Abstract: A variety of embodiments are disclosed, in both apparatus and method form, that relate to the use of fabric material in the manufacture of an air bag deployment system. In addition, fabric weakening is disclosed according to a technique that does not result in physical alteration of the fabric. This invention therefore includes an air bag cover for an air bag safety system for a vehicle comprising a fabric outer layer having a frontside and a backside and a substrate containing an opening wherein the opening has a periphery. The substrate is preferably formed by low pressure molding, wherein the fabric outer layer overlies the opening in the substrate, and wherein the fabric outer layer is weakened at a location that is adjacent or overlies the substrate opening periphery.

Abstract: A method for annealing a structure formed by electrodeposition is provided, the method comprising providing the electrodeposition structure, the electrodeposition structure comprising an electroformed mold, the electroformed mold having a nominal thickness between and including 0.5 mm to 8.0 mm and having a melting temperature; heating the electrodeposition structure to a temperature between ambient temperature and the melting temperature of the electrodeposition structure; isostatically pressurizing the electrodeposition structure to a pressure above ambient pressure; cooling the electrodeposition structure to ambient temperature; and depressurizing the electrodeposition structure to ambient pressure.

Abstract: An airbag door construction for airbag deployment comprising an instrument panel having an area outlining at least a portion of an airbag door. A reaction plate is attached to the underside of the panel at the airbag door location. The reaction plate contains first and second molded features, each such feature having a flexural strength (Fs), wherein the first molded feature's Fs is lower than the second molded feature's Fs.

Abstract: A variety of embodiments are disclosed, in both apparatus and method form, that relate to the use of fabric material in the manufacture of an air bag deployment system. In addition, fabric weakening is disclosed according to a technique that does not result in physical alteration of the fabric. This invention therefore includes an air bag cover for an air bag safety system for a vehicle comprising a fabric outer layer having a frontside and a backside and a substrate containing an opening wherein the opening has a periphery. The substrate is preferably formed by low pressure molding, wherein the fabric outer layer overlies the opening in the substrate, and wherein the fabric outer layer is weakened at a location that is adjacent or overlies the substrate opening periphery.

Abstract: A one-piece trunk liner for an automobile trunk compartment wherein the trunk liner is formed of fibrous material and molded to form a relatively stiff body having a center floor cover panel and a plurality of panels extending along the sides of the center floor panel and integrally connected thereto and extending upwardly and outwardly from the center floor cover panel so as to be in outwardly diverging relation to the center floor cover panel. The stiffness of the molded fibrous body and the outwardly diverging relationship of the plurality of panels permit the panels to resiliently engage inner wall surfaces of the trunk when the panels are biased inwardly toward an upright position when mounted in the trunk to thereby facilitate mounting the trunk liner in the trunk of an automobile and the maintaining of the trunk liner in the installed position in engagement with the walls of the trunk.

Abstract: A one-piece trunk liner for an automobile trunk compartment wherein the trunk liner is formed of fibrous material and molded to form a relatively stiff body having a center floor cover panel and a plurality of panels extending along the sides of the center floor panel and integrally connected thereto and extending upwardly and outwardly from the center floor cover panel so as to be in outwardly diverging relation to the center floor cover panel. The stiffness of the molded fibrous body and the outwardly diverging relationship of the plurality of panels permit the panels to resiliently engage inner wall surfaces of the trunk when the panels are biased inwardly toward an upright position when mounted in the trunk to thereby facilitate mounting the trunk liner in the trunk of an automobile and the maintaining of the trunk liner in the installed position in engagement with the walls of the trunk.