Patent ID: 6422591
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
Apparatus comprising:a frame structure defining a deployment opening; an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device aligned with said deployment opening; and a deployment structure extending across said deployment opening, said deployment structure having first and second locking portions in releasably interlocked engagement with said frame structure at locations spaced apart across said deployment opening; said deployment structure being configured to undergo non-rupturing deflection under the influence of inflation fluid pressure forces applied by said protection device, said non-rupturing deflection of said deployment structure moving each of said locking portions outward of said interlocked engagement; said first locking portion being configured to move only partially out of said interlocked engagement upon said non-rupturing deflection of said deployment structure, said second locking portion being configured to move fully out of said interlocked engagement upon said non-rupturing deflection of said deployment structure.