Patent ID: 6174470
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: B29B,B29C,B29L

Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a blow-molded instrument panel having a concealed integrally formed airbag door comprising the steps of:extruding a parison having a substrate layer, said parison having a first wall and a second wall;placing said parison in a mold;inflating said parison and causing said parison to conform to the shape of said mold;contacting said first and second walls to form a hinge;contacting said first and second walls for forming an opening path that intersects said hinge to form an airbag door; andcooling said parison to form said panel, said substrate layer solidifying and becoming rigid and self-supporting, said door fracturing said opening path and folding along said hinge when contacted with an inflating airbag.