Robert Gerard Michalak

US Patent:

7201434, Apr 10, 2007

Filed:

Nov 4, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/267222

Inventors:

Robert J. Michalak - Clinton Township MI, US
Gary T. Feger - Clinton Township MI, US

Assignee:

Cadence Innovation LLC - Sterling Heights MI

International Classification:

B60J 7/00

US Classification:

29618705, 296 70, 280752

Abstract:

Energy-absorbing bolsters for an automotive instrument panel assembly are provided wherein each of the bolsters includes a network of thermoplastic cells having a plurality of interconnected sides for absorbing energy of an impact with a front panel by a passenger of the vehicle in an energy absorption area of the front panel. Each bolster includes a thermoplastic cover section including the front panel having a front outer surface and a rear inner surface. A thermoplastic rib structure lays immediately behind the rear inner surface of the front panel in the energy absorption area. A thermoplastic backing section includes a back panel having a rear outer surface and an inner surface and is secured to the cover section in containing relationship to the rib structure to form a hollow compartment for the rib structure in the energy absorption area. The rib structure includes a first set of energy-absorbing, thermoplastic, planar members which are integrally molded to and extend outwardly from one of the inner surfaces in a direction generally perpendicular to the inner surfaces to at least partially form the network.