Patent ID: 7695001
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: an inflatable occupant protection device; a member defining a deployment opening in an instrument panel of a vehicle through which the inflatable occupant protection device is deployable; and a cover for covering the deployment opening, the cover comprising: a deployment door; an attachment portion connectable with the member, the attachment portion comprising a side wall that extends transversely from a lower surface of the deployment door, the sidewall being spaced from peripheral edges of the deployment door leaving a peripheral portion of the deployment door extending beyond the side wall, the side wall extending along the entire periphery of the deployment opening; and a rupturable portion comprising a plurality of tear tabs that connect the side wall to the lower surface of the deployment door along opposite sides of the attachment portion, the tear tabs being spaced apart from each other leaving segments between the tear tabs where the side wall and lower surface are free from connection to each other.