Abstract: An airbag assembly comprises a mounting member for attachment to part of the vehicle, an airbag secured to the mounting member and a cover for the airbag. The cover is connected to the mounting member at least partly by snap fit fastening. In another aspect, the cover is attached to the member by connecting a bent over flange on the cover to the mounting member. The method of assembly comprises assembling the cover, airbag and mounting member together into an airbag mounting sub-assembly and then attaching an airbag inflator to the sub-assembly.

Abstract: A restraint comprises an inflatable curtain and a deployment member. The deployment member can be an inflatable tube within a braided tube or an elastic member. The deployment member is attached to the inflatable curtain and on receipt of a signal the member deploys the curtain into an occupant protection position in the event of a crash. The restraint is particularly intended for location on one side of a vehicle to provide protection against side impacts.

Abstract: An airbag for use in a vehicle occupant protection system has a venting mechanism which allows inflation gas to vent from an inflation chamber through an expandable venting member. The expandable venting member has an inner surface defining an extension of the inflation chamber. The venting member is formed of a gas permeable material and is expandable from a first compressed configuration to a second expanded configuration in response to the inflation pressure in the inflation chamber. While in the compressed configuration the venting member is retained by a retaining member that is not permeable to the inflation gas and has a frangible portion. When the inflation pressure in the airbag reaches a preselected level the frangible portion of the retaining member breaks and the venting member is expanded through the broken portion of the retaining member by the inflation gas. In the expanded configuration the venting member allows the inflation gas to vent to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An airbag for use in an occupant protection system has a venting mechanism which allows inflation gas to vent from the airbag only after a predetermined inflation pressure is attained. The venting mechanism includes a ventilation opening and a sealing member overlying the opening which inhibits the venting of the inflation gas. The sealing member has a frangible region which remains intact below the predetermined inflation pressure, but which breaks open when the predetermined inflation pressure is exceeded.