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:
Jun. 04, 2013
Filed:
Feb. 25, 2010
Haoliang Michael Sun, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Erik Garland, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Haoliang Michael Sun, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Erik Garland, Royal Oak, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
An energy absorbing panel assembly for the interior of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The energy absorbing panel assembly, typically the knee bolster panel adjacent the steering wheel, includes an energy absorbing structure integrally molded to the panel. The energy absorbing structure includes three outer side walls and a top wall. The outer side walls extend from the same side of the top wall to the panel. Extending from the top wall to the panel is at least one top wall supporting rib. The rib is positioned between the outer side walls. At least one of the outer walls is at an obtuse angle relative to the plane of the top wall. All three of the outer walls may be at an obtuse angle relative to the plane of the top wall. Lateral supports may be provided between the outer side walls and the panel.