US5632507A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle interior support
Assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
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Filing: 1996-01-25
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Granted: 1997-05-27
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Expires: 2016-01-25
Abstract
Abstract A flexible support has one fixed end in a vehicle interior, and another end projecting freely into the passenger compartment on which an impact protector is fixed. In a flexing direction, the flexible support has spaced upper and lower belts, which are connected with each other by ribs to form hollow spaces. One belt extends along a straight line and the other belt is configured with protrusions and/or depressions between adjacent ribs in the direction toward the straight belt.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Sinner
- 👤 Bernhard Holzapfel
- 👤 Friedrich Reiter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 16:45
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/02; B60R21/04; B60R21/045; B62; B62D; B62D21/00; B62D21/15
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A support adapted to be arranged in a vehicle interior, comprising at least one support member having one end configured to be fixed on the vehicle interior and another end projecting freely into a passenger compartment of the vehicle interior, the free projecting end being fixed to an impact protector and an upper belt and a lower belt extending in a predetermined flexure direction and spaced from each other with connecting ribs defining hollow spaces therebetween, wherein one of the upper and lower belts extends along a straight line, and the other of the upper and lower belts has at least one of protrusions and depressions between adjacent ones of the connecting ribs in a direction toward the one belt.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A support adapted to be arranged in a vehicle interior, comprising at least one support member having one end configured to be fixed on the vehicle interior and another end projecting freely into a passenger compartment of the vehicle interior, the free projecting end being fixed to an impact protector and an upper belt and a lower belt extending in a predetermined flexure direction and spaced from each other with connecting ribs defining hollow spaces therebetween, wherein one of the upper and lower belts extends along a straight line, and the other of the upper and lower belts has at least one of protrusions and depressions between adjacent ones of the connecting ribs in a direction toward the one belt.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The support according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the protrusions and depressions have bending cross sections with bending resistance which is sized to increase from the impact protector toward a fastening at the one end of the at least one support member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The support according to claim 1, wherein the connecting ribs are configured to have a bending resistance which increases in a direction toward a fastening on the one end of the at least one support member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The support according to claim 1, wherein the impact protector comprises a support element for fastening to the at least one support member and is configured to have a higher bending resistance than the at least one support member, and is covered by an impact-dampening deformation element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The support according to claim 4, wherein the at least one support member comprises two support members provided at each end of the support element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
The support according to claim 4, wherein the support is supported on a transverse support so that when the support is subjected to a load, the transverse support is acted upon with a counter-moment in relation to a torsional moment due to a steering column load acting simultaneously on the transverse support.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The support according to claim 1, wherein the belt extending along a straight line is arranged substantially horizontally in the vehicle interior.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The support according to claim 7, wherein the impact protector and the support member are configured for receiving an insertable storage compartment.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The support according to claim 1, wherein the impact protector is configured as a knee protector.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-05-26 | 2000-11-25 | 2001-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-05-26 | 2004-11-25 | 2005-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-05-26 | 2008-11-25 | 2009-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |