Abstract: A knee bolster airbag assembly which provides protection for the airbag cushion during shipment, storage and installation as well as during its installed functional lifetime. The assembly includes an inflator with an initiator, a knee bolster airbag cushion, an inflator housing and a cover. The cover is made of a material which (a) provides protection to the components which it encloses and can (b) be decorative and be compatible with the materials and design of the interior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle in which it is to be installed.

Abstract: An airbag module cover includes a panel which is designed to function as a portion of a vehicle's interior aesthetics. The cover includes at least one locking leg which is secured to a reaction canister. The leg carries the primary, or initially actuated, tearseam. Secondary tearseams are provided on the hidden surface of the panel and are not visible to an occupant. Transition openings in the leg transfer the bursting force from the primary to the secondary tearseams which form an airbag-releasing door upon actuation.