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 or envelope 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. The valve sheet includes a tear tab to temporarily retain the valve sheet to the panel.

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 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 or envelope 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. The valve sheet includes a tear tab to temporarily retain the valve sheet to the panel.

Abstract: An airbag with a venting assembly. An airbag can include a panel with at least one vent opening and a valve sheet with at least one vent opening and at least one tear tab. The panel and valve sheet can be arranged so that the vent openings of the panel and the vent openings of the valve sheet are configured to align with one another for a period of time during deployment of the airbag. The tear tabs can be configured to break during deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag with a venting assembly. An airbag can include a panel with at least one vent opening and a valve sheet with at least one vent opening and at least one tear tab. The panel and valve sheet can be arranged so that the vent openings of the panel and the vent openings of the valve sheet are configured to align with one another for a period of time during deployment of the airbag. The tear tabs can be configured to break during deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: A method of folding an airbag 10, and more particularly, a side curtain airbag whereby the airbag is folded to facilitate a relatively more rapid deployment given that the folds as described create a thrusting motion of the airbag out and over the B-pillar and the adjustable turning loop.

Abstract: A perforated fabric diffuser and perforated cushion deflector are sewn inside an outer shell, thus forming a diffuser system within an airbag. The diffuser contains a plurality of openings along a folded edge. The deflector contains a wall defining at least one orifice for attenuating gas flow upon airbag activation. The airbag contains an inlet that fluidly communicates with the deflector and diffuser upon airbag activation. The outer shell is preferably sewn in such a manner as to maintain a plurality of individual cell areas. The fabric diffuser system is disposed within the outer shell such that the diffuser openings are positioned generally over the individual cells. During deployment, the diffuser system thereby functions to facilitate substantially even inflation throughout the airbag.

Abstract: A perforated fabric diffuser and perforated cushion deflector are sewn inside an outer shell, thus forming a diffuser system within an airbag. The diffuser contains a plurality of openings along a folded edge. The deflector contains a wall defining at least one orifice for attenuating gas flow upon airbag activation. The airbag contains an inlet that fluidly communicates with the deflector and diffuser upon airbag activation. The outer shell is preferably sewn in such a manner as to maintain a plurality of individual cell areas. The fabric diffuser system is disposed within the outer shell such that the diffuser openings are positioned generally over the individual cells. During deployment, the diffuser system thereby functions to facilitate substantially even inflation throughout the airbag.

Abstract: An air bag system that includes impact countermeasures is provided. The apparatus includes an air bag that is attached to a vehicle body via a base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of ribs extending therefrom disposed in a manner such that the plurality of ribs can be transitioned to allow a path for deployment the airbag. Deployment of the air bag protects occupants during certain types of collision and the impact countermeasures, the plurality of ribs, absorbs energy during certain types of impacts with the apparatus.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly is provided having a passenger air bag canister mounted on a metal frame in front of a hinged door of an instrument panel. The door is pushed open by the inflating air bag when the air bag deploys in a collision. The metal frame has mounting brackets on opposite sides of the door opening. The canister is secured to a rear frame bar extending between the brackets. The bar is removably attached to the brackets so that if damaged when the air bag deploys, it may be removed and replaced obviating the need to replace the entire metal frame. A front canister-mounting frame bar, forwardly of the rear frame bar, normally is not damaged upon deployment of the air bag.