Abstract:
Provided is an active bolster for a vehicle occupant, the active bolster comprising a rear panel, an internal structure, and a front panel. The internal structure is disposed between the rear panel and the front panel, and the internal structure and rear panel together forming a hollow chamber in communication with an inflation device. The hollow chamber is expandable on activation of the inflation device. The internal structure has at least one expandable element such that upon pressurization of the hollow chamber by the inflation device, at least a portion of the at least one expandable element undergoes deformation to permit inflation of the hollow chamber, thereby displacing the rear panel rearwardly to an extended position.
Abstract:
An inflatable bolster for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle comprises a hollow body having a first wall having a central area and a circumferential area surrounding the central area, a second wall opposite the first wall, and an air chamber formed between the first and second walls. The inflatable bolster also comprises an inflator for injecting a pressurized fluid into the air chamber which is mounted to the hollow body. The inflatable bolster also comprises a plurality of concentric extension pleats formed in the first wall. The extension pleats extend around a major part of the circumferential area. The extension pleats contact the second wall at a plurality of contact points which are distributed across the second wall. The plurality of contact points is sufficient in number to at least partially suppress audible vibration of the second wall.
Abstract:
A bracket for mounting a running board to a vehicle. The bracket comprising a main body comprising a support surface, an interlock structure and a mount element. The support surface provides a surface for supporting the running board. The interlock structure provides a mechanical engagement with a lower flange of the vehicle. The mount element cooperates with a fastener for fastening the bracket to a structural panel of the vehicle.
Abstract:
This invention is in the field of safety devices to lessen injuries arising from impact in vehicles, particularly automobiles. A bolster which may be employed to reduce impact severity to passengers from either frontal or side impacts is activated by impact sensing devices. The housing of the bolster has a lateral length L. Upon activation, the bolster is inflated with an activating fluid and extends the lateral length L of the bolster upon activation.
Abstract:
An instrument panel subassembly for use in an instrument panel assembly in a motor vehicle is provided. The subassembly includes first and second generally C-shaped energy absorption brackets. The brackets have an aft facing C-section and upper and lower mounting ends. The brackets include attachment means for attaching the brackets to a vehicle structural member. The subassembly further includes a glove box door having an aft surface and a forward surface, and a bin. The glove box door includes hinge means for providing hinged movement of the glove box door relative to the first and second brackets between open and closed positions. The bin is within the C-section of the brackets when the glove box door is in a hingedly closed position.
Abstract:
A mold assembly (10) for blow molding plastic articles (4) is provided having an upper mold member (12), a lower mold member (14) and a lower support member (16). The lower mold member (14) is preferably a relatively lightweight plate having a generally centrally located molding cavity (30) matingly matched with an upper molding cavity (20) in the upper mold member (12). The lower mold member (14) is moved horizontally and optionally vertically beneath an extrusion head (H) as a molten parison (P) is extruded. The lower mold member(14) is then transported to, and positioned within, the lower support member (16). The upper mold member (12) is then closed over the lower mold member (14) and lower support (16) to close the mold assembly (10). The molten parison (P) is then expanded in the mold cavity (20,30). After the molding operation, the plastic part (4) may be removed and the lower mold member (14) may be cooled by immersion in a cooling fluid. The apparatus to move the lower mold member (14) during extrusion of the parison (P) and to the molding station may be a robotic arm (R). The lower mold member (14) is relatively lightweight so that it may be efficiently moved by the robot arm (R) while the necessary structural support is provided by the lower support member (16).
Abstract:
A shipping pallet (1) of the type usually manufactured from wood is made of hollow plastic stringers (3) and deck boards (5). The stringers and deck boards are made of plastic materials which may be either virgin plastic recycled plastics or mixes. The stringers and deck boards are hollow but have closed ends to prevent entry of dirt, fluids, insects and vermin. The stringers and deck boards may be made in a blow molding process or using continuous extrusion and molding processes similar to that used in the manufacture of corrugated pipe. Various connection configurations for affixing the deck boards to the stringers are described including fixation by screws as well as interlocking connections between the plastic parts themselves and the use of separate interlocking components which engage the deck board and stringers.
Abstract:
A hollow article is provided, comprising a first wall and a second wall, where the first and second walls are positioned in opposing relationship and define a space therebetween. A plurality of protruding structural pillars extend from the second wall and span the space, each of the structural pillars having an end surface integrally bonded with an inside surface of the first wall.
Abstract:
Provided is a process for producing a hollow article provided with an internal component. The process comprises providing a molding station having first and second mold portions together defining a mold cavity. A parison having a top and bottom end is then positioned within the molding station. Using a carrier, at least one component mounted on the carrier is inserted into the parison through the top end of the parison. The parison is then pressed against the component using displaceable mold cores provided in each of first and second mold portions, after which the carrier is removed from the molding station. The top and bottom ends of the parison are sealed, and the molding station is closed. Blow molding pressure is applied to the parison to urge the parison against the contours of the mold cavity, after which the molding station is opened and the formed hollow article is removed.
Abstract:
Provided is a process for producing a hollow article provided with an internal component. The process comprises providing a molding station having first and second mold portions together defining a mold cavity. A parison having a top and bottom end is then positioned within the molding station. Using a carrier, at least one component mounted on the carrier is inserted into the parison through the top end of the parison. The parison is then pressed against the component using displaceable mold cores provided in each of first and second mold portions, after which the carrier is removed from the molding station. The top and bottom ends of the parison are sealed, and the molding station is closed. Blow molding pressure is applied to the parison to urge the parison against the contours of the mold cavity, after which the molding station is opened and the formed hollow article is removed.