Abstract: A side impact or rollover air bag for protecting a vehicle occupant during an accident, comprising: an inflatable cushion which upon inflation is positioned between the occupant and an adjacent portion of a vehicle to protect the occupant, the cushion including first and second sides, a top and bottom; inflatable tube, positioned adjacent the cushion, for extending the cushion to its full vertical length prior to the full forward inflation of the cushion by inflation gas.

Abstract: An air bag assembly in a vehicle has an inflator for generating gas and an air bag deployable upon generation of gas by the inflator. The air bag assembly also includes a tether being substantially external to the air bag. The tether has a first end connected to the air bag and a second end connected to the vehicle. Preferably, the second end of the tether is spaced laterally apart from the first end of the tether such that upon air bag deployment, the tether provides lateral support to the air bag.

Abstract: An air bag module for a vehicle includes an inflator for discharging inflator gas and an air bat; for inflation by the discharging inflator gas. The air bag has a fixed edge adapted to be fixedly connected to the vehicle and also has a sliding edge adapted to be slidably connected to the vehicle. Upon air bag deployment, the sliding edge of the air bag slides along the vehicle and extends the air bag to the inflated condition. The air bag module preferably includes a conduit having a first portion in fluid communication with the inflator for receiving the discharging inflator gas therein. The conduit also includes a second portion spaced apart from the inflator and having an opening in fluid communication with the air bag for directing inflator gas into the air bag. The second portion of the conduit directs the discharging inflator gas such that the sliding edge of the air bag is forced to the extended condition.