Plastic air bag cover having an integrated light source

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An object of the present invention is to provide an air bag cover having a light source module incorporated therein to project an information-bearing image within a passenger compartment and which is relatively simple and reliable, economic to manufacture, and easily assembled and tested.
In carrying the above object and other objects of the present invention, a plastic air bag cover having an integrated light source and adapted for use within a passenger compartment of a vehicle is provided.
The cover includes a front panel adapted to overlie an undeployed air bag.
The front panel has a front outer surface and a rear inner surface.
The front panel also has a window associated therewith which is capable of transmitting light therethrough.
The cover also includes a light source module including a base plate and a light source mounted on the base plate.
Finally, the cover includes a back plate secured to the rear inner surface of the front panel in containing relationship to the light source module to form a hollow compartment for the light source module.
Light from the light source is transmitted through the window to provide an information-bearing image within the passenger compartment whereby information is provided to a passenger of the vehicle.
Preferably, the light source module includes a front plate secured to the base plate to form a sealed compartment for the light source.
The front plate is provided with indicia capable of transmitting light therethrough and representing graphical information.
Light from the light source transmitted through the indicia causes the image to be projected into the passenger compartment.
The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.