Patent ID: 6340170
Filing Date: 2002-01-22
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle having an instrument panel, said apparatus comprising:a knee bolster movable in the vehicle from a stored position adjacent the instrument panel of the vehicle to a blocking position spaced apart from the vehicle instrument panel; said knee bolster having at least one fastener opening and a tear seam extending around said one fastener opening, said tear seam defining and enclosing one securing portion of said knee bolster; and a fastener for releasably maintaining said knee bolster in the stored position adjacent to the instrument panel; said one fastener extending through said one fastener opening in said knee bolster and overlying said one securing portion of said knee bolster; said knee bolster rupturing at said tear seam in response to movement of said knee bolster from the stored position to the blocking position, said one securing portion of said knee bolster remaining secured to the instrument panel by said one fastener when said knee bolster moves from the stored position.