Patents by Inventor Peter L. Vigeant

Peter L. Vigeant 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).

  • Integral steering wheel and airbag module
    Patent number: 5765861
    Abstract: The rim and spoke armatures of an automotive steering wheel are molded into a plastic body which presents to the driver an unbroken front surface. The plastic body of the steering wheel includes a cavity in its back surface which is closed by a hub plate attached to the steering column. The cavity and the hub plate serve as an airbag module and house the inflator and the folded airbag therein. The front surface of the steering wheel body may be scored, preferably on its hidden side, to form tear lines to release the expanding airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignees: Morton International, Inc., TG North America Corporation
    Inventors: Merle K. Ricks, Gary V. Adams, Joseph J. Mannino, Peter L. Vigeant