Patents by Inventor Dan F. Gillay

Dan F. Gillay 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).

  • Patent number: 9586554
    Abstract: Side pillar assemblies may include trim straps for structural rigidity during deployment of side airbag apparatuses. During deployment, the airbag can deploy from behind the roof head lining, above one or more pillar garnishes of the side pillar assembly and into the occupant compartment. A rib along the back surface of the pillar garnish may be placed in tension during a deployment event and inhibit fragmentation of the pillar garnish and limit movement of the pillar garnish into the occupant compartment. The rib may include one or more strap portions that may be placed in compression in the event of an impact on the interior facing portions of the pillar garnish. The strap portions may buckle under the compression force and provide a level of cushioning or energy dissipation due to the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike A. Baer, Jaime N. Moore, Dan F. Gillay