A (en) * | 1988-06-13 | 1992-08-18 | Donald Spector | Pneumatic bolster |
US4951963A (en) * | 1989-10-02 | 1990-08-28 | Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc. | Self-adjusting knee bolster |
US5082310A (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1992-01-21 | Tip Engineering Group, Inc. | Arrangement for providing an air bag deployment opening |
US5716093A (en) * | 1991-01-22 | 1998-02-10 | Abc Group | Energy absorbing bolster for vehicle door |
US5382051A (en) * | 1991-08-28 | 1995-01-17 | Concept Analysis Corporation | Pneumatic pads for the interior of vehicles |
US5324070A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1994-06-28 | Takata Corporation | Air bag device for a knee of an occupant |
US5273309A (en) * | 1992-06-19 | 1993-12-28 | General Motors Corporation | Air bag for side impact |
US5456490A (en) * | 1992-08-13 | 1995-10-10 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Hidden door for an air bag restraint system |
US5324072A (en) * | 1992-09-23 | 1994-06-28 | Morton International, Inc. | Side impact air bag |
US5498026A (en) * | 1992-12-02 | 1996-03-12 | Larry J. Winget | Air bag cover having a hidden break seam |
US5364125A (en) * | 1993-10-19 | 1994-11-15 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Apparatus for protecting an occupant of a vehicle upon a side impact to the vehicle |
US5524924A (en) * | 1993-11-15 | 1996-06-11 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Method and apparatus for restraining an occupant of a vehicle upon a side impact against the vehicle |
US5476283A (en) * | 1994-02-02 | 1995-12-19 | Mascotech Automotive Systems, Inc. | Selectively deployable vehicle knee restraint |
US5370417A (en) * | 1994-04-18 | 1994-12-06 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Automotive knee bolster |
US5544913A (en) * | 1994-04-26 | 1996-08-13 | Takata Corporation | Protective device for protecting vehicle occupant |
US5536043A (en) * | 1994-05-23 | 1996-07-16 | Morton International, Inc. | Air bag activated knee bolster |
US5556128A (en) * | 1994-11-24 | 1996-09-17 | Volkswagen Ag | Safety arrangement for a vehicle occupant |
US5533748A (en) * | 1994-12-01 | 1996-07-09 | Morton International, Inc. | Invisible instrument panel or dashboard airbag cover door |
US5567375A (en) * | 1995-06-05 | 1996-10-22 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Method for casting a thermoplastic automotive air bag cover skin with a lesser strength thermoplastic tear seam strip insert |
US5865468A (en) * | 1995-07-28 | 1999-02-02 | Daewoo Motor Co., Ltd. | Knee bolster of a vehicle |
US5968431A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1999-10-19 | Chrysler Corporation | Soft touch cover and method of manufacture |
US6336653B1 (en) * | 1996-05-22 | 2002-01-08 | Simula, Inc. | Inflatable tubular knee bolster |
US5816613A (en) * | 1996-07-08 | 1998-10-06 | Trw Occupant Restraint Systems Gmbh | Knee restraining device for vehicles |
US6142520A (en) * | 1996-08-12 | 2000-11-07 | Bridgestone Corporation | Air bag |
US5845937A (en) * | 1997-02-10 | 1998-12-08 | Morton International, Inc. | Structural assembly |
US6131950A (en) * | 1997-02-18 | 2000-10-17 | Trw Occupant Restraint Systems Gmbh | Knee restraint device for vehicles |
US5931493A (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 1999-08-03 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Actuatable knee bolster |
US5957493A (en) * | 1997-12-19 | 1999-09-28 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Airbag check valve |
USD412880S (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 1999-08-17 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Air bag activated knee bolster |
US5967594A (en) * | 1998-05-26 | 1999-10-19 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Vehicle door structure and armrest |
US6032978A (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2000-03-07 | Abc Group Interior Systems | Inflatable knee bolster |
US6758493B2 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2004-07-06 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Passenger side active knee bolster |
US6619689B2 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2003-09-16 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Inflatable knee bolster |
US6203057B1 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2001-03-20 | General Motors Corporation | Inflatable knee bolster |
US6213497B1 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2001-04-10 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Inflatable knee bolster |
US20020125691A1 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2002-09-12 | Conlee James Kent | Passenger side active knee bolster |
US20010054811A1 (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2001-12-27 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Inflatable knee bolster |
US6250665B1 (en) * | 1998-12-15 | 2001-06-26 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Retainer structure for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device |
US6193272B1 (en) * | 1998-12-18 | 2001-02-27 | Autoliv Development Ab | Knee protector with load distribution cage |
US6158766A (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2000-12-12 | Lear Corporation | Vehicle floor system incorporating airbag |
US6338501B1 (en) * | 1999-04-22 | 2002-01-15 | Trw Occupant Restraint Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg | Protective occupant knee restraint device in a vehicle |
US20040163873A1 (en) * | 1999-05-17 | 2004-08-26 | Edscha Ag | Front hood assembly |
US6231072B1 (en) * | 1999-10-15 | 2001-05-15 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Headliner based supplemental restraint assembly |
US6517103B1 (en) * | 2000-01-25 | 2003-02-11 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable knee bolster module assembly |
US6305710B1 (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2001-10-23 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable knee bolster module assembly |
US6817625B2 (en) * | 2000-03-14 | 2004-11-16 | Autoliv Development Ab | Safety arrangement |
US6471242B2 (en) * | 2001-03-01 | 2002-10-29 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable knee airbag |
US6688643B2 (en) * | 2001-03-06 | 2004-02-10 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable airbag bolster panel retention apparatus |
US7093851B2 (en) * | 2001-03-13 | 2006-08-22 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Tunable control side air bag cushion |
US6578867B2 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2003-06-17 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Inflatable system for protection of lower extremities |
US6536802B1 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2003-03-25 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Vehicle instrument panel assembly |
US7055853B2 (en) * | 2002-01-31 | 2006-06-06 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Side airbag apparatus |
US7021652B2 (en) * | 2002-02-25 | 2006-04-04 | Takata Corporation | Airbag apparatus |
US20030197354A1 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2003-10-23 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Inflatable headliner system |
US20050253369A1 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2005-11-17 | Yoshifumi Taoka | Instrument panel structure for vehicles |
US7086663B2 (en) * | 2002-07-08 | 2006-08-08 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Side air bag device |
US6712385B2 (en) * | 2002-07-11 | 2004-03-30 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Dent and vibration resistant rigid knee airbag |
US6874811B2 (en) * | 2002-07-11 | 2005-04-05 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Expandable rigid knee airbag system |
US20040007856A1 (en) * | 2002-07-11 | 2004-01-15 | Enders Mark L. | Expandable rigid knee airbag system |
US20050073134A1 (en) * | 2002-07-18 | 2005-04-07 | Hirokazu Matsuura | Knee protection airbag device |
US6991252B2 (en) * | 2002-07-24 | 2006-01-31 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Airbag to load plate attachment mechanism |
US7093846B2 (en) * | 2002-08-01 | 2006-08-22 | Autoliv Development Ab | Airbag system designed for two persons |
US6568743B1 (en) * | 2002-08-07 | 2003-05-27 | Ford Global Technologies, Inc. | Active armrest for side impact protection |
US6848715B2 (en) * | 2002-08-26 | 2005-02-01 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Folded rigid knee airbag |
US7055083B2 (en) * | 2002-09-09 | 2006-05-30 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Method and apparatus for allocating CRC codes in a flash ROM |
US20040075252A1 (en) * | 2002-10-21 | 2004-04-22 | Pan James Y.M. | Inflatable head restraint |
US20040100075A1 (en) * | 2002-11-21 | 2004-05-27 | Takata Corporation | Occupant protection system |
US20040145163A1 (en) * | 2002-12-05 | 2004-07-29 | Etienne Galmiche | Set of equipment comprising an inflatable structure and means for guiding its deployment, and corresponding motor vehicle |
US7168733B2 (en) * | 2002-12-27 | 2007-01-30 | Takata Corporation | Airbag apparatus |
US6971667B2 (en) * | 2003-01-14 | 2005-12-06 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Glove compartment airbag system |
US20040135353A1 (en) * | 2003-01-14 | 2004-07-15 | Enders Mark L. | Glove compartment airbag system |
US20040163872A1 (en) * | 2003-01-16 | 2004-08-26 | Paul Lincoln | Anti-submarining airbag module |
US20040155447A1 (en) * | 2003-02-06 | 2004-08-12 | Smith Bradley W. | Inflatable bolster with decorative front panel and expandable metal rear panel |
US6976706B2 (en) * | 2003-02-06 | 2005-12-20 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Inflatable bolster with decorative front panel and expandable metal rear panel |
US20040178616A1 (en) * | 2003-03-12 | 2004-09-16 | Takata Corporation | Occupant protection system |
US20040232666A1 (en) * | 2003-05-08 | 2004-11-25 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Side airbag apparatus |
US20050023802A1 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-02-03 | Enders Mark L. | Adapter unit for a knee airbag |
US20050029781A1 (en) * | 2003-08-08 | 2005-02-10 | Enders Mark L. | Dual cushion passenger airbag |
US20050052011A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-10 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Instrument panel subassembly including a glove box door |
US20050052010A1 (en) * | 2003-09-05 | 2005-03-10 | Best Michael James | Structural knee bolster |
US20050052005A1 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2005-03-10 | Larry Lunt | Expandable pelvic side airbag |
US7144032B2 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2006-12-05 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Expandable pelvic side airbag |
US20050057024A1 (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2005-03-17 | Weston Douglas Stephen | Method and apparatus for providing an inflatable cushion for use with a vehicle door |
US20050098996A1 (en) * | 2003-11-06 | 2005-05-12 | Enders Mark L. | Knee bolster cover |
US20050116449A1 (en) * | 2003-12-01 | 2005-06-02 | Enders Mark L. | Knee airbag and glove box assembly |
US20060214400A1 (en) * | 2005-03-22 | 2006-09-28 | Autoliv Asp, Inc. | Airbag cushion with integrated inflator |
US20070052219A1 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2007-03-08 | Rust John C | Inflatable interior panel for a vehicle |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9085275B2 (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2015-07-21 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Active bolster |
US8544880B2 (en) | 2005-06-03 | 2013-10-01 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Active bolster |
US10315608B2 (en) | 2005-06-03 | 2019-06-11 | Abc Technologies Inc. | Active bolster |
US9731675B2 (en) | 2005-06-03 | 2017-08-15 | Abc Group Inc. | Active bolster |
US8801032B2 (en) | 2005-06-03 | 2014-08-12 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Active bolster |
US20140346759A1 (en) * | 2005-06-03 | 2014-11-27 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Active bolster |
US8827307B2 (en) | 2005-11-17 | 2014-09-09 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Inflatable bolster |
US8544876B2 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2013-10-01 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Inflatable bolster |
US8388020B2 (en) | 2008-04-11 | 2013-03-05 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Inflatable multilayer bolster and method of manufacture |
US8459689B2 (en) | 2009-12-24 | 2013-06-11 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Passenger side active knee bolster |
US8491008B2 (en) | 2010-05-05 | 2013-07-23 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Injection molded inflatable active bolster |
US8579325B2 (en) | 2010-11-09 | 2013-11-12 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Active bolster |
US8931803B2 (en) | 2010-11-09 | 2015-01-13 | Salflex Polymers Ltd. | Active bolster |
US9022415B2 (en) * | 2011-01-11 | 2015-05-05 | Autoliv Development Ab | Cover for airbag device, and airbag device |
US20130300091A1 (en) * | 2011-01-11 | 2013-11-14 | Autoliv Development Ab | Cover for airbag device, and airbag device |
US9254808B2 (en) * | 2011-02-07 | 2016-02-09 | Salflex Polymers Limited | Active bolster assembly |
US20130328291A1 (en) * | 2011-02-07 | 2013-12-12 | Salflex Polymers Limited | Active Bolster Assembly |
US9156423B1 (en) | 2014-06-09 | 2015-10-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with active vent formed in attachment bosses |
US9636888B2 (en) | 2015-02-04 | 2017-05-02 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Injection molding of hollow articles |
US10926729B2 (en) | 2015-02-04 | 2021-02-23 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Injection molding of hollow articles |
US9327672B1 (en) | 2015-03-12 | 2016-05-03 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Active bolster with bladder member hot welded to reaction plate |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE112009000826B4 (en) | 2017-07-27 |
US8388020B2 (en) | 2013-03-05 |
US7980589B2 (en) | 2011-07-19 |
US8827307B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 |
US20120080871A1 (en) | 2012-04-05 |
DE112009000826T5 (en) | 2011-05-19 |
DE112009000840T5 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
WO2009124401A1 (en) | 2009-10-15 |
US20110115201A1 (en) | 2011-05-19 |
WO2009124394A1 (en) | 2009-10-15 |
DE112009000840B4 (en) | 2020-12-24 |
US8544876B2 (en) | 2013-10-01 |
DE112009000827T5 (en) | 2011-05-12 |
WO2009124401A8 (en) | 2010-01-21 |
US20110123739A1 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
WO2009124395A1 (en) | 2009-10-15 |
US20090250915A1 (en) | 2009-10-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20110109064A1 (en) | Inflatable bolster | |
US8459689B2 (en) | Passenger side active knee bolster | |
US7338068B2 (en) | Garnish clip for curtain shield airbag | |
EP2516215B1 (en) | Inflatable airbag assembly with an integral cover | |
KR100506720B1 (en) | Structure for mounting pillar trim in the vehicle mounted curtain airbag | |
US20050285374A1 (en) | Garnish clip for curtain shield airbag | |
US6364346B1 (en) | Motor vehicle trim assembly including a hollow plastic panel for a side impact inflatable air bag system | |
JP4598468B2 (en) | Shock absorber for vehicle | |
US8025308B2 (en) | Curtain airbag | |
US7097199B2 (en) | Airbag cover emblem attachment apparatus and method | |
JP3704844B2 (en) | Arrangement structure of occupant protection device for automobile | |
US20070241542A1 (en) | Air Bag Deployment Ramp | |
US20040056514A1 (en) | Pillar trim structure | |
JP4508383B2 (en) | Air bag built-in pillar garnish mounting structure | |
US7722113B2 (en) | Interior parts for a vehicle | |
JP5227200B2 (en) | Airbag clip mounting structure | |
KR100353055B1 (en) | Airbag door for automobile | |
US6481742B2 (en) | Case of air bag system | |
JP2006151250A (en) | Shock absorber for vehicle | |
JP3705149B2 (en) | Pillar garnish | |
JP3620305B2 (en) | Airbag device for side impact of automobile | |
US6089595A (en) | Side impact airbag module | |
JP2009255854A (en) | Clip mounting base | |
JP4090270B2 (en) | Pillar garnish for curtain-type airbags | |
KR100947996B1 (en) | Mounting Structure of Air Bag Module |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SALFLEX POLYMERS LTD., ONTARIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BEST, MICHAEL JAMES;ROYCHOUDHURY, RAJ S.;CIPLIJAUSKAS, RIMAS;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20110711 TO 20110721;REEL/FRAME:026831/0717 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ABC GROUP INC., CANADA Free format text: MERGER AND CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNORS:SALFLEX POLYMERS LIMITED;ABC GROUP INC.;REEL/FRAME:041052/0914 Effective date: 20160704 |