Jerry K Shell

US Patent:

52114210, May 18, 1993

Filed:

Feb 24, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/840782

Inventors:

Roger W. Catron - Trotwood OH
Jerry T. Shell - Waynesville OH

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 2116

US Classification:

280728

Abstract:

A vehicle air bag installation includes an inflatable air bag mounted in an instrument panel recess for deployment through a rectangular opening. A rectangular cover door engages a recessed abutment around the opening when closed. The abutment includes two apertures which mount rubber fasteners adjacent its rear corners. The fasteners comprise enlarged heads at one end, an intermediate shaft, a shaft enlargement spaced from the head and a mounting shank at the other end received in the abutment apertures. Bifurcated engagement flanges on the door releasably engage the fastener shafts between the heads and the enlargements to mount the door rear edge in the panel opening. Interengageable surfaces on the door and panel have an interference fit to retain the door front edge mounted to the panel. Each fastener has a conical mounting shank having a nipple extending from its end. The nipple extends through and beyond the apertures to enable it to be grasped to deform and pull the shanks through the apertures to secure the fasteners against removal.