Article for encapsulating expandable objects

Abstract

A fabric cover (9, FIG. 2a), which is shrinkable at least in part, for encapsulating at least part of an expandable object such as an automotive airbag (1), the fabric cover being provided with a predetermined region of weakness (13), preferably a catch thread holding the edges of a woven fabric together to form a tubular or flat cover, which region of weakness will rupture when the said object expands by greater than a predetermined amount, e.g. in an automobile accident. The region of weakness (13) and preferably fabric regions (11) immediately adjacent thereto may be of a contrasting color to facilitate alignment of the region of weakness in the direction of expansion of the expandable object.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.