Abstract: An air bag system includes an inflator, an inflatable air bag, and a vent opener operatively connected to the air bag and selectively movable from a first position to a second position to create a cushion vent within the air bag for venting inflation fluid. A movable member operatively connects to an air bag housing, with a retention member extending through a connector arm to selectively connect the movable member and the vent opener. A sensing tether is operable to selectively release the retention member. The air bag system may further include a switch, with a sensing tether operable to change the state of the switch if any portion of the air bag passes a predetermined plane during inflation thereof.

Abstract: An air bag system includes an inflator operable to release inflation fluid, and an inflatable cushion having an lower region and inflatable upon release of inflation fluid from the inflator, with the cushion defining a channel within the lower region thereof. At least one tether may support the channel during inflation of the cushion. A fabric member may at least partially cover the channel to define an end channel wall. The fabric member may detach from the cushion if the cushion inflates beyond a predetermined depth, or the fabric member may be movable between a first position and a second position to increase the area of the end channel wall. A retention member may retain the fabric member in the first position. The retention member may be frangible, such that inflation of the cushion beyond the predetermined depth breaks the retention member.

Abstract: An air bag system housed within a cavity includes an inflator, an inflatable air bag, and an air bag housing defining a vent. A deployment door movable between a closed position and an open position at least partially covers the cavity. A vent restrictor is movable between a first position and a second position. In one of the first and second positions, the vent restrictor at least partially blocks the vent to restrict venting of inflation fluid therethrough. In the other of the positions, the vent restrictor leaves the vent substantially open. The vent restrictor is operatively connected to the deployment door or the air bag. When connected to the deployment door, movement of the deployment door from the closed position to the open position moves the vent restrictor. When connected to the air bag, inflation of the air bag moves the vent restrictor.