Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes at least one closeable vent for re-directing gas out of the cushion when an obstruction is encountered. The airbag cushion includes a fold for maintaining the cord in a slack condition.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a tube that may be restricted to prevent gas venting. A cord is coupled to the tube and to a surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the cord extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the cord tightens the tube and restricts gas venting. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the cord remains lax and the tube is able to vent gas.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). An inflation fluid source (18) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable volume (16) of the protection device (14). The apparatus (10) also includes a reaction plate (20) that includes at least one vent opening (40) and a retainer (60) that is connectable with the reaction plate (20). A vent part (80) has a first condition blocking inflation fluid flow through the at least one vent opening (40) and a second condition permitting inflation fluid flow through the at least one vent opening. The apparatus (10) further includes an actuator (120) for moving the vent part (80) from one of the first and second conditions to the other of the first and second conditions. The vent part (80) has a portion (104) that maintains the vent part in the other of the first and second conditions when moved to the other of the first and second conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of inflation fluid through a vent opening (50) in an air bag module (10) includes a vent member (14) movable to control flow of the inflation fluid through the vent opening. The vent member (14) includes a vent member opening (84) extending through the vent member. A tether (12) for controlling movement of the vent member (14) includes a first portion (90) and second portion (92). The second portion (92) is folded to form multiple layers (112, 114). The tether (12) is positioned relative to the vent member (14) so that the multiple layers (112, 114) of the second portion (92) engage a first side (62) of the vent member. The first portion (90) of the tether (12) extends through the vent member opening (50) and away from an opposite second side (60) of the vent member (14). The engagement of the second portion (92) with the vent member (14) causes the vent member (14) to move in response to movement of the tether (12).

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a vent that, prior to cushion deployment, extends from the cushion exterior. A tether is coupled to the vent and to an interior surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the tether extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the tether pulls the vent into the cushion interior where the interior air pressure effectively closes the vent. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the tether remains lax, and the vent remains on the cushion exterior. Structures are provided for retaining the vent in the closed position during occupant ride down.

Abstract: An airbag device for a vehicle includes an airbag that can be inflated to restrain an occupant of the vehicle against the impact of a collision, an inflator for generating gas to inflate the airbag, and a guide passage provided between the inflator and the airbag for guiding the gas into the airbag. The airbag has at least one opening formed therein to provide a fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the airbag, the opening being disposed near the guide passage to perform an aspiratory function efficiently.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (16) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable to an inflated condition for helping to protect the vehicle occupant. The protection device (14) includes a panel (88) of material that helps define an inflatable volume (26) of the protection device. The panel (88) includes a vent opening (52) that has an open condition for venting inflation fluid from the inflatable volume (26). The vent opening (52) is in the open condition during initial deployment of the protection device (14). A channel (68) encircles the vent opening (52). The channel (68) is at least partially defined by a peripheral portion (62) of the panel (88) that extends along a periphery (54) of the vent opening (52). A tether (80) has a portion (84) that extends through the channel (68).

Abstract: A safety system comprising an air bag configured to have at least one inflatable volume or chamber, an inlet through which inflation gas enters the inflatable volume, the air bag including at least one exit port or vent which when in an open state permits inflation gas to exit the volume or chamber, the exit port or vent located in a selected region of the air bag, a vent closure mechanism secured to the air bag and movable to close the exit port or vent by tension created in a tether which is part of the vent closure mechanism; as the air bag inflates, the tether has one end operatively secured to the air bag, a second end operatively secured to the vent closure mechanism, the tether including a medial portion slidably guided across a portion of the air bag.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag modules and associated methods are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with an inflatable protection zone and a flexible venting tube coupled to the inflatable protection zone. A closure mechanism may be used to compress the flexible venting tube against an anchoring member, such as a housing of the airbag module or a vehicle feature, until venting through the flexible venting tube is needed. The closure mechanism may then be actuated, for example, by igniting a pyrotechnic within a specially designed bolt of the closure mechanism. The bolt may, for example, have a bore with a pyrotechnic initiator molded-in-place within the bore. The bolt may fracture to open the closure mechanism, thereby permitting inflation gas to flow out of the inflatable protection zone via the flexible venting tube.

Abstract: A housing structure of an airbag includes: an airbag housing body having an airbag therein and vent holes formed therein; a partitioning plate installed to the airbag housing body and rotatable in an inward or an outward direction of the vent hole; a cover plate provided inside a slot hole formed along the width of the airbag housing body, and has a size large enough to be able to cover perforated regions of the vent holes and; a diffuser in which the first end is fixed to an outer end portion of the airbag housing body and extends along the inner surface of the airbag housing body and the second end of the diffuser being connected to the cover plate, thereby allowing gas to be generated in an inflator to push the cover plate forward.

Abstract: A gas bag module adapted for use in a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises an inflatable gas bag and a discharge opening associated with the gas bag, so that gas can flow off from the gas bag which is fully or partially inflated. Further, the module comprises a discharge control element to control an opening cross-section of the discharge opening. The discharge control element contains a dilatant material.

Abstract: The airbag apparatus includes an airbag folded and housed in a housing. The airbag includes an outer bag constituting an outer wall of the airbag and an inner bag disposed inside the outer bag. The inner bag includes an outlet port supplying inflation gas into the outer bag and an arm inflatable into a tapered bag contour. The arm holds down a peripheral defected region of the outer bag defected from the housing onto a top plane of a ring of a steering wheel all the while that the inner bag remains completely inflated at the operation of the airbag apparatus.

Abstract: The airbag includes a bag-shaped circumferential wall formed of base cloths, and a lap portion. In the lap portion, a terminal portion of a downstream side base cloth, which is located in downstream of inflation gas, is superposed on a terminal portion of an upstream side base cloth, which is located in upstream of inflation gas. Then the lapping terminal portions are joined to each other at both sides thereof in a direction extending along edges of the terminal portions, thereby providing the lap portion. A communication port communicating inside and outside of the airbag is provided between the joined portions and between the terminal portions of the upstream and the downstream side base cloths.

Abstract: An inflator device for inflating an inflatable cushion of an inflatable cushion restraint system. The inflator device includes a supply of gas generant material disposed within a sealed chamber, and an initiator device in reaction initiation combination with the supply of gas generant material. A venting orifice connects the chamber to the surrounding ambient environment, and a rupturable seal seals the venting orifice. Upon reaction initiation of the gas generant material to produce inflation gas, the rupturable seal ruptures to vent the chamber to the ambient environment. A valve assembly can be disposed adjacent the venting orifice. A moveable valve piston, in combination with an actuator device, can block the venting orifice as needed to close the venting orifice and stop inflation gas venting. An optional tether release mechanism can be used in combination with the valve assembly to release a cushion tether upon closing of the venting orifice.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an air bag, the airbag including an inflator opening, a vent hole provided at a side of the inflator opening, and a vent hole cover which closes the vent hole, wherein the vent hole cover has a strip-shaped closure part which covers the vent hole, and an extending part which extends towards the inflator opening from a longitudinal intermediate part of the closure part, and both ends of the closure part are joined to the airbag at rupture joining parts which are configured to rupture at the time of deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: An airbag to be inflated with gas from a gas generator includes a front panel disposed at a position adjacent to an occupant and a rear panel disposed at a position opposite to the occupant. The rear panel has an opening for the gas generator at the center thereof. An inner panel is provided for dividing an interior of the airbag into a central first chamber and a second chamber around the first chamber. The inner panel has an opening disposed substantially coaxially with the opening of the rear panel. The inner panel has a communication opening at a rear end thereof for communicating the first chamber and the second chamber. When the airbag becomes an inflated state, the communication opening is situated on at extension of a direction that gas is ejected from the gas generator.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a vent flap that, prior to cushion deployment, extends from the cushion exterior through a vent. A strap is coupled to the vent flap and to an interior surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the strap extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the strap pulls the vent flap into the cushion interior where the interior air pressure effectively presses the vent flap against the vent. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the strap remains lax, and the vent remains open. Devices are provided for retaining the vent in the closed position during occupant ride down.

Abstract: An impact protection device for a vehicle occupant includes a gas bag, a tension means (16) and a drawing arrangement (22). The gas bag has at least one discharge opening (12). The cross section of the discharge opening (12) is able to be altered by means of the tension means. The tension means is coupled to the drawing arrangement which is not fastened to the gas bag.

Abstract: An airbag device for a vehicle includes a gas supply portion, an airbag body, and a low pressure portion. When a vehicle collision occurs, the gas supply portion injects gas into an airbag body. The airbag body has a single-chamber structure. When the airbag body receives the gas from the gas supply portion, the airbag body is inflated and deployed toward an occupant to restrain the shoulders of the occupant. The low-pressure portion is provided in the same area of the airbag body, which faces the occupant when the airbag body is inflated and deployed, to protect the occupant's head. When the airbag body is inflated and deployed, the low-pressure portion is inflated such that the pressure in the low-pressure portion is lower than the pressure in the airbag body.

Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes an airbag (22) and a gas generator (10) that is connected via at least one first outflow opening (18) to an airbag chamber (28), the airbag chamber (28) being at least partially formed by the interior of the airbag (22), an actuator unit (36) being provided on the gas generator (10) and, when the actuator unit (36) is activated, it releases a traction element (50) that causes a pressure reduction in the airbag (22), an activation of the actuator unit (36) also leading to an opening of a second outflow opening (20) in the gas generator (10), which vents generator gas to an environment without this vented gas flowing into the airbag chamber (28). Moreover, the invention relates to a method of restraining a vehicle occupant with such an airbag module.

Abstract: An airbag includes a fabric forming the airbag. The fabric has a vent hole for discharging some of gas introduced into the airbag to the outside. The vent hole is located at a position where the vent hole is not blocked when the airbag protects an occupant. This smoothly discharges gas, thereby improving the occupant protection performance.

Abstract: An actuatable fastener (50) includes a body (80) including a head (82) and a shank (84). The body (80) includes an interior chamber (120) partially defined by a side wall (132) extending from the head (82) into the shank (84) and an end wall (138) positioned in the shank. A member (140) is disposed in the chamber (120). An initiator (160) is actuatable to produce combustion products in the chamber (120) that act on the member (140) to move the member in a first direction in the chamber to strike the end wall (138). The member (140) strikes the end wall (138) creating a fracture (222) in the shank (84) separating at least a portion of the shank from a remainder (220) of the shank. The combustion products moving the member (150) beyond the fracture (222) at least a predetermined distance (226) to move the portion of the shank (84) at least the predetermined distance from the remainder (220) of the shank.

Abstract: When a small-size dummy has collided against a vehicle and once the head of the small-size dummy hits the deployed external airbag at a pre-determined velocity, the inner pressure of the deployed external airbag is set to a characteristic such that the inner pressure takes a predetermined maximum level value capable of not only preventing the dummy from bouncing off the airbag but also preventing the head of the dummy from hitting the bottom of the airbag. When a medium-size dummy has collided against the vehicle, the inner pressure of the deployed external airbag is set to a characteristic such that the inner pressure decreases away from the maximum level value at a predetermined decrease rate to prevent the medium-size dummy from bouncing off the airbag.

Abstract: An air-bag is disclosed which incorporates regions of fabric which define a mouth, the mouth being mounted to an air-bag housing such that at least part of the mouth is mounted to the housing by a mount initially positioned to hold an edge part of the fabric defining the mouth adjacent the housing. The mount is capable of movement to move to a position in which the edge of the fabric defining the mouth is spaced from the housing to define a vent between the edge of the mouth and housing.

Abstract: An airbag module may include an inflator, a cushion, and a deflection hood. When used as a passenger side, frontal impact module, the cushion deploys upward from a vehicle instrument panel. The deflection hood directs gas downward through a discharge opening and into the cushion to expedite inflation of the lower portion of the cushion to more uniformly cushion a vehicle occupant's body. The discharge opening may be sewn shut via a tear seam to ensure that the discharge opening is properly positioned when the tear seam opens to release inflation gas. Alternatively, the discharge opening may be sewn shut by a non-tearable seam, and perforations may be applied proximate the non-tearable seam so that the discharge opening opens along the perforations to release the inflation gas. According to one alternative, the deflection hood may be angled within the cushion to provide a significant asymmetrical, lateral gas flow.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag assembly including an inflatable air bag cushion and at least one tether having a first portion is provided. The first portion includes a first loop supported at a first location at the cushion. The tether is releasably restrained such that the cushion inflates to a first amount of expansion when the tether is restrained and to a greater second amount of expansion after the tether is released.

Abstract: A gas bag protection device comprises a gas bag which has an outer wall made of a first material. The outer wall has at least one outflow opening. A membrane made of an extensible, second material is provided which is fastened to the outer wall and covers the outflow opening in the not fully inflated state of the gas bag. The gas bag protection device further comprises a device provided outside the gas bag and serving for destroying the membrane. The gas bag and the device are arranged spaced so far apart from each other that the membrane meets the device only when a predetermined internal pressure of the gas bag has been reached.

Abstract: An air bag puncture device extends from the torso of a vehicle occupant and has a pointed outer end. Upon inflation of an air bag against the torso of the occupant, the device punctures the air bag to soften the outer surface of the air bag and thereby prevent injury to the occupant. The puncture device is mounted on a resilient clip for removable mounting to the shoulder harness of a vehicle seat belt system and comprises a cylindrical cutting device having a serrated outer end opposite the resilient clip for puncturing the inflating air bag. A spring-loaded hollow cylindrical collar which normally shields the serrated outer end of the cutting device is pushed out of the way by the inflating air bag, allowing the serrated outer end of the cutting device to puncture the bag in controlled fashion.

Abstract: A restricting member 39 disposed along an outer surface of an air bag 32 restricts an axial inflation of the air bag 32 in an earlier stage of deployment of the air bag 32, and in a later stage of deployment, the restricting member 39 allows for the inflation of the air bag 32 to its maximum capacity through breakage of brittle portions 41b. In the deployment process of the air bag 32, since vent holes 37b formed in a base fabric 37 of the air bag 32 are closed by the restricting member 39, the leakage of gas from the vent holes 37b is prevented to thereby enable a quick deployment of the air bag 32. Then, when the brittle portions 41b on the restricting member 39 break, the vent holes 37b are opened.

Abstract: Method for controlling deployment of an airbag into a passenger compartment of a vehicle including detecting a position of an occupant whose forward-facing surface will be the surface which interacts with the airbag upon its deployment, determining a desired amount of gas within the airbag during inflation of the airbag based at least in part on the detected position of the occupant, and adjusting the amount of gas within the airbag during inflation of the airbag to provide the airbag with the desired amount of gas during its inflation. Adjustment of the amount of gas within the airbag may entail varying the amount of gas being directed into the airbag based on the morphology of the occupant (inflow control) and/or controlling the outflow of gas from the airbag based on the morphology of the occupant (outflow control).

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed which is configured to be actuated by the supply of gas. The safety device incorporates an outlet vent pipe which is sealed by a releasable clip. The releasable clip has a first elongate main gripping element and a second elongate moveable gripping element. The main gripping element has a retaining element to retain one end of the moveable gripping element. The safety device also includes an arrangement to retain the other end of the moveable gripping element in a predetermined position such that the clip may grip a fabric tube or the like between the main gripping element and the moveable gripping element. A mechanism is provided which responds to a supply signal to move the other end of the moveable gripping element to release the grip.

Abstract: An airbag assembly employs tape sensors to monitor the rate at which an airbag is deployed. The airbag is part of an airbag module that incorporates a vent that can be actuated if it is determined by logic associated with the airbag that the airbag has prematurely collided with an object. To better determine the dynamics of the airbag deployment, a sensor is positioned across a tear seam in the cover through which the airbag breaks. The sensor provides a direct indicator that the tear seam has opened, which is used as the starting time for monitoring the rate of airbag deployment. The tear seam sensor could also be used in conjunction with any airbag electronics to control a function of an airbag.

Abstract: An air-bag is disclosed which has a vent hole formed therein. The periphery of the vent hole has first and second opposed part, wherein a tuck is formed in the air-bag. The tuck is formed in the region of the first part of the vent hole periphery such that the second part of the vent hole periphery extends past the first part in a direction extending substantially outwards from the interior volume of the air-bag, when the air-bag is inflated.

Abstract: An air bag apparatus for side crash, includes an acceleration sensor, an inflater and an air bag. The acceleration sensor detects acceleration in a side direction larger than a predetermined value to generate a detection signal. The inflater generates a gas in response to the detection signal. The air bag is folded initially, and expands with the gas. The air bag includes a main section and a protrusion section which is provided at a tip portion of the main section such that an inner space of the protrusion section is connected with an inner space of the main section. The protrusion section has at least one opening from which the gas is spouted. The air bag further includes at least one partition provided in an inner space of the air bag.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12). An inflator (14) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (12). A vent member (30) includes at least one vent opening (62) for venting the inflation fluid. A vent cover (100) has a closed condition for blocking fluid flow through the at least one vent opening (62) and an open condition for permitting fluid flow through the at least one vent opening. The vent cover (100) includes a side wall (110) that has at least one portion (134, 372) that projects from the side wall into the vent member (30) to help maintain the vent cover in the closed condition.

Abstract: An on-vehicle airbag apparatus includes an airbag housing having a weakened portion, which is breakable. An airbag is stored in a folded state in the airbag housing so that the weakened portion is broken upon inflation. An inflator for generating gas for inflating the airbag is provided. The speed of response of air discharge from the airbag is sufficiently enhanced. A shutter that can open and close the air discharge port is mounted on a case. The case is formed of rigid material, is hermetically connected to an opening of the airbag and is provided with the air discharge port. A shutter-driving actuator for driving a shutter from the closed position to the opened position when in operation is connected to the shutter.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and a vent opening (44) for directing flow of inflation fluid away from the protection device. A vent member (46) is movable between an open condition enabling flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening and a closed condition at least partially blocking flow of inflation fluid through the vent opening. A tether (50), when tensioned, moves the vent member (46) from the open condition to the closed condition. A latch (48) has a latched condition for maintaining the vent member (46) in the closed condition and an unlatched condition for enabling the vent member to move away from the closed condition. A controller (102) is operative to actuate the latch (48). selectively to the latched condition and the unlatched condition based on at least one sensed occupant condition.

Abstract: An air bag (12) is inflatable by inflation fluid. A support member (20) has a first vent opening (44) for enabling flow of inflation fluid away from the bag (12). A vent member (46) is movable relative to the first vent opening (44) between a first condition in which the vent member does not close the opening that enables flow of inflation fluid away from the bag (12) and a second condition in which the vent member at least partially blocks the flow of inflation fluid through the opening and away from the bag. A tether (50) has a first portion (52) connected for movement with the bag (12) as the bag is deployed. The tether (50) is associated with the vent member (46) and causes it to move relative to the opening (44) from the first condition to the second condition as the bag (12) is deployed.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable curtain (14). The inflatable curtain (14) is inflatable away from the roof (18) between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The inflatable curtain has an inflatable volume (28). An inflation fluid source (30) is actuatable to provide inflation fluid to the inflatable volume (28) to inflate the inflatable curtain (14). A fill tube (32) delivers the inflation fluid from the inflation fluid source (30) to the inflatable curtain (14). The apparatus (10) includes an actuatable apparatus (60) for providing an opening (72, 226) in at least one of the fill tube (32) and the inflatable curtain (14) for directing the inflation fluid from the inflatable volume (28) to deflate the inflatable curtain (14). The actuatable apparatus (60) is actuatable in response to actuation of the inflation fluid source (30).

Abstract: A gas bag in which an orifice is opened or closed with the aid of a control band as soon as the gas bag has reached a predetermined state of deployment. One end of the control band is fastened to a gas bag envelope in the region of the orifice. The control band is connected at its other end to the gas bag envelope so that, when the predetermined state of deployment is reached, the control band slips into the gas bag envelope so that the orifice is closed by the slipped-in region of the gas bag envelope by the internal pressure of the gas bag, or the control band slips out of the gas bag envelope so that the previously closed orifice is opened.

Abstract: An airbag arrangement including an airbag, a gas generator and a housing. The housing includes an outlet for letting gas out of the airbag arrangement and a passage for allowing gas from the gas generator into the housing. A closing device is provided. The closing device can be adjusted between an open position, in which the outlet is open and the passage is at least partially closed, and a closed position, in which the outlet opening is closed and the passage opening is open. A releasable lock is provided for locking the closing device in the open position.

Abstract: In an air-bag arrangement in a motor vehicle a gas generator (5) has a flange (8) which is spaced from a flange member (3) by elongate spacer elements (9). The spacer elements pass through apertures (20, 21) formed in an air-bag adjacent a central aperture (19). On inflation of the air-bag, the part of the air-bag surrounding the aperture will be drawn into an engagement with the flange (8). Should a very high pressure exist within the air-bag, the part of the air-bag surrounding the aperture will be driven away from the flange (8), with part of the aperture sliding along the elongate elements (9), thus permitting excess pressure to be relieved.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus including a vent hole that is reliably opened when the pressure of an airbag has reached a predetermined level. An apparatus includes inner and outer bags placed in a retainer in folded conditions and the retainer is closed by a module cover. The retainer has a vent hole. The vent hole is closed by a lid or sheet type closing structure. The module cover is pushed open by the inflation pressure of the inner bag. The gas in the inner bag is discharged into the outer bag to inflate the outer bag. When the inner pressure of the outer bag has reached a predetermined level, the closing structure opens to open the vent hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides an airbag device for, upon collision of a vehicle carrying the airbag device with an obstacle, mitigating the impact of collision of the obstacle with an inflated airbag. The airbag device includes a bag housing case and a cover. A main airbag and a cover opening bag are housed in deflated, folded states within the bag housing case. First, the cover opening bag inflates by the inflow of gas, opening the cover. Gas also flows into the main airbag through the cover opening bag, thereby inflating the main airbag. If an obstacle collides with the inflated main airbag, a bag pressure release mechanism provided at the bottom of the bag housing case opens the main airbag, releasing gas within the main airbag and mitigating the impact on the obstacle.

Abstract: An airbag device has a bag housing case, an airbag housed in the bag housing case, a plate member provided within the airbag, and a bag pressure release mechanism. When the internal pressure of the airbag reaches a predetermined pressure, the bag pressure release mechanism opens the airbag to prevent an increase in the internal pressure of the airbag. The plate member covers the bag pressure release mechanism when the airbag is in a deflated state. When the airbag is inflated, the plate member is released from coverage of the bag pressure release mechanism by an inflating force.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag modules and associated methods are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with an inflatable protection zone and a flexible venting tube coupled to the inflatable protection zone. A closure mechanism may be used to compress the flexible venting tube against an anchoring member, such as a housing of the airbag module or a vehicle feature, until venting through the flexible venting tube is needed. The closure mechanism may then be actuated, for example, by igniting a pyrotechnic within a specially designed bolt of the closure mechanism. The bolt may, for example, have a bore with a pyrotechnic initiator molded-in-place within the bore. The bolt may fracture to open the closure mechanism, thereby permitting inflation gas to flow out of the inflatable protection zone via the flexible venting tube.

Abstract: Enhanced airbag modules and associated methods are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with a venting portion. During normal vehicle operation, the venting portion may be closed so that inflation gas is not permitted to flow through the venting portion. A pyrotechnic may be ignited to open the venting portion when venting is desired. The pyrotechnic may be directly attached to the venting portion to burn through or mechanically rupture the venting portion, thereby forming an exit port. Alternatively, the venting portion may have a flap that can be detached from the housing by ignition of a pyrotechnic to permit venting through an exit port of the housing. The pyrotechnic may then be disposed within a fastener designed to fracture upon ignition of the pyrotechnic to release the flap from attachment to the housing. The pyrotechnic may, for example, be an initiator or rapid deflagration cord (RDC).

Abstract: An air-bag arrangement incorporating an air-bag (6) and means adapted to inflate the air-bag, so that the air-bag occupies a position generally in front of an occupant (2) of a front seat of the vehicle, and between the occupant (2) of the front seat of the vehicle and the windscreen or windshield (5) of the vehicle, that part of the air-bag (6) located to contact the interior of the windshield (5), when the air-bag (6) is inflated being provided with gas outlet means to inject gas, under pressure, between part of the air-bag and the inside surface of the windscreen or windshield (5).

Abstract: A two or more chambered airbag provides much improved safety and/or performance. A modified single chamber airbag can be used as the primary chamber of the two-chamber airbag. A piece of fabric of appropriate size is sewn to the inside or outside surface of the front panel of the primary chamber to create the secondary chamber. One or more apertures are opened between the primary and secondary chambers. In order for the secondary chamber to inflate properly, the tethers of the primary chamber are shortened to 50% to 80% of their original length. The size or location of the tether sewing to the inner surface of the front panel of the primary chamber is also adjusted to create a desired shape of the secondary chamber when deployed.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10c) has an inflatable occupant protection device (12c) and a support member (20c) having a vent opening (44c). A vent member (46c) is associated with the vent opening (44c). A tether (50c) extends between the protection device (12c) and the vent member (46c). The vent member (46c) is initially in a first condition closing the vent opening (44c). The vent member (46c) is moved to a second condition spaced apart from the vent opening (44c) and enabling fluid flow through the vent opening (44c) upon initial inflation of the protection device (12c). The vent member (46c) is moved from the second condition back toward the first condition by tension in the tether (50c) that results from inflation of the protection device (12c) away from the support member (20c) by more than a predetermined distance.