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:
Aug. 17, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 23, 1997
Shawn R Williams, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
James E Holtslag, Clarkston, MI (US);
Jeffrey S Rausch, Graz, AT;
James M Resovsky, Waterford, MI (US);
Larry W Bell, Canton, MI (US);
Chrysler Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
An energy absorption system for vehicle pillars. The energy absorption system includes a cover device attached to a pillar having an outer shell or side visible from the vehicle interior and an inner hidden side supporting a ladder-like structure which includes a spaced walls and spaced ribs integrally attached together. During energy absorption, the side walls absorb energy by bowing outward away from the ribs and occasionally tearing while energy is also absorbed by crushing distortion and tearing of the ribs from their attachment with the walls. Moreover, in an embodiment, at least one flow channel or passage for air is formed within the device laterally to the side of one of the walls. In another embodiment in which a seat belt attachment is utilized, the device forms a track for a slidable retention belt retention member.