Patents by Inventor Brian J. Mullan

Brian J. Mullan has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Reinforcement structure for instrument panel
    Patent number: 6837518
    Abstract: An energy absorbing knee bolster for use in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. The knee bolster is configured to absorb energy from the vehicle's occupants during a crash. The knee bolster is formed of a collapsible cylinder which is welded to an impact plate on its first end and to a vehicle's cross-car beam at its second end. A coupling flange is disposed between the impact plate and a medial portion of the collapsible cylinder. The collapsible cylinder is configured to axially collapse at a predetermined force when impacted by a moving occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: L&W Engineering Incorporated
    Inventor: Brian J. Mullan
  • Reinforcement structure for instrument panel
    Publication number: 20040036264
    Abstract: An energy absorbing knee bolster for use in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. The knee bolster is configured to absorb energy from the vehicle's occupants during a crash. The knee bolster is formed of a collapsible cylinder which is welded to an impact plate on its first end and to a vehicle's cross-car beam at its second end. A coupling flange is disposed between the impact plate and a medial portion of the collapsible cylinder. The collapsible cylinder is configured to axially collapse at a predetermined force when impacted by a moving occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Brian J. Mullan