Abstract: A method of making a restraint cushion which when inflated forms a generally horizontally orientated lower compartment connected to a vertically orientated upper compartment comprising the steps of providing upper and lower sheets of woven material joined together along a rear edge and the side edges, forming a pleated section in the upper sheet, connecting the parts of the pleated section together, joining the pleated section to the lower sheet to form a wall separating the first compartment from the second compartment, and forming at least one opening between the compartments to allow fluid to flow from the lower compartment to the upper compartment.

Abstract: An L-shaped inflatable restraint cushion that is compartmentalized into a lower horizontally orientated compartment and an upper vertically orientated compartment that are interconnected and in constant communication with each other through at least one orifice. The upper compartment is formed by front and rear walls which are interconnected through cords or the like to control the extent the rear wall moves relative to the front wall to minimize any enveloping engagement with an occupant.