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:
Jul. 18, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 09, 1998
Applicant:
Inventors:
Joseph J Davis, Jr, Ortonville, MI (US);
John H Faarup, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Jack Palazzolo, Dearborn, MI (US);
Assignee:
Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc., Southfield, MI (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B62D / ; B60R / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
296 70 ; 2807283 ; 296 72 ;
Abstract
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.