Patents by Inventor Ralph A. Molinaro

Ralph A. Molinaro 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).

  • Instrument panel structure for an automotive vehicle
    Patent number: 4805924
    Abstract: An instrument panel structure is provided for an automotive vehicle. The instrument panel structure includes an energy absorbing panel member fabricated of a relatively rigid impact resistant material. The panel member has an upper portion adapted to accept head impacts of a vehicle occupant and a lower portion adapted to accept knee impact of a vehicle occupant. The upper portion is weakened with respect to the lower portion by providing spaced apart protuberances on the surface on the reverse side of the surface designed to be impacted so that it will give more readily under impact than does the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Birchfield, Ralph A. Molinaro, Lynn K. Tilly