Abstract: An airbag device for use with a vehicle door having a window, the airbag device comprising: an inflatable cushion having a predetermined shape, the predetermined shape being configured to have a periphery larger than the periphery of the window of the door when the inflatable cushion is inflated; a backing plate for mounting the inflatable cushion in a desired location, the backing plate providing a reaction surface for a portion of the inflatable cushion as it is being inflated; an inflator for providing an inflation output to the inflatable cushion; and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the inflator and the inflatable cushion, the conduit having a diffuser portion disposed within the inflatable cushion, the diffuser portion having a plurality of diffuser openings for allowing the inflation output to be received within the inflatable cushion, wherein inflation of the inflatable cushion by the inflator will cause portions of the inflatable cushion to overlap the periphery of the window openi

Abstract: A cover assembly including a cover member and a cover displacement mechanism is provided. The cover displacement mechanism positions the cover within a vehicle about an opening formed in the vehicle. The cover selectively separates an interior of the vehicle from an exterior of the vehicle at the opening.

Abstract: An air bag assembly including an inflator for discharging inflation gas and a gas receiving expansible air bag cushion of winged geometry disposed in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon release of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is deployed substantially over the windshield of an automobile as well as the pillars adjacent the windshield. View ports are present within the interior of the air bag cushion so as to maintain a degree of visibility for the vehicle operator after deployment has taken place. Mesh netting or a like material which does not unduly restrict visibility may extend across the internally formed view ports.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint assembly including an inflatable curtain structure deployable from a storage position along the roof rail of the vehicle so as to extend downwardly over an area within the vehicle interior adjacent to an occupant to be protected. The inflatable curtain structure is deployed downwardly along a deployment path from its storage location along the roof rail of the vehicle in substantially nonobstructing relation to shoulder harness structures and is thereafter anchored over the covered area in a substantially tensioned configuration.

Abstract: A tensioning system which provides continuous tensioning to an inflatable curtain air bag during deployment of the curtain air bag. A dynamic tethering element is utilized which travels in conjunction with the downward deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag so as to both tension the curtain air bag while at the same time providing a guiding action so as to bring the curtain air bag into the proper position at which it is thereafter maintained.

Abstract: An inflatable curtain structure for deployment within the interior of a transportation vehicle. The curtain structure includes a main body portion and an inflatable portion above the main body portion. The curtain structure is attached to the roof rail of the vehicle at locations of attachment extending in a hinge forming pattern between the main body portion and the inflatable portion above the main body portion such that upon inflation of the inflatable curtain structure the inflatable portion disposed above the main body portion expands in cushioning relation between the roof rail and the occupant.

Abstract: A side restraint assembly includes a side air bag having a main portion secured to the vehicle roof rail, a tubular portion extending from the main portion and a neck portion connected to an inflator for inflating the side air bag. A braided tube encircles the tubular portion and is secured to the rear pillar. The front of the main portion of the side air bag is secured to the front pillar. When the side air bag is inflated, the braided tube increases in diameter and significantly decreases in length. The decreased length induces tension along the bottom edge of the side air bag thereby positively positioning and retaining the air bag relative to the vehicle. The braided tube has an enlarged bulged portion to enhance the constriction of the braided tube during inflation. A fabric shield may be secured to the braided tube to provide an additional barrier for a rear-seated occupant.

Abstract: A head air bag system for an automotive vehicle includes a bracket mounted to a C-pillar of an automotive vehicle, an inflator mounted to the bracket, and an air bag operatively connected to the inflator. The air bag system also includes a trim molding housing the inflator, bracket and the air bag. The air bag is inflated by the inflator adjacent a head of a rear occupant seated in the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A restraint assembly includes an inflator for generating inflation gas. The restraint assembly includes an upper cushion portion and an inflatable stiffening device extending generally longitudinally across a lower edge of the cushion portion for providing longitudinal tension and lateral stability to the restraint assembly. Preferably, the stiffening device is tubular. Also preferably, the restraint assembly includes a tensioning device which at least partially surrounds the stiffening device and places longitudinal tension on the stiffening device when inflated. The tensioning device may take the form of a strap or cord that is spiral-wrapped around the stiffening device. The stiffening device preferably includes an inboard stiffening wall and an outboard stiffening wall. The tensioning device may preferably be zig-zag wrapped back and forth across the outboard wall of the stiffening device for preventing occupant interaction with the tensioning device on the inboard side of the stiffening device.

Abstract: A restraint assembly includes an inflator for generating inflation gas and a restraint cushion including an inflatable transfer portion in fluid communication with the inflator for initial inflation by the inflation gas. The cushion further includes an inflatable bladder portion in fluid communication with the transfer portion for extended inflation by transfer of inflation gas from the transfer portion into the bladder portion. The bladder portion has a fully inflated condition in which the bladder portion is filled with inflation gas from the transfer portion and in which the bladder portion engages the transfer portion to limit the amount of gas further transferred into the bladder portion and to seal the bladder portion such that inflation gas is held in the bladder portion for lengthened and extended inflation of the bladder portion even after deflation of the transfer portion for extended coverage of a preselected vehicle location.