Abstract: In one embodiment, an air bag assembly comprises an air bag and a primary inflator for inflating the air bag. The air bag has a full inflated volume and a lesser partial inflated volume which is achieved by anchoring a plurality of tethers with a heat-sensitive link to reduce the inflated volume of the air bag to the partial inflated volume. A secondary inflator is selectively operable to release the tethers and coact with the primary inflator to inflate the air bag to the full inflated volume. Actuation of only the primary inflator inflates the air bag to only partial volume as constrained by the tethers. Actuation of the secondary inflator melts the link to release the tethers and inflate the air bag to full volume. In another embodiment, the secondary inflator is replaced by a tether control which includes an actuator that is selectively operable to release the tethers.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint system includes an inflator for generating inflator gas and a bladder inflatable upon generation of gas by the inflator. The bladder includes a forward panel, a rearward panel, and a pair of opposing end panels extending between and interconnecting the forward and rearward panels. Preferably, the bladder is made of a metal material. Also preferably, the system includes an instrument panel having a lower portion and the bladder is positioned beneath the lower portion of the instrument panel to serve as a knee bolster when inflated for protection of the occupant.

Abstract: An air bag module has a base structure including a plurality of hook portions. The module further includes an inflator for discharging inflator gas, and the inflator is coupled to the base structure. The module also includes an air bag made of flexible fabric air bag material. The flexible fabric air bag material of the air bag includes a plurality of air bag apertures therethrough. The hook portions of the base structure extend through the air bag apertures such that the air bag is captured on the hook portions. Upon air bag deployment, the air bag is securely anchored to the base structure by engagement of the air bag with the hook portions of the base structure. Preferably, the air bag includes a mouth portion having an air bag opening therein through which inflator gas is received.