Patent ID: 6145908
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An energy absorbing trim assembly for covering an inner face of a structural member of a vehicle defining a passenger compartment, said trim assembly comprising:an elongated wall portion having a longitudinal axis, said wall portion postionable in a covering relationship over said inner face of said structural member; a plurality of independent, spaced apart, swept arch members and integrally molded with said wall portion and arrayed along said longitudinal axis of said wall portion in laterally spaced relationship with respect to said inner face of said structural member;said arch members having a C-shaped configuration positioned transverse to said longitudinal axis and defined by an apex area, a short leg, and a long leg in opposing facing relationship to said short leg;said arch members being elastically deformable in response to imposition of a load substantially normal to said structural member; andupon contact with said structural member, said arch members being plastically deformable to further distribute said load.