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: 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.