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:
Jan. 08, 2002
Filed:
Nov. 10, 2000
Roy C. Turnbull, Shelby Township, MI (US);
Kurt F. Fischer, Oxford, MI (US);
Andrew J. Smydra, Rochester, MI (US);
TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
An apparatus ( ) for use in a vehicle comprises an air bag module ( ) including an inflatable air bag ( ) and an opening ( ) through which the air bag deploys when inflated. A deployment door ( ) covers the opening ( ). The deployment door ( ) includes a first edge ( ) and a hinge area ( ) extending parallel to the first edge. The hinge area ( ) has an attachment portion ( ) connected to the vehicle and a hinge portion ( ) at which the deployment door ( ) pivots to allow the air bag ( ) to deploy. The hinge portion ( ) has oppositely disposed first and second ends ( and ). The deployment door ( ) has a second edge ( ) disposed opposite the first edge ( ). The second edge ( ) includes a central portion ( ). The deployment door ( ) further includes first and second areas ( and ) of reduced stiffness. The first area ( ) of reduced stiffness extends from the first end ( ) of the hinge portion ( ) toward the central portion ( ) of the second edge ( ) and defines a first side section ( ) of the deployment door ( ). The second area ( ) of reduced stiffness extends from the second end ( ) of the hinge portion ( ) toward the central portion ( ) of the second edge ( ) and defines a second side section ( ) of the deployment door ( ). The first and second areas ( and ) of reduced stiffness enable the first and second side sections ( and ), respectively, of the deployment door ( ) to flex around parts ( ) of the vehicle occupant that may be blocking pivotal movement of the deployment door during deployment of the air bag ( ).