Abstract: A dual coated fabric that is well suited for producing vehicle airbags. The coated fabric includes a first coating on one side and a second coating on a second and opposite side. The first coating may comprise an elastomeric coating, such as a cured rubber. The second coating on the opposite side, however, may comprise a non-elastomeric coating. The non-elastomeric coating provides dimensional stability and provides an excellent counterbalance to the elastomeric coating.

Abstract: A dual coated fabric that is well suited for producing vehicle airbags. The coated fabric includes a first coating on one side and a second coating on a second and opposite side. The first coating may comprise an elastomeric coating, such as a cured rubber. The second coating on the opposite side, however, may comprise a non-elastomeric coating. The non-elastomeric coating provides dimensional stability and provides an excellent counterbalance to the elastomeric coating.

Abstract: An air bag of the type utilized in a vehicle occupant restraint system has at least one panel of coated air bag fabric comprising a base fabric coated with a urethane coating material. The base fabric is woven in warp and fill directions from synthetic multifilament yarns. In at least one of the weave directions, the yarns comprise first yarns of a first yarn size and second yarns of a second yarn size, with the second yarn size being a lesser yarn size than the first yarn size. The first yarns and the second yarns are in predetermined positions in the base fabric to produce a crest and trough pattern on a surface thereof.

Abstract: An air bag of the type utilized in a vehicle occupant restraint system has at least one panel of coated air bag fabric comprising a base fabric coated with a urethane coating material. The base fabric is woven in warp and fill directions from synthetic multifilament yarns. In at least one of the weave directions, the yarns comprise first yarns of a first yarn size and second yarns of a second yarn size, with the second yarn size being a lesser yarn size than the first yarn size. The first yarns and the second yarns are in predetermined positions in the base fabric to produce a crest and trough pattern on a surface thereof.

Abstract: Vehicle air bags are constructed of fabric produced according to improved methodology. The fabric, which may be coated or uncoated, is dry woven on a loom machine without size. Since size is not used, the invention provides several methods to reduce chafing of the unprotected yarn during the weaving process. For example, the yarn is preferably of a type having a relatively large number of evenly-spaced nodes of entanglement. The warp ends are preferably beamed at a ratio of no greater than two ends per dent of the beaming comb. At least six (6) weaving harnesses are preferably used on the loom as the fabric is being produced. Because size is eliminated, the fabric does not have to be scoured prior to use. As a result, the air permeability of the fabric remains naturally low and fabric stiffness is reduced.

Abstract: Vehicle air bags are constructed of fabric produced according to improved methodology. The fabric, which may be coated or uncoated, is woven on a rapier loom machine without size. Since size is not used, the invention provides several methods to reduce chafing of the unprotected yarn during the weaving process. For example, the yarn is preferably of a type having a relatively large number of evenly-spaced nodes of entanglement. The warp ends are preferably beamed at a ratio of no greater than two ends per dent of the beaming comb. At least six (6) weaving harnesses are preferably used on the loom as the fabric is being produced. Because size is eliminated, the fabric does not have to be scoured prior to use. As a result, the air permeability of the fabric remains naturally low and fabric stiffness is reduced.

Abstract: An air bag for use in a motor vehicle and a fabric from which the air bag is constructed. The air bag has a plurality of panels connected together about their respective peripheries to define an interior cavity for receipt of an inflation medium therein. At least one of the panels is made from the disclosed fabric, which is an unscoured and uncalendered rapier woven fabric having an air permeability of less than approximately 5.0 CFM. The fabric also has a circular bend of less than approximately 2.2.

Abstract: An air bag of the type utilized in a vehicle occupant restraint system is constructed of a plurality of panels of uncoated fabric. Respective of the panels have been processed to achieve a selected air permeability with greater accuracy on a lot-to-lot basis than had generally been achieved with uncoated fabrics of the prior art. In one presently preferred methodology, a plurality of fluid jets, preferably water jets, are utilized to impact panels of the uncoated fabric under selected operating conditions. Pores created by the fluid jets may be heat set to achieve a selected permeability. Fluid jet processing may also be utilized to produce a fabric having a selected thread count.