Patent ID: 7850197
Filing Date: 2010-12-14
Classification: B60N,B60R

Abstract:
1. A vehicle body structure comprising: a pillar; a trim panel overlaying a portion of the pillar with the trim panel including a first trim portion and a second trim portion that is separable from the first trim portion along a predetermined separation line, one of the first trim portion and the second trim portion includes a recessed portion that defines a U-shaped channel when viewed in cross-section and the other of the first trim portion and the second trim portion includes a protruding lip that extends into the recessed portion; a handle rigidly attached to the pillar by at least one fastener that extends through the second trim portion of the trim panel; an airbag disposed between the trim panel and the pillar such that in response to deployment of the airbag at least a portion of the first trim portion separates from the second trim portion along the predetermined separation line; and a tether extending between the first trim panel and the pillar restraining the first trim panel to a limited distance of movement relative to the pillar in response to deployment of the airbag.