Patent ID: 6502852
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A frangible cover of variable stiffness for use in overlying relation to an inflatable air bag cushion, the cover including a tear seam extending in a predefined pattern across the interior of the cover such that upon inflation of the inflatable air bag cushion the cover opens along the tear seam and at least a portion of the cover is folded back towards a perimeter of the cover to form an opening across the interior of the cover for egress of the air bag cushion through the cover, the cover comprising:a displaceable flap portion of flexible character having a fixed side adjacent the perimeter of the cover and a releasable edge disposed in generally opposing relation to the fixed side along a portion of the tear seam, the flap portion being displaceable in a substantially hinging manner in a direction generally away from the tear seam and towards the perimeter upon egress of the air bag cushion through the cover; the displaceable flap portion comprising at least one localized zone of reduced stiffness disposed between the fixed side and the releasable edge, wherein said at least one localized zone of reduced stiffness is of a substantially elongated geometry having a length dimension greater than a width dimension and wherein the length dimension extends substantially transverse to the direction of hinging movement by the flap portion and wherein said at least one localized zone of reduced stiffness defines an integral hinge within the displaceable flap portion such that the displaceable flap portion is substantially deformable in bending relation along said at least one localized zone of reduced stiffness between the fixed side and the releasable edge as the inflatable air bag cushion is inflated.