Patents by Inventor Paul M. Fanning

Paul M. Fanning 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).

  • Fastenerless tethered deployment door for passenger-side airbag module
    Patent number: 5431433
    Abstract: A passenger-side airbag module assembly consisting of a reaction canister and deployment door is assembled into a motor vehicle's instrument panel. The breakaway deployment door of the airbag module fits flush with the surrounding instrument panel of the vehicle. The reaction canister containing the folded airbag is positioned behind the deployment door and rigidly mounted to the instrument panel sub-structure. The connection between the deployment door and the reaction canister comprises a pair of flexible tethers. Each tether has one edge secured to a different sidewall of the canister. The other edge of each tether engages a portion of the deployment door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Steimke, Paul M. Fanning, Edward Friery