Abstract:
A trim panel overlaying a pillar includes a first trim portion and a second trim portion separable from one another. A handle attaches to the pillar at first and second points by fasteners extending through the second trim portion, the first and second points being vertically spaced apart from one another. An airbag disposed between the trim panel and the pillar deploys such that the first trim portion completely separates from the pillar and the second trim portion along a predetermined separation line. The airbag extends along the pillar alongside at least one of the first and second points and alongside an area between the first point and the second point. The first trim portion and the handle are configured such that the first trim portion is restrained to a limited distance of movement away from the pillar by the handle in response to deployment of the airbag.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/869,497 filed on Oct. 9, 2007. The entire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/869,497 is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to vehicle body structure that includes a trim panel breakaway feature. More specifically, the present invention relates to vehicle body structure that includes a pillar with a trim panel that at least partially breaks away from the pillar allowing deployment of an airbag concealed behind the trim panel. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Vehicle structures are continually being improved for passenger safety. One recent modification to vehicles is the inclusion of airbags. Typically, an airbag includes inflatable member that when deployed creates a cushioning bag or cushioning curtain to protect a passenger or passengers during impact events. Airbags are becoming more prevalent in passenger vehicles such as sedans, coupes, SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and trucks. 
         [0006]    Newly proposed safety regulations mandate the inclusion of airbags on pillar structures within certain vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks. The proposed safety regulations would require that an A-pillar include an airbag that inflates to form a cushioning curtain between the vehicle passenger and either or both of a door and interior roof of the vehicle. 
         [0007]    Most SUVs, trucks and vans include an assist grip handle mounted on the A-pillar adjacent to the front door of the vehicle. The assist grip handle is a handle mounted proximate a door opening that can be used by a passenger to assist in entering and exiting the vehicle. Pillars with such assist grip handles include the A-pillar located between one side of the windshield and the vehicle front door and the B-pillar located between front and rear side doors of the vehicle. Typically, metal structural elements of the A-pillar and B-pillar are covered with a trim panel to provide an attractive appearance. Typically, the handle is mounted to the pillar with fasteners that extend through apertures in the trim panels. 
         [0008]    The newly proposed safety regulations requiring an airbag on the A-pillar create a problem. Ideally, the trim panel should conceal the airbag, but somehow allow the airbag to inflate upon deployment. The problem is that the handle mounted to the pillar prevents the trim panel from moving in response to airbag deployment. 
         [0009]    In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved pillar and trim panel design that allows for the inclusion of both a handle and a concealed airbag. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    One object of the present invention is to meet new safety regulations regarding inclusion of an airbag that must deploy in the region of the A-pillar of a vehicle in response to an impact event. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a trim panel configuration that allows an airbag to deploy and inflate without interference by an assist grip handle. 
         [0012]    In accordance with the present invention, a vehicle body structure includes a pillar, a trim panel, a handle and an airbag. The trim panel overlaying a portion of the pillar with the trim panel includes a first trim portion and a second trim portion that is separable from the first trim portion along a predetermined separation line. The handle rigidly attaches to the pillar at a first point and a second point by a pair of fasteners that extend through the second trim portion of the trim panel. The first point and second point are vertically spaced apart from one another. The airbag is disposed between the trim panel and the pillar such that in response to deployment of the airbag the first trim portion completely separates from the pillar and the second trim portion along the predetermined separation line. The airbag extends along the pillar in an area alongside at least one of the first point and the second point and alongside an area between the first point and the second point. The first trim portion of the trim panel and the handle are configured such that the first trim portion of the trim panel is restrained to a limited distance of movement away from the pillar by the handle in response to deployment of the airbag. 
         [0013]    These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of the vehicle with a front door removed to show a A-pillar with a handle in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary side view of an interior of the vehicle showing the door, the A-pillar, the handle and a trim panel that includes first and second portions, the first portion of the trim panel being confined between the handle and the A-pillar in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is another fragmentary side view of the interior of the vehicle similar to  FIG. 3 , showing a deployed airbag that is partially concealed behind the second portion of the trim panel, the second portion of the trim panel being separated from the first portion of the trim panel by the deployment of the airbag in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is an exploded fragmentary side view of the interior of the vehicle similar to  FIG. 3 , showing the first and second portions of the trim panel, with the airbag mounted to the A-pillar in an undeployed condition in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the A-pillar taken along the lines  6 - 6  in  FIG. 3 , showing the various elements of the A-pillar, the first and second portions of the trim panel, the handle, the airbag and a tether that restricts movement of the second portion of the trim panel when the airbag deploys in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the A-pillar similar to  FIG. 6 , showing the various elements of the A-pillar, a first and second portions of a trim panel, the handle, the airbag and the tether in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a trim panel and a handle showing first and second portions of the trim panel in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the A-pillar depicted in  FIG. 8 , showing the various elements of the A-pillar, the first and second portions of the trim panel, the handle and the airbag in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a A-pillar similar to  FIG. 9 , showing the various elements of the A-pillar, first and second portions of a trim panel, the handle and the airbag in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a fragmentary side view of an interior of the vehicle similar to  FIG. 3 , showing the door, the A-pillar, the handle and the trim panel in accordance with the third, fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a fragmentary side view of the interior of the vehicle similar to  FIG. 11 , showing a deployed airbag that is partially concealed behind the second portion of the trim panel, the second portion of the trim panel being separated from the first portion of the trim panel by the deployment of the airbag with the handle restricting movement of the second portion of the trim panel in accordance with the third, fourth and fifth embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the A-pillar taken along the line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 11 , showing the various elements of the A-pillar, a first and second portions of a trim panel, the handle and the airbag in an undeployed condition in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the A-pillar taken along the line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 12 , showing the various elements of the A-pillar, the first and second portions of a trim panel, the handle and the airbag in a deployed condition in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0030]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a vehicle  10  is illustrated in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the vehicle  10  includes a pillar  12  with a handle  14  installed on the pillar  12 . The handle  14  provides an assist grip that helps passengers get in and out of the vehicle  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the pillar  12  is an A-pillar of the vehicle  10  that is provided with a breakaway feature that allows a trim panel  16  to move away from the pillar  12  in response to deployment of a concealed airbag  18 , as described in greater detail below. 
         [0031]    The vehicle  10  is depicted as an SUV, but can alternatively be a truck, a van, passenger vehicle such as a sedan or coupe or any vehicle that benefits from the inclusion of the handle  14  installed on the pillar  12  within the vehicle passenger compartment. As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , the vehicle  10  includes various conventional elements, such as, for example, a door  22  (FIGS.  3  and  4 —the door  22  has been removed in  FIG. 2  to provide greater clarity), a dashboard  24 , a windshield  26  and seats S (shown in  FIG. 2  only). As shown in  FIG. 5 , the dashboard  24  is a conventional vehicle component that includes a pair of recesses  28  whose function is described in greater detail below. The vehicle  10  also includes the pillar  12 , described in greater detail below. 
         [0032]    In the drawings, the pillar  12  is depicted as an A-pillar of the vehicle  10 . Typically, A-pillars are structural portions of a vehicle located between the windshield  26  and the door  22  (for example, front doors—passenger and drivers doors). However, it should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the present invention can be utilized in the instance where the pillar  12  as an A-pillar, a B-pillar or other pillars within the vehicle adjacent to a door where the handle  14  provides passenger benefits. 
         [0033]    As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the pillar  12  basically includes an inner pillar portion  30 , an outer pillar portion  32 , the airbag  18  and the trim panel  16 . Preferably, the inner and outer pillar portion  30  and  32  are welded or otherwise rigidly fixed to one another to form a structural portion of the pillar  12  that, for example, supports the roof of the vehicle  10 . A door sealing member  40  is preferably installed along one side of the pillar  12  and a windshield sealing member  42  is preferably installed along another side of the pillar  12 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The inner pillar portion  30  also includes a pair of attachment members  44  and a tether attachment portion  46 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0034]    The airbag  18  is attached to an upper region of the inner pillar portion  30  by conventional fasteners (not shown). The airbag  18  is a preferably a safety device that is operably connected in a conventional manner to sensors and/or a control device (not shown) that activates the airbag  18  in response to an impact or collision in a conventional manner. Preferably, the airbag  18  is an air curtain-type device dimensioned such that when deployed in response to vehicle impact, the airbag  18  inflates to a shape similar to an inflatable mattress or the like. As indicated in  FIG. 4 , once deployed, the airbag  18  takes on a rectangular like-shape forming a protective cushion between a passenger and the door  22 . It should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the airbag  18  can also be configured to form a protective cushion between the passenger and the inner part of the roof of the vehicle  10 . In other words, the specific dimensions and inflated characteristics of the airbag  18  are not limited to those depicted in  FIG. 4 , but can be specifically chosen depending upon the dimensions and characteristics of the vehicle  10  and requirements of current and proposed safety standards. 
         [0035]    The trim panel  16  is configured to overlay a portion of the pillar  12  and conceal the airbag  18 . The trim panel  16  is also configured to at least partially breakaway from the pillar  12  in response to deployment (inflation) of the airbag  18 . The trim panel  16  is also configured to move away from the pillar  12  a sufficient distance away from the pillar  12  to allow full deployment of the airbag  18 . However, the trim panel  16  is also configured to move away from the pillar  12  by no more than a predetermined distance. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , the trim panel  16  basically includes a first trim portion  50  and a second trim portion  52 . A predetermined separation line  54  is defined between the first trim portion  50  and the second trim portion  52  as indicated in  FIGS. 3 and 6 . The second trim portion  52  is separable from the first trim portion  50  along the separation line  54 . 
         [0037]    In the first embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined separation line  54  of the trim panel  16  is configured such that the first trim portion  50  completely separates from the second trim portion  52  in response to deployment of the airbag  18 . However, as shown in  FIG. 3 , with the airbag  18  in an undeployed condition, the first trim portion  50  of the trim panel  16  completely conceals the airbag  18 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the first trim portion  50  includes lower end projections  60  and  62 , an oval aperture  64 , a tether retaining portion  66  and a fastener structure  68  ( FIG. 6  only). 
         [0039]    The lower end projections  60  and  62  are configured and dimensioned to fit into respective ones of the pair of recesses  28  in the dashboard  24 , as indicated in  FIG. 5 . The oval aperture  64  is dimensioned to receive the second trim portion  52  of the trim panel  16 , as described further below. One end of a tether T is connected to the tether retaining portion  46  of the inner pillar portion  30  of the pillar  12  and the other end of the tether T is connected to the tether retaining portion  66  of the first trim portion  50 . 
         [0040]    The fastener structure  68  is configured to retain the first and second trim portions  50  and  52  together prior to deployment of the airbag  18 . The fastener structure  68  is described below along with a description of the second trim portion  52 . 
         [0041]    The second trim portion  52  is an oval shaped member dimensioned to correspond to the oval aperture  64  in the first trim portion  50 . The second trim portion  52  is disposed between the inner pillar portion  30  of the pillar  12  and ends of the handle  14 . 
         [0042]    The fastener structure  68  of the trim panel  16  includes a protruding lip  72  formed on one of the first and second trim portions  50  and  52  and a recessed portion  74  formed on the other of the first and second trim portions  50  and  62  to receive the protruding lip  72 . In the depicted embodiment, the protruding lip  72  is formed on the second trim portion  52  and the recessed portion  74  is formed on the first trim portion  50 . It should be understood from the drawings and the description herein that the fastener structure  68  can alternatively be configured with the protruding lip  72  formed on the first trim portion  50  and the recessed portion  74  formed on the second trim portion  52 . 
         [0043]    The handle  14  is installed to the pillar  12  by fastening elements F. The fastening elements F extend from respective ends of the handle  14  through apertures A in the second trim portion  52  and into respective ones of the attachment members  44 , as indicated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Hence, the second trim portions  52  are fixed to the pillar  12  by the fastening elements F of the handle  14 . 
         [0044]    The first and second trim portions  50  and  52  of the trim panel  16  are preferably configured such that the separation line  54  allows for rapid separation of the first trim portion  50  from the second trim portion  52  in response to deployment of the airbag  18 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , during deployment of the airbag  18 , the first trim portion  50  completely separates from the second trim portion  52 , the pillar  12  and the handle  14 . However, the lower end projections  60  and  62  remains in the recesses  28  of the dashboard  26 . The tether T limits movement of the upper end of the first trim portion  50  and the lower end projections  60  and  62  limit movement of the lower end of the first trim portion  50 . The tether T is dimensioned to allow movement of the upper end of the first trim portion  50  an amount sufficient to allow complete inflation and expansion of the airbag  18  away from the pillar  12  upon deployment but limits movement to prevent the first trim portion  50  from completely disassociating itself from the dashboard  24 . 
         [0045]    Hence, the airbag  18  is disposed between the trim panel  16  and the pillar  12  such that in response to deployment of the airbag  18  at least a portion of the first trim portion  50  separates from the second trim portion  52  along the predetermined separation line  54 . The airbag  18  can completely inflate upon deployment in response to an impact event without interference from the trim panel  16 . 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a trim panel  116  in accordance with a second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. 
         [0047]    In the second embodiment, the trim panel  116  replaces the trim panel  16  of the first embodiment. The pillar  12  is the same as in the first embodiment and includes the door sealing member  40 , the windshield sealing member  42 , the pair of attachment members  44  and the tether attachment portion  46 . The handle  14  and the airbag  18  are also the same as in the first embodiment. 
         [0048]    The trim panel  116  includes a first trim portion  150  and a second trim portion  152  that are delineated by a separation line  154 . The first trim portion  150  includes the tether retaining portion  66  of the first trim portion  50  of the first embodiment. The fastener structure  68  of the first embodiment is replaced in the second embodiment by a line of weakening formed along the separation line  154 . The tether T is attached to the tether attachment portion  46  of the pillar  12  and the tether attachment portion  66  of the first trim portion  150 . 
         [0049]    However, in the second embodiment, the trim panel  116  is a single unitary body. More specifically, the first and second trim portions  150  and  152  are formed as a single integral unitary element with the line of weakening formed therebetween. The line of weakening defines the line of separation  154  and is preferably a thinned portion of the trim panel  116  that can be hidden from view or can appear to be a decorative feature of the trim panel  116 . Upon deployment of the airbag  18 , the first trim portion  150  separates from the second trim portion  152  at the separation line  154 . More specifically, the line of weakening is dimensioned such that the first trim portion  150  easily tears or breaks away from the second trim portion  152  upon deployment of the airbag  18 . The line of weakening (the line of separation  154 ) is preferably oval shaped similar to the oval aperture  64  of the first trim portion  50  of the first embodiment, but can alternatively have any of a variety of shapes. Regardless of the shape of the line of separation  154 , the first trim portion  150  can undergo only a limited amount of movement away from the pillar  12  because of the tether T. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  11  and  12 , a trim panel  216  in accordance with a third embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and third embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. 
         [0051]    In the third embodiment, the trim panel  216  replaces the trim panel  16  of the first embodiment. The pillar  12  is the same as in the first embodiment and includes the door sealing member  40 , the windshield sealing member  42  and the pair of attachment members  44 . The handle  14  and the airbag  18  are also the same as in the first embodiment. 
         [0052]    In the third embodiment of the present invention, the trim panel  216  includes a first trim portion  250  and a second trim portion  252  that are separated by a separation line. The first trim portion  250  includes two apertures  264  that are spaced apart from one another at distance corresponding to the distance between ends of the handle  14  and the attachment member  44  of the pillar  12 . The edges of the two apertures  264  each define a respective ones of lines of separation between the first trim portion  250  and the second trim portions  252 . The region between the two apertures  264  of the first trim portion  250  defines a tether portion  290 . 
         [0053]    The second trim portion  252  is in the form of two round washer shaped members dimensioned to fit within the apertures  264  of the first trim portion  250 . Each of the second trim portions  252  has a central aperture that receives the fastening element F. The second trim portions  252  are disposed between respective ends of the handle  14  and respective ones of the attachment members  44  of the pillar  12 . 
         [0054]    The trim panel  216  includes a fastener structure that is similar to the first embodiment. Specifically, the first trim portion  250  includes recessed portions  274  and the second trim portions  252  define protruding lips  272  that extend into respective ones of the recessed portions  274  (see  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0055]    No tether is necessary in the third embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Specifically, when the airbag  18  is deployed, the first trim portion  250  breaks away from the second trim portions  252  and the first trim portion  250  moves away from the pillar  12  allowing the airbag  18  to fully inflate. However, the handle  14  extends between the second trim portions  252  and around the tether portion  290  thereby restraining the first trim portion  250  from moving more than a limited distance relative to the pillar  12 . Hence, the handle  14  acts as a tether in the third embodiment. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0056]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , a trim panel  316  in accordance with a fourth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the third and fourth embodiments, the parts of the fourth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the third embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the fourth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. 
         [0057]    In the fourth embodiment, the trim panel  316  replaces the trim panel  216  of the third embodiment. The pillar  12  is the same as in the third embodiment and includes the door sealing member  40 , the windshield sealing member  42  and the pair of attachment members  44 . The handle  14  and the airbag  18  are also the same as in the third embodiment. 
         [0058]    In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the trim panel  316  includes a first trim portion  350  and a second trim portion  352  that are separated by a separation line  354 . The second trim portion  352  is in the form of two round washer shaped portions dimensioned similar to the second trim portions  252  of the third embodiment. However, in the fourth embodiment, the line of separation  354  is defined by a line of weakening. Between the lines of separation  354 , a tether portion  390  is defined on the first trim portion  350 , as indicated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0059]    More specifically, in the fourth embodiment, the trim panel  316  is a single unitary body. The first and second trim portions  350  and  352  are formed as a single integral unitary element with the line of weakening (the separation line  354 ) formed therebetween. The line of weakening is preferably a thinned portion of the trim panel  316  that can be hidden from view or can appear to be a decorative feature of the trim panel  316 . Upon deployment of the airbag  18 , the first trim portion  350  separates from the second trim portion  352  at the separation line  354 . More specifically, the line of weakening is dimensioned such that the first trim portion  350  cleanly tears away from the second trim portion  352  upon deployment of the airbag  18 . 
         [0060]    No tether is necessary in the fourth embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Specifically, when the airbag  18  is deployed, the first trim portion  350  breaks away from the second trim portions  352  and the first trim portion  350  moves away from the pillar  12  allowing the airbag  18  to fully inflate. However, the handle  14  extends between the second trim portions  352  and around the tether portion  390  restraining the first trim portion  350  from moving more than a limited distance relative to the pillar  12 . Hence, the handle  14  acts as a tether in the fourth embodiment. 
       Fifth Embodiment 
       [0061]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a trim panel  416  in accordance with a fifth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the third and fifth embodiments, the parts of the fifth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the third embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the fifth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the third embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. 
         [0062]    In the fifth embodiment, the trim panel  416  replaces the trim panel  216  of the third embodiment. The pillar  12  is the same as in the first and third embodiments and includes the door sealing member  40 , the windshield sealing member  42  and the pair of attachment members  44 . The handle  14  and the airbag  18  are also the same as in the first and third embodiments. 
         [0063]    In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the trim panel  416  includes a first trim portion  450  and a second trim portion  452  that are separated by a separation line. The first trim portion  450  includes two apertures  464  that are spaced apart from one another be a distance corresponding to the distance between ends of the handle  14  and the attachment member  44  of the pillar  12 . Between the two apertures  464 , a tether portion  490  is defined. 
         [0064]    The second trim portion  452  is in the form of two round washer shaped members dimensioned to fit within the apertures  464  of the first trim portion  450 . Each of the second trim portions  452  has a central aperture that receives the fastening element F. The second trim portions  452  are disposed between respective ends of the handle  14  and respective ones of the attachment members  44  of the pillar  12 . 
         [0065]    The separation line of the trim panel  416  is defined by the second trim portions  452  which include protruding lips  472  that extend behind areas around respective ones of the apertures  464  of the first trim portion  450 . 
         [0066]    No tether is necessary in the third embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Specifically, when the airbag  18  is deployed, the first trim portion  450  breaks away from the second trim portions  452  and the first trim portion  450  moves away from the pillar  12  allowing the airbag  18  to fully inflate. However, the handle  14  extends between the second trim portions  452  and around the tether portion  490  thereby restraining the first trim portion  450  from moving more than a limited distance relative to the pillar  12 . Hence, the handle  14  acts as a tether in the fifth embodiment. 
         [0067]    In each of the embodiment above, the first trim portions  50 ,  150 ,  250 ,  350  and  450  can alternatively also include tabs, projections, clips or other such snap-fitting-type attachment structures (not shown) that can retain the first trim portions  50 ,  150 ,  250 ,  350  and  450  to the pillar  12 . Such attachment structures are configured to release upon deployment of the airbag  18 . However, since such attachment structures are well known and conventional in nature, description of such attachment structures are omitted for the sake of brevity but are within the scope of the present invention in its various embodiments. 
         [0068]    The various portions of the vehicle  10 , such as interior trim, structural elements, suspension and power train elements are conventional components that are well known in the art. Since vehicles are well known in the art, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the components can be any type of structure that can be used to carry out the present invention. 
       GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS 
       [0069]    In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above embodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward, rearward, above, downward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a vehicle equipped with the present invention. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with the present invention. 
         [0070]    Moreover, terms that are expressed as “means-plus function” in the claims should include any structure that can be utilized to carry out the function of that part of the present invention. 
         [0071]    The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. 
         [0072]    While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.