Patent ID: 6923472
Filing Date: 2005-08-02
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An air bag assembly for use in a vehicle comprising: an air bag which is capable of being inflated; a vehicle bodywork; a body having a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being of a thermoformable synthetic cellular material which rigidifies said body, said body having a first edge and a second edge; a retaining means for permanently retaining said body to said vehicle bodywork, said retaining means comprising a flap of flexible material integrally formed with and extending from said first edge of said body, said flap being permanently affixed to said vehicle bodywork such that said body is in hinged relationship to said vehicle bodywork; and a fixing means for releasably fixing said body to said vehicle bodywork, said fixing means for releasing from said vehicle bodywork when said air bag is inflated such that said air bag inflates without tearing said body or said flap of flexible material, said fixing means being secured to said second layer, said fixing means comprising a first strip of hook-and-loop material and a second strip of hook-and-loop material complementary to one another and detachably engaged with one another, one of said first and second strips being secured to said body, the other of said first and second strips being secured directly onto said vehicle bodywork.