| US 7,387,311 B2 | ||
| Module cover for airbag apparatus | ||
| Yuki Kanno, Shiga (Japan); and Shinji Hayashi, Shiga (Japan) | ||
| Assigned to Takata Corporation, Tokyo (Japan) | ||
| Filed on Oct. 10, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/682,533. | ||
| Claims priority of application No. 2002-360852 (JP), filed on Dec. 12, 2002. | ||
| Prior Publication US 2004/0113398 A1, Jun. 17, 2004 | ||
| Int. Cl. B60R 21/20 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 280—728.3 [280/732] | 22 Claims |
| 1. A cover for an airbag module comprising:
a plate member having a top surface to be exposed to a vehicle cabin and a back surface, wherein the plate member is configured
to be mated with an instrument panel; and
a frame member extending from and directly abutting the back surface of the plate member;
wherein the plate member and the frame member are configured to be formed separately and joined after formation;
wherein the frame member includes a first opening for the airbag such that the frame member does not deform when the airbag
is being deployed, a second opening configured to be connected to a retainer for retaining the airbag, an extension member
and a plurality of engaging holes disposed on the extension member for receiving connecting portions of the retainer;
wherein a portion of the plate member is completely over the first opening of the frame member such that the portion of the
back surface over the first opening is completely exposed to the airbag, and the entire periphery of the first opening of
the frame member directly abuts the back surface of the plate member; and
wherein the plate member is an elastomeric material.
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