Patent ID: 6364346
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A motor vehicle trim assembly for a side impact inflatable air bag system having a side impact air bag curtain that extends along a roof line of the vehicle to cover at least one side window of the vehicle, the assembly comprising:an outer trim panel having inner and outer surfaces and an opening extending completely therethrough; a plastic door adapted to enclose the air bag curtain when uninflated and close the opening in a closed position of the door, the door having inner and outer surfaces and wherein the outer trim panel and the door at least partially defines an automotive pillar; a plastic inner trim panel adapted to be mounted in a motor vehicle and which is connected to the outer trim panel, the inner trim panel also having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surfaces of the door and the inner trim panel defining a storage compartment for at least a portion of the uninflated air bag curtain; a latch for holding the door in its closed position and which allows deployment of the air bag curtain; a hinge including a plastic member extending between the inner trim panel and the door for hingedly connecting the door to the inner trim panel and to allow the door to swing open and to ensure that the door does not separate from the inner trim panel during air bag curtain deployment within the motor vehicle; and an inflator housed by the inner trim panel of the pillar for inflating the air bag curtain to deploy from the roof line and the storage compartment in the pillar.