Airbag cover for roof rails of a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an "Airbag trim cover for roof rail of vehicle". A vehicle equipment includes: an airbag fixed to a roof rail of a vehicle; and a trim cover. The trim cover has: a base member fastened to the roof rail; a wing panel member; and a living hinge integrally molded between the base member and wing panel member. The wing panel member rotates on the hinge when the airbag deploys. The wing panel member also has a distal edge that clips to the vehicle without fasteners when in a covering position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to interior trim covers for vehicles, and more specifically to trim covers for airbags mounted to the roof longitudinal beams of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles typically include a roof. For some vehicles, such as SUVs, the roof can be removed. When the roof is removed, the vehicle can be driven in an open environment, meaning the passenger space is directly exposed to whatever conditions the vehicle is in. For example, the passenger space may be exposed to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, and dust or dirt.

[0003] When the roof is mounted on a vehicle, the horizontal roof rail assembly supports the roof. The roof rails are then supported by the vertical pillar structure. Typically, for occupant safety, the roof rail assembly includes energy-absorbing materials such as foam. Alternatively, side curtain airbags can be provided as part of the roof rail assembly. When deployed, airbags typically obstruct the driver's visibility. This can render the vehicle drivable in off-road environments where assistance may be difficult to obtain. Furthermore, any decorative covers used for the airbags in the roof rail assembly need to withstand the conditions present in the open environment. Therefore, weatherproof decorative covers for the airbags are desirable, allowing the airbags to be concealed after deployment, while achieving low component costs and simple, reliable assembly for the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention includes a decorative cover for an airbag mounted to a roof longitudinal beam of a vehicle. The decorative cover has: a base member fastened to the roof longitudinal beam; a flap member having a distal edge; and a hinge located between the base member and the flap member. When the flap member is in the covered position, the airbag is concealed and invisible, the distal edge is clamped to the vehicle without fasteners, and there is an acute angle between the base member and the flap member.

[0005] The airbag deploys from the cavity between the fender member and the roof longitudinal beam. When the airbag deploys, the force of its deployment releases the distal edge from the vehicle. After the distal edge is released from the vehicle, the fender member rotates on a hinge from a covered position to a deployed position. The fender member is in the deployed position when the airbag has deployed into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0006] After the airbag deploys, it deflates and can be manually returned to the cavity behind the wing member. The wing member then rotates back to its concealed position, and its distal edge re-clamps to the vehicle. When the distal edge is re-clamped, the deflated airbag is concealed and invisible.

[0007] The base component can be fastened to the roof longitudinal beam using appropriate fasteners. For example, the base component can be fastened to the roof longitudinal beam using screws or a clip tower.

[0008] The distal edge of the wing member can form a one-sided clamp. The one-sided clamp extends from the rear surface of the wing member. The one-sided clamp can be adapted to mate with the roof longitudinal beam or with the pillar structure supporting the roof longitudinal beam.

[0009] The decorative cover can be molded from a weatherproof material such as polypropylene. Hinges can be formed during the molding of the decorative cover. The hinges can be movable hinges integrally molded within the decorative cover between the base member and the wing member. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle with a decorative cover according to the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a decorative cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The first sectional view, taken by line 3-3, shows a wing member in the covered position. Figure 2 The decorative cover and the undeployed airbag.

[0013] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The second sectional view, taken by line 3-3, shows a wing member in the deployed position. Figure 2 The decorative cover and the deployed airbag.

[0014] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The third sectional view, taken by line 3-3, shows a wing member in the covered position. Figure 2 The decorative cover and the deflated airbag.

[0015] Figure 6 It is according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The partial sectional view is taken from line 6-6 and has a decorative cover. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Now for reference Figure 1The diagram shows a vehicle (generally indicated by 100). Although shown as a four-door SUV, vehicle 100 can be any other type of vehicle. By way of non-limiting example, vehicle 100 can be a two-door vehicle, or it can be a van, sedan, or truck. Vehicle 100 has a left roof longitudinal beam assembly and a right roof longitudinal beam assembly (generally indicated by 102 and 104, respectively). The discussion of one of the left roof longitudinal beam assemblies 102 or 104 also applies to the other, unless otherwise stated.

[0017] As shown in the figure, the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 extend horizontally along the longitudinal axis 106 of the vehicle 100. The longitudinal axis 106 is the front and rear centerline of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 are symmetrically positioned across the longitudinal axis 106. Alternatively, the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 may extend in addition to being along the longitudinal axis 106, and / or be symmetrical in addition to being across the longitudinal axis 106. Alternatively, the vehicle 100 may have more or fewer roof longitudinal beam assemblies as shown.

[0018] As shown in the figure, the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 is supported on the vertical first pillar structure 108, second pillar structure 110, third pillar structure 112, and fourth pillar structure 114. The first pillar structure 108, second pillar structure 110, third pillar structure 112, and fourth pillar structure 114 are typically labeled as pillar A, pillar B, pillar C, and pillar D, respectively. Alternatively, the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 may be supported by more or fewer of the four pillar structures shown. The right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 is similarly supported on the vertical pillar structures.

[0019] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 are respectively connected by a horizontal first crossbeam structure 116, a second crossbeam structure 118, and a third crossbeam structure 120. As shown in the figure, the first crossbeam structure 116, the second crossbeam structure 118, and the third crossbeam structure 120 are perpendicular to the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104, respectively. Alternatively, the first crossbeam structure 116, the second crossbeam structure 118, and the third crossbeam structure 120 may be in a position other than perpendicular to one or both of the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104. Alternatively, the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 may be connected by more or fewer of the three crossbeam structures shown.

[0020] The left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 (respectively), as well as the first crossbeam structure 116 and the second crossbeam structure 118 (respectively), define a first roof opening 122. Similarly, the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 (respectively), as well as the second crossbeam structure 118 and the third crossbeam structure 120 (respectively), define a second roof opening 124. The first roof opening 122 and the second roof opening 124 are respectively for a removable roof assembly. Alternatively, the vehicle 100 may have more or fewer roof openings as shown. For example, the second roof opening 124 may be omitted and replaced by a non-removable roof.

[0021] The first roof assembly 126 can be selectively installed or removed (i.e., removed) from the first roof opening 122. Similarly, the second roof assembly 128 can be selectively installed or removed from the second roof opening 124. The discussion of one of the first roof assembly 126 or the second roof assembly 128 may also apply to the other of the first roof assembly 126 or the second roof assembly 128, unless otherwise stated.

[0022] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, the first roof assembly 126 and the second roof assembly 128 have been removed, allowing the vehicle 100 to be configured to operate in an open-air environment. In this environment, the passenger space 130 inside the vehicle 100 is directly exposed to any environmental conditions present in the vehicle 100 via the first roof opening 122 and the second roof opening 124, respectively. The vehicle 100 may also include a cargo space exposed to environmental conditions via the first roof opening 122 and the second roof opening 124, respectively. As a non-limiting example, the passenger space 130 may be exposed to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, and dust or dirt. Alternatively, the first roof assembly 126 and the second roof assembly 128 (respectively) may be installed within the first roof opening 122 and the second roof opening 124 (respectively) to configure the vehicle 100 to operate in a non-open-air environment. In this non-open-air environment, the passenger space 130 is not directly exposed to the environmental conditions present in the vehicle 100 via the first roof opening 122 and the second roof opening 124, respectively.

[0023] When one or both of the first roof assembly 126 and the second roof assembly 128 are removed, the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 remain installed and in place on the vehicle 100.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 2 The molded trim covers (generally indicated by 132) are shown for the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 and the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104, respectively. Figure 2 This is a typical cross-sectional view of the molded decorative cover 132.

[0025] Decorative cover 132 includes a base member 134 and a wing member 136. The base member 134 and the wing member 136 are connected by hinges 138, which allow the base member 134 and the wing member 136 to rotate relative to each other. Preferably, when the decorative cover 132 is mounted on the vehicle 100, the hinges 138 extend a certain length of the decorative cover 132 along the longitudinal axis 106. Alternatively, the hinges 138 may extend in ways other than along the longitudinal axis 106.

[0026] Preferably, hinge 138 is a movable hinge formed when the decorative cover 132 is molded from a material such as polypropylene. When hinge 138 is a movable hinge, base member 134 and flange member 136 are one molded piece, wherein hinge 138 is molded to have a thinner cross-section than base member 134 and flange member 136 to form hinge 138 as a movable hinge. As a non-limiting example, decorative cover 132 can be injection molded. During injection molding, flange member 136 can be positioned above base member 134 along hinge 138.

[0027] The base member 134 preferably includes at least one fastener hole 140. The at least one fastener hole 140 is for fastening the base member 134 to either the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 or the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104. (See reference...) Figure 3 Further discussion of fastener hole 140. Alternatively, base member 134 can be fastened to left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 or right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 respectively by clamps.

[0028] The distal edge 142 of the wing member 136 is opposite the hinge 138. As shown, the distal edge 142 has a fastenerless clamp (generally indicated by 144). The fastenerless clamp 144 clamps, attaches, engages, or otherwise secures the wing member 136 to the vehicle 100 to prevent the wing member 136 from rotating on the hinge 138.

[0029] As shown, the fastenerless clamp 144 is a single-sided clamp extending from the back surface 146 of the fender member 136. The single-sided clamp is preferably integrally formed with the trim cover 132. Alternatively, the single-sided clamp can be a separate piece attached to the fender member 136. The fastenerless clamp 144 shown has a catch surface 148 substantially perpendicular to the back surface 146. Alternatively, the distal edge 142 can have clamps other than the fastenerless clamp 144 shown. The distal edge 142 can have any structure suitable for securing the fender member 136 to the vehicle 100.

[0030] Decorative cover 132 is preferably made of a waterproof or weatherproof material. As discussed, decorative cover 132 is preferably molded from polypropylene. As shown, decorative cover 132 is manufactured with reinforcing ribs 150 to provide rigidity for the wing member 136. Alternatively, ribs 150 may be omitted or additional reinforcing ribs or structures may be included.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 3 This illustrates a trim cover 132 mounted on the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102. The discussion of the trim cover 132 with respect to the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 also applies to the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104, unless otherwise stated. The trim cover 132 mounted on the right roof longitudinal beam assembly 104 is preferably... Figure 3 Vertically symmetrical.

[0032] Figure 3 The image also shows a roof longitudinal beam (generally indicated as 152) and an airbag 154. The roof longitudinal beam 152 is part of the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102, and the airbag 154 is mounted in a cavity 156 or otherwise secured to the roof longitudinal beam 152. The cavity 156 is defined between the trim cover 132 and the roof longitudinal beam 152. As a non-limiting example, the airbag 154 is a side curtain airbag. Figure 3 In the middle, the wing member 136 is in the covered position 158, in which the undeployed airbag 154 is hidden and not visible. When in the covered position 158, the angle 160 between the base member 134 and the wing member 136 (respectively) is an acute angle.

[0033] The roof longitudinal beam 152 extends along and supports the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102. The roof longitudinal beam 152 is then supported by a first pillar structure 108, a second pillar structure 110, a third pillar structure 112, and a fourth pillar structure 114, respectively. Preferably, the roof longitudinal beam 152 is a rigid member made of a material such as steel or aluminum, but it may also be made of other materials.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the roof longitudinal beam 152 includes an internal structure 162, an external structure 164, and a core structure 166. The internal structure 162 and the external structure 164 are connected together, and the core structure 166 is connected to the internal structure 162. As a non-limiting example, the internal structure 162, the external structure 164, and the core structure 166 may be welded, bolted, screwed, or otherwise connected together. Alternatively, the roof longitudinal beam 152 may have a configuration or structure other than those shown.

[0035] A first gasket 168 and a second gasket 170 are also provided for the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102. When the first roof assembly 126 is installed in the first roof opening 122, the first gasket 168 provides a seal with the first roof assembly 126. The second gasket 170 provides a seal with the upper door panel metal or door / window.

[0036] The bracket 172 is attached to the internal structure 162. As a non-limiting example, the bracket 172 may be welded, bolted, or screwed to the internal structure 162. As shown, the trim cover 132 and the airbag 154 are fastened to the bracket 172. The bracket 172 may be continuous along the longitudinal beam 152, or it may be one of a plurality of brackets spaced apart along the length of the longitudinal beam 152. Alternatively, the bracket 172 may be omitted. When the bracket 172 is omitted, the trim cover 132 and the airbag 154 may be directly fastened to the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 (e.g., internal structure 162). Alternatively, the airbag 154 may be fastened to the bracket 172 while the trim cover 132 is directly fastened to the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102, or vice versa.

[0037] The base member 134 is fastened to the bracket 172 via a fastener 174 in the fastener hole 140. As shown, the fastener 174 is a screw. Alternatively, the fastener 174 can be a fastener other than a screw. As a non-limiting example, the fastener 174 can be a bolt, rivet, or (as will be referred to) Figure 6 The clamp tower discussed.

[0038] As shown, the fender member 136 is secured to the vehicle 100 by a fastenerless clamp 144. The fastenerless clamp 144 is secured to the flange 176 of the external structure 164. The fastenerless clamp 144 is secured to the flange 176 by clamping it onto the flange 176 and engaging the flange with a retaining surface 148. As shown, the retaining surface 148 is in direct contact with the flange 176. Alternatively, a trim material or other covering material may be provided between the retaining surface 148 and the flange 176. Alternatively, additional parts or structures may be provided between the fastenerless clamp 144 and the roof longitudinal beam 152. Thus, apart from showing the fender member 136 in a covered position 158 (where the airbag 154 is concealed), Figure 3 The fastenerless clamp 144 is also shown in a clamping position in which the fastenerless clamp 144 engages with the flange 176.

[0039] As shown in the figure, the trim cover 132 is mounted on the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102, such that the hinge 138 is vertically positioned above the distal edge 142 in the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the trim cover 132 may be mounted on the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102, such that the hinge 138 and the distal edge 142 are positioned separately. Figure 3Positioned elsewhere as shown. As a non-limiting example, the trim cover 132 may be mounted on the left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102, such that the hinge 138 is positioned vertically below the distal edge 142.

[0040] Now for reference Figure 4 The diagram shows the deployed airbag 154 and the winglet member 136 rotated to the deployed position (generally indicated as 178) on hinge 138. Deployment position 178 allows the winglet member 136 to rotate more on hinge 138 than... Figure 4 The rotation may be more or less as shown. As a non-limiting example, the wing member 136 may rotate to contact the first roof assembly 126. Furthermore, the deployed airbag 154 may be in a manner other than that shown. As a non-limiting example, the airbag 154 may have a different size and / or shape than that shown.

[0041] Airbag 154 deploys from cavity 156 and enters passenger space 130. Deployed airbag 154 may have a shape other than that shown. Airbag 154 has deployed (i.e., inflated) with a force sufficient to release fastener-free clamp 144 from left roof longitudinal beam assembly 102 – that is, when airbag 154 deploys, clamping surface 148 is released and disengaged from flange 176.

[0042] Fastenerless clamp 144 can be used in clamping positions (e.g.) Figure 3 (as shown) and the release position where the fastenerless clamp 144 is released from the flange 176 (as shown) Figure 4 The operation is selective between (shown). The fastenerless clamp 144 can be adjusted to adjust the minimum force required for release from the flange 176 via the deployment of the airbag 154. With the fastenerless clamp 144 released, the deployment of the airbag 154 causes the wing member 136 to rotate at the hinge 138 in the release direction 180. The wing member 136 rotates at the hinge 138 from the covered position 158 to the deployed position 178. As discussed, the deployment of the airbag 154 allows the wing member 136 to rotate at the release direction 180 more... Figure 4 The rotation is shown to be further. Once the airbag 154 has fully inflated, the wing member 136 can then rotate towards... Figure 4 The unfolded position shown is 178, which has fallen back.

[0043] Now for reference Figure 5After the airbag 154 deflates and is stored in the cavity 156, the wing member 136 has returned to the covered position 158. With the deflated airbag 154 stored in the cavity 156, the wing member 136 has rotated on the hinge 138 along the concealment direction 182. The wing member 136 rotates from the deployed position 178 to the covered position 158 along the concealment direction 182. The wing member 136 may be manufactured such that its own weight causes the wing member 136 to be rotated toward the covered position 158. The fastenerless clamp 144 is re-clamped or secured to the external structure 164 to hold the wing member 136 in the covered position 158 (i.e., the clamping surface 148 re-engages with the flange 176). With the fastenerless clamp 144 engaged with the flange 176, the wing member 136 holds the deflated airbag 154 concealed in the cavity 156.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a base member 134 having a clamp tower (generally indicated as 184) for securing the base member 134 to the support 172. Preferably, the clamp tower 184 is formed together with the base member 134 such that the clamp tower 184 extends from or otherwise protrudes from the base member 134. Alternatively, the clamp tower 184 may be a separate part that is connected to or otherwise secured to the base member 134. The clamp tower 184 has a plurality of radially extending arms 186 that engage with the back side 188 of the support 172 to secure the base member 134 to the support 172.

[0045] In addition, Figure 6 In this configuration, a fastenerless clamp 144 clamps or otherwise engages with the upper portion 190 of the second structural pillar 110. The fastenerless clamp 144 engages with a groove 192 in the second structural pillar 110. As a non-limiting example, the groove 192 may be of the tongue-in-groove type.

[0046] Based on the foregoing, a decorative cover for airbags mounted to the roof longitudinal beams of a vehicle has been described, which has significant advantages over the prior art. The decorative cover conceals the deflated airbag after deployment, restoring the vehicle's visibility.

[0047] According to the present invention, a decorative cover for a roof longitudinal beam of a vehicle is provided, the decorative cover having: a base member adapted to be fastened to the roof longitudinal beam; a wing member; and a movable hinge integrally molded between the base member and the wing member, wherein the wing member has a distal edge adapted to clamp the wing member without fasteners in the covered position.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the distal edge forms a single-sided clamp suitable for engaging with the pillar structure supporting the roof longitudinal beam.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the distal edge forms a single-sided clamp suitable for engaging with the roof longitudinal beam.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a clamp tower that extends from the base member and is adapted to fasten the base member to the roof longitudinal beam.

[0051] According to one embodiment, when the wing member is in the covered position, there is an acute angle between the base member and the wing member.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the decorative cover is molded from a weatherproof material.

[0053] According to the present invention, a vehicle device is provided, comprising: an airbag fixed to a roof longitudinal beam of a vehicle; a decorative cover having: a base member fastened to the roof longitudinal beam; a wing member; and a movable hinge integrally molded between the base member and the wing member and forming a single unit therewith, wherein the wing member rotates on the hinge when the airbag is deployed and has the ability to be fastened to the distal edge of the vehicle without fasteners when in the covered position.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the base component is fastened to the roof longitudinal beam by screws.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the base component is fixed to the roof longitudinal beam by a clamp tower.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the distal edge is adapted to mate with the pillar structure supporting the roof longitudinal beam.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the distal edge is adapted to mate with the roof longitudinal beam.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the distal edge forms a unilateral clamp.

[0059] According to one embodiment, when the airbag deploys, the distal edge is released from the vehicle.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the distal edge can be selectively operated between a clamping position in which the distal edge is clamped to the vehicle and the wing member is in a covered position and a release position in which the distal edge is released from the vehicle and the wing member is in a deployed position.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the decorative cover conceals the airbag when it is not deployed.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a bracket to which the base member is fastened and to which the airbag is fixed, wherein the bracket is attached to the roof longitudinal beam.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the decorative cover is molded from a weatherproof material.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the decorative cover is molded from polypropylene.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the distal edge can be selectively operated to clamp the wing member to the vehicle in a covered position after the airbag has deployed.

[0066] According to the present invention, a vehicle device is provided, the vehicle device having: a roof longitudinal beam of the vehicle; a decorative cover having: a base member fastened to the roof longitudinal beam; a wing member having a covered position and an extended position; and a movable hinge integrally molded between the base member and the wing member, wherein the wing member is clamped to the vehicle without fasteners in the covered position and rotates on the hinge from the covered position to the extended position.

Claims

1. A decorative cover for a roof longitudinal beam of a vehicle, the decorative cover comprising: Base member, the base member being adapted to be fastened to the roof longitudinal beam; Flange components; A movable hinge is integrally molded between the base member and the wing member, wherein the wing member has a distal edge adapted to clamp the wing member without fasteners in a covered position, wherein the distal edge is selectively operable between a clamped position in which the distal edge is clamped to the vehicle and the wing member is in the covered position, and a released position in which the distal edge is released from the vehicle and the wing member is in a deployed position, wherein in the covered position, the airbag fixed to the roof longitudinal beam is concealed and invisible, and the distal edge is released from the vehicle when the airbag deploys; the distal edge is selectively operable to clamp the wing member to the vehicle in the covered position after the airbag has deployed.

2. The decorative cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal edge forms a single-sided clamp adapted to engage with the pillar structure supporting the roof longitudinal beam.

3. The decorative cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal edge forms a one-sided clamp adapted to engage with the roof longitudinal beam.

4. The decorative cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A clamp tower that extends from the base member and is adapted to fasten the base member to the roof longitudinal beam.

5. The decorative cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the wing member is in the covered position, there is an acute angle between the base member and the wing member.

6. A vehicle device comprising: An airbag, which is fixed to the roof longitudinal beam of the vehicle; Decorative cover, the decorative cover having: A base component, the base component being fastened to the roof longitudinal beam; Flange components; A movable hinge is integrally molded between and together with the base member and the wing member, wherein the wing member rotates on the hinge when the airbag deploys and has a distal edge that is fastened to the vehicle without fasteners in a covered position, wherein the distal edge is selectively operable between a clamped position in which the distal edge is clamped to the vehicle and the wing member is in the covered position and a released position in which the distal edge is released from the vehicle and the wing member is in the deployed position, wherein the airbag is concealed and invisible in the covered position, and the distal edge is released from the vehicle when the airbag deploys; the distal edge is selectively operable to clamp the wing member to the vehicle in the covered position after the airbag has deployed.

7. The vehicle equipment of claim 6, wherein the base member is fastened to the roof longitudinal beam by screws.

8. The vehicle equipment of claim 6, wherein the base member is fastened to the roof longitudinal beam by a clamp tower.

9. The vehicle equipment of claim 6, wherein the distal edge is adapted to mate with a pillar structure supporting the roof longitudinal beam.

10. The vehicle equipment of claim 6, wherein the distal edge is adapted to mate with the roof longitudinal beam.

11. The vehicle equipment of claim 6, wherein the distal edge forms a one-sided clamp.

12. The vehicle equipment of claim 6, wherein the decorative cover conceals the airbag when the airbag is not deployed.

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