Abstract: An airbag module includes an airbag cushion, a cover configured to break open to allow the airbag cushion to deploy into a vehicle occupant compartment, an emblem attached to the cover, and a light source connected to the cover and/or the emblem. The light source can provide a safe aesthetic airbag lighting option.

Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle comprises a housing for an airbag and an inflator configured to be mounted on the housing. The housing includes at least one integral locking component to lock the inflator into a mounted, in-use position on the housing. The component comprises an undercut section formed in a back surface of the housing and/or a bendable tab formed in a back surface of the housing. The inflator can be rotated from a first position to a second, mounted position. In the first position, the inflator is located against the back surface but can be freely removed from the housing. In the second position, the inflator flange is held in place in a direction perpendicular to the back surface of the housing by the at least one undercut section.

Abstract: An airbag assembly includes an airbag and a system provided in contact with at least a portion of the airbag that includes a first member and a second member. The second member at least partially overlaps the first member and is held in contact during initial deployment of the airbag with the first member by a frictional force between the first member and the second member. The system is configured to cause the airbag to inflate laterally with respect to a vehicle occupant until the frictional force is overcome by inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: First and second air bag cushion portions are joined to form a bi-lobular air bag cushion with an opening adapted to receive inflation gas from an air bag inflator. A first inner panel forms first and second chambers in the first cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. A second inner panel forms third and fourth chambers in the second cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. Relatively inboard first and third chambers are in fluid communication with one another. The second and fourth chambers are in fluid communication with the opening. In another embodiment, first and second distribution tubes provide for fluid communication between the opening and relatively distal portions of the first and second cushion portions. The inner panels and the distribution tubes provide for lateral inflation of the bi-lobular air bag.

Abstract: A central panel forming a duct of an airbag is operatively coupled to first and second lateral inboard panels and to first and second lateral outboard panels, and the associated inboard and outboard panels are operatively coupled to one another, so as to form first and second air bag cushion portions that are split across a central portion of the air bag and separated by a central gap. The central gap is adapted to provide for mitigating injury to an out of position occupant. The central portion of the air bag may be adapted with sufficient depth so as to provide sufficient restraint for a relatively large occupant.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus comprises an inflatable airbag with a panel, the panel including a first vent opening that permits inflation fluid to escape out of the airbag; and a valve sheet including a second vent opening movable relative to the first vent opening, the valve sheet having opposite ends that are each fixed to a surface of the airbag. One end of the valve sheet moves with the panel during inflation of the airbag to move the second vent opening relative to the first vent opening. The apparatus also includes a valve guide to guide movement of the valve sheet relative to the panel, the valve sheet is capable of sliding between the valve guide and the panel. Both ends of the valve sheet remain fixed to the panel during and after inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag assembly includes an airbag and a system provided in contact with at least a portion of the airbag that includes a first member and a second member. The second member at least partially overlaps the first member and is held in contact during initial deployment of the airbag with the first member by a frictional force between the first member and the second member. The system is configured to cause the airbag to inflate laterally with respect to a vehicle occupant until the frictional force is overcome by inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: A method of folding an airbag includes pre-folding an airbag in a generally geometric pattern and crush folding the airbag. The airbag is positioned flat on a first side with a first lobe lying over a second lobe. The lower corners of the lobes are tucked internally into their respective lobes or sides. The airbag is then folded twice to form a general Z shape along the side of the airbag. The airbag is then crush folded.

Abstract: An expandable airbag cushion assembly includes an internal inflatable pouch enclosed in an expandable external pocket and an inflator for directing gas into the internal inflatable pouch. The airbag cushion assembly may be enclosed in a flat panel casing that does not require the folding of the expandable external pocket when the airbag is deflated. The packaging size of an airbag assembly is relatively small compared to other airbag assemblies known the art. The smaller packaging size provides a car manufacturer with increased flexibility concerning the installation location of a vehicle airbag assembly. In turn, the capability to install an airbag in more locations within a passenger compartment provides the vehicle's occupants with better protection in the case of a collision.

Abstract: A central panel forming a duct of an airbag is operatively coupled to first and second lateral inboard panels and to first and second lateral outboard panels, and the associated inboard and outboard panels are operatively coupled to one another, so as to form first and second air bag cushion portions that are split across a central portion of the air bag and separated by a central gap. The central gap is adapted to provide for mitigating injury to an out of position occupant. The central portion of the air bag may be adapted with sufficient depth so as to provide sufficient restraint for a relatively large occupant.

Abstract: First and second air bag cushion portions are joined to form a bi-lobular air bag cushion with an opening adapted to receive inflation gas from an air bag inflator. A first inner panel forms first and second chambers in the first cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. A second inner panel forms third and fourth chambers in the second cushion portion and provide for fluid communication therebetween proximate to a distal portion thereof. Relatively inboard first and third chambers are in fluid communication with one another. The second and fourth chambers are in fluid communication with the opening. In another embodiment, first and second distribution tubes provide for fluid communication between the opening and relatively distal portions of the first and second cushion portions. The inner panels and the distribution tubes provide for lateral inflation of the bi-lobular air bag.

Abstract: First and second tear seams separated by a central portion of a panel of an air bag module cover define opposing first and second lateral edges of an air bag door, and are adapted so as to provide for a first region of the first central portion. Upon actuation of the associated air bag inflator, the tear seams fracture allowing the air bag to first deploy laterally, after which the first region of the panel is fractured responsive to relatively higher stresses therein, thereby opening the air bag door. In one embodiment, the tear seams extend along portions of the upper and lower boundaries of the air bag door, and a third tear seam is provided between the portions of the first and second tear seams on one of the upper and lower boundaries, wherein the third tear seam is relatively stronger than the first and second tear seams.