Abstract: An improved airbag design has a defined gas pressure release area located in the perimeter or outer seam region of the airbag. The bag includes an extended area that protrudes from the perimeter seam or seal location. In this region, between the parallel portions of the seal or seam, there is no seal or seam present. The absence of the seal or seam in this region and the configuration of the seal or seam provides a controlled pressure release vent area. Once the vent region is opened, it allows pressurized gas from within the bag to vent at a given rate. Hollow core regions or cavities within an air bag form non-pressurized compartments located within the bag cavity that desirably decrease the volume of gas required to completely fill the bag. The presence of these compartments also decreases the time that it takes to fully pressurize the airbag in order to provide the desired cushioning effect.

Abstract: An airbag that is preferably deployed over and/or around a top surface of a seatbelt has a deployment mechanism that includes a fabric screen, flap or bladder which may be located over one or more high pressure gas diffusion heads. The fabric screen, flap or bladder includes one or more openings that allow pressurized gas to pass therethrough and fill an airbag during deployment. Advantageously, the fabric screen, flap or bladder does not interfere with the deployment of the airbag and also may be used to alter the deployment characteristics of the airbag.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in passenger inflatable air-bag safety systems for preventing activation of an activator inflator from causing premature activation of any inflator not yet activated by system programming. The apparatus includes structure for isolating the pressure releasing construction from shock waves created when an inflator is activated and takes the form of mechanical barriers that isolate each inflator release structure from exposure to shock waves.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, includes an inflatable protection device (16) and an inflator (14) for, upon actuation, providing inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device. The apparatus (10) further comprises means (42, 44) for supporting the inflator (14) on a vehicle portion (12) for movement in a first direction (I) relative to the vehicle portion in response to actuation of the inflator. Damping means (50) is connected between the inflator (14) and the vehicle portion (12) for damping movement of the inflator in the first direction (I) relative to the vehicle portion. The damping means (50) comprises a member (52) having an opening (68, 78, 88, 98). The member (52) is crushable in response to movement of the inflator (14) in the first direction (I) to close the opening (68, 78, 88, 98) in the member.

Abstract: A vehicle passenger safety system for use where independent power is required. The system includes as cooperating elements: an independent source of power; a passenger restraining belt; an inflatable bag stored in the belt; crash event sensors; belt orientating structure; a source of inflating gas; and, in the preferred embodiment programmed electronics that control functioning of the safety system and prolong the service life of the independent power source.