Modular roof and headliner assembly

• US 6,523,887 B1
• Filed: 11/24/2000
• Issued: 02/25/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/24/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Grupo Antolin-Irausa, S.A.
• Original Assignee: Magna Imperio Systems Corp.
• Inventors: Lipke, Clarence P., Marceau, Normand R., Picken, Alan D., Rohn, Wolfgang K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dayoan, D. Glenn
• Assistant Examiner(s): LYJAK, LORI LYNN
• Application Number:
  US09/721,684
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 296/214, 280/730.2, 280/730.1, 280/728.2
• US Class Current: 296/214
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/0225 self supporting head liners
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/025 Pillars; Roof rails
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 13/06 Sealing strips sealing arrangements for vehicle windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors, or similar devices B60J10/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/213 in vehicle roof frames or pillars

Abstract

A modular headliner assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises a planar center support mat adapted for mounting to a roof panel of the vehicle. A perimeter support mat extends outwardly from the outer periphery of the center support mat and is adapted for mounting to the roof panel of the vehicle. The perimeter support mat includes a main portion and an outwardly extending flap portion pivotally connected to the main portion by a living hinge. An airbag module is mounted to an interior surface of the main portion of the perimeter support mat adjacent the flap portion. The airbag module includes an inflatable airbag and an airbag canister for inflating the airbag. The flap portion is movable between a closed position covering the airbag and an open position pivoted away from the airbag providing a passageway for deployment of the airbag through the headliner assembly when inflated by the airbag canister. One or more additional components, such as a grab handle, coat hook, accessory light and speaker are also mounted to the exterior surface of the perimeter support mat.

Claims

1. A modular headliner assembly for an automotive vehicle comprising:

a generally planar center support mat adapted for mounting to a roof panel of the vehicle;

a perimeter support mat removably connected to said center support mat and extending outwardly therefrom;

an airbag module mounted to and supported by an interior surface of said perimeter support mat, said airbag module including an inflatable airbag and an airbag cannister for inflating said airbag;

said perimeter support mat including a main portion for fixedly supporting said airbag module and an outwardly extending flap portion pivotally connected to said main portion and movable between a closed position covering said airbag and an open position pivoted away from said airbag providing a passageway for deployment of said airbag when inflated by said airbag cannister; and

at least one additional component mounted to an exterior surface of said perimeter support mat wherein said at least one additional component includes at least one grab handle, light, speaker and coat hook.

2. A modular headliner assembly for an automotive vehicle comprising:

at least one generally planar center support mat adapted for mounting to a roof panel of the vehicle;

at least one perimeter support mat extending outwardly from the outer periphery of said center support mat and adapted for mounting to the roof panel of the vehicle;

said perimeter support mat including a main portion removably connected to the outer periphery of said center support mat and an outwardly extending flap portion pivotally connected to said main portion;

an airbag module mounted to an interior surface of said main portion of said perimeter support mat adjacent said flap portion, said airbag module including an inflatable airbag and an airbag canister for inflating said airbag;

wherein said flap portion is movable between a closed position covering said airbag and an open position pivoted away from said airbag providing a passageway for deployment of said airbag through said headliner assembly when inflated by said airbag canister; and

at least one additional component mounted to the exterior surface of one of said center support mat and said perimeter support mat.

3. A modular headliner assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said at least one additional component including at least one of a grab handle, light, speaker and coat hook.

4. A modular headliner assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said flap portion is pivotally connected to said main portion of said perimeter support mat by a living hinge.