Patents Assigned to Ford Motor Comany
  • Patent number: 5639115
    Abstract: A trim piece (40) for use with an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (14) includes a deployment panel (42), a base (46), and a scrim (76). The deployment panel (42) covers the restraint (14) in the vehicle, and includes a deployment door (44), a hinge (102), and a door frame section (90) which surrounds the hinge (102) and the deployment door (44). The base (46) also surrounds the hinge (102) and the deployment door (44), and projects inward from the door frame section (90) to define a chute (48) through which the restraint (14) moves outward toward the deployment door (44). The scrim (76) is embedded in the deployment panel (42) and the base (46). The scrim (76) extends partially across the door frame section (90) toward the deployment door (44), extends inward from the door frame section (90) into the base (46), turns approximately 180.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignees: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc., Ford Motor Comany
    Inventors: Scott A. Kelley, Ashir P. Thakore, John L. Miklas, Daniel C. Bach, Jr., Edgar Valdez