Patent ID: 6726239
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
In combination:(a) a core layer having an opening through which an air bag extends as the air bag is changed from an undeployed state into a deployed state; and (b) an air bag cover assembly which overlies the core layer opening, the air bag cover assembly comprising: a skin layer having oppositely facing forward and rear surfaces and situated forwardly of the core layer; a cushioning layer between the core layer and the skin layer; and a door that is separate from the cushioning layer and skin layer and changeable between a closed state and an open state, the door in the closed state covering the core layer opening, the door having a weakening portion which separates as an incident of the air bag changing from the undeployed state into the deployed state, the door comprising a first hinge having a curved portion which directly abuts to the cushioning layer and flexes to allow at least a first part of the door to pivot from a first position to a second position as an incident of the air bag changing from the undeployed state into the deployed state and the door changing from the closed state into the open state, the first hinge having a localized reduced thickness which facilitates flexing of the door at the first hinge, wherein the curved portion of the first hinge comprises a U-shaped forward surface and a U-shaped rear surface each opening in a rear direction and the U-shaped forward surface directly abuts to the cushioning layer, wherein the localized reduced thickness is defined between the U-shaped forward and rear surfaces.