Abstract: A process is provided for molding a pad for an air bag device. The pad has a cover portion, a hinge portion disposed near one edge thereof, and a bracket portion extending from the hinge portion at an angle with respect to the cover portion. The pad is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert embedded therein, extending from the bracket portion to the cover portion through the hinge portion. The insert is set in a mold, while the mold is open, so that the insert may be held in position by pins projecting from the mold into that portion of a mold cavity which forms the bracket portion of the pad. After the mold is closed, a molding material is injected into the mold cavity through a gate connected to that edge of the cavity which forms the one edge of the cover portion of the pad. A pad formed by the process is also provided.

Abstract: An air bag device for an instrument panel has a cover with a hinge and in one embodiment a break-away portion made of thermoplastic material. The cover has a bracket. The strength of the break-away portion is lower than that of the cover. The break-away portion breaks when an air bag inflates. The cover opens rotationally around the hinge. The second embodiment has no break-away portion.