Compact knee bolster airbag assembly
AssigneeAutoliv ASP, Inc.
InventorsMark L. Enders, Daniel S. Garceau
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A knee bolster airbag assembly which provides protection for the airbag cushion during shipment, storage and installation as well as during its installed functional lifetime. The assembly includes an inflator with an initiator, a knee bolster airbag cushion, an inflator housing and a cover. The cover is made of a material which (a) provides protection to the components which it encloses and can (b) be decorative and be compatible with the materials and design of the interior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle in which it is to be installed.
Claims7
A knee bolster airbag assembly, comprising:
- a folded airbag cushion, wherein said airbag cushion includes,
- a front face,
- an exterior layer disposed on said front face, and
- at least one rigid stiffening slat disposed between said front face and said exterior layer extending substantially the length of said cushion;
- an inflator capable of discharging sufficient inflation gas to fully inflate said airbag cushion when activated;
- an initiator capable of activating said inflator upon receipt of an activation signal;
- an initiator housing holding said inflator in a position whereby said inflation gas is directed to the interior of said folded airbag cushion;
- and
- an openable cover extending around said folded airbag cushion.
A knee bolster airbag module comprising:
- an airbag cushion;
- an inflator capable of discharging sufficient inflation gas to fully inflate said airbag cushion when activated;
- an initiator capable of activating said inflator upon receipt of an activation signal;
- an inflator housing holding said inflator in a position whereby said inflation gas is directed to the interior of said airbag cushion;
- wherein
- said airbag cushion includes,
- a front face,
- an exterior laver disposed on said front face, and
- a plurality of rigid stiffening slats disposed between said front face and said exterior layer extending substantially the length of said cushion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.