A method and apparatus for mounting knee and glove box surface configurations on a support structure utilizing a universal energy-absorbing bracket capable of being mounted on cross-car beams of a number of different car lines for supporting the different knee and glove box surface configurations.

A unique flexible hinge member for an instrument panel airbag is formed of a flexible plastic. The flexible hinge member is secured to the under surface of the instrument panel by a welding technique. The instrument panel is formed with a tear seam on its under surface, but no tear seam on its under surface. In one embodiment, the tear seam is h-shaped and two flexible hinge portions are utilized. In another embodiment, the tear seam is u-shaped and a single flexible hinge member is utilized.

An unique airbag support assembly for an instrument panel airbag is formed of a unitary design. The airbag support assembly has a door flap which is secured by a flexible hinge member to an outer rim. The outer rim includes a support structure for supporting an airbag module. The outer rim and door flap are secured to an under face of the instrument panel by a welding technique. The instrument panel is formed with a tear seam on its under face, but no tear seam is formed on its front face.