US20020014764A1 - Decorative covering for air bag covers - Google Patents

Decorative covering for air bag covers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20020014764A1
US20020014764A1 US09/791,891 US79189101A US2002014764A1 US 20020014764 A1 US20020014764 A1 US 20020014764A1 US 79189101 A US79189101 A US 79189101A US 2002014764 A1 US2002014764 A1 US 2002014764A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
air bag
molding
decorative covering
set forth
initiating site
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
US09/791,891
Other versions
US6443484B2 (en
Inventor
Erwin Anglsperger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eldra Kunststofftechnik GmbH
Original Assignee
Eldra Kunststofftechnik GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eldra Kunststofftechnik GmbH filed Critical Eldra Kunststofftechnik GmbH
Assigned to ELDRA KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK GMBH reassignment ELDRA KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ANGLSPERGER, ERWIN F.
Assigned to ELDRA KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK GMBH reassignment ELDRA KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK GMBH RECORD TO CORRECT DOCUMENT RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 19 2001 AT REEL 012144 FRAME 0034. Assignors: ANGLSPERGER, ERWIN F.
Publication of US20020014764A1 publication Critical patent/US20020014764A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6443484B2 publication Critical patent/US6443484B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/215Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member
    • B60R21/216Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member comprising tether means for limitation of cover motion during deployment
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/215Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member
    • B60R21/2165Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member characterised by a tear line for defining a deployment opening
    • B60R21/21656Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60RVEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/02Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
    • B60R21/16Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
    • B60R21/20Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
    • B60R21/215Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member
    • B60R2021/21543Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member with emblems

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a decorative covering for air bag covers, especially for use in motor vehicles.
  • the invention also relates to an air bag cover comprising a molding including designed burst lines and a decorative covering applied to the molding, for example, for use in a motor vehicle.
  • a molding as defined in the following is a component protecting or covering an air bag operating means as well as the air bag impact padding, it comprising designed burst lines or locations which on deployment of the air bag burst by the impact padding in assuring emergence of the impact padding.
  • Such air bag systems are well-known in motor vehicles, it being particularly air bags incorporated in the steering wheel or dashboard for reducing the risk of injury to the driver and front-seat occupant in a head-on collision that find wide application, although air bag systems incorporated in the doors, door pillars or seats for protecting the driver and front-seat occupant from injury by side impact have also since become popular. Air bag systems are likewise incorporated on the rear side of the front seats so that occupants in the rear of the vehicle can be protected by air bag systems.
  • Moldings for air bag covers are often injection molded in plastics materials, other known methods of production being, for example, foaming parts of plastics materials or foaming metal parts in place. To ensure satisfactory functioning of the air bag systems these moldings are provided with designed burst lines or locations which burst open at a predefined bursting force and ensure satisfactory deployment of the air bag located underneath. To enhance the visual finish and feel or to adapt air bag covers to the interior finish of the vehicle the moldings are often lacquered or provided with a decorative covering. Depending on the interior finish of the vehicle such decorative coverings are made of genuine leather, substitute leather such as Alcantara or artificial leather, or of films of plastics.
  • the designed burst lines usually divide the molding of the air bag cover into one or more portions which on inflation of the air bag in the air bag module form one or more flaps on bursting of the designed burst line which open up to the side to allow the air bag to deploy charged with the gas made available by the inflator.
  • European patent application 0 428 935 Disclosed by European patent application 0 428 935 is an air bag cover in which a molding covering the air bag operating means and the air bag impact padding is provided which comprises burst lines designed to burst open on deployment of the air bag in assuring emergence of the air bag impact padding.
  • the molding is covered by a decorative covering of a vinyl plastics which is weakened all along the designed burst lines of the molding by it being nicked.nicking the decorative covering is implemented on a pliant base. The problem in this prior art is that nicking the decorative covering down to a predefined remaining thickness is difficult to implement.
  • German laid-open patent 195 16 230 is a method for reducing the material thickness of the decorative covering along the designed burst lines of the molding to facilitate initial bursting of the decorative covering when the air bag is deployed.
  • the decorative covering is placed on greatly restrict the freedom in designing such air bag covers, resulting in compromises either as to the visibility of burst lines on the surface of the cover lid or on the design geometry of the flaps and the surface of the cover lid. Hitherto in this arrangement the weakened portions in the decorative covering extended along the full length of the designed burst lines of the molding of the air bag cover.
  • EP 0 770 522 A1 is an air bag arrangement comprising a decorative covering, a foamed layer and a backing.
  • the air bag cover has notches at the edge in the decorative covering as well as in the backing for initiating bursting.
  • the invention is based on the object of providing an air bag cover as well as a corresponding decorative covering for air bag covers which are simple and cost-effective in production whilst permitting high freedom in designing the surface of the air bag cover and decorative covering as well as the flap geometry in ensuring instant bursting of the decorative covering and molding of the air bag cover located therebelow when the air bag is deployed.
  • the gist of the invention is, for the first time, to weaken the decorative covering not along the entirety of the designed burst lines of the molding, but merely in a locally confined initiating site. Tests have indicated that weeakening the decorative covering in an initiating site results in stress peaking at the base of the notch in the initiating site when the air bag is deployed. It is this stress peak that initiates bursting at ed, bursting progresses to totally part the decorative covering without the decorative covering having been previously weakened outside of the initiating site.
  • the decorative covering is applied to the molding comprising the designed burst lines so that the decorative covering covers at least one locally confined initiating site at which bursting the decorative covering is initiated along the designed burst lines of the molding when the air bag is deployed. Since in accordance with the invention the decorative covering is machined only in a locally confined initiating site so that due to the notch effect bursting is initiated in this precisely defined locally confined initiating site, there is now no need for complicated machining of the decorative covering along the designed burst lines of the molding.
  • the initiating site of the decorative covering is formed by reducing the thickness of the decorative covering for which various known methods may be put to use, for example, nicking the rear of the decorative covering or weakening the decorative covering with the template sharpening gaps as described in German laid-open patent 195 16 230. Reducing the thickness of the decorative covering in this way results in the decorative covering bursting in this weakened site due to the stress peak at the base of the notch when the decorative covering is subjected to the forces in deploying the air bag, thus causing bursting to be initiated at this location. As soon as the decorative covering has started to burst at this locally confined initiating site bursting progresses along the rupturing designed burst lines of the molding.
  • the locally confined initiating site of the decorative covering is formed by a window in the decorative covering, for example, by a through-hole.
  • the forces acting on the decorative covering result in stress peaking at the base of the notch when the air bag is deployed so that bursting is initiated in the precisely defined initiating site.
  • the contour of the initiating site of the decorative covering comprises sharply tapered sections to boost the notching effect of the initiating site.
  • the contour of the initiating site may be, for example, rhombic, or circular with linear nicks, although, of course, other geometries for configuring the site for initiating bursting are conceivable.
  • the initiating site of the decorative covering is arranged concealed under an exposed insert secured to the molding.
  • exposed inserts are often applied to the air bag covers and configured as emblems or logos or quite generally as trim.
  • the exposed inserts often including vehicle make symbols or indications as to the air bag concealed beneath the cover.
  • the exposed insert may also be configured in two or more parts where necessary.
  • an arresting element is secured to the exposed insert so that it cannot be torn out of place, and connectable to a mounting part to prevent the exposed insert from being released at random from the mounting part when the air bag is deployed. This makes sure that although the exposed insert effectively conceals the initiating site of the decorative covering there is no additional risk of vehicle occupants being injured. Otherwise, when the air bag is deployed the exposed insert might be torn away as a whole from its mount and capatapulted into the vehicle interior or the exposed insert could fragmentize and likwise pose a risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
  • the exposed insert By safeguarding the exposed insert with a safe arresting element the exposed insert is prevented from being catapulted or fragmentized in being released from its mount; instead, when the air bag is deployed the exposed insert is held captive by the arresting element so that only a defined item can gain access to the vehicle interior.
  • the molding too, comprises a locally confined initiating site coinciding in location with the initiating site of the decorative covering and in which bursting the designed burst lines of the molding is initiated when the air bag is deployed.
  • initiating bursting in the molding and bursting in the decorative covering can take place in a common initiating site arranged ideally concealed beneath an exposed insert.
  • bursting of the decorative covering is improved since bursting the molding and decorative covering respectively is initiated at the one and the same location to thus also define the direction in which bursting progresses for both the decorative covering and molding. Should the location of initiating bursting of the molding not coincide with the initiating site of the decorative covering this might result in problems in bursting the decorative covering and molding.
  • the initiating site of the molding is configured as a through-hole which in one preferred embodiment is configured so that it can be made use of to secure, for example, a clip or rivet of an exposed insert, although of course, the exposed insert may also be secured to the molding by ultrasonic welding, bonding or some other means of connection.
  • the decorative covering is made of leather or a substitute leather, such as artificial leather, Alcantara, Lorica or something similar, although of course depending on the location and configuration in the vehicle interior it may also be made of a plastics film of polyurethane (PUR), polvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile acrylic ester (ASA) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
  • PUR polyurethane
  • PVC polvinyl chloride
  • ASA acrylonitrile acrylic ester
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • the designed burst lines are arranged so that when the air bag is deployed several flaps are opened up.
  • the designed burst lines of the molding are configured in the shape of an H or X, resulting in two or four flaps materializing for opening up when the air bag is deployed, i.e. so that the air bag is able to unfold charged with gas made available by the inflator.
  • the exposed insert may be arranged, for example, so that at least part of the transverse designed burst line is concealed.
  • the exposed insert may be arranged for example at the intersection of the designed burst lines.
  • FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of the air bag cover in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a section taken along the line II-II as shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line III-III as shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is a section through an air bag cover in accordance with the invention including an exposed insert and an arresting element;
  • FIG. 5 is a section through a further embodiment of an air bag cover including an exposed insert
  • FIG. 6 is a view in perspective of the flaps of an air bag cover opened up after deployment of the air bag.
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated an air bag cover in accordance with the invention as may be put to use, for example, for an air bag system incorporated in a steering wheel.
  • Making use of the air bag cover is preferably provided for in motor vehicles, although of course such air bag covers can be put to use in other means of passenger transport such as aircraft, trains or ships.
  • a molding 1 Applied to a molding 1 is a decorative covering 4 , the molding 1 comprising designed burst lines 3 , 3 a .
  • the decorative covering 4 comprises an initiating site 5 which is locally confined and in which bursting the decorative covering 4 is initiated when the air bag is deployed.
  • FIG. 1 the example embodiment as shown in FIG.
  • the decorative covering 4 is windowed in the initiating site 5 , this through-hole being configured so that two V-shaped portions are formed which combine to form in all a rhombic initiating site.
  • the apexes of the two Vs point in the direction of the designed burst lines 3 . 3 a of the molding 1 .
  • a through-hole in the decorative covering 4 it is often sufficient to merely weaken the decorative covering 4 in the initiating site 5 .
  • One such weakening may take the form of, for example, a nick in the rear side of the decorative covering 4 and a reduction in the thickness of the decorative covering 4 by means of sharp template ridges or in making use of a laser.
  • the molding 1 likewise comprises an initiating site 2 in which bursting is initiated for bursting the designed burst line 3 a of the molding 1 when the air bag is deployed.
  • Weakening the molding 1 in the initiating site 2 results in stress peaking at the base of the notch of the initiating site when the air bag is deployed. Due to this stress peak at the base of the notch, bursting is initiated in this precisely defined, locally confined initiating site 2 .
  • Due to the forces continuing to act on the molding 1 when the air bag is deployed, bursting progresses along the designed burst lines 3 a and 3 .
  • the notchings or weakenings of the molding 1 along the designed burst lines 3 and 3 a result in stress peaking along these designed burst lines to thus cause bursting to progress along these precisely predefined designed burst lines 3 and 3 a.
  • FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 there is illustrated how the designed burst lines 3 and 3 a of the molding 1 are provided such that only the side of the molding 1 facing away from the decorative covering 4 is notched. In this way it is achieved that the designed burst lines 3 and 3 a remain invisible to the exterior which enhances the freedom in design and surface finish.
  • the initiating site 2 of the molding 1 is configured as a round through-hole
  • This configuration in the form of a round through-hole has the advantage that the through-hole in addition to initiating bursting may simultaneously serve to secure an exposed insert 8 to the molding 1 .
  • a non-circular contour of the through-hole may additional serve in this arrangement as a means for preventing turning of the exposed insert.
  • FIG. 4 there is illustrated an exposed insert 8 secured to the molding 1 by a clip 6 a .
  • an arrester element 7 has been integrated in the exposed insert 8 to thus reduce the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
  • the arrester element 7 may be, for example, a tough thread or wire cast in place in the exposed insert 8 or secured to the exposed insert 8 by some other ways and means. Since, due to the very high acceleration forces acting on the exposed insert 8 when the air bag is deployed, the exposed insert 8 may not only break away from the molding 1 but also fragmentize, the arrester element 7 may also be integrated as a fabric or film in the exposed insert 8 so as to prevent not only random release of the exposed insert 8 from the molding 1 but to prevent fragments from gaining random access to the vehicle interior. In this arrangement the arrester element 7 may be fixedly connected to the molding 1 either by welding or bonding or subsequently applied to the molding 1 . Preferably the exposed insert 8 is configured as an emblem or logo providing either vehicle make symbols or indications as to the air bag concealed beneath the cover.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 there is illustrated two different ways of securing exposed inserts 8 to the moldings 1 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a fastener including a clip 6 a whilst
  • FIG. 5 shows a fastener including a rivet 6 b .
  • the clip 6 a and rivet 6 b may be arranged either in the initiating site 2 of the molding 1 when, as shown in this case, it is configured as a through-hole, or, if needed for reasons of design or engineering, it is arranged outside of the initiating site 2 of the molding 1 .
  • a fastener e.g.
  • an “unbottoning” of the exposed insert fastener is achievable in the initiating site of the molding configured as a through-hole when the designed burst lines burst and with subsequent opening up of the flaps as long as an arresting element prevents the exposed insert from being released and catapulted into the vehicle interior where it could otherwise cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
  • the exposed insert 8 may also be necessary to secure it by several fasteners such as clips 6 a or rivets 6 b to the molding 1 .
  • the exposed insert 8 may also be secured to the molding 1 by ultrasonic welding, bonding or some other suitable method.
  • the designed burst lines 3 and 3 a on the molding 1 are preferably configured in the shape of an H.
  • the designed burst lines 3 and 3 a of the molding 1 and the decorative covering 4 burst to thus form the two flaps 9 as shown in FIG. 6 which open up so that the air bag is able to unfold and be charged with the gas made available by the inflator.

Abstract

The invention relates to a decorative layer for an air bag covering, especially for use in motor vehicles. A local initiating area is provided in said decorative layer, the tear for tearing through the decorative layer when the air bag is deployed being initiated in this area. The invention also relates to an air bag covering, comprising a shaped part with predetermined break-lines and a decorative layer applied to said shaped part. At least one locally limited initiating area is provided in said decorative layer, the tear for tearing through the decorative layer when the air bag is deployed being initiated along the predetermined break-lines of the shaped part, in this area.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0001]
  • The invention relates to a decorative covering for air bag covers, especially for use in motor vehicles. The invention also relates to an air bag cover comprising a molding including designed burst lines and a decorative covering applied to the molding, for example, for use in a motor vehicle. [0002]
  • A molding as defined in the following is a component protecting or covering an air bag operating means as well as the air bag impact padding, it comprising designed burst lines or locations which on deployment of the air bag burst by the impact padding in assuring emergence of the impact padding. [0003]
  • Such air bag systems are well-known in motor vehicles, it being particularly air bags incorporated in the steering wheel or dashboard for reducing the risk of injury to the driver and front-seat occupant in a head-on collision that find wide application, although air bag systems incorporated in the doors, door pillars or seats for protecting the driver and front-seat occupant from injury by side impact have also since become popular. Air bag systems are likewise incorporated on the rear side of the front seats so that occupants in the rear of the vehicle can be protected by air bag systems. [0004]
  • 2. Prior Art [0005]
  • Moldings for air bag covers are often injection molded in plastics materials, other known methods of production being, for example, foaming parts of plastics materials or foaming metal parts in place. To ensure satisfactory functioning of the air bag systems these moldings are provided with designed burst lines or locations which burst open at a predefined bursting force and ensure satisfactory deployment of the air bag located underneath. To enhance the visual finish and feel or to adapt air bag covers to the interior finish of the vehicle the moldings are often lacquered or provided with a decorative covering. Depending on the interior finish of the vehicle such decorative coverings are made of genuine leather, substitute leather such as Alcantara or artificial leather, or of films of plastics. [0006]
  • The designed burst lines usually divide the molding of the air bag cover into one or more portions which on inflation of the air bag in the air bag module form one or more flaps on bursting of the designed burst line which open up to the side to allow the air bag to deploy charged with the gas made available by the inflator. [0007]
  • In accordance with prior art decorative coverings of leather are fabricated multiply sectioned and stitched together in the region of the designed burst lines of the molding. Depending on the designed bursting force the stitch length, strength and material of the thread are selected so that for a defined bursting force the thread snaps to permit satisfactory emergence of the impact padding. When such decorative coverings are stitched together the seam needs to be precisely positioned on the designed burst lines so that when the air bag is deployed the impact padding is able to satisfactorily emerge by the thread snapping. Precisely positioning the stitched leather decorative covering on the molding is extremely difficult since during lamination or rear foaming the decorative covering may be distorted which spoils the visual appeal and may even result in rejection of the leather decorative covering already fabricated at high expense. In addition, where for instance an air bag cover for an impact pot is incorporated in a steering wheel, a highly complicated form of burst seam is needed which can only be produced by intensive labor at high expense. [0008]
  • Disclosed by European patent application 0 428 935 is an air bag cover in which a molding covering the air bag operating means and the air bag impact padding is provided which comprises burst lines designed to burst open on deployment of the air bag in assuring emergence of the air bag impact padding. The molding is covered by a decorative covering of a vinyl plastics which is weakened all along the designed burst lines of the molding by it being nicked. Nicking the decorative covering is implemented on a pliant base. The problem in this prior art is that nicking the decorative covering down to a predefined remaining thickness is difficult to implement. [0009]
  • Described in the German laid-open patent 195 16 230 is a method for reducing the material thickness of the decorative covering along the designed burst lines of the molding to facilitate initial bursting of the decorative covering when the air bag is deployed. For this purpose the decorative covering is placed on greatly restrict the freedom in designing such air bag covers, resulting in compromises either as to the visibility of burst lines on the surface of the cover lid or on the design geometry of the flaps and the surface of the cover lid. Hitherto in this arrangement the weakened portions in the decorative covering extended along the full length of the designed burst lines of the molding of the air bag cover. [0010]
  • Known from EP 0 770 522 A1 is an air bag arrangement comprising a decorative covering, a foamed layer and a backing. The air bag cover has notches at the edge in the decorative covering as well as in the backing for initiating bursting. [0011]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention is based on the object of providing an air bag cover as well as a corresponding decorative covering for air bag covers which are simple and cost-effective in production whilst permitting high freedom in designing the surface of the air bag cover and decorative covering as well as the flap geometry in ensuring instant bursting of the decorative covering and molding of the air bag cover located therebelow when the air bag is deployed. [0012]
  • This object is achieved by a decorative covering having the features as set forth in [0013] claim 1 and by an air bag cover having the features as set forth in claim 6.
  • The gist of the invention is, for the first time, to weaken the decorative covering not along the entirety of the designed burst lines of the molding, but merely in a locally confined initiating site. Tests have indicated that weeakening the decorative covering in an initiating site results in stress peaking at the base of the notch in the initiating site when the air bag is deployed. It is this stress peak that initiates bursting at ed, bursting progresses to totally part the decorative covering without the decorative covering having been previously weakened outside of the initiating site. [0014]
  • It is thus now possible, for the first time, to burst the decorative covering by weakening only a locally confined site, the initiating site, so that bursting is initiated there. When such a decorative covering is employed on an air bag cover, the decorative covering is applied to the molding comprising the designed burst lines so that the decorative covering covers at least one locally confined initiating site at which bursting the decorative covering is initiated along the designed burst lines of the molding when the air bag is deployed. Since in accordance with the invention the decorative covering is machined only in a locally confined initiating site so that due to the notch effect bursting is initiated in this precisely defined locally confined initiating site, there is now no need for complicated machining of the decorative covering along the designed burst lines of the molding. In addition, there is now no need for design grooves which correspondingly restrict the freedom in design since there is now no longer any need to compensate tolerances stemming from fabrication of the decorative covering by the design grooves. It is the stress peak at the base of the notch of the initiating site that initiates bursting of the decorative covering, bursting then progressing along the designed burst lines of the molding. [0015]
  • When the air bag is deployed it is thus assured that both the molding and the decorative covering applied thereto burst totally and instantly in a defined site so that one or more flaps are formed which open up to the side to allow the air bag to deploy charged with the gas made available by the inflator. [0016]
  • In accordance with one preferred embodiment the initiating site of the decorative covering is formed by reducing the thickness of the decorative covering for which various known methods may be put to use, for example, nicking the rear of the decorative covering or weakening the decorative covering with the template sharpening gaps as described in German laid-open patent 195 16 230. Reducing the thickness of the decorative covering in this way results in the decorative covering bursting in this weakened site due to the stress peak at the base of the notch when the decorative covering is subjected to the forces in deploying the air bag, thus causing bursting to be initiated at this location. As soon as the decorative covering has started to burst at this locally confined initiating site bursting progresses along the rupturing designed burst lines of the molding. [0017]
  • In another embodiment it is provided for that the locally confined initiating site of the decorative covering is formed by a window in the decorative covering, for example, by a through-hole. Here too, the forces acting on the decorative covering result in stress peaking at the base of the notch when the air bag is deployed so that bursting is initiated in the precisely defined initiating site. Due to the designed burst lines of the molding bursting underneath the decorative covering, bursting in the decorative covering progresses along the designed burst lines of the molding. Preferably the contour of the initiating site of the decorative covering comprises sharply tapered sections to boost the notching effect of the initiating site. The contour of the initiating site may be, for example, rhombic, or circular with linear nicks, although, of course, other geometries for configuring the site for initiating bursting are conceivable. [0018]
  • In one particularly preferred embodiment it is provided for that the initiating site of the decorative covering is arranged concealed under an exposed insert secured to the molding. Such exposed inserts are often applied to the air bag covers and configured as emblems or logos or quite generally as trim. The exposed inserts often including vehicle make symbols or indications as to the air bag concealed beneath the cover. The exposed insert may also be configured in two or more parts where necessary. When the locally confined initiating site for initiating bursting of the decorative covering on deployment of the air bag is concealed under an exposed insert secured to the molding, the initiating site may be designed solely in accordance with the criteria relevant to initiating bursting without having to take into account the design and visual appeal. [0019]
  • Preferably an arresting element is secured to the exposed insert so that it cannot be torn out of place, and connectable to a mounting part to prevent the exposed insert from being released at random from the mounting part when the air bag is deployed. This makes sure that although the exposed insert effectively conceals the initiating site of the decorative covering there is no additional risk of vehicle occupants being injured. Otherwise, when the air bag is deployed the exposed insert might be torn away as a whole from its mount and capatapulted into the vehicle interior or the exposed insert could fragmentize and likwise pose a risk of injury to the vehicle occupants. By safeguarding the exposed insert with a safe arresting element the exposed insert is prevented from being catapulted or fragmentized in being released from its mount; instead, when the air bag is deployed the exposed insert is held captive by the arresting element so that only a defined item can gain access to the vehicle interior. [0020]
  • In accordance with another preferred embodiment the molding too, comprises a locally confined initiating site coinciding in location with the initiating site of the decorative covering and in which bursting the designed burst lines of the molding is initiated when the air bag is deployed. In this way initiating bursting in the molding and bursting in the decorative covering can take place in a common initiating site arranged ideally concealed beneath an exposed insert. By providing a common initiating site for the molding and decorative covering, bursting of the decorative covering is improved since bursting the molding and decorative covering respectively is initiated at the one and the same location to thus also define the direction in which bursting progresses for both the decorative covering and molding. Should the location of initiating bursting of the molding not coincide with the initiating site of the decorative covering this might result in problems in bursting the decorative covering and molding. [0021]
  • Preferably the initiating site of the molding is configured as a through-hole which in one preferred embodiment is configured so that it can be made use of to secure, for example, a clip or rivet of an exposed insert, although of course, the exposed insert may also be secured to the molding by ultrasonic welding, bonding or some other means of connection. [0022]
  • Preferably the decorative covering is made of leather or a substitute leather, such as artificial leather, Alcantara, Lorica or something similar, although of course depending on the location and configuration in the vehicle interior it may also be made of a plastics film of polyurethane (PUR), polvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile acrylic ester (ASA) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). [0023]
  • In accordance with the embodiment as last preferred the designed burst lines are arranged so that when the air bag is deployed several flaps are opened up. Preferably the designed burst lines of the molding are configured in the shape of an H or X, resulting in two or four flaps materializing for opening up when the air bag is deployed, i.e. so that the air bag is able to unfold charged with gas made available by the inflator. Where a H-shaped designed burst line is concerned the exposed insert may be arranged, for example, so that at least part of the transverse designed burst line is concealed. When a X-shaped designed burst line configuration is provided the exposed insert may be arranged for example at the intersection of the designed burst lines.[0024]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Several example embodiments of the invention will now be detailed for further explanation and a better understanding, with reference to the attached drawings in which: [0025]
  • FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of the air bag cover in accordance with the invention; [0026]
  • FIG. 2 is a section taken along the line II-II as shown in FIG. 1; [0027]
  • FIG. 3 is a section taken along the line III-III as shown in FIG. 1; [0028]
  • FIG. 4 is a section through an air bag cover in accordance with the invention including an exposed insert and an arresting element; [0029]
  • FIG. 5 is a section through a further embodiment of an air bag cover including an exposed insert; and [0030]
  • FIG. 6 is a view in perspective of the flaps of an air bag cover opened up after deployment of the air bag.[0031]
  • DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
  • Referring now to FIG. 1 there is illustrated an air bag cover in accordance with the invention as may be put to use, for example, for an air bag system incorporated in a steering wheel. Making use of the air bag cover is preferably provided for in motor vehicles, although of course such air bag covers can be put to use in other means of passenger transport such as aircraft, trains or ships. Applied to a [0032] molding 1 is a decorative covering 4, the molding 1 comprising designed burst lines 3, 3 a. In accordance with the invention the decorative covering 4 comprises an initiating site 5 which is locally confined and in which bursting the decorative covering 4 is initiated when the air bag is deployed. In the example embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 the decorative covering 4 is windowed in the initiating site 5, this through-hole being configured so that two V-shaped portions are formed which combine to form in all a rhombic initiating site. To enhance the notch effect the apexes of the two Vs point in the direction of the designed burst lines 3. 3 a of the molding 1. Instead of a through-hole in the decorative covering 4 it is often sufficient to merely weaken the decorative covering 4 in the initiating site 5. One such weakening may take the form of, for example, a nick in the rear side of the decorative covering 4 and a reduction in the thickness of the decorative covering 4 by means of sharp template ridges or in making use of a laser. In the thus weakened initiating site 5 the forces acting on the decorative covering 4 and initiating site 5, when the air bag is deployed due to the notch effect caused by the weakening of the material, result in stress peaking at the base of the notch. This stress peak results in bursting being initiated at the base of the notch, bursting then progressing also through the non-weakened portions of the decorative covering 4.
  • Referring now to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 there is illustrated how the [0033] molding 1 likewise comprises an initiating site 2 in which bursting is initiated for bursting the designed burst line 3 a of the molding 1 when the air bag is deployed. Weakening the molding 1 in the initiating site 2 results in stress peaking at the base of the notch of the initiating site when the air bag is deployed. Due to this stress peak at the base of the notch, bursting is initiated in this precisely defined, locally confined initiating site 2. Due to the forces continuing to act on the molding 1, when the air bag is deployed, bursting progresses along the designed burst lines 3 a and 3. The notchings or weakenings of the molding 1 along the designed burst lines 3 and 3 a result in stress peaking along these designed burst lines to thus cause bursting to progress along these precisely predefined designed burst lines 3 and 3 a.
  • Referring now to both FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 there is illustrated how the designed burst [0034] lines 3 and 3 a of the molding 1 are provided such that only the side of the molding 1 facing away from the decorative covering 4 is notched. In this way it is achieved that the designed burst lines 3 and 3 a remain invisible to the exterior which enhances the freedom in design and surface finish.
  • In FIG. 1 the initiating [0035] site 2 of the molding 1 is configured as a round through-hole, This configuration in the form of a round through-hole has the advantage that the through-hole in addition to initiating bursting may simultaneously serve to secure an exposed insert 8 to the molding 1. A non-circular contour of the through-hole may additional serve in this arrangement as a means for preventing turning of the exposed insert. Referring now to FIG. 4 there is illustrated an exposed insert 8 secured to the molding 1 by a clip 6 a. To prevent random breakout or unbuttoning of the exposed insert 8 from the molding 1 when the air bag is deployed an arrester element 7 has been integrated in the exposed insert 8 to thus reduce the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants. In this arrangement the arrester element 7 may be, for example, a tough thread or wire cast in place in the exposed insert 8 or secured to the exposed insert 8 by some other ways and means. Since, due to the very high acceleration forces acting on the exposed insert 8 when the air bag is deployed, the exposed insert 8 may not only break away from the molding 1 but also fragmentize, the arrester element 7 may also be integrated as a fabric or film in the exposed insert 8 so as to prevent not only random release of the exposed insert 8 from the molding 1 but to prevent fragments from gaining random access to the vehicle interior. In this arrangement the arrester element 7 may be fixedly connected to the molding 1 either by welding or bonding or subsequently applied to the molding 1. Preferably the exposed insert 8 is configured as an emblem or logo providing either vehicle make symbols or indications as to the air bag concealed beneath the cover.
  • As evident from FIG. 4 it is possible to totally conceal the initiating [0036] site 5 of the decorative covering 4 and the initiating site 2 of the molding 1 beneath the exposed insert 8 to thus enable the initiating site 2 and initiating site 5 to be configured so that initiating bursting is an optimum without detrimenting the outer design of the air bag contour since the exposed insert 8 conceals the initiating sites 2 and 5.
  • Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 there is illustrated two different ways of securing exposed inserts [0037] 8 to the moldings 1. FIG. 4 shows a fastener including a clip 6 a whilst FIG. 5 shows a fastener including a rivet 6 b. In this arrangement the clip 6 a and rivet 6 b may be arranged either in the initiating site 2 of the molding 1 when, as shown in this case, it is configured as a through-hole, or, if needed for reasons of design or engineering, it is arranged outside of the initiating site 2 of the molding 1. When configured with a fastener, e.g. a clip, an “unbottoning” of the exposed insert fastener is achievable in the initiating site of the molding configured as a through-hole when the designed burst lines burst and with subsequent opening up of the flaps as long as an arresting element prevents the exposed insert from being released and catapulted into the vehicle interior where it could otherwise cause injury to the vehicle occupants. Depending on the size and configuration of the exposed insert 8 it may also be necessary to secure it by several fasteners such as clips 6 a or rivets 6 b to the molding 1. The exposed insert 8 may also be secured to the molding 1 by ultrasonic welding, bonding or some other suitable method.
  • As evident from FIG. 1 the designed burst [0038] lines 3 and 3 a on the molding 1 are preferably configured in the shape of an H. When the air bag is deployed the designed burst lines 3 and 3 a of the molding 1 and the decorative covering 4 burst to thus form the two flaps 9 as shown in FIG. 6 which open up so that the air bag is able to unfold and be charged with the gas made available by the inflator.

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:
1. A decorative covering for an air bag cover. especially for use in motor vehicles, comprising at least one locally confined initiating site (5) in which bursting said decorative covering (4) is initiated when said air bag is deployed.
2. The decorative covering as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said initiating site (5) of said decorative covering (4) is formed by a reduction in thickness, such as by nicking or removal of material.
3. The decorative covering as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that said initiating site (5) of said decorative covering (4) is formed by a locally confined window, for example, by a through-hole (5).
4. The decorative covering as set forth in claim 3, characterized in that the contour of said through-hole (5) of said initiating site comprises sharply tapered sections for defined initiation of bursting.
5. The decorative covering as set forth in any of the preceding claims, characterized by it being made of leather a substitute leather, such as artificial leather, Alcantara, Lorica or something similar, or of a plastics film of PUR, PVC, ASA, or ABS.
6. An air bag cover, especially for use in motor vehicles including a molding (1) comprising designed burst lines (3, 3 a) and a decorative covering (4) as set forth in in any of the preceding claims applied to said molding (1), whereby bursting said decorative covering (4) along said designed burst lines (3, 3 a) of said molding (1) is initiated in said initiating site (5) of said decorative covering (4) when said air bag is deployed.
7. The air bag cover as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that said initiating site (5) is arranged concealed under an exposed insert (8) secured to said molding (1).
8. The air bag cover as set forth in claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that said molding (1) comprises at least one locally confined initiating site (2) coinciding in location with said initiating site (5) of said decorative covering and in which bursting said designed burst lines (3) of said molding (1) is initiated when said air bag is deployed.
9. The air bag cover as set forth in claim 8, characterized in that said initiating site (2) of said molding (1) is configured as an through-hole (2).
10. The air bag cover as set forth in any of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said exposed insert (8) is an emblem or logo.
11. The air bag cover as set forth in any of the claims 7 to 10, characterized in that an arresting element (7) is secured to said exposed insert (8) so that it cannot be torn out of place, and connectable to said molding (1) to prevent said exposed insert (8) from being released at random from said molding (1) when said air bag is deployed.
12. The air bag cover as set forth in any of the claims 6 to 11, characterized in that due to the arrangement of said designed burst lines (3, 3 a) several flaps (9) are formed which open up when said air bag is deployed.
13. The air bag cover as set forth in any of the claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the arrangement of said designed burst lines (3, 3 a) is in the shape of an H, said exposed insert (8) concealling at least part of the transverse designed burst line (3 a).
14. The air bag cover as set forth in any of the claims 6 to 13, characterized in that said exposed insert (8) is secured by bonding or by ultrasonic welding to said molding (1).
15. The air bag cover as set forth in any of the claims 6 to 13, characterized in that said exposed insert (8) is secured by at least one fastener such as a clip (6 a) or rivet (6 b) to said molding (1).
US09/791,891 1998-08-25 2001-02-26 Decorative covering for air bag covers Expired - Lifetime US6443484B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19838603A DE19838603A1 (en) 1998-08-25 1998-08-25 Decorative layer for airbag covers
DE19838603 1998-08-25
DE19838603.6 1998-08-25
PCT/EP1999/006181 WO2000010840A1 (en) 1998-08-25 1999-08-23 Decorative layer for an air bag covering

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP1999/006181 Continuation WO2000010840A1 (en) 1998-08-25 1999-08-23 Decorative layer for an air bag covering

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020014764A1 true US20020014764A1 (en) 2002-02-07
US6443484B2 US6443484B2 (en) 2002-09-03

Family

ID=7878654

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/791,891 Expired - Lifetime US6443484B2 (en) 1998-08-25 2001-02-26 Decorative covering for air bag covers

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US6443484B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1107885B1 (en)
DE (2) DE19838603A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2000010840A1 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030014089A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2003-01-16 Chow Alan Y. Methods for improving damaged retinal cell function
US20040232669A1 (en) * 2002-09-17 2004-11-25 Leland Richard L. Ultrasonic blade design for scoring double angle groove and products therefrom
US20050004625A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2005-01-06 Chow Alan Y. Treatment of degenerative retinal disease via electrical stimulation of surface structures
GB2403693A (en) * 2003-07-10 2005-01-12 Autoliv Dev Air bag cover embellishment
US20060197326A1 (en) * 2005-03-07 2006-09-07 Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. Airbag with a double regulating venting device
US20080257252A1 (en) * 2004-09-11 2008-10-23 Daimler Chrysler Ag Accident Assistance System for a Motor Vehicle
US20150123384A1 (en) * 2013-11-01 2015-05-07 Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. Airbag apparatus
US20190126881A1 (en) * 2017-10-31 2019-05-02 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Cover assembly for an airbag module
US11420584B2 (en) * 2018-08-09 2022-08-23 Dalphi Metal Espana S.A. Covering cap for an airbag module and airbag module having a covering cap of this type
US11554744B2 (en) * 2018-08-09 2023-01-17 Dalphi Metal Espana S.A. Covering cap for an airbag module and airbag module having such a covering cap

Families Citing this family (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19838603A1 (en) 1998-08-25 2000-03-09 Eldra Kunststofftechnik Gmbh Decorative layer for airbag covers
DE10037208A1 (en) * 2000-07-31 2002-02-14 Volkswagen Ag Arrangement of airbag module in inner trim of motor vehicle has airbag lying behind decorative strip which in region of first break line in trim has its own corresponding design break line
DE20103581U1 (en) * 2001-03-01 2001-07-12 Trw Automotive Safety Sys Gmbh Airbag module
JP4474079B2 (en) * 2001-08-06 2010-06-02 本田技研工業株式会社 Airbag device
DE10151367B4 (en) * 2001-10-17 2007-11-08 Faurecia Innenraum Systeme Gmbh Interior trim part for motor vehicles
DE10162611A1 (en) 2001-12-20 2003-09-11 Opel Adam Ag Cover for an airbag of an impact protection device for vehicle occupants
DE60302804T2 (en) * 2002-01-11 2006-07-20 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Knee-protecting airbag device
US20050104338A1 (en) * 2003-11-19 2005-05-19 Quin Soderquist Applique film airbag cover
JP4492129B2 (en) * 2004-01-16 2010-06-30 タカタ株式会社 Airbag device and module cover with emblem
US7384061B2 (en) * 2005-07-14 2008-06-10 International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc. Trim panel and a method of manufacture
US20070278770A1 (en) * 2006-06-02 2007-12-06 Ken Love Insert molded feature for airbag covers
JP4789202B2 (en) * 2006-09-29 2011-10-12 本田技研工業株式会社 Motorcycle airbag device
DE102007011109A1 (en) * 2007-03-05 2008-09-11 Takata-Petri Ag Foil sticker for an airbag cover
JP5133132B2 (en) * 2008-05-21 2013-01-30 芦森工業株式会社 Airbag cover and airbag device
DE102008029656B4 (en) * 2008-06-24 2010-06-10 Autoliv Development Ab Airbag cover
DE102008034525A1 (en) * 2008-07-24 2010-02-04 Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH Method for processing of plastic mold part, comprises reversibly bringing an enervation in the mold part up to a residual wall thickness and coating the mold part with soft lacquer or decoration varnishes
US20100038891A1 (en) * 2008-08-12 2010-02-18 Bryan Welch Instrument panel for motor vehicle
DE102009030149B3 (en) 2009-06-19 2010-12-30 Takata-Petri Ag Airbag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system
DE102009030151B3 (en) * 2009-06-19 2010-12-09 Takata-Petri Ag Airbag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system
DE102010010384A1 (en) 2010-03-05 2011-09-08 GM Global Technology Operations LLC , (n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) Airbag cover manufacturing method for motor car, involves forming through-hole in carrier part to apply difference pressure and/or removing adhesive agent when connecting view part and carrier part
US8459713B2 (en) 2010-08-09 2013-06-11 Autoliv Asp, Inc. Assembly for attaching an emblem onto an airbag storage compartment cover
JP2012071724A (en) * 2010-09-29 2012-04-12 Toyoda Gosei Co Ltd Cover for airbag device
JP5950444B2 (en) * 2012-04-27 2016-07-13 日本プラスト株式会社 Cover body of airbag device
DE102013111687A1 (en) * 2013-10-23 2015-04-23 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Interior trim part
DE102013019940B4 (en) * 2013-11-28 2017-11-23 Autoliv Development Ab Airbag cover
DE102014103795A1 (en) * 2014-03-20 2015-09-24 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft cap
US9296354B1 (en) 2015-02-11 2016-03-29 Global Ip Holdings, Llc Airbag cover assembly including layered, decorative cover pieces held together at a decorative seam
JP6628408B2 (en) * 2016-03-29 2020-01-08 日本プラスト株式会社 Cover body of airbag device
JP7364542B2 (en) * 2020-08-20 2023-10-18 トヨタ自動車株式会社 instrument panel
DE102021200983A1 (en) 2021-02-03 2022-08-04 Psa Automobiles Sa Steering wheel arrangement for a vehicle with a steering wheel and an airbag module and with a decorative component, and vehicle with a steering wheel arrangement

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3794349A (en) * 1972-05-19 1974-02-26 Gen Motors Corp Occupant restraint system
US5082310A (en) 1989-11-06 1992-01-21 Tip Engineering Group, Inc. Arrangement for providing an air bag deployment opening
GB2252274A (en) * 1991-02-01 1992-08-05 Jaguar Cars A cover for an air bag module
JP3185515B2 (en) * 1994-02-17 2001-07-11 豊田合成株式会社 Airbag device pad
DE9402922U1 (en) * 1994-02-22 1994-05-26 Trw Repa Gmbh Cover for an airbag restraint system in vehicles
US5851022A (en) * 1995-03-31 1998-12-22 Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. Air bag pad with decorative device
GB9508470D0 (en) * 1995-04-26 1995-06-14 Alliedsignal Deutschland Gmbh Fastener
DE19516230C2 (en) * 1995-05-03 1999-04-01 Eldra Kunststofftechnik Gmbh Airbag cover and process for its manufacture
US5630613A (en) * 1995-10-23 1997-05-20 Morton International, Inc. Apparatus for aiding in the opening of an integral deployment door in a panel of an airbag assembly
DE19617758C1 (en) * 1996-05-03 1997-09-11 Audi Ag Cover for airbag module
DE19626416A1 (en) * 1996-07-01 1998-01-08 Takata Europ Gmbh Airbag module cover cap
US5730460A (en) * 1996-11-22 1998-03-24 General Motors Corporation Air bag cover
DE19653797A1 (en) 1996-12-21 1998-06-25 Mst Automotive Gmbh Cover for an airbag module
US6105999A (en) * 1997-10-06 2000-08-22 Serigraph, Inc. Airbag cover assembly
DE19838603A1 (en) 1998-08-25 2000-03-09 Eldra Kunststofftechnik Gmbh Decorative layer for airbag covers
US6135489A (en) * 1998-10-07 2000-10-24 Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. Tear seam for air bag module cover

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030014089A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2003-01-16 Chow Alan Y. Methods for improving damaged retinal cell function
US20050004625A1 (en) * 2001-06-29 2005-01-06 Chow Alan Y. Treatment of degenerative retinal disease via electrical stimulation of surface structures
US20040232669A1 (en) * 2002-09-17 2004-11-25 Leland Richard L. Ultrasonic blade design for scoring double angle groove and products therefrom
US7128334B2 (en) 2002-09-17 2006-10-31 Collins & Aikman Products Co. Ultrasonic blade design for scoring double angle groove and products therefrom
GB2403693A (en) * 2003-07-10 2005-01-12 Autoliv Dev Air bag cover embellishment
US20080257252A1 (en) * 2004-09-11 2008-10-23 Daimler Chrysler Ag Accident Assistance System for a Motor Vehicle
US7413219B2 (en) * 2005-03-07 2008-08-19 Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. Airbag with a double regulating venting device
US20060197326A1 (en) * 2005-03-07 2006-09-07 Dalphi Metal Espana, S.A. Airbag with a double regulating venting device
US20150123384A1 (en) * 2013-11-01 2015-05-07 Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. Airbag apparatus
US9321420B2 (en) * 2013-11-01 2016-04-26 Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd. Airbag apparatus
US20190126881A1 (en) * 2017-10-31 2019-05-02 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Cover assembly for an airbag module
US11046278B2 (en) * 2017-10-31 2021-06-29 Key Safety Systems, Inc. Cover assembly for an airbag module
US11420584B2 (en) * 2018-08-09 2022-08-23 Dalphi Metal Espana S.A. Covering cap for an airbag module and airbag module having a covering cap of this type
US11554744B2 (en) * 2018-08-09 2023-01-17 Dalphi Metal Espana S.A. Covering cap for an airbag module and airbag module having such a covering cap

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6443484B2 (en) 2002-09-03
DE59906605D1 (en) 2003-09-18
EP1107885B1 (en) 2003-08-13
EP1107885A1 (en) 2001-06-20
DE19838603A1 (en) 2000-03-09
WO2000010840A1 (en) 2000-03-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6443484B2 (en) Decorative covering for air bag covers
US5533748A (en) Invisible instrument panel or dashboard airbag cover door
CA2043984C (en) Instrument panel with invisible airbag deployment door
EP0928259B1 (en) Frontal weakening of invisible air bag cover
US5447327A (en) Arrangement for providing an air bag deployment opening
EP0523882B1 (en) Crash protection device
US4964653A (en) Self-skinned foam component for an inflatable restraint door assembly
JP3046780U (en) Vehicle seat and side airbag deployment device
US7793972B2 (en) Front pillar trim panel with tether
US5280947A (en) One piece invisible airbag door and hinge
CZ292850B6 (en) Interior trim panel for motor vehicles fitted with an airbag
EP1015278B1 (en) Applique for air bag cover
GB2301561A (en) Airbag system
US7967328B2 (en) Continuous side airbag seam
US20130140799A1 (en) Airbag trajectory control envelope
US20030124295A1 (en) Method for manufacturing an airbag cover
US5927747A (en) Air bag door hold down retainer
US20060170252A1 (en) Headliner with weakened area and method of making same
US7205044B2 (en) Plastic part and method for producing the plastic part and use of the plastic part
KR20230166238A (en) Headliner for vehicles easy to deploy roof airbags
WO1998010962A1 (en) Manufacturing process for concealed opening of supplemental restraint system air bag doors for use in automobile interiors
JP3035058B2 (en) Automotive airbag equipment

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ELDRA KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK GMBH, GERMANY

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ANGLSPERGER, ERWIN F.;REEL/FRAME:012144/0034

Effective date: 20010314

AS Assignment

Owner name: ELDRA KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK GMBH, GERMANY

Free format text: RECORD TO CORRECT DOCUMENT RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 19 2001 AT REEL 012144 FRAME 0034.;ASSIGNOR:ANGLSPERGER, ERWIN F.;REEL/FRAME:012318/0657

Effective date: 20010314

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12