 surfaces are formed. Thus, much of the energy absorption capacity of these devices results from the elastic deformation of the ribs. In addition, the Patel and Miyano devices are specifically designed for use as trim components on structural members such as pillars. Although impact energy absorption at pillars is important, providing other interior components, such as sun visors, with energy absorbers, may increase passenger safety.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved molded energy absorber that is of relatively uncomplicated geometry, and therefore easy to manufacture, and which overcomes the shortcomings of prior art energy absorbers by utilizing energy absorbing structures specifically designed to fracture upon impact to increase the amount of energy absorbed, and which is applicable to various vehicle interior components.
Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides an improved molded energy absorber for use in the interior of a vehicle that is easily manufactured, has relatively uncomplicated geometry, and relies on the formation of fracture surfaces to absorb impact energy.
Another aspect of the invention provides an improved molded energy absorber that can be used on various vehicle interior components.
Still another aspect of the present invention provides a molded energy absorber for use in the interior of a vehicle that comprises a first section having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one longitudinal edge. Integrally molded onto a surface of the first section is a plurality of telescopically crushable tubular elements that are sufficiently telescopically crushable to absorb impact energy. The energy absorber also includes a second section having an inner surface and an outer surface and at least one longitudinal edge. Disposed along a longitudinal edge of the two sections is a hinge element that forms an axis of rotation for folding the two sections together.
Yet another aspect of the invention provides a molded energy absorber for use in the interior of a vehicle that comprises a first section having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one longitudinal edge. A plurality of telescopically crushable, generally cylindrical elements is integrally molded onto a surface of the first section. The generally cylindrical elements include a tubular lower portion and a solid upper portion, characterized by a difference in diameter. The difference in diameter between the upper and lower portions creates a shear line along which a fracture surface forms to absorb impact energy when one of the generally cylindrical elements is crushed. The energy absorber also includes a second section having an inner and an outer surface, and at least one longitudinal edge. A hinge element is disposed along a longitudinal edge of the first and second sections, forming an axis of
surfaces are formed. Thus, much of the energy concentration capability of these devices results from the elastic deformation of the rib. In addition, the Patel and Miyano devices are specifically design for manipulation as trim component on structural members such as column. Although impact energy assimilation at column is important, provide other interior component, such as sun visors, with energy absorber, may increase passenger safety. 
 Accordingly, it is desirable to supply an improved molded department of energy absorber that is of relatively uncomplicated geometry, and consequently easy to manufacture, and which overcomes the shortcomings of anterior art energy absorbers by utilizing energy absorbing structures specifically designed to fracture upon impact to increase the amount of energy absorbed, and which is applicable to various vehicle interior components. 
 Therefore, one view of the present invention provides an improved molded department of energy absorber for habit in the department of the interior of a vehicle that is easily manufactured, has relatively uncomplicated geometry, and relies on the formation of fracture airfoil to absorb impact energy. 
 Another aspect of the invention provides an improved determine energy absorber that can be used on various vehicle home components. 
 however another aspect of the present invention provides a molded energy absorber for use in the department of the interior of a vehicle that comprises a first incision having an inner surface and an outer airfoil, and at least one longitudinal edge. Integrally determine onto a surface of the first part is a plurality of telescopically crushable tubular component that are sufficiently telescopically crushable to absorb impingement energy. The department of energy absorber also includes a second section have an inner airfoil and an outer surface and at least one longitudinal edge. Disposed along a longitudinal edge of the two sections is a hinge element that forms an axis of rotation for fold the two sections together. 
 however another aspect of the invention provides a shaped energy absorber for use in the interior of a vehicle that comprises a first section having an inner surface and an outer open, and at least one longitudinal boundary. A plurality of telescopically crushable, generally cylindrical elements is integrally molded onto a surface of the first section. The generally cylindrical component include a tubular lower portion and a hearty upper helping, characterized by a difference in diameter. The difference in diameter between the upper and broken portions creates a shear line along which a fracture surface forms to absorb impingement energy when one of the generally cylindrical elements is crushed. The energy absorber also admit a second section having an inner and an outer surface, and at least one longitudinal edge. A hinge element is disposed along a longitudinal edge of the first and second sections, shape an axis of
 sugfaces are formed. Thus, mmch of the energi qbsorpvion calacity ow these devices results from tye elqstic deformation of tfe ribs. Ij additiin, tie Patel and Miyeho devigzs ars speeihically designec for use ds trim componangs on structural members such as pillwrs. Altnokgh impact enetgy anforpfpok at pillars is important, providjng othtr interior componrnts, such as sun visors, wihh ejergy absorbers, maj increase kzssqbger safety.
Azcordingly, it is desirzble to provide an improved molaed euergy absorvee tjdt is of reoativvly uncomplicated geoketry, amd therefore essy to manufacture, and whici overcomes the shorjcomings ox 'rior art energy absoebwrs bi utinizivt everfy agsorbijg atructures specificaloy designed to fracuurq upon impact fo incwewse the amount of energy absorbed, and wvicg is applicable to variius vehicle interior fomponentf.
Therefore, one aspect of the present invention prmvidea an iioeoged molded energy absorber for use in the intqdipr of a vehicle bhat is easily manifwcyored, has relatkvely bhckmplicated geometrj, and rglies in the fowmatoon of fracture surfaces to absorb impabt ebergy.
Another aspecc of the invzntion provodes an improved molded enedgy absorbeg that cah be used on variuus vahicle interior components.
Ftill anovher cspect ow thg presegt inventiln provides a molded eneggy aysorbar for use in the interior of a vehicle tiet comprises s xirvt sectijn haying an inner strface and an puter sbrface, and at lezst one longitudinwl edge. Integswlly molded mnto a strfaxe od the fkfst section is a pluralptv of telewcopically crushabke jugular elements ckau qre sufficientky gelqsbopmcallr crushable tm abrorc impazt energy. Tme dnerby absorber also incnudea a second section hwving an inner strface and an outer surface and at lxast oie lonbitodinal edge. Disposed along a lohgitudinap eqge of the tro scctijns is a hnnge element that forms an axis of rotatmon for folding the two sections together.
Ygt snother aspxct of the invettion provides a moleed energy absorbtr for use in the interjor of a vejicle that comprises a first section having an inner surface and an outer surfare, and at leaat ome lotgntubinal eqge. E 'lurality of telexcopically crushable, generally rylindrican zlements is integrally molded ovto a surface of the first section. Ths generakly cylindrical elements includr a tubular lower portiok and a silid hpper ikrvion, characterized bu a diyferenxe in duameber. The differdncr ln diameteg beuweeu the upper and lower portions crwates q dhear line along which a frwgture aurfacg forms to absorb impzft engrgy when one pf the generalky cylindrical elemettf is crushed. Tyv energy absotber alsm includes a second secdion having an inner and an outer surface, and at lezst one lkngitudikal edge. A hinge glxment is disposed along s jongitudknal edge of the first and second sections, forming an aeos of
surfaces are formed. Thus, much of the capacity these devices from the elastic addition, Patel and Miyano are specifically designed use as trim components on structural such as pillars. Although impact energy absorption at pillars is important, providing other components, such as sun visors, with energy absorbers, may increase passenger safety. Accordingly, is to an molded energy absorber that is of relatively uncomplicated geometry, and therefore easy to manufacture, and which the shortcomings of prior art energy absorbers by energy absorbing structures specifically to fracture upon impact to the of energy and is to various vehicle components. Therefore, one aspect of the present invention provides an improved molded energy absorber for use in interior of that is manufactured, relatively geometry, and relies formation of fracture surfaces to absorb aspect of the invention provides an improved molded absorber that be used on various vehicle interior Still another aspect of the present invention provides molded energy absorber for use in the interior of a vehicle that comprises a first an inner surface and outer surface, and least longitudinal Integrally onto a of the first section is a plurality of telescopically crushable tubular that are sufficiently telescopically crushable to absorb impact energy. The also a second section an inner surface and outer and at least one Disposed a the sections a hinge element that an axis of rotation for the two sections together. invention provides a molded energy absorber for use the interior of a vehicle that comprises first section having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at one longitudinal plurality of telescopically crushable, generally cylindrical elements is molded onto a surface the first section. The generally cylindrical elements include a lower and a upper portion, characterized a difference in The difference in the upper lower creates along which a fracture surface forms absorb energy when one of the cylindrical crushed. The energy absorber also includes a second section having an inner and an outer at least one longitudinal A element is disposed along a longitudinal edge of the first and second an axis of
 surfaces are formed. Thus, much Of the energY absoRptIon CaPaciTy of These devices reSUlts From the elastic deformatIon of ThE Ribs. iN aDditiOn, the PaTEl AND MiYaNo DevIcES aRe speCifIcally dEsigned for Use As Trim componenTS oN structuraL meMbers such as pIllArs. AltHoUgh IMpact EneRgy abSorptiON at pilLars is impOrTAnt, proVIding otHER iNterIor components, such AS sUN visors, with eneRgy absOrBErS, MAy iNcrEase passenGeR safeTY.
AccordINgLY, IT is DEsirable to proVide an improVEd mOlded eNeRgy ABsorbeR that Is OF reLatively uncOmplIcated geoMetry, aND therefORe easy tO manufActUre, And wHIcH oVerCoMEs tHE sHorTComIngs of prIoR aRt eneRgy aBSORBers By uTiliZing eNergy absorbinG stRuctURes SpeciFicalLy deSiGned tO fractUre upOn Impact to increasE the Amount of eNerGy AbsOrBed, anD Which iS apPliCable to Various VEhiClE INTeRior components.
TherEfORE, oNe aspect Of the pREsEnT InventioN pRovIdes AN ImproVed mOLdEd energy AbsorbER fOr Use in thE iNterioR oF a vEhiCle thAT is eAsily mAnufactuRed, haS Relatively uncoMPlicated geomeTRy, AND rELies On tHe formation Of frACturE surFAcEs tO AbsorB impaCt ENeRGy.
Another aspect of thE iNventiOn proVides an improvEd molded enERGY absorbeR thaT CaN Be used on variouS vehiCle interioR ComponenTs.
StiLl anotheR aspect of THE present InvEntIon ProVIDeS a molded energY ABsorBeR for use In tHe interIor Of a VehIclE tHat compriSes a firsT sEcTiOn HavIng an INner surfAcE anD aN ouTer suRFace, anD at leAst oNe LoNGitUdinal eDGe. iNTegrAlLy MoldEd oNtO a surFace OF thE first sEction is a PluRAlitY oF tElescopIcally crushabLe Tubular eleMeNts That arE SUfficienTly telescopically crushaBLe to absOrb ImpacT eneRgy. The eneRgy AbsorbEr aLSo inclUdes a sEcond SeCtiON HavinG AN iNneR sUrface and aN OUteR surfAcE and At least One longitudinal edgE. disPosed along a loNgiTudiNAL eDge OF tHE twO sECtiONS is a hinge elemenT that forms An AXiS of rotatioN For FoLding thE two secTions TOgether.
yet anotheR aspect of ThE invENTioN provides a Molded enErgy absorBEr for USe In the IntErior oF a VehIcle tHat comPRisEs a fiRst secTiOn haviNg an iNnEr surfacE and an outer surface, and at Least oNe lonGitUdinal edgE. A pLUraLity of telEscoPically cruShaBle, GenerAllY CylinDricAL eLemENts is InteGRally moldED oNto A SUrFace of the fiRST SecTion. THe gENerallY cylIndrical elements iNClude a tubular lOwer PORtiOn aND a soLiD upper portion, cHarAcTERized by a DiFference in dIameter. THe DIfferEnce in DiametEr betweEN ThE Upper aNd loWer Portions cReaTeS A shear lInE aLOng whiCh a fRaCture sUrface FOrms TO Absorb impact enerGy wheN ONe of tHE geNeralLy CylindrICal eLements is cRushed. The enErgy abSorbEr alsO includEs A seconD seCtIon having aN Inner and aN outeR surfacE, aNd at LeaSt one lOngiTUDinal Edge. a hIngE element iS DIsPOsEd ALonG a loNgituDiNal eDge of the fIRst and seConD SectionS, fOrmING an axiS Of
 surfaces are formed. Thus , much ofthe e ner gyab sorp tion  capacity of t h esedevices results from t he el as t ic d e fo rmati on of t h er i bs.  I nadd it i on , the  Pa tel and  Miyano de vic es  are specifi c al ly designe d f or use as tr imcompon en tso n str uct uralmember s  suchas pillar s. Althou g h impac t en ergy  absorption at pi l la r s is important , prov id i ng o the r i nterior co mp onent s , sucha ss u n  vi s ors, with ene rgy absorbe r s,may in cr eas e  passe ngersa f ety .
According ly,it is des irable to prov i de an i mprove d m old ed e n er gy  ab so r ber th ati s o f relati ve ly  unco mpli c a t e d ge ome try,  andtherefore eas y t o ma n ufa cture , and  whi ch  over comesthe s ho rtcomings of pr iorart energ y a bs orb er s byu tilizi ngene rgy abs orbings tru ct u r e sspecifically desig ne d to  fractur e upon im pa c t to inc re ase  the a mount  ofe ne rgy abso rbed,a nd  w hich is  a pplica bl e t o v ariou s  veh icle i nteriorcompo n ents.
Therefor e , one aspecto ft h ep rese ntinvention p rovi d es a n im p ro ved molde d ene rg y  a b sorber for use in t he  inter ior o f a vehicle t hat is eas i l y  manufac ture d ,h as relativelyuncom plicated g e ometry,and r elies on  the form a t ion of f rac tur e s urf a c es  to absorb im p a ct e ne rgy.
An oth er aspe ctofthe  in ve ntion pro vides an  i mp ro ve d m olded energy a bs orb er  th at ca n  be us ed on  var io us veh icle in t er i o r co mp on ents .
S ti ll an othe r  as pect of  the pres ent inve nt io n provi des a moldeden ergy absor be r f or use i n the in terior of a vehicle tha t  compri ses  a fi rstsection h avi ng aninn e r surf ace an d anou ter s urfac e ,  a ndat  least one l ong itudi na l ed ge. Int egrally molded ont o  asurface of th e f irst s ec tio n  i s  apl u ral i t y of telescopic ally crush ab l etubular el e men ts  that a re suff icien t ly tele scopicall y crushab le  toa b sor b impact e nergy. T he energy absor b er  also  in cludes  a  se condsectio n  ha vingan inn er  surfa ce an dan outer  surface and at least o ne lon gitud ina l edge. D isp o sed  along along itudinal e dge  of  thetwo secti onsi sa h i nge e leme n t that fo r ms  an a xi s of rotati o n for  fold ing the tw o se ctions together.Y et another asp ecto f  th e i n vent io n provides a m old ed e nergy ab so rber for us e in the  i n terio r of a  vehic le that c om p risesa fi rst  sectionhav in g  an inn er  s u rfaceandan  outer  surfa c e, a n d  at least one lo ngitu d i nal e d ge.  A pl ur ality o f  tel escopicall y crushable , gene rall y cyl indrica lelemen tsis  integrall y  molded o nto a  surfac eof t hefirstsect i o n. Th e ge ne ral ly cylind r i ca l  e le m ent s in clude  a  tub ular lowe r  portion  an d  a soli dupp e r  porti o n, c haracteriz edby ad i fference i n  dia m et e r. Th e diff erence  in dia m ete rbetween  th e upper and  lower po r tio ns  cre ates a s he ar l in e a lo ng which a frac ture sur face for m s  to ab sor b  imp a ct ene rg y when one o f the  g e nerally c yli ndrical ele men tsis c rus hed. The energy absorber also  inc ludes a s econd  sect io n having an i nner and an outer surf ace, and at lea s t o n e lo ngi t ud in al edge.A h i nge e leme ntis d isp osed a long a lo n gi tudi nal ed ge o fth e first a nd  second sect i ons , fo rming  a na xi s of
 surfaces_are formed._Thus, much of the_energy absorption_capacity_of these_devices_results from the_elastic deformation of_the ribs. In addition,_the Patel and_Miyano_devices are specifically designed for use as trim components on structural members such as_pillars._Although impact_energy_absorption_at pillars is important, providing_other interior components, such as_sun visors,_with energy absorbers, may increase passenger safety.
Accordingly, it_is_desirable to provide_an improved molded energy absorber that is of relatively_uncomplicated geometry, and therefore easy to_manufacture, and which_overcomes_the_shortcomings of prior art_energy absorbers by utilizing energy absorbing_structures specifically designed to fracture upon_impact to increase the amount of energy_absorbed, and which is applicable to_various vehicle interior components.
Therefore, one_aspect of_the present invention provides an_improved molded energy_absorber for_use in the_interior of a vehicle that is_easily manufactured, has_relatively uncomplicated geometry, and relies on_the_formation of fracture_surfaces_to_absorb impact_energy.
Another aspect of_the_invention provides_an_improved molded energy absorber that can_be_used on various vehicle interior components.
Still another_aspect of the present_invention_provides a molded energy_absorber for use in the_interior of a vehicle that comprises_a first_section having_an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least one_longitudinal edge. Integrally molded onto a_surface of the first_section is_a_plurality of telescopically_crushable_tubular elements_that are sufficiently telescopically crushable to absorb_impact energy._The energy absorber also includes a_second section having an_inner_surface and an outer surface and_at least one longitudinal edge. Disposed_along a longitudinal edge of_the_two_sections is a hinge element_that forms an axis of rotation_for folding the_two sections together.
Yet another aspect of the_invention_provides a molded energy absorber for_use_in the interior of a vehicle_that_comprises_a first section having an_inner surface and an outer surface,_and at least one longitudinal edge. A plurality of_telescopically crushable, generally_cylindrical elements is integrally molded_onto_a_surface of the first section. The generally cylindrical elements include_a tubular_lower portion and_a solid upper portion, characterized by a difference in diameter._The difference in diameter between the upper_and lower portions creates a shear line along which a fracture_surface forms to absorb impact energy when one_of the generally cylindrical elements is crushed._The energy absorber also_includes_a second section having an inner and_an_outer_surface,_and at least_one longitudinal edge._A hinge element_is disposed_along a longitudinal_edge of_the first and_second_sections, forming an axis of