초록 ▼

An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle comprises a knee bolster (20) for engaging at least one leg of the occupant to restrain the occupant. The knee bolster (20) comprises a metal tube (50) having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The metal tube (50) when i

An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle comprises a knee bolster (20) for engaging at least one leg of the occupant to restrain the occupant. The knee bolster (20) comprises a metal tube (50) having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The metal tube (50) when in the expanded condition positions the knee bolster (20) to help protect the vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) also comprises a pyrotechnic transfer line (60, 62, 64) extending within the collapsed metal tube (50). The pyrotechnic transfer line (60, 62, 64) when ignited generates fluid under pressure in the metal tube to expand the metal tube from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The apparatus (10) further comprises an igniter (70) for igniting the pyrotechnic transfer line (60, 62, 64).

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, we claim:] [1.]1. An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:a knee bolster for engaging at least one leg of a vehicle occupant to restrain the occupant, said knee bolster comprising a metal tube having a collapsed condit

[ Having described the invention, we claim:] [1.]1. An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising:a knee bolster for engaging at least one leg of a vehicle occupant to restrain the occupant, said knee bolster comprising a metal tube having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition, said metal tube when in the expanded condition positioning said knee bolster to help protect the vehicle occupant;a pyrotechnic transfer line extending within said collapsed metal tube, said pyrotechnic transfer line when ignited generating fluid under pressure in said metal tube to expand said metal tube from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition; andan igniter for igniting said pyrotechnic transfer line.