Abstract: A guide device for directing the deployment of an automotive air bag cushion toward the torso of an occupant by means of a tether which is folded and attached to itself at a number of locations by rupturable seams. As the air bag cushion deploys the truncated tether or tethers cause the cushion to rotate about a point where the cushion is attached to the canister thereby moving the cushion in a downward direction. The cushion is thereby moved into position in front of the occupant's torso more quickly than an air bag cushion equipped with a tether without tearseams.

Abstract: A chute guide device for directing the deployment of a passenger side air bag along a predetermined path to the inside of a rupturable instrument panel. The chute resists deployment of the air bag behind the instrument panel. Also, the chute shields the air bag module from foreign objects which may otherwise fall into the module.