Patent ID: 7766372
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An interior trim panel adapted at least in part to house a supplemental inflatable restraint system when installed in a motorized vehicle, the supplemental inflatable restraint system including an inflatable cushion, the trim panel comprising: a rigid substrate configured to attach to the vehicle and having opposing inner and outer surfaces, said rigid substrate defining a cavity with an opening formed through said inner and outer surfaces, said cavity configured to nest the supplemental inflatable restraint system therein, said rigid substrate including a standing rib protruding from said outer surface and extending around at least a portion of said opening; and an outer skin operatively attached to said rigid substrate and covering said opening and at least a portion of said outer surface, wherein said outer skin includes a reduced thickness portion formed between an external surface thereof and said standing rib, said reduced thickness portion forms a weakened area of said outer skin at preselected locations, and is thereby configured for the inflatable cushion to selectively deploy therethrough; a closeout door operatively attached to said rigid substrate and configured to transition from a first substantially closed position to a second generally open position, wherein: