US4105223A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instrument panel for a vehicle
Assignee: Nissan Motor Co Ltd
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Filing: 1976-09-28
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Granted: 1978-08-08
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Expires: 1996-09-28
Abstract
Abstract An instrument panel comprises an elongated sheet member formed through the longitudinal length thereof with a plurality of depressions. The depressions provide for a weakening of resistance to deformation of the sheet member so that if the sheet member is struck by the passenger's head in a collision, it is permanently and plastically deformed and thus saves the passenger from injury.
Inventors
- 👤 Takaaki Oda
- 👤 Kazuo Takeuchi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 09:12
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/04; B60R21/045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A safety instrument panel for a vehicle, comprising: an elongated sheet member laterally set at a front section of a passenger compartment of said vehicle; means for weakening the resistance to deformation of areas of said elongated sheet member and comprising a plurality of recesses having relatively substantial surface area formed in said elongated sheet member, said areas being most likely impacted by the passenger's head during a vehicle collision; and padding secured to outer surfaces of said enlongated sheet member so as to cover said areas.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A safety instrument panel for a vehicle, comprising: an elongated sheet member laterally set at a front section of a passenger compartment of said vehicle; means for weakening the resistance to deformation of areas of said elongated sheet member and comprising a plurality of recesses having relatively substantial surface area formed in said elongated sheet member, said areas being most likely impacted by the passenger's head during a vehicle collision; and padding secured to outer surfaces of said enlongated sheet member so as to cover said areas.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A safety instrument panel as claimed in claim 1, in which said recesses are arranged to be spaced from and parallel to each other and oriented substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of said elongated sheet member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A safety instrument panel as claimed in claim 2, in which said recesses extend along the longitudinal axis of said elongated sheet member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A safety instrument panel as claimed in claim 1, in which each of said recesses is formed at its circumference with a groove for more weakening the resistance to deformation of said area of said elongated sheet member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
143 words
A safety instrument panel for a vehicle, comprising: an elongated sheet member adapted to be laterally set at a front section of a passenger compartment of said vehicle; means for weakening the resistance to deformation of areas of said elongated sheet member and comprising a plurality of recesses having relatively substantial surface area formed in said elongated sheet member, said areas being most likely impacted by the passenger's head during a vehicle collision; and padding secured to outer surfaces of said elongated sheet member so as to cover said areas; said recesses being arranged to be spaced from and parallel to each other and located substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said elongated sheet member, each of said recesses being formed at its circumference with a groove for more weakening the resistance to deformation of said area of said elongated sheet member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
143 words
A safety instrument panel for a vehicle, comprising: an elongated sheet member adapted to be laterally set at a front section of a passenger compartment of said vehicle; means for weakening the resistance to deformation of areas of said elongated sheet member and comprising a plurality of recesses having relatively substantial surface area formed in said elongated sheet member, said areas being most likely impacted by the passenger's head during a vehicle collision; and padding secured to outer surfaces of said elongated sheet member so as to cover said areas; said recesses being arranged to be spaced from and parallel to each other and located substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said elongated sheet member, each of said recesses being formed at its circumference with a groove for more weakening the resistance to deformation of said area of said elongated sheet member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-08-07 | 1982-02-06 | 1982-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-08-07 | 1986-02-06 | 1986-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-08-07 | 1990-02-06 | 1990-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |