Abstract: A vehicle (10) is equipped with one or more imaging devices (26-32) having a view external to the vehicle. The imaging devices are coupled to a monitor (54, 56, and 72) disposed within the vehicle. The imaging devices are adapted to obtain images within a field of view that may be obscured to the vehicle operator during normal operation of the vehicle. The obtained images are then displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: An inflatable trim panel assembly (20) operable to provide a gas-filled cushion for protecting the vehicle occupant in an accident situation. The trim panel assembly (20) includes a support member (22), an elastic skin (24) attached to the periphery of the support member (22), and tethers (28) that are secured between the elastic skin (24) and the support member (22). The trim panel assembly (20) also includes an inflator (26) which, upon activation, supplies gas to the sealed area (30) between the elastic skin (24) and the support member (22) causing expansion of the elastic skin (24) and formation of an energy absorbing safety restraint cushion. The tethers (28) shape the elastic skin (24) so that the body of the vehicle occupant may be properly directed into the location for optimum safety restraint.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air bag module (10) having a housing (24) with at least one connector (46a) and a cover (12) having a side wall (14) which surrounds the housing (24) to form a cavity between the panels for placement of an air bag and inflator therein. The cover (12) has at least one engagement member (56a) configured to operatively engage the connector (46a) of the housing (24) to secure the cover and housing to each other.

Abstract: A cover for protecting at least one wire extending from an air bag inflator comprising: a top (52), including a circular shaped first portion (54) and a narrow three-sided flange portion (56) extending radially outward from first portion; a circularly shaped first wall (58) having first (60) and second ends (62) and a bottom surface defining a shoulder (64) extending downwardly from the first portion, the first wall terminating proximate the location of the flange portion to define a space (65) between the first and second ends of the first wall. An inner surface (66) of the first wall includes a diameter smaller than the diameter of an the end portion (24) of the inflator. The cover additionally includes a circularly shaped second wall (70) extending downwardly from the first wall, having an inner (72) surface. A groove (74) is formed within the inner surface, to receive an edge of the end portion (24).

Abstract: An assembly for an air bag (56) adapted to fit within an opening (22) in a panel in the vehicle interior such as an instrument panel. The assembly comprises a housing (44) including a first wall (100) and an opposite second wall (102), a flexible wall member (106) secured to the first wall (100) defining a space (132) therebetween to receive a hinge portion of the deployment door. One of the first wall (100) and flexible wall members (106) includes a plurality of depressions or first tabs (112) which extend into the space (132) to provide a mechanism to engage and lock the hinge portion of the deployment door in place. The second wall (102) includes at least one louver (122) forming a pocket (123) and a plurality of outwardly extending tabs (120) which provide a mechanism to engage and lock in place a tear seam portion of the deployment door.