Release mechanism

摘要

An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant during a vehicle collision includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (40) deployable through a first opening (24) in a vehicle part (20). A cover (60) closes the first opening (24) in the vehicle part. A plurality of fasteners (100) releasably attach the cover (60) to the vehicle part (20). The fasteners (100) each comprise means for attaching the fastener (100) to the cover (60). The means for attaching the fastener (100) to the cover (60) include a plurality of deformable arms (112) defining a conical head portion (104) of the fastener. The arms (112) are deformable upon insertion into one of a plurality of second openings (82) and return toward their original shape after insertion into one of the second openings. A fin portion (108) of the fastener is adjacent to and extends from the conical head portion (104). The apparatus (10) includes means (28, 30, 170) for attaching the fin portion (108) to the vehicle part (20).