Lear Corporation

Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.

John H Faarup

Joseph J Davis, Jr

Jack S Palazzolo

Michael J Hier

Sarkis B Mikhjian

Jack Palazzolo

A method and apparatus for mounting knee and glove box surface configurations on a support structure utilizing a universal energy-absorbing bracket capable of being mounted on cross-car beams of a number of different car lines for supporting the different knee and glove box surface configurations.

Universal energy absorbing bracket

The present invention involves a molded seamless vehicle interior panel having a seamless airbag door for concealing an airbag. The panel includes a retainer portion and a door portion circumscribed by the retainer portion. The retainer portion is disposed adjacent the airbag of the vehicle and has an opening to define a void over the airbag. The retainer portion has an appearance finish of an aesthetic look. The door portion disposed within the void integrally circumscribed by the retainer portion to define the seamless airbag door through which the airbag may deploy. The door portion has an appearance finish compatible to the appearance of the retainer portion such that no seam is visible. The door portion is molded together with the retainer portion and formed of a material different than the material of the retainer portion.

Molded seamless vehicle interior panel for concealing an airbag

A unique flexible hinge member for an instrument panel airbag is formed of a flexible plastic. The flexible hinge member is secured to the under surface of the instrument panel by a welding technique. The instrument panel is formed with a tear seam on its under surface, but no tear seam on its under surface. In one embodiment, the tear seam is h-shaped and two flexible hinge portions are utilized. In another embodiment, the tear seam is u-shaped and a single flexible hinge member is utilized.

Instrument panel seamless airbag cover

An unique airbag support assembly for an instrument panel airbag is formed of a unitary design. The airbag support assembly has a door flap which is secured by a flexible hinge member to an outer rim. The outer rim includes a support structure for supporting an airbag module. The outer rim and door flap are secured to an under face of the instrument panel by a welding technique. The instrument panel is formed with a tear seam on its under face, but no tear seam is formed on its front face.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester Hills, MI, United States of America

John H Faarup