Module cover for airbag apparatus

1. A cover for an airbag module comprising:

a plate member having a top surface to be exposed to a vehicle cabin and a back surface, wherein the plate member is configured to be mated with an instrument panel; and

a frame member extending from and directly abutting the back surface of the plate member;

wherein the plate member and the frame member are configured to be formed separately and joined after formation;

wherein the frame member includes a first opening for the airbag such that the frame member does not deform when the airbag is being deployed, a second opening configured to be connected to a retainer for retaining the airbag, an extension member and a plurality of engaging holes disposed on the extension member for receiving connecting portions of the retainer;

wherein a portion of the plate member is completely over the first opening of the frame member such that the portion of the back surface over the first opening is completely exposed to the airbag, and the entire periphery of the first opening of the frame member directly abuts the back surface of the plate member; and

wherein the plate member is an elastomeric material.

2. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric material is a thermoplastic elastomer.

3. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 1 , wherein the frame member is formed of thermoplastic synthetic resin.

4. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 1 , further comprising a bond between the plate member and the frame member.

5. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 4 , wherein the bond comprises a vibration welded bond.

6. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 1 , wherein the frame member includes a base portion.

7. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 6 , wherein the base portion is joined with the back surface of the plate member.

8. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 6 , further comprising a bond between the base portion and the plate member.

9. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 8 , wherein the bond comprises a vibration welded bond.

10. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 6 , wherein the extension member extends in a direction away from the back surface of the plate member.

11. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 10 , wherein the base portion extends from the extension member in a direction away from a center portion of the plate member and in a direction toward an edge portion of the plate member.

12. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 6 , wherein the plate member includes a projection formed on the back surface;

wherein the base portion includes an aperture; and

wherein the aperture is configured to accept the projection.

13. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 12 , wherein the projection is received in the aperture.

14. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 13 , wherein an engagement between the projection and the aperture is undetachable.

15. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 13 , wherein an end of the projection includes a keeper member, and

wherein the keeper member is configured to enlarge an end of the projection so that the projection remains engaged with the aperture.

16. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 15 , wherein the keeper member comprises caulking.

17. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 13 , further comprising a retaining member, and

wherein the retaining member is attached to an end of the projection so that the projection remains engaged with the aperture.

18. A cover for an airbag module according to claim 17 , wherein the retaining member comprises a clip.

19. A cover for an airbag module comprising:

a plate member configured to be mated with an instrument panel; and

a frame member extending from and directly abutting a back surface of the plate member;

wherein the plate member and the frame member are configured to be formed separately and joined after formation;

wherein the plate member is formed of thermoplastic elastomer;

wherein the frame member includes a first opening for the airbag such that the frame member does not deform when the airbag is being deployed, a second opening configured to be connected to a retainer for retaining the airbag, an extension member and a plurality of engaging holes disposed on the extension member for receiving connecting portions of the retainer; and

wherein a portion of the plate member is completely over the first opening of the frame member such that the portion of the back surface over the first opening is completely exposed to the airbag, and the entire periphery of the first opening of the frame member directly abuts the back surface of the plate member.

20. A cover for an airbag module for a vehicle comprising:

a plate member having a top surface to be exposed to a vehicle cabin and a back surface, wherein the plate member is configured to be mated with an instrument panel; and

a frame member directly connected to the back surface of the plate member;

wherein the frame member is not integral with the plate member and includes a first opening for the airbag so that, when deploying, the airbag does not deform the frame member, a second opening configured to be connected to a retainer for retaining the airbag, an extension member and a plurality of engaging holes disposed on the extension member for receiving connecting portions of the retainer;

wherein the plate member is an elastomeric material; and

wherein a portion of the plate member is completely over the first opening of the frame member such that the portion of the back surface over the first opening is completely exposed to the airbag, and the entire periphery of the first opening of the frame member directly abuts the back surface of the plate member.

21. An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle comprising:

an airbag; and

a cover having a plate member and a frame member;

wherein the plate member has a top surface to be exposed to a vehicle cabin and a back surface;

wherein the frame member extends from and directly abuts the back surface of the plate member;

wherein the plate member is configured to be mated with an instrument panel;

wherein the plate member and the frame member are configured to be formed separately and joined after formation;

wherein the frame member includes a first opening for the airbag such that the frame member does not deform when the airbag is being deployed, a second opening configured to be connected to a retainer for retaining the airbag, an extension member and a plurality of engaging holes disposed on the extension member for receiving connecting portions of the retainer;

wherein a portion of the plate member is completely over the first opening of the frame member such that the portion of the back surface over the first opening is completely exposed to the airbag, and the entire periphery of the first opening of the frame member directly abuts the back surface of the plate member; and

wherein the plate member is an elastomeric material.

22. An airbag module according to claim 21 , further comprising a retainer for retaining the airbag, wherein the retainer comprises connecting fixture with a plurality of hooks for insertion into the plurality of engaging holes of the frame member.