Abstract: A vent hole disposed in a retainer, which supports an inflator and an air bag of an air bag device, is opened and closed by a control valve including a plate-shaped valve member. The valve member of the control valve includes a body reinforced by a flange, and a piezoelectric element operates as an actuator affixed to a hinge portion provided at one end of the body. The piezoelectric element is supplied with an electric current and is contracted to bend the hinge portion, whereby the vent hole is opened by movement of the body. The piezoelectric element is provided on the hinge portion of the valve member and hence, the size of the piezoelectric element can be reduced, whereby the amount of expensive piezoelectric element used can be reduced to contribute to a reduction in cost, as compared with a case in which the piezoelectric element is superposed on the entire valve member of the valve member.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an air bag and an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag. The inflator has at least one discharge port through which inflator gas is discharged. A housing includes at least one inflator vent opening aligned with the discharge port. A variable inflation device is mounted on the inflator and includes a movable member alignable with the vent opening. The movable member is movable relative to the vent opening for opening and closing the vent opening at a predetermined time during inflator activation to control the amount of inflator gas discharged into the air bag and the amount of inflator gas expelled out through the vent opening of the housing. Preferably, the variable inflation device includes an initiator device being activatable during activation of the inflator to move the movable member relative to the vent opening at the predetermined time during inflator activation.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (10) comprises flexible material defining an inflation fluid volume (42) for receiving inflation fluid. The material includes a first panel portion (30) on which is located a set of first points (A-D) and a second panel portion (40) on which is located a set of second points (A′-D′). A rupturable stitching section (50) holds the set of first points (A-D) closely adjacent the set of second points (A′-D′)when the device (10) is in the deflated condition and when the device is in a partially inflated condition. The rupturable stitching section (50) is rupturable in response to the application of a force greater than a predetermined force in response to inflation of the protection device (10). Rupturing of the stitching section (50) enables movement of the first panel portion (30) away from the second panel portion (40).

Abstract: An inflator includes a bottle for storing a high pressure gas having an opening, a sealing plate attached to the bottle for sealing the opening, a housing having a curved air passage therein and being arranged such that an end faces the sealing plate, an initiator for generating an air blast disposed to communicate with the air passage, and a piston provided inside the housing to communicate with the curved air passage. Upon actuation of the initiator, the piston is urged toward the sealing plate by the air blast to rupture the same to allow the high pressure gas to linearly eject from the bottle.

Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system has a gas bag, a gas generator being in flow connection with the gas bag, and at least one cover part adapted to cover the gas bag against a passenger compartment when the gas bag module is mounted in a vehicle. The cover part has a hinge portion which allows the cover part to pivot from a closed condition into an opened condition in which the gas bag is able to exit from the gas bag module, and further having an edge opposite the hinge portion. At least one traction transfer device is provided which has a first and a second end and is adapted to exert a tensile force on the cover part after activation of the gas generator. The first end of the traction transfer device is attached to the edge of the cover part so that the cover part opens in a direction towards the gas bag due to the tensile force exerted by the traction transfer device.

Abstract: This present invention provides variable deployment performance by controlling the quantity and fluid flow path of the inflator gas into or out of an air bag module according to the present invention. The air bag module includes a slide ring mechanism disposed about an inflator and adjacent at least a portion of a cushion retainer. The slide ring mechanism comprises an annular ring having openings formed therein, wherein during rotation of the slide mechanism, the openings of the annular ring align with openings formed in the cushion retainer to define a fluid flow path away from an air bag cushion for venting some of the inflator gas. Preferably, the annular ring is rotated by attaching a pair of tethers to the annular ring and to a rear surface of the air bag cushion.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an actuatable inflator (14). A retainer (40) is connected with the protection device (12). The retainer (40) has a fixed portion (46) and a movable portion (48). The movable portion (48) is movable between a first condition and a second condition to vent inflation fluid from the protection device (12). The apparatus (10) includes an electrically energizable mechanism (80) to release the movable portion (48) of the retainer (40) for movement from the first condition to the second condition. The apparatus (10) also includes vehicle electric circuitry (120) including a sensor (132) for sensing at least one occupant condition or vehicle condition and a controller (130) responsive to the sensor for controlling the electrically energizable mechanism (80).

Abstract: An air bag apparatus for a passenger seat has reduced deploying speed and reduces the impact of the air bag on an occupant moving forward at the time of a crash of a vehicle. A gas generator is disposed in a case of the air bag apparatus, extending in a fore-to-aft direction relative to the vehicle. The gas generator case contains a cylindrical inflator extending in the fore-to-aft direction. An air bag is disposed in the apparatus case, folded in a predetermined manner. An inner bag for controlling gas flow is disposed in the air bag, folded in a predetermined manner. An auxiliary inner bag is sewed to an outside surface of a bag of the inner bag. When the inner bag is inflated and deployed, the bag of the inner bag presses a portion of the air bag against the windshield, and the auxiliary inner bag presses another portion of the air bag against the instrument panel.

Abstract: An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of an occupant in a vehicle during an impact event. The air bag assembly includes an inflator activatable to discharge inflation gas upon the occurrence of predetermined vehicle conditions and an air bag cushion in fluid communication with the inflator such that upon discharge of inflation gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant. One or more profile restraining tether elements extend from locations on the air bag cushion to a releasable anchor structure so as to shorten the operative length of the profile restraining tether elements. An actuation mechanism activatable in response to a signal from a sensor measuring occupant conditions is used to release the tether elements from the releasable anchor thereby extending the operative profile of the air bag cushion upon the occurrence of predetermined occupant conditions.

Abstract: An inflatable air bag, in its uninflated state, is folded against a seat belt that is secured around the waist of a vehicle occupant and is enclosed by a tubular webbing making the assembly appear as a typical seat belt. Upon a sudden deceleration of a vehicle, the air bag inflates and takes an L-shaped form against an occupant of a vehicle. A rearward protrusion from the upright portion of the L bears against the upper torso portion of the occupant. The rearward protrusion does not bear against the face of either a fifth, fiftieth or ninety-fifth percentile occupant. When inflated the air bag in addition to the rearward protrusion, has a torso section, a waist section and a lap section. The waist section functions to bear against the occupant to push the occupant back into the seat. The torso and lap sections function to push the occupant back and down into the seat. The deployment sequence of the inflation of the sections is determined by the method of folding the air bag against the seat belt.

Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicular occupant restraint system comprises two plies of fabric partially interwoven along their outer edges. To offer protection over a lengthy period in time amounting to several seconds but nevertheless dissipate the energy of impact to the required degree on impact and cushioning of the occupant, the plies of fabric are substantially air-tight, and the volume of the gas bag is divided by partial interweaving of the plies of fabric within the outer edges into several chambers. Further, the chambers are interconnected by at least one choked port remaining between the portions of the interwoven plies of fabric. Only part of the chambers is directly inflated by an inflator, the remaining part of the chambers being indirectly inflated via the choked port.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (16) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition for helping to protect the vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (18) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to inflate the inflatable device (16). A housing (14) directs inflation fluid under pressure from the inflation fluid source (18) toward the inflatable device (16) upon actuation of the inflation fluid source (18). The housing (14) has an opening (38) for enabling flow of inflation fluid out of the housing (14) and away from the inflatable device (16). A door (82) is movable between a closed condition closing the opening (38) and an open condition enabling flow of inflation fluid out of the housing (14) through the opening (38).

Abstract: A gas bag folding system is disclosed for a gas bag used in an air bag module, as well as a process and device for holding a gas bag in this manner. A top and bottom layer of the gas bag have each at least one main fold, the main folds extending separately from each other. To fold the bag in this manner, the empty gas bag is outspread so that it has a top layer and a bottom layer, the two layers are separately folded and the folds are gathered together to the required size for packaging in an air bag module. A device for folding the bag in this manner includes separate folding devices which extend at least approximately perpendicular to the top and bottom layers of an outspread gas bag that are associated to the top and bottom layers of the gas bag and can be moved in the direction of the outspread gas bag, and in that an overpressure generator that can be connected to the gas bag.

Abstract: A passenger-seat airbag of the invention has an occupant-facing surface at the front end and a windshield-facing surface on the upper side-face. The occupant-facing surface and the windshield-facing surface are connected together with an internal member. When an inflator is operated for gas-injection, the occupant-facing surface is inflated due to the gas pressure so as to approach an occupant while an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the windshield-facing surface is pulled by the occupant-facing surface via the internal member so as to form a depressed shape inside the airbag. Thereby, the airbag is reduced in volume so as to promptly complete the inflation even when the inflator has a small output while the occupant-facing surface approaches sufficiently close to the occupant, enabling to receive the occupant promptly.

Abstract: A safety system includes a seatbelt apparatus for supporting a shoulder of a vehicle occupant, an airbag apparatus having an airbag body, and control means for controlling a sealing member. The airbag body is inflated to receive the occupant by gas introduced into the airbag body. The airbag body has first and second ports for exhausting the gas. The sealing member is disposed on the second exhaust port. The sealing member is set to either one of a first state where the gas is prevented from being exhausted from the second exhaust port and a second state where the gas is allowed to be exhausted. The sealing member is ordinarily set to the first state. The seatbelt apparatus outputs a seatbelt apparatus application signal to the control means when the seatbelt apparatus is applied to the occupant. The control means set the sealing means to the second state when the control means receives the seatbelt apparatus application signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for rapid inflation of a folded gas bag for an occupant impact protection device in motor vehicles. The device comprises a housing, a pyrotechnic propellant within the housing for generating filling gases, and an ignition device. The housing is equipped with a passage serving as an outflow duct for the filling gases from the gas bag, a cross-section of the passage being adapted to be exposed at least in part after an activation of the device.

Abstract: An energy absorbing airbag system includes one or more vent valve assemblies for controlling the release of airbag inflation gases to maintain inflation gas pressure within an airbag at a substantially constant pressure during a ride-down of an energy absorbing event. Each vent valve assembly includes a cantilever spring that is flat in an unstressed condition and that has a free end portion. The cantilever spring is secured to an exterior surface of the airbag housing and flexed to cause the second free end portion of the cantilever spring to be pressed, with a preset force, against a vent port or a closure covering the vent port to seal the vent port until inflation gas pressure within the airbag reaches a preselected value determined by the preset force whereupon the free end portion of the cantilever spring is lifted from the vent port by the inflation gases within the airbag to vent the inflation gases from within the airbag.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an air bag and an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag. The inflator has at least one discharge port through which the inflator gas is discharged. A housing includes at least one inflator vent opening aligned with the discharge port. A variable inflation device is mounted on the inflator and includes a movable member alignable with the vent opening. The movable member is movable relative to the vent opening for opening and closing the vent opening at a predetermined time during inflator activation to control the amount of inflator gas discharged into the air bag and the amount of inflator gas expelled out through the vent opening of the housing. The movable member includes a gas impingement surface which serves to direct the flow of the inflator gas in such away that the movable member is maintained, after actuation thereof, in a position in which the vent opening is closed by the movable member.

Abstract: In a retainer 19 which supports an inflator 20 and an air bag 21 of an air bag device Rd, disposed are a control valve 30 configured by bonding a plate-like piezoelectric element 31 to a protector 21 made of a metal, vent holes 29 which are opened and closed by the control valve 30, and internal-pressure detecting means 35d for detecting the internal pressure of the air bag 21. The piezoelectric element 31, which, when not energized, closes the vent holes 29, is caused to bend by energization, so as to open the vent holes 29, thereby allowing a gas in the air bag 21 to be discharged to the outside. The opening degree of the vent holes 29 is feedback controlled in accordance with the air bag internal pressure detected by the internal-pressure detecting means 35d, so that the change of the air bag internal pressure with respect to the elapse of time coincides with a preset internal-pressure pattern.

Abstract: An middle fabric portion (43) is disposed between a first fabric portion (41) and a second fabric portion (42) that constitute a pouch-shaped air bag (1). The middle fabric portion (43) divides the interior of the air bag (1) into a first compartment (45) and a second compartment (46). The two compartments (45,46) communicate by communicating openings (51) formed at locations near the outer edge of the middle fabric portion (43). A center communicating portion (53) at the center of the middle fabric portion (43) is fastened to a retainer (14). The first fabric portion (41) and the second fabric portion (42) communicate by a middle communicating portion (57) formed between the center communicating portion (53) and an outer edge portion (44). The communicating openings (51) are formed in the middle fabric portion (43), at locations near the outer edge of the middle fabric portion (43).

Abstract: A portion of a shoulder belt 6 of an air belt apparatus touching the breast portion of an occupant is composed of an inflatable rubber bag 12 shaped like a tube, a webbing 13 for covering the outside of the bag 12 so that tension is produced in case of a car collision, and a pad 28 for further covering the outside of the webbing 13. The pad 28 has a three-layer structure: the outermost layer is made from raised cloth 29 such as moquette, or the like, which feels pleasant to the touch; the intermediate layer is made from an urethane sheet 30 having elasticity; and the innermost layer is made from base cloth 31 for protecting the urethane sheet 30. The pad 28 has rifts 281 extending longitudinally. The pad 28 and an elastic element 32 made of a belt-like rubber sheet are sewed together with stitches 33 so that the rifts 281 and 281 are connected to each other. When the bag 12 is inflated in case of a car collision, the webbing 13 is inflated by the pressure of the bag 12.

Abstract: An air bag module is provided for inflating an air bag cushion at variable rates in response to rapid deceleration of a motor vehicle. The air bag module includes an inflator for generating inflator gas to inflate an air bag cushion upon the sensing rapid deceleration of a vehicle. An annular cushion retainer is disposed about the inflator for directing gases from the inflator to the air bag cushion. The cushion retainer includes an annular cavity in fluid communication with the air bag cushion by a vent opening to selectively direct gas away from the air bag cushion during a reduced level of deployment. A controller generates an ignition signal to the inflator in response to velocity responsive sensors. In response to the ignition signals, the inflator releases an appropriate predetermined volume of gas into the air bag cushion.

Abstract: An air bag safety system with an emergency venting assembly. The air bag system includes an air bag cushion, an inflator assembly and a cover that is movably attached to the inflator assembly. The inflator assembly includes an inflator and a housing with a side wall assembly configured to cooperate with the cover. The side wall assembly comprises an inner wall having a hole formed therein and an outer wall. The cover is movably attached to the inflator assembly. The cover has a side wall with an emergency relief vent formed therein. The cover further has a first position and a second position such that when the cover is in the first position the emergency relief vent on the side wall of the cover is substantially aligned with the hole in the inner wall of the housing so as to allow the inflation fluid to exit the inflator assembly.

Abstract: An air bag system comprises an air bag having an opening through which gas is supplied. The air bag is folded in a predetermined polygonal shape and is then contained in a pad. An expansion restraining member is provided in the air bag system. The expansion restraining member temporarily holds a peripheral portion of the folded air bag so as to suppress rapid expansion thereof when the air bag is developed. Because the expansion of the peripheral portion is delayed by the expansion restraining member, it is possible to prevent the air bag from developing in the straight thin form toward a passenger. That is, the air bag can be developed in a round shape from its center portion when the gas is supplied into the air bag.

Abstract: An inflatable restraint system with selectable ventilation, including a base plate defining a vent aperture, an inflatable cushion secured to the base plate, and a single conventional inflator for inflating the inflatable cushion with inflation gas. In some vehicle impacts, the vent aperture remains sealed with a vent plug, which inhibits ventilation of the inflation gas from the inflatable cushion through the vent aperture. In other vehicle impacts, depending on the placement and force of the impact, the speed and direction of the vehicle, and the size and placement of the passengers, the energy absorption characteristics of the inflatable cushion may be controlled. This is accomplished by an initiator, which may be selectively activated to rupture the vent plug and thereby allow selective ventilation of the inflation gas through the vent aperture.

Abstract: An airbag of an airbag device has a primary hole for receiving an inflator and a secondary hole for receiving a securing device which secures the inflator to a base plate. A section surrounding the secondary hole is sandwiched between the inflator put in the airbag and the base plate. Therefore, the section of the airbag sandwiched between the inflator and the base plate can be enlarged and thus a high securing strength of the airbag can be acquired. The primary hole can comprise a vent hole that is used to discharge the gas from the inflator to the outside of the airbag. This structure need not make the vent hole separately. Therefore, the airbag is made simple and the production cost thereof becomes lower.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an air bag and an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag. The inflator has at least one discharge port through which inflator gas is discharged. A housing has a wall adjacent the discharge port of the inflator and includes at least one vent opening. The module also includes a movable member alignable with the vent opening. The movable member is movable relative to the vent opening for opening and closing the vent opening at a predetermined time during inflator activation to control the amount of inflator gas discharged into the air bag and the amount of inflator gas expelled out through the vent opening of the housing. A device is activatable during activation of the inflator to move the movable member relative to the vent opening at the predetermined time during inflator. activation.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an air bag and an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag. The inflator has at least one discharge port through which inflator gas is discharged. A housing has a wall adjacent the discharge port of the inflator and includes at least one vent opening. The module also includes a movable member alignable with the vent opening. The movable member is movable relative to the vent opening for opening and closing the vent opening at a predetermined time during inflator activation to control the amount of inflator gas discharged into the air bag and the amount of inflator gas expelled out through the vent opening of the housing. A device is activatable during activation of the inflator to move the movable member relative to the vent opening at the predetermined time during inflator activation.

Abstract: A side airbag arrangement for a motor vehicle has a plurality of airbag compartments mounted next to each other above a side window in a region of the roof frame and window pillar of the motor vehicle and stored there in a folded-together fashion in the deactivated state. In the activated state, the airbag compartments extend in front of the side window to provide a cover starting from that region. Each of the airbag compartments can be filled independently of the other by a control unit to achieve an improved protective effect with reduced complexity. For this purpose, each of the airbag compartments is connected by a valve to a gas duct which is mounted in the region of the roof frame and window pillar and can receive gas from two gas generators at opposite ends. The valves are controllable independently of each other.

Abstract: An inflatable occupant restraint module including a housing mounted in the vehicle and having an interior, a deployable airbag contained within the housing interior prior to deployment, an inflator coupled to the housing for inflating the airbag by supplying a gas into the airbag interior and an initiator for initiating the supply of gas into the airbag interior in response to a crash of the vehicle. The airbag includes at least one non-perforated sheet of film defining the airbag interior and a thermoplastic elastomeric material arranged at specific locations in connection with the sheet(s) of film such that the locations are thicker in comparison to an average thickness of the sheet(s) of film.

Abstract: An air bag with an adjustable gas outlet port is disclosed. The cross-section of the gas outlet port is limited to a maximum value. The size of the gas outlet port determines a flow cross-section and thus a maximum possible gas outlet rate, which is thus limited to a predeterminable value. The value of the gas outlet cross-section is not altered during the restraint action. The value of the gas outlet cross-section is adjusted optimally to a respective occupant already before the air bag is inflated.

Abstract: In a side impact air bag system, a first vent hole and a second vent hole for reducing a pressure of a part opposing a chest portion of a passenger to a lower value than the pressure of a part opposing an abdomen portion of the passenger when the bag is inflated. The vent holes are provided on a side surface of an upper inflation unit opposite to the passenger, whereby regulating gas discharge of the part opposing the chest portion while preventing early discharge of the gas, always obtaining a desired internal pressure and inflation condition, positively inflating the bag and relaxing a shock to the chest portion.

Abstract: A venting system venting inflated inflatables at a predetermined time period after inflation utilizes non-flaming pyrotechnic materials. The system is used in the restraint system of a vehicle and senses the initiation of a crash pulse to control the passage of inflation fluid to the inflatable. A pyrotechnic delay column responds to the inflation gas to activate an output member connected to the outside surface of the inflatable to weaken the threads of the fabric. As adjacent threads weaken, a rip is created which very quickly cause the inflatable to deflate. In an alternative embodiment, an initiator responsive to an actuating signal generated by a crash pulse activates the pyrotechnic delay column.

Abstract: An airbag device is formed of an airbag having a gas inlet, an inflator for providing a gas into the airbag through the gas inlet, and a retainer for fixing the airbag. The airbag is provided with at least one gas outlet formed around the gas inlet for discharging the gas therethrough. Therefore, the gas can escape outside of the airbag so as to prevent the inner pressure of the airbag from exceeding a predetermined value. The airbag can deploy smoothly and prevent undesired load to an obstacle.

Abstract: A device senses movement of the front part of an airbag during deployment with a sensing element that is extended during inflation of the airbag and delivers a measured value for the movement of the airbag. Electrical connections are mechanically separated in a time sequence during the sensing of movement, the successive separation processes being detectable electrically and/or electronically.

Abstract: An air bag module is described which has a gas generator, which upon a trigger signal instantaneously conducts gas into an air bag made of a substantially air-impermeable material. The air bag has an air outlet opening, through which gas flows out of the air bag after a dwell time in the air bag. It is proposed that the effective opening diameter of the air outlet opening (40) is opened in a time-delay manner after the activation of the time module. If necessary, the volume can be increased briefly in order to keep the internal pressure constant in the air bag for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an air bag and an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag. The inflator has at least one discharge port through which inflator gas is discharged. A housing includes at least one inflator vent opening aligned with the discharge port. A variable inflation device is mounted on the inflator and includes a movable member alignable with the vent opening. The movable member is movable relative to the vent opening for opening and closing the vent opening at a predetermined time during inflator activation to control the amount of inflator gas discharged into the air bag and the amount of inflator gas expelled out through the vent opening of the housing. Preferably, the variable inflation device includes an initiator device being activatable during activation of the inflator to move the movable member relative to the vent opening at the predetermined time during inflator activation.

Abstract: An air bag device on a two-wheeled motor vehicle including a body frame, a fuel tank and a seat. The air bag device comprises a housing, an air bag, a base plate and an inflator. The device is mounted to the body frame of the vehicle in a space between a rear portion of the fuel tank and a front portion of the seat.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus to be mounted in a vehicle in order to protect an on-board passenger by unfolding and inflating a bag body when the bag body is activated. The air bag apparatus is equipped with an inflator, the bag body which is mounted in folded-up condition in such a way that the gas emitted from the inflator can flow into the bag body and equipped with gas vent holes, and a cover body for covering the bag body in the folded-up condition. Each gas vent hole is fitted with a gas-vent quantity regulating valve capable of decreasing the open quantity of the gas-vent hole during the time the bag body is inflating.

Abstract: A vehicle safety apparatus (10) includes a vehicle occupant protection device (12) inflatable from a deflated condition to an inflated condition to help protect an occupant of a vehicle. An inflation fluid source (14) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid into the interior of the protection device (12) to inflate the protection device. The apparatus (10) includes at least one vent opening (40) in fluid communication with the interior of the protection device (12) for venting inflation fluid from the protection device. A deployment door (52) covers the protection device (12) and is movable from a closed condition to an open condition to enable inflation of the protection device. A member (70) movable with the deployment door (52) has a first position enabling venting of inflation fluid through the vent opening (40) and a second position closing the vent opening at least partially.

Abstract: System for inflating a vehicular gas bag (10) with gas from a bottle of compressed gas (12) against an occupant (13) in an emergency include a gas pressure sensor (39) having a sensor input (20) coupled to compressed gas in the bottle prior to an emergency, and having a sensed pressure output (21). A variable gas inlet passage (15) for the gas bag has a gas inlet passage variator (22) coupled to the sensed pressure output (21), and a variable gas venting passage (16) positioned in circumvention of the gas inlet passage and inverse to the variable gas inlet passage (see 37 vs. 34), and having a gas venting passage variator (23) coupled to the sensed pressure output. A compressed gas release (25) having a compressed gas outlet (26) on the bottle is connected to the gas inlet passage (15) and to the variable gas venting passage (16). The gas pressure sensor (21) may be temperature-compensated (46-48).

Abstract: A gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint device has a vent opening covered by a stretched fabric member connected along the edge of the vent opening. The fabric member can be bulged in the manner of a cup under the influence of internal gas pressure, thereby reducing the cross-section of the vent opening in response to an increase of internal gas bag pressure.

Abstract: An air bag module includes an air bag and an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag. The inflator has at least one discharge port through which inflator gas is discharged. A housing has a wall adjacent the discharge port of the inflator and includes at least one vent opening. The module also includes a movable member alignable with the vent opening. The movable member is movable relative to the vent opening for opening and closing the vent opening at a predetermined time during inflator activation to control the amount of inflator gas discharged into the air bag and the amount of inflator gas expelled out through the vent opening of the housing. A device is activatable during activation of the inflator to move the movable member relative to the vent opening at the predetermined time during inflator activation.

Abstract: An airbag structure allowing less amount of air to be entered into the front part of the airbag when the airbag inflates. The airbag structure has a membrane which reduces the inflow of air expanded rapidly by high pressure gas in the airbag when the airbag inflates by an impact due to a collision or other sudden accident during driving. Thus, the airbag structure provides an effect of preventing the passengers from being suffocated or being injured by expanding air pressure of the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag is prepared by:(a) providing a woven fabric by weaving polyamide filament of the same density in the warp and weft directions;(b) forming a low air permeability fabric by heat-setting the above woven fabric at a temperature less than 180.degree. C.;(c) forming a high air permeability fabric by heat-setting the above woven fabric at 190.degree. C.-220.degree. C.; and(d) sewing the high and low air permeability fabric together after locating the low air permeability fabric as the front panel, and the high air permeability fabric as the back panel.

Abstract: An air bag system having an air bag, an impact sensor, and a calculator, including vent holes formed at a joint of the air bag and an inflator to communicate with the air bag; and vent hole opening control means for regulating the opening of the respective vent holes. The vent hole opening control means has a rotor with a plurality of slots formed along a circumference to overlap the vent holes, and a gear extending to the outside; a stepping motor engaging with the gear of the rotor to drive the rotor by stages; bearings provided to the inflator coupling disc to support the free rotation of the rotor; and a compression ring for making the bearings contact the rotor.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a panel (56) and a patch (80) attached to the panel (56). The panel (56) has slits (62) defining inflation fluid vents. The patch (80) has slits (84) defining inflation vents in series with the vents in the panel (56).

Abstract: An air bag device includes a second panel that is provided with stitching or adhesive for modulating the unfurling action of an air bag after its peripheral seam comes out of a cover. For example, the second panel is formed with stitched portions or bonded portions, or tethers spanning the second panel are connected to the peripheral seam of the air bag. Further, only a single layer of a first panel of the air bag is disposed between the gas outlets of an igniter and the vehicle occupants. In operation, the peripheral seam of the air bag, when located within the cover, slides along the inner side wall of the cover against the friction therebetween, so that the first panel is slowly unfurled through an opening in the cover.

Abstract: A valve for regulating the pressure of an air bag for a two-wheeled motor vehicle is provided. The valve regulates the internal pressure of the air bag to restrain a rider effectively. The pressure-regulating valve is disposed in a vent hole formed in the air bag. When the internal pressure of the air bag exceeds a predetermined value, the vent hole is opened. When the internal pressure drops to the predetermined value, the vent hole is closed to maintain the air bag in a half-expanded state so that the rider continues to be cushioned against shocks of a crash.

Abstract: An air bag device mounted in an instrument panel has an inflator for supplying gas, a bag body having a gas inlet hole, and an inner bag disposed inside of the bag body. The inner bag is formed with a pair of first through-holes and a second through-hole so that an opening area of the first through-hole is larger than that of the second through-hole. The inner bag is expanded by the gas supplied from the inflator, while a large amount of the gas is discharged from the first through-hole. Accordingly, the air bag body is expanded toward the waist of a passenger on a passenger seat. At the same time, the gas is discharged from the second through-hole to flow along an inside of a windshield, whereby the air bag can be also expanded toward the head of the passenger. As a result, even if the inflator is mounted in the instrument panel at its upper portion, the air bag device can securely protect the passenger on the passenger seat.