Abstract: An air bag on a surface is gathered by opposing faces of first and second gathering elements that are moved together from opposing edges of the air bag, and which are adapted so as to limit a height of at least one associated edge portion of the air bag to be less than a height proximate to a center of the resulting gathered air bag. In one aspect, a surface is extended from at least one face, or at least one face is shaped so as to limit the edge portion height upon gathering. In another aspect, at least one gathering element incorporates a holder adapted to hold an edge of the air bag during gathering.

Abstract: An occupant protection device including a wrap for holding an inflatable air bag cushion in a folded shape. The wrap includes a tear seam forming a substantial “U” shape. The tear seam directs the initial airbag deployment toward the bottom of the airbag module and between the lower rim of a steering wheel and a driver. The wrap protects a fifth percentile female in close proximity to the lower rim of the steering wheel.

Abstract: First and second panels of air bag material are secured to one another with at least one seam defining a portion of a perimeter of a cavity bounded by the first and second panels, which is open along at least one unseamed portion extending along the first and second panels between endpoints of at least one seam. An opening in the second panel receives an end portion of an air bag inflator. Inflation gas generated by the air bag inflator is discharged into the air bag through the at least one unseamed portion, at least one of which is oriented downwards when installed in a vehicle. An air bag module cover incorporates first and second laterally opening door portions and a lower downward opening door portion that provide for a downward and outward initial deployment of the air bag.

Abstract: First and second lateral flaps depending from the central portion of a panel of air bag material are folded inwards towards the central portion so as to form a duct of a deflector which is closed along a top portion thereof. The duct is located inside an air bag between an inflator mounted from the outside of the air bag, and a retaining structure located within the duct, wherein the outlet end of the inflator extends through the openings in the air bag, the duct, and the retaining structure so as to provide for discharging inflation gas into the duct, which directs the gas downwardly into the airbag through an outlet proximate to a bottom edge of the panel. Holes in the lateral flaps are aligned so as to receive inflator mounting fasteners of the retaining structure, and so as to form the duct.

Abstract: A central panel forming a duct of an airbag is operatively coupled to first and second lateral inboard panels and to first and second lateral outboard panels, and the associated inboard and outboard panels are operatively coupled to one another, so as to form first and second air bag cushion portions that are split across a central portion of the air bag and separated by a central gap. The central gap is adapted to provide for mitigating injury to an out of position occupant. The central portion of the air bag may be adapted with sufficient depth so as to provide sufficient restraint for a relatively large occupant.

Abstract: A duct is operative along and inside an outboard boundary of an air bag is adapted to distribute inflation gas to a distal portion thereof. A proximal second opening in the duct provides for fluid communication between the duct and interior of the air bag, but is normally obstructed by a valve element. A control element provides for opening the valve element when the air bag is sufficiently inflated in the absence of an out-of-position occupant, so as to provide more rapidly inflating the air bag through the second opening. A relatively distal third opening in the duct provides for fluid communication between the duct and the interior of the air bag, and the air bag is vented from the duct through a relatively distal vent along an outboard boundary.

Abstract: First and second tear seams separated by a central portion of a panel of an air bag module cover define opposing first and second lateral edges of an air bag door, and are adapted so as to provide for a first region of the first central portion. Upon actuation of the associated air bag inflator, the tear seams fracture allowing the air bag to first deploy laterally, after which the first region of the panel is fractured responsive to relatively higher stresses therein, thereby opening the air bag door. In one embodiment, the tear seams extend along portions of the upper and lower boundaries of the air bag door, and a third tear seam is provided between the portions of the first and second tear seams on one of the upper and lower boundaries, wherein the third tear seam is relatively stronger than the first and second tear seams.

Abstract: First and second air bag cushion portions are joined to form a bi-lobular air bag cushion with an opening adapted to receive inflation gas from an air bag inflator. A first inner panel forms first and second chambers in the first cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. A second inner panel forms third and fourth chambers in the second cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. Relatively inboard first and third chambers are in fluid communication with one another. The second and fourth chambers are in fluid communication with the opening. In another embodiment, first and second distribution tubes provide for fluid communication between the opening and relatively distal portions of the first and second cushion portions. The inner panels and the distribution tubes provide for lateral inflation of the bi-lobular air bag.

Abstract: An adapter comprises a peripheral wall incorporating a plurality of apertures adapted to cooperate with a corresponding plurality of hooks depending from side walls of an airbag retainer. A flange projecting from the peripheral wall provides for attaching the adapter and airbag retainer to a vehicle instrument panel. The adapter incorporates an opening therethrough defined by the peripheral wall, through which the airbag is deployed. In one aspect, the peripheral wall is discontinuous.

Abstract: A perforated fabric diffuser and perforated cushion deflector are sewn inside an outer shell, thus forming a diffuser system within an airbag. The diffuser contains a plurality of openings along a folded edge. The deflector contains a wall defining at least one orifice for attenuating gas flow upon airbag activation. The airbag contains an inlet that fluidly communicates with the deflector and diffuser upon airbag activation. The outer shell is preferably sewn in such a manner as to maintain a plurality of individual cell areas. The fabric diffuser system is disposed within the outer shell such that the diffuser openings are positioned generally over the individual cells. During deployment, the diffuser system thereby functions to facilitate substantially even inflation throughout the airbag.

Abstract: A restraint apparatus for protecting a vehicle occupant in a side impact or rollover event. The restraint apparatus includes a deployment guide that includes a housing having a channel with a substantially smoothed interior and longitudinal slot. A guide member is slidably retained in the channel and has an extension protruding from the slotted side of the channel. The extension is attachable to a restraint device deployable laterally of a vehicle occupant. An actuator is provided and is operable to drive the guide member from a first end of the channel toward a second end. A driving of the guide member facilitates deployment of the restraint device and supplies at least a longitudinal tensioning force to the restraint device to provide lateral support thereto.

Abstract: A simple string device 1 is used to retain an airbag in its folded position. The string device 1 is comprised of a string 10 formed in a loop or various types of loops, according to particular airbag configurations. The string device 2 is looped over securing studs 46 which protrude from the base 41 of the airbag assembly and are used to secure the airbag unit to a mounting structure. The string device 1 is then looped over the folded airbag 44 and looped around the securing studs 46 from the opposite direction, thus securing the folded airbag 44 in position.

Abstract: An air bag system and method of making the same are provided including a reinforced cover for a vehicle seat having an air bag module hidden therein. The reinforced cover includes cover material that is stretchable and a backing reinforcement material that is stiffer than the cover material. The reinforcement material is attached to the cover material to provide a repeatable deployment path for the air bag as it inflates so that the air bag breaks through the seat cover at a preferred location thereon, e.g. bolster seam. The reinforced cover will not expand as the bag inflates as its stiffness or rigidity as provided by the reinforcement material will cause the bag to seek out the area of greater weakness in the cover at the bolster seam which the reinforcement material does not block.