Ismael M Rodriguez

US Patent:

20040256878, Dec 23, 2004

Filed:

Jun 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/600552

Inventors:

Nadav Rave - Malvern PA, US
Ismael Rodriguez - West Chester PA, US
Roland Ewaniuk - Newtown Square PA, US

Assignee:

JSP LICENSES, INC. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

B62D025/14

US Classification:

296/070000

Abstract:

A fragmentation-resistant instrument panel for use in a vehicle is provided which includes an outer layer having an inner surface and a core of expanded plastic of a predetermined shape and having an inner surface. The core is secured to the inner surface of the outer layer. The inner layer has an inner surface fixedly secured to the inner surface of the core to thereby at least partially encapsulate the expanded plastic foam between it and the outer layer. The instrument panel is resistant to fragmentation in the event that an impact force is applied to the inner layer. A method of making the instrument panel is also provided.

US Patent:

20040256879, Dec 23, 2004

Filed:

Mar 25, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/808844

Inventors:

Nadav Rave - Malvern PA, US
Ismael Rodriguez - West Chester PA, US
Roland Ewaniuk - Newtown Square PA, US

Assignee:

JSP LICENSES, INC. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

B62D025/14

US Classification:

296/070000

Abstract:

A fragmentation-resistant instrument panel is provided which includes an outer layer having an inner surface and a core of expanded plastic foam of a predetermined shape. The core is secured to the inner surface of the outer layer. An inner layer is fixedly secured to the inner surface of the core to encapsulate the foam. A V-shaped groove in the core is provided where the groove has an open side open to the to the inner surface of the inner layer and a closed side adjacent to the inner surface of the outerlayer. The instrument panel will be resistant to fragmentation when an impact force is applied to the inner layer by the air bag and the V-shaped groove provides for a hinge point when the air bag is deployed such that the instrument panel directs the air bag toward a vehicle occupant. A method of manufacturing the instrument panel is also provided.