Abstract: An air bag cushion folded for storage within a vehicle to achieve a predefined folded surface geometry corresponding to a desired storage location for the folded air bag cushion. A portion of the air bag cushion extending along a first lateral boundary edge for deployment inboard of the passenger seating location is folded in a construction inwardly to establish a first lateral edge of the predefined folded surface geometry. A portion of the air bag cushion disposed along the opposing lateral boundary edge is folded inwardly along a second internal lateral boundary line corresponding to a second lateral edge of the predefined folded surface geometry. The top and bottom edges are folded inwardly to finalize the desired geometry. The folding arrangement is such that upon encountering an obstacle during the initial stage of deployment the air bag is deployed in a lateral direction to the side of and around the occupant to be protected.

Abstract: An air bag cushion folded for storage within a vehicle to achieve a predefined folded surface geometry corresponding to a desired storage location for the folded air bag cushion. A portion of the air bag cushion extending along a first lateral boundary edge for deployment inboard of the passenger seating location is folded in a construction inwardly to establish a first lateral edge of the predefined folded surface geometry. A portion of the air bag cushion disposed along the opposing lateral boundary edge is folded inwardly along a second internal lateral boundary line corresponding to a second lateral edge of the predefined folded surface geometry. The top and bottom edges are folded inwardly to finalize the desired geometry. The folding arrangement is such that upon encountering an obstacle during the initial stage of deployment the air bag is deployed in a lateral direction to the side of and around the occupant to be protected.