Patent ID: 6273459
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: B60R,B62D

Abstract:
An instrument panel safety device and valve head combination for use in a motor vehicle having a collision sensing means operably mounted on the vehicle and for sensing a collision, the device comprising:a hollow cylinder having a top end and a bottom end, said top end adapted to be connected to said instrument panel;a piston residing within said cylinder, said cylinder being axially slidable on the piston between an extended position and a collapsed position;an elongated rod with first and second ends, the first end secured to said piston and the second end connected to said vehicle such that the piston and the rod are substantially immovable relative to said vehicle;sealing means for sealing the hollow cylinder in order to define an air-tight cavity within the hollow cylinder, the air-tight cavity containing prior to collision pressurized gas; andopening means to rapidly open the sealing means in response to a signal generated by the collision sensing means, thereby permitting movement of the hollow cylinder from the extended position to the collapsed position.