The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 11, 1997
Filed:
Aug. 01, 1995
Andrew J Smydra, Rochester, MI (US);
Rodger M Cherry, Macomb Township, MI (US);
Scott A Kelley, Algonac, MI (US);
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
A deployment apparatus for use with an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint, such as an air bag (18), includes a pivotal door panel (80). The apparatus further includes three couplings (124, 126, and 128) which secure the door panel (80) in a closed position by blocking pivotal movement of the door panel (80). The couplings (124, 126, and 128) include rigid members (118, 120, and 122) which rupture a rupturable member (84) upon relative movement of those members under the influence of the inflating air bag (18). The couplings (124, 126, and 128) are opened so as to release the door panel (80) for pivotal movement upon such rupturing by the rigid members (118, 120, and 122). One of the couplings (124) is located near the middle of the door panel (80). The other couplings (126 and 128) are located closer to the opposite ends of the door panel (80). The coupling (124) near the middle of the door panel (80) is opened before the other couplings (126 and 128) are opened. The couplings (124, 126, and 128) thus release the door panel (80) near the middle of the door panel (80) before releasing the door panel (80) near its opposite ends.