Module cover for airbag apparatus
First Claim
Patent Images
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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Accused Products
Abstract
A module cover for an airbag apparatus. The module cover includes a plate member and a leg member. The leg member extends from the back surface of the plate member. The plate member and the leg member are formed separately and joined after formation. The plate member is formed of thermoplastic elastomer.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A cover for an airbag module comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A cover for an airbag module comprising:
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a plate member configured to be mated with an instrument panel; and a frame member extending from and directly abutting a 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 plate member is formed of thermoplastic elastomer; 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; and 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.
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20. A cover for an airbag module for a vehicle comprising:
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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 directly connected to the back surface of the plate member; wherein the frame member is not integral with the plate member and includes a first opening for the airbag so that, when deploying, the airbag does not deform the frame member, 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 the plate member is an elastomeric material; and 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.
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21. An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle comprising:
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an airbag; and a cover having a plate member and a frame member; wherein the plate member has a top surface to be exposed to a vehicle cabin and a back surface; wherein the frame member extends from and directly abuts the back surface of the plate member; wherein the plate member is configured to be mated with an instrument panel; 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. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification