Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Patent
1998-11-27
2000-12-26
Rice, Kenneth R.
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
280732, B60R 2120
Patent
active
061646865
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention pertains to the art of methods for manufacturing an air bag door assembly for use with a supplemental restraint system, and more specifically to methods for manufacturing a rigid door assembly having locking tabs to selectively seat the assembly in an opening in a vehicle trim panel.
BACKGROUND ART
Automotive vehicles have long utilized restraint systems for the safety of vehicle passengers. Initially, such restraint systems included seat belts which fit over the occupant's lap. Later many restraint systems were modified to add an additional strap, or shoulder harness, which crossed the occupant's chest and further protected them against impacts. Of late, air bag supplemental restraint systems have become increasingly popular. A typical air bag supplemental restraint system includes an inflatable bag which is stored in a deflated condition within the vehicle steering wheel or trim panel. Upon a relatively severe impact, the air bag is rapidly inflated and deployed into the passenger compartment through various means and openings.
One way of deploying an inflating air bag into the passenger compartment involves the displacement of an air bag door assembly which is seated in an opening in the trim panel.
In the art, various designs for door assemblies have been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,111 discloses an air bag system including a hinged cover door. The cover door is thicker around its perimeter due to the presence of a flange. However, because of placement of air bag assemblies in vehicle trim panels at locations where they are subjected to high temperatures (240 degrees Fahrenheit), the door assembly may warp and unseat from the vehicle trim panel. The present invention is directed to a air bag door assembly which is strengthened against warping and is prevented from inappropriately unseating from the vehicle trim panel by use of one or more flange extensions that function as locking tabs.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
In accordance with the practice of the present invention there is provided an air bag door assembly and method for producing the same for use in a vehicle equipped with an air bag supplement restraint system.
More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, an air bag door assembly comprises a layered construction wherein foam material is disposed between an underlying substrate and an overlying skin. The door assembly further comprises an inwardly directed flange arranged about the perimeter of the underlying substrate. During the manufacturing process, the flange serves as a foam shut-off to eliminate foam flash from the undersurface of the door assembly after the foam cure cycle. Additionally, during the trimming process, the flange provides a rigid surface against which a hot knife can cut. The flange also serves to impart rigidity to the door assembly to prevent warping and unseating.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the door assembly is characterized by means for strengthening which is disposed about a perimeter of the underlying substrate.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the strengthening means comprises an inwardly directed flange extending a predetermined minimum length from an undersurface of the underlying substrate.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the flange includes at least one flange extension having a stem of predetermined width. The stem is internally deflectable toward the undersurface of the substrate from a first vertical position to a second engaging position. The second engaging position is associated with an engaging angle .alpha..
According to another aspect of the invention, the flange extension further includes a head portion which comprises an engaging surface. The engaging surface selectively contacts the vehicle trim panel near a periphery of the opening therein.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of producing an air bag door assembly is characterized by the steps of: substrate, the flange having a minimum length; substrate; knife cont
REFERENCES:
patent: 5082310 (1992-01-01), Bauer
patent: 5335939 (1994-08-01), Kuriyama et al.
patent: 5478106 (1995-12-01), Bauer et al.
patent: 5492360 (1996-02-01), Logeman
Emerson Roger D
Rice Kenneth R.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
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