Deployment Door Patents (Class 280/728.3)
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Patent number: 10040415Abstract: A vehicle seatback assembly includes an outer shell coupled to a seatback carrier via a releasable coupling arrangement. The releasable coupling arrangement can take various forms in order to securely couple the outer shell to the seatback carrier. A seatback frame is disposed between the seatback carrier and the outer shell in assembly. An airbag module is coupled to the seatback frame, and the releasable coupling arrangement is configured to release upon deployment of an airbag from the airbag module to define a peripheral gap between the outer shell and seatback carrier through which the airbag can be deployed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marc Silva Kondrad, Brett Ronzi, Christian J. Hosbach, Keith Allen Godin, David Frederick Lyons, Jr.
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Patent number: 10000175Abstract: A side airbag cover (20) having a top surface (22) upon which can be positioned a decorative emblem (30), the top surface (20) and emblem (30) are configured to break when subjected to a determinable force pressuring on an undersurface (25) of the cover (20), the undersurface (25) including a tear seam (40) which breaks when subjected to a determinable pressure or load, the emblem (30) having its own tear seam (50), wherein the emblem tear seam (50) is displaced laterally relative to an adjacent portion of the tear seam (40).Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Inventor: Jeffery Coon
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Patent number: 9988000Abstract: The invention relates to a badge assembly for being connected to an airbag cover composing a badge (10) and a retaining plate (20) adapted to be clip-connected to each other, wherein the badge comprises positioning pins (17) which are adapted to be tightly connected to positioning seats (23) of the retaining element. The invention excels by the fact that the badge (10) includes a decoration element (12) and a carrier element (13) being tightly connected to each other, wherein the carrier element (13) comprises the positioning pins (17). The invention further relates to an airbag cover, an airbag module and a vehicle steering wheel comprising said badge assembly as well as a manufacturing method.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Dalphi Metal Espana S.A.Inventor: Ruben Barros Alonso
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Patent number: 9975514Abstract: An air bag chute assembly attaches an air bag module to an automotive instrument panel. An outer collar attaches the assembly to the instrument panel. A tubular chute extends interiorly from the collar to a lower end defining a deployment path for the air bag. A door flap is disposed in an upper end of the chute rotatable from the collar to emerge from the instrument panel. A hinge attaching the door flap to the collar comprises a plurality of S-shaped extendable hinge straps laterally spaced along one edge of the door flap. A first hinge strap proximate one lateral end of the hinge has a first length shorter than a second length of a second hinge strap proximate an opposite lateral end of the hinge, thereby restricting rotation of the door flap at the one lateral end in order to avoid contacting a windshield during deployment.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Scott Simon
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Patent number: 9925945Abstract: An airbag assembly in a vehicle is provided. The airbag assembly comprises a base and a housing to be inserted into the base. The housing includes a first connection part protruding from an outer wall of the housing and a second connection part extending from the first connection part and facing the outer wall and the base includes a first slot extending in a first direction and a second slot extending from the first slot at a second direction different from the first direction, and the first slot includes an open end to receive the first connection part. The housing is connected with the base when first connection part is received in the second slot.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sophie Yan, Josh Zheng, Daisy Zhao, Laurence Yin, Bob Wang, Qingsong Ma
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Patent number: 9903999Abstract: A light assembly for illuminating an emblem includes a housing, an emblem, and an optical light guide. The housing holds a light source. The emblem has a structural body defined by emblem edges. The optical light guide is coupled to the housing and has a shape associated with the emblem. A surface of the optical light guide faces and is at least partially covered by the structural body of the emblem. The optical light guide defines exposed edges that project laterally beyond the emblem edges of the emblem. The optical light guide is configured to receive light generated by the light source and to emit at least some of the light along the exposed edges thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS CANADA ULCInventors: Lucian Iordache, Nelson Yu
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Patent number: 9792347Abstract: A system for knowledge capture and discovery comprises a knowledge repository in which all input data is stored as objects and relationships between objects, and which input data may be stored according to more than one storage format. At least two hierarchical user interfaces provide input mechanisms to obtain the input data, object information concerning the input data and relationship information concerning the input data, thereby permitting end user applications to be developed. A controller receives the input data, object information and relationship information from the at least two hierarchical user interfaces and causes the input data to be stored in the knowledge repository as an object based on the object information and the relationship information.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: BEULAHWORKS, LLCInventors: Site Guo, Robert E. Johnson, Blaine Robert Hilton, David A. Nevill
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Patent number: 9789836Abstract: A number of variations may include a method to verify engagement between a passenger airbag module and an instrument panel chute comprising: providing a passenger airbag module with a plurality of snap-locks and an instrument panel chute with a plurality of chute tabs; pressing the passenger airbag onto the instrument panel chute so that the plurality of snap-locks engage with the plurality of chute tabs; placing a ring bracket around the plurality of snap-locks and the plurality of chute tabs and attaching the ring bracket to the passenger airbag using a first screw and a second screw to verify whether the plurality of snap-locks are engaged with the chute tabs.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Charles P. Byers
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Patent number: 9764708Abstract: An airbag module includes an inflatable folded or rolled airbag, a gas generator for inflating the airbag. The airbag module includes a metallic bracket with a U-shaped cross section, which embraces the folded or rolled airbag, and which includes at least two attachment points for an attachment of the airbag module at two distanced attachment points at a vehicle fixed structure. The metallic bracket is designed to be attached with facing the open space between two opposing legs of the U-shaped cross section towards the interior of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABInventors: Gilles Garret, Olivier Richez
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Patent number: 9744934Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an airbag and a concentrator strap that facilitates simplified assembly and enhanced airbag performance. The concentrator strap includes an attachment feature that cooperates with a corresponding feature of the seat frame in a manner that reduces cost, cycle time, and assembly errors. The concentrator strap extends over the airbag module and into an attachment opening, where an attachment tab engages the seat frame. The concentrator strap can be pre-attached to a seat cover and extended to engage the seat frame after the seat cover is partially installed over the seat frame, as the attachment tab can be configured for engagement without the need for special tools.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLCInventor: Lola Lafferty
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Patent number: 9740242Abstract: A motion control assembly includes a motion control device electrically connected to a battery pack and to a mobile computing device for at least data transmission therebetween. The motion control device can generate inputs, such as inputs corresponding to an attribute of a sensed object, for transmission to the mobile computing device. The drain on a battery of a battery-powered mobile computing device can be reduced when used with a motion control device as follows. A motion control assembly, comprising a motion control device and a battery pack, capable of powering the motion control device, as an integral, one-piece unit, is selected. The motion control device is connected to an electrical connector of a battery-powered mobile computing device. The motion control device is supplied with power from the battery pack during use so the motion control device can be operated using the power from the battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: LEAP MOTION, INC.Inventors: Robert Samuel Gordon, Paul Alan Durdik
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Patent number: 9718429Abstract: A side airbag assembly for protecting an occupant of a vehicle seat. The assembly includes an inflatable cushion, wherein the cushion is stored in a compact arrangement. An inflator is provided for supplying inflation gas for the cushion. The inflator and cushion are secured in position by a mounting bracket connected to a frame of the vehicle seat. A cover for covering a back surface of the vehicle seat is included and the cover includes a rear facing surface and a first side facing surface. The cover is connected to the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: Pongdet Paul Wipasuramonton, Jonathan Richard Kibat
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Patent number: 9713997Abstract: Interior panels having integrated airbag deployment doors for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided. In one example, an interior panel for a motor vehicle includes a substrate. The substrate includes a substrate section and a film insert. The film insert is disposed in the substrate section such that a frangible tear seam is formed along an interface between the film insert and the substrate section defining an integrated airbag deployment door in the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: FAURECIA INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Twork, Bradley P. Kusky
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Patent number: 9707920Abstract: A conveyance seat has a cushion body, at least a portion of which is formed using foam material, and an airbag apparatus having an airbag that is deployed according to a predetermined condition. At least a portion of the airbag apparatus is covered by the cushion body. A door portion is formed on the cushion body, and an opening through which the airbag is able to pass is formed, without tearing the cushion body, by the door portion opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hideo Sahashi
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Patent number: 9707919Abstract: An airbag deployment system is provided that includes a support structure, and a fabric material configured to form a show surface of a vehicle interior panel. A first portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a rigid connection, a second portion of the fabric material is coupled to the support structure by a detachable connection, and the detachable connection is configured to release the second portion of the fabric material from the support structure upon contact between an airbag and the fabric material.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Nels Smith, Heather R. Springer, Mark S. Jurek, Ronald A. Bozio, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey A. Deyoung, Tony M. Pokorzynski, David John McCarthy
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Patent number: 9707917Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a side airbag device that includes an inflator and a bag body that inflates in a case in which the bag body is internally supplied with gas generated by the inflator, a side frame to which the side airbag device is attached, and a seatback pad that is attached to the side frame. The seatback pad is provided with an opening through which the inflating bag body passes, and a door that closes off the opening and that is pushed and swung by the inflating bag body so as to open up the opening. A depression is formed on a swing axis side of the door.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuyuki Shiga, Hiroki Yamano, Jouji Adachi, Takahiro Yasuda
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Patent number: 9701270Abstract: A side airbag system includes: an airbag; and a wrapping material that is disposed around a folded-up airbag body into which the airbag is folded so as to prevent the collapse of neatly arranged folds of the folded-up airbag body, the folded-up airbag body being configured as an elongated body having an external shape that is disposed so that a longitudinal direction thereof substantially follows an up-to-down direction, wherein: the wrapping material is disposed so as to wrap around the folded-up airbag body, including a brake planned portion capable of breaking when the airbag inflates which is provided on a front surface side of the folded-up airbag body so as to substantially follow the up-to-down direction; and the break planned portion comprises a low-strength portion where a break strength thereof is set low and a high-strength portion where the break strength is set high.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshiaki Goto, Kensaku Honda, Akira Suzuki, Masao Kino
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Patent number: 9694780Abstract: An airbag cover can include a sidewall to couple the airbag cover with a housing of an airbag assembly. The airbag cover can further include a panel adjoined to the sidewall at a hinge, and the panel can cover at least a portion of an opening defined by the housing through which an airbag positioned in the housing is deployable when the airbag cover is coupled to the housing. The airbag cover can include one or more tear seams that are breakable by the airbag as the airbag is deployed to form at least a portion of the panel into a door that rotates about the hinge to permit egress of the airbag. The airbag cover can further include a stress-relief region in the sidewall that is laterally adjacent to the hinge, and the stress-relief region can flex as the door rotates about the hinge to inhibit the door from separating from the sidewall during deployment of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: William Gregory Lowe, Casey Brent Brewer, Claudia Ivonne Andrade Cruz
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Patent number: 9694779Abstract: A seatback assembly includes a seatback frame with an airbag deployment system coupled to a side member thereof. The airbag deployment system includes an airbag configured to deploy outwardly at a deployment force. A back panel includes a side member that at least partially covers the airbag deployment system in assembly. The side member includes a notch disposed adjacent to the airbag deployment system which separates a rear portion of the back panel from an airbag door configured to outwardly flex to an open position under the deployment force of the airbag deployment system. An adhesive patch is partially disposed over the notch and includes an adhesive layer adhered to the rear portion of the back panel and the airbag door of the back panel to tether the airbag door to the back panel and control the opening of the airbag door under the deployment force of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Martin Voelker, Richard Joseph Soyka, Jr., Manoj Desai
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Patent number: 9694778Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a frame, a cover, and a seat side airbag assembly. The seat side airbag assembly includes a chute mounted to the frame and extending to the cover. An airbag is fixed to the chute, with the chute extending between the airbag and the cover. The chute is attached to the cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric D. Veggian, Brian Robert Spahn
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Patent number: 9663057Abstract: An airbag cover may be configured to tear along weakening lines during deployment of an airbag. The airbag cover may comprise a carrier for the airbag and a decorative layer arranged on the carrier. The decorative layer may include a primary weakening line and a secondary weakening line, where the primary weakening line and the secondary weakening line may be configured to fracture when the airbag deploys. The primary weakening line may extend in a longitudinal direction, the secondary weakening line may extend in the longitudinal direction, the primary weakening line and the secondary weakening line may be separated by a distance extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the primary weakening line and the secondary weakening line may be separated by a non-weakened section. Methods for producing a weakening region in an airbag cover may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Lisa Draexlmaier GmbHInventor: Stefan Aust
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Patent number: 9650009Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for esthetically designing an airbag cover (30) comprising an annular decoration element (10) for arrangement on a front side (37) of a front wall (31) of the airbag cover (30), the decoration element (10) including at least one securing pin (11) adapted to penetrate the front wall (31). The invention excels by a retaining plate (20) for being attached to a back side (32) of the front wall (31), wherein the retaining plate (20) has at least one clip connector (21) adapted to be engaged with the securing pin (11) such that the decoration element (10) and the retaining plate (20) are permanently connected to each other. Furthermore the invention relates to an airbag cover, an airbag module, a vehicle steering wheel and a manufacturing method.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Dalphi Metal Espana S.A.Inventors: Ramon Bana Castro, Victor Jose Gonzales Horta, Andreas Maria Joachin Jonietz, Jose Rodriguez Estevez
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Patent number: 9623832Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an airbag that deploys and inflates while being unfolded from an accommodating portion, when inflating gas flows into the airbag; and a regulating member that is able to regulate the deployment and inflation of an airbag. The regulating member is flexible, and includes a temporary holding portion that releasably and temporarily holds a folded portion that is a part of the airbag; an attachment portion that is attached to the accommodating portion; and a connecting piece portion that connects the attachment portion and the temporary holding portion. The temporary holding portion includes a base portion that is continuous with the connecting piece portion, and a cover portion that forms a holding concave portion for temporarily holding the folded portion, and is connected to the base portion. An opening for releasing the folded portion is provided at an inner circumference of a non-connected release edge.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Wataru Miura, Takashi Shigemura, Tsuyoshi Furuno
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Patent number: 9604384Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a weakening structure in a decor layer of an airbag cover, said weakening structure not being visible when observed from a viewed side. With the method, a punching tool penetrates into a rear side of the decor layer consisting of leather, said rear side being away from the viewed side, and thereby is simultaneously rotated about its longitudinal axis. A penetration depth of the punching tool which is smaller than the thickness of the decor layer is moreover maintained.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbHInventor: Ulrich Sandmeyer
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Patent number: 9592789Abstract: A side airbag deployment direction control structure includes an airbag module installed at the vehicle width direction outer side of a door-side side frame portion. During inflation and deployment of a side airbag of airbag module, a stitched portion between a front cover and a front side cover of a seat cover ruptures under inflation pressure of the side airbag. This forms an opening for the side airbag to inflate and deploy to the outer side of a seatback. Note that the stitched portion is provided further to the seat width direction inner side than a center of the inflator. Further, a reaction force plate is positioned at the vehicle width direction outer side of the airbag module and includes a side reaction force face of which a front end portion extends further toward the vehicle front side than the airbag module and the door-side side frame portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yusuke Fujiwara
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Patent number: 9586558Abstract: A buckle assembly for a vehicle includes a buckle member, an anchor bracket, and a webbing strap. The buckle member includes a connector that defines a buckle opening. The anchor bracket is operatively disposed in adjacent relationship to the buckle member and is configured for attachment to the vehicle. The anchor bracket defines a anchor opening. The webbing strap extends between a first strap portion and a second strap portion to form a loop portion therebetween. The webbing strap presents a first side and a second side, opposing the first side. The loop portion of the webbing strap extends through the buckle opening of the connector and the anchor opening of the anchor bracket. The first side of the first strap portion and the first side of the second strap portion are disposed in facing relationship to one another and a joint is formed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Kevin J. Storck
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Patent number: 9586553Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided that has two side bolsters and a central seat part arranged between the latter. Further provided are adjusting devices for adjusting the side bolsters on the sides facing the central seat part. A side airbag is integrated into one side bolster of the side bolsters, on its side facing away from the central seat part. A non-elastic seat cover is provided for this side bolster. The seat cover has an airbag seam. The seat cover is elastically attached in the area of an end facing away from the side airbag.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Joerg Wiegelmann, Günter Fleckenstein, Juergen Nilius
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Patent number: 9580035Abstract: A vehicle seat has an airbag module arranged in a seat bottom cushion. The seat bottom cushion is covered by a cover and comprises at least a first, relatively softer, “comfort” foam element adjacent to the cover and a second, relatively harder or firmer, “protective” foam element. The airbag module is positioned within a cavity defined in and by the second foam element so that it is at least partially surrounded by the harder second foam to protect the airbag module from downward forces applied to the seat bottom.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Markus Koelsch, Michael Goesch
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Patent number: 9573545Abstract: An integrated crashpad is provided. The integrate crashpad includes an integrally formed crashpad base that is indented on a passenger-facing front surface thereof toward the front of a vehicle, an accommodation space with a front airbag that is disposed therein, and a front airbag door that is integrally formed with the crashpad base. The front airbag door opens based on a first bent portion that is indented on the front surface of the crashpad base as a score line and is coupled to a second bent portion on the front surface to define the accommodation space. A reinforcement sheet is inserted into the crashpad base and the front airbag door to connect the crashpad base and the front airbag door based on the score line. The reinforcement sheet prevents separation of the front airbag door from the crashpad base along the score line when the front airbag is inflated.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Byung Seok Kong
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Patent number: 9481337Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component includes disposing a fiber panel within a mold cavity, and aligning an airbag chute assembly with the fiber panel. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel within the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. At least a portion of the fiber panel is compressed between a surface of the mold cavity and a surface of the airbag chute assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Bart W. Fox, Jeffrey A. Deyoung
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Patent number: 9421938Abstract: A vehicle interior panel (10) includes a decorative covering (16) with a non-visible tear seam that forms a deployment opening through the covering during airbag deployment. The tear seam is formed by mechanical piercing of a skin layer (20) of the covering using a piercing tool (30) having a compound chamfer (40). Such piercing tools allow the mechanical piercing process to produce non-visible and functional tear seams in polymeric materials and non-polymeric materials such as leather, including materials with relatively low elastic recovery characteristics. Tear seams formed in this manner can offer larger processing windows, lower manufacturing and equipment cost, and/or shorter cycle times when compared to other methods such as laser scoring.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mathew Barr, Aaron S. Wisniewski, Brian Jacobs
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Patent number: 9415741Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes a base member including a door portion and a cover member adhered to a surface of the base member by an adhesive layer. The door portion includes an end that is opened by an inflation pressure of an airbag. The end of the door portion forms a base member end together with an end of a base member body of the base member. The adhesive layer has an adhesive force set so that the cover member that covers a portion of the base member body that is adjacent to the door portion is separated from the adjacent portion as the door portion opens when pushed by the inflation pressure of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobuhiko Yokota, Chiharu Totani, Minoru Toda, Kenji Shibayama
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Patent number: 9415738Abstract: A vehicle airbag assembly includes a chute including a side wall defining an aperture with a top side and a bottom side. A first retention tab extends from the top side, and a second retention tab extends from the bottom side. The assembly also includes an airbag module including a housing enclosing a deployable airbag and a hook coupled with the housing to engage with the aperture between the first tab and the second tab.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Nicholas Andrew Mazzocchi
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Patent number: 9415739Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an airbag module to a seat frame having a bottom frame and a back frame mounted to the bottom frame and having at least one side member extending in a substantially vertical direction. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket, mounted to an outside surface of the side member and connected to the airbag module, and at least one load transfer device, mounted to an inside surface of the side member and engaging a front portion or a rear portion of the side member, having a main body shaped to engage the inside surface and an engagement portion extending from the main body and shaped to engage the front portion or the rear portion. The load transfer device distributes a load, originating at the airbag module as a result of deployment or occupant loading of the airbag, from the mounting bracket to the seat frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: Russell Joseph Mihm, Richard Andrew Wiik
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Patent number: 9409540Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system includes: an outside airbag; reinforcement cloths that are attached to a reverse surface of a seat cover, in a region at a the vehicle width direction outer side, and a region at a seat front side, of the outside airbag, the reinforcement cloths being attached from an outside splitting portion; an inside airbag; webbings that are secured to a side frame (a frame) of a seat back, with each having an end portion fastened to an inside splitting portion; an outside inflator that supplies a gas for inflation to the seat outside airbag; an inside inflator that supplies a gas for inflation to the seat inside airbag; and a control unit which, at a time of a side crash, actuates the inside inflator later than the outside inflator.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yusuke Fujiwara
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Patent number: 9409541Abstract: Interior trim part for a motor vehicle comprising a body, a channel-door assembly, a sealing system and a foam layer. The body comprises a passage. The channel-door assembly is mounted on the body. The channel-door assembly comprises a channel wall and a door portion. The channel wall has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface being intended to guide the deployment of an airbag, the outer surface extending along a deployment direction. The door portion is connected to the channel wall and overlies the passage. The sealing system extends around the outer surface of the channel wall, in continuous contact with the body and comprises a lip protruding from the outer surface of the channel wall. The foam layer covers the body and the door portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Faurecia Interieur IndustrieInventors: Charles Burry, Daniel Ory
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Patent number: 9393893Abstract: A vehicle seat is configured in such a way that webbing of a strip shape more difficult to elongate than a seat cover is provided around an airbag at a back side of the seat cover, and a bulging portion is caused to crack by means of tension of the webbing accompanying inflation of the airbag, wherein a hanging member more difficult to elongate than the seat cover is provided on a part of the seat cover, a pleat portion that is a part of the seat cover and to which the hanging member is mounted, is pulled towards an inside of the seat, the hanging member is locked to a locking member at the seat pad side, one end side of the webbing is mounted at the bulging portion side, and the other end side of the webbing is mounted to the hanging member or the locking member in a position closer to the inside of the seat than the pleat portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Keiji Kozaki
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Patent number: 9387820Abstract: A lining part for mounting on a vehicle body part with an airbag module, wherein the lining part includes a support part, fabric part, and protection layer. The support part has a base body with an airbag depolyment opening therein. The base body includes a deployment channel wall extending from a first edge region to a second edge region. The fabric part includes a cover section extends partially over the deployment opening leaving an opening strip free up to a distance to the second edge region. The protective layer covers the deployment opening and is situated on a first surface of the fabric part.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbHInventors: Johannes Jordan, Reiner Lillig, Dieter Löper
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Patent number: 9365179Abstract: A lower limb protecting air bag, folded stored in front of an occupant seated in a seat and inflatable to cover the front of the lower limbs of the occupant by inflation gas supplied therein, includes: a main body inflation part configured to cover the front of the lower limbs of the occupant when inflation is completed; and a shin protection part arranged at least on one end side of the main body inflation part in the horizontal direction and projectable backward from the main body inflation part for covering the lateral side of the shins of the occupant in the inflation completed time, wherein the shin protection part completes inflation with an internal pressure higher than that of the main body inflation part.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventor: Takanori Komatsu
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Patent number: 9358944Abstract: An active bolster for an automotive vehicle includes a plastic-molded outer trim panel with a welding track on an inside surface and a plastic-molded expandable bladder member with a welding flange along a peripheral edge with a first surface facing the trim panel inside surface and a second opposed surface. The welding track and the welding flange are joined by a hot weld to form a sealed chamber. A plurality of counterbores are distributed over the welding flange in order to form rivets that mechanically strengthen the weld. Each counterbore is comprised of a neck portion penetrating the first surface and a head portion penetrating the second surface. Each head portion includes an internal ledge extending laterally from the neck portion. The hot weld includes plastic-molded material that flows from the welding track through each neck portion and spreading onto the internal ledge in each head portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Brandon M. Aselage, Sean B. West, Stacey H. Raines, James H. Muiter
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Patent number: 9352716Abstract: An automobile air bag mounting structure includes a chute defining an opening with a first wall extending from the opening, a cover fully sealing the opening, and a hinge member extending integrally between the first wall and a portion of the cover. The hinge member extends from the first housing wall and to the cover in a direction toward the opening with at least one segment therebetween extending away from the opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frank Qiukui Liu, Thomas Junior Luckett, Kenneth J. Kwasnik, Sean Bayle West
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Patent number: 9346431Abstract: A structure for installing a side airbag includes: an airbag module; an airbag deployment guide path which is in communication with the outside of the vehicle seat from the accommodating space; first and second covers which surround the outside of the vehicle seat, and have one end inserted into the airbag deployment guide path; a connecting tether which has one end that is positioned at a tip portion in the airbag deployment guide path and connected with one end of each of the first and second covers, and the other end that is positioned in the accommodating space at an outer periphery of the airbag module; and a reinforcing fabric which has one end connected with the other end of the connecting tether, and the other end fixed to the airbag module.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Gun Woo Kim
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Patent number: 9333936Abstract: A method for injection molding of an airbag case comprising a chute channel and a flap, with the chute channel being adapted to receive an airbag. The injection molding is carried out in a mold and comprises the following steps: arranging in the mold a net, manufacturing the flap and the chute channel by injecting plastic matter into the mold, by overmolding plastic matter on the net by manufacturing a continuity of material between the chute channel and the flap, with a portion of the net being isolated from the injected plastic material, in a closed protective space delimited between a wedge mobile and a first matrix of the mold. An airbag case in particular manufactures with such a method and dashboard for a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Faurecia Interieur IndustrieInventor: Thierry Schupbach
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Patent number: 9327668Abstract: An active bolster is provided for an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle. A plastic-molded outer trim panel has a welding track on an inside surface. A plastic-molded expandable bladder member has a central attachment section configured to attach to a support structure of the vehicle, a welding flange along a peripheral edge with a first surface facing the trim panel inside surface and a second opposed surface, and a pleated region between the central attachment section and the welding flange. The welding track and the welding flange are joined by a closed-loop hot weld seam to form a sealed chamber. The welding track and welding flange comprise complementary surfaces having a plurality of corrugations making the weld seam at least partially shaped as an undulating ribbon. As a result, a majority of the forces on the weld seam during inflation are in shear instead of peel.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Raj S. Roychoudhury
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Patent number: 9321419Abstract: An air bag housing includes a chute defining an upper perimeter with a first wall extending from the upper perimeter and a cover extending over the chute integrally from the upper edge. The cover defines a tear seam extending between opposite portions of the upper perimeter remote from the first wall and a hinge area extending between the opposite portions of the upper perimeter and disposed between the first wall and the tear seam.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kenneth J. Kwasnik, Lisandro Trevino, Sean Bayle West
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Patent number: 9315271Abstract: A lower leg restraint for a side-facing passenger seat including a restraint panel configured to deploy from a first position proximate a seat to a second position forward of the seat in response to an abrupt deceleration event, an actuator arranged to push the panel from the first position to the second position, and a sensor and trigger assembly configured to signal the actuator to fire in response to the abrupt deceleration event. A side-facing aircraft passenger seat having a deployable lower leg restraint.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignees: B/E Aerospace, Inc., Takata Protection Systems Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Oleson, Hau Ho, Dave L. Guyton, Norman Shimizu, Mark E. Deevey, Pete C. Meister, Michael J. Farvet
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Patent number: 9302414Abstract: An airbag assembly includes inner and outer panels that are coupled to define a cavity therebetween, an inflatable member disposed within the cavity and at least one reinforcing band disposed within at least the inner panel. The reinforcing band includes a plurality of glass fibers, and each of the plurality of glass fibers includes a coating layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Brandon Aselage, Sean Bayle West, Stacey H. Raines
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Patent number: 9296317Abstract: A lower leg restraint for a side-facing passenger seat including a panel configured to deploy from a first position proximate a seat to a second position forward of the seat in response to an abrupt deceleration event, an actuator coupled with the panel for driving panel deployment from the first position to the second position, and a sensor communicatively coupled with the actuator, the sensor configured to sense the abrupt deceleration event and trigger actuator movement in response thereto. A side-facing aircraft passenger seat having an automatically deployable lower leg restraint.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Pete C. Meister, Michael J. Farvet
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Patent number: 9296352Abstract: A seat back board made from resin is fitted to side frames of a seatback frame from a seat rear side. A seat width direction outer side portion of the seat back board is integrally formed with a case portion that houses a side airbag device that is fixed to an outside face of the side frame. The presence of a side wall portion of the case portion suppresses a side airbag from expanding towards the seatback outside in a ball shape during initial inflation.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yusuke Fujiwara, Osamu Fukawatase
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Patent number: 9296354Abstract: An airbag cover assembly including layered, decorative cover pieces held together at a decorative seam is provided. The assembly includes a plastic structural carrier having a tear seam and a pair of leather cover pieces overlying the outer surface of the carrier to form a covered front panel and at least one covered deployment door configured to enclose a non-inflated airbag. The tear seam forms a substantially weakened area of the carrier adjacent the at least one door. Apposed peripheral edges of the cover pieces are folded under and are adjacent one another to form the decorative seam which is adjacent to and aligned with the structurally weakened area. Stitches hold the cover pieces together at the decorative seam. The stitches burst in a controlled fashion during high-pressure impact during airbag deployment through the weakened area and through the decorative seam at the folded-under edges of the cover pieces.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: GLOBAL IP HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Darius J. Preisler, Joseph C. Frank