Abstract: A one-piece woven air-bag in the form of an inflatable curtain has two inflatable regions separated by an uninflatable region which incorporates an expansion panel to relieve excessive tension that may arise within the inflatable curtain. The expansion panel comprises a region where there are two outer layers of fabric interconnected by an intermediate or third layer extending from the first layer to the second layer. Slit lines are provided in the outer layers so that the expansion panel may expand when subjected to tension.

Abstract: A method of assembling an air-bag comprises the steps of taking a gas-flow duct which is to be located within a gas-flow passage of an air-bag, and applying a hot-melt adhesive to one or more locations on the exterior of the gas-flow duct. The hot-melt adhesive is permitted to cool to a state in which it is substantially solid and exhibits little or no tack. The gas-flow duct may then be inserted into the gas-flow passage without affecting the adhesive in any way. Subsequently heat is applied so the hot-melt adhesive at least partially melts. The adhesive then adheres the gas-flow duct to that part of the air-bag defining the gas-flow passage. The hot-melt adhesive may cure over a period of time to form a substantially cross-linked adhesive.

Abstract: An air-bag (1) has a primary gas flow duct (11) leading from a gas generator to one or more zones within the air-bag which are to be inflated. The air-bag has a separate inner gas flow duct (12) mounted within the outer gas flow duct. The inner gas flow duct (12) and the outer gas flow duct (11) have areas (22 and 23) thereof secured together in the region that is to be connected to the gas generator.

Abstract: A one-piece woven air-bag in the form of an inflatable curtain has two inflatable regions separated by an uninflatable region which incorporates an expansion panel to relieve excessive tension that may arise within the inflatable curtain. The expansion panel comprises a region where there are two outer layers of fabric interconnected by an intermediate or third layer extending from the first layer to the second layer. Slit lines are provided in the outer layers so that the expansion panel may expand when subjected to tension.

Abstract: An air bag formed from two layers of fabric using a one-piece weaving technique has a peripheral seam at the edge of a region adapted to be inflated. Beyond the seam there are a plurality of chambers and gas escaping from the inflated region through the seam must inflate these chambers thus creating a back pressure to reduce the flow of escaping gas.