Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle includes an air bag positioned for deployment through an instrument panel member. The instrument panel member has a tear seam formed therein to facilitate such deployment. The tear seam is configured to define four separate pivotable deployment panels in the instrument panel member. Each deployment panel is pivotable in a direction away from the air bag as it deploys.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint assembly and method of deploying an inflatable restraint assembly in a vehicle includes a support structure mounted below an opening in the instrument panel adapted to receive an air bag deployment door. An air bag module includes a deployable air bag disposed within an air bag housing pivotally mounted to the support structure. An air bag deployment door is pivotally mounted to the housing of the air bag module and is movable between an installed position mounted adjacent the opening in the instrument panel and a deployed position wherein the door is received within the cavity in the instrument panel.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint assembly and method of deploying an inflatable restraint assembly in a vehicle includes a support structure mounted below an opening in the instrument panel adapted to receive an air bag deployment door. An air bag module includes a deployable air bag disposed within an air bag housing pivotally mounted to the support structure. An air bag deployment door is pivotally mounted to the housing of the air bag module and is movable between an installed position mounted adjacent the opening in the instrument panel and a deployed position wherein the door is received within the cavity in the instrument panel.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an inflator with a deployment side through which gas is expelled to fill an air bag. The inflator and bag are positioned in a canister having a deep recess. The air bag is folded in a configuration with a plurality of folded portions of the air bag stacked adjacent a side of the inflator and having perpendicularly bended portions of the folded bag in a bottom portion of the canister recess. The folded portions deploy sequentially so that only filled portions of the bag are deployed for interaction with a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: An air bag restraint system includes an instrument panel having an upper pad having a rearward edge and a lower pad having an upper edge. The upper edge of the lower pad is releasably connected to the rearward edge of the upper pad. The air bag restraint system also includes an air bag module mounted forward of the lower pad and including an air bag deployable in a generally rearward direction. Upon air bag deployment, the force of the deploying air bag releases the upper edge of the lower pad from the rearward edge of the upper pad such that the lower pad bends generally rearwardly and downwardly for permitting deployment of the air bag rearward of the lower pad.