Eric A Langley

US Patent:

6942240, Sep 13, 2005

Filed:

Jan 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/345018

Inventors:

Walter P. Kornylo - Livonia MI, US
Karthik V. Kumar - Farmington Hills MI, US
Eric R. Langley - Howell MI, US

Assignee:

Intier Automotive Inc. - Newmarket

International Classification:

B60R021/16

US Classification:

2807282, 280732

Abstract:

An inflatable restraint module comprises an inflatable restraint canister including an inflatable restraint, an instrument panel including an inflatable restraint door, and a structural reinforcement member that maintains proper deployment of the inflatable restraint. The structural reinforcement member is attached to an inflatable restraint chute that extends from the instrument panel at a first location and is attached to the structural member and the instrument panel at a second location. Upon deployment of an inflatable restraint, the structural reinforcement member goes into tension, thereby causing the structural reinforcement member to relieve stresses imparted to the instrument panel. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1. 72().

US Patent:

7070199, Jul 4, 2006

Filed:

Jan 21, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/348390

Inventors:

Walter P Kornylo - Livonia MI, US
Karthik V. Kumar - Farmington Hills MI, US
Eric R. Langley - Howell MI, US

Assignee:

Intier Automotive Inc. - Newmarket

International Classification:

B60R 21/16

US Classification:

2807282, 280732

Abstract:

An inflatable restraint module comprises an inflatable restraint canister including an inflatable restraint, an instrument panel, and a mechanism for interlocking the instrument panel to the inflatable restrain. The mechanism includes an attachment portion attached to a chute of the inflatable restraint module, a shaft portion extending from the attachment portion, and an engagement flange extending from the shaft portion. Upon upward displacement of the chute as a result of deployment of the inflatable restraint, the mechanism concurrently shifts with the chute, causing the engagement flange to shift from a free-floating, at-rest position to an engagement position with a structural member for controlling the relative movement between the chute and the instrument panel.