Abstract: A front-passenger airbag module includes a gas generator, a diffuser, a self-supporting airbag, and an airbag housing. To reduce the development costs of a new airbag system, a component system that includes the airbag, the diffuser, the gas generator, and an arched airbag holder, which is arranged between the airbag housing and the gas generator and which is at least partially enclosed by the lower section of the self-supporting airbag.

Abstract: The positioning of an airbag plate with respect to an inflator is achieved so as to prevent the generation of a rattle that may otherwise be caused by vibrations during vehicle travel. The bottom side of a column-shaped inflator that injects pressurized fluid is supported by a retainer. An opening edge of an airbag body is clamped between an airbag plate and the retainer when the airbag plate, which is located on the upper side of the inflator, is engaged with the retainer. The edge of the bottom opening of the airbag body is clamped between the airbag plate and the inflator. In one embodiment, shoulders, which are provided on the airbag plate, abut both ends of the inflator. In another embodiment, tongue strips, which are provided on the airbag plate, abut both ends of the inflator.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for cutting one or more tethers connected with an airbag cushion and simultaneously, or sequentially, closing one or more vent openings. In one embodiment, an airbag module is provided that includes a tether opening and at least one vent opening. The tether may extend through the tether opening adjacent to a cutter. The cutter may be configured to cut the tether upon deployment of an actuator. A vent door configured to block the vent opening(s) upon deployment of the actuator may also be provided. This embodiment may therefore provided for simultaneous, or sequential, cutting of the tether and closing of the vent opening(s) with a single actuator.

Abstract: An airbag module includes a bag wrap, a retainer, an airbag, and an inflator to inflate the airbag. The airbag includes at least one vent hole, and a deployment control flap to change trajectory of the airbag such that the airbag will deploy upwards and laterally to left and right sides. The deployment control flap is fixed at both ends to the retainer, airbag, or bag wrap.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps to protect an occupant of a vehicle. The apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14), an inflation fluid source (26), and a diffuser plate (200). The inflation fluid source (26) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The diffuser plate (200) is disposed between the inflation fluid source (26) and the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14). The diffuser plate (200) includes a main body portion (210) and a plurality of raised portions (230). The raised portions (230) define slots (232) for allowing inflation fluid to flow from the inflation fluid source (26) to the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14).

Abstract: An airbag for use in motor vehicles having two or more chambers, which is simple to manufacture, low-cost and not susceptible to disturbances. The airbag is configured such that the chambers can have different internal pressures in case of airbag activation since a dividing seam between the chambers of the airbag is configured to act as a gas stream divider and direct differing quantities of gas into the chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air bag device in which an airbag member can be quickly and positively inflated and expanded, with its central portion instantaneously inflated. The present invention describes an air bag device 10 in which an intermediate cloth of a polygonal shape, having a gas inlet port leading to an inflator, is disposed between a front-side cloth and a reverse-side cloth which are sewn together at their peripheral edge portions. Part of a peripheral edge portion of the polygonal intermediate cloth is sewn to the front-side cloth, and gas outlet ports are provided respectively at those portions or this peripheral edge portion which are not sewn to the front-side cloth. With this construction, an airbag member can be quickly and positively inflated and expanded, with its central portion instantaneously inflated.

Abstract: An airbag assembly includes an airbag and a system provided in contact with at least a portion of the airbag that includes a first member and a second member. The second member at least partially overlaps the first member and is held in contact during initial deployment of the airbag with the first member by a frictional force between the first member and the second member. The system is configured to cause the airbag to inflate laterally with respect to a vehicle occupant until the frictional force is overcome by inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: A gas generator comprising a pressure vessel containing a gas under a first predetermined pressure. An initiator housing closes one end of the pressure vessel and has an opening at the inner end thereof that is closed by an initiator rupture disk constructed to rupture at a second predetermined pressure in the initiator housing greater than the first predetermined pressure. A micro-gas generator or initiator is disposed within the initiator housing. A manifold closes the other end of the pressure vessel and has an opening at the inner end thereof closed by a manifold rupture disk constructed to rupture at a third predetermined pressure greater than the first predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a main portion (80) defining an inflatable volume (60) and a shield portion (100) defining a shield chamber (102). The inflatable volume (60) and shield chamber (102) are in fluid communication with each other. The shield portion (100) is turned inside-out, positioned in the inflatable volume (60), and configured to receive inflation fluid from an inflation fluid source (24). The shield portion (100) is further configured to rupture and release inflation fluid into the inflatable volume (60) of the main portion (100).

Abstract: An airbag system including an airbag having a first section and a second section coupled to the first section. The airbag further includes an inlet coupled to an inflatable portion. The first section is configured to inflate between a trim member and a vehicle frame; and the second section is configured to inflate into a vehicle cabin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag device comprising a gas generator, at one end of which a diffuser with radial discharge ports is positioned with a joining section. A non-metallic gas lance is fixed to the joining section upstream of the diffuser. The non-metallic gas lance is provided with or is plugged onto a reinforcing means at the axial end thereof that is associated with the joining section. The reinforcing means redirects the gas flow from the diffuser from a radial discharge direction thereof to an axial discharge direction during normal operation of the gas generator In case of an extremely applied high temperature capable of causing self-ignition of the gas generator, the gas lance material and the reinforcing means are destroyed, as a result of which the gas flow is no longer redircted to the axial direction thereby preventing the gas generator from acting as a rocket which could be hazardous.

Abstract: An airbag inflator diffusion system having a thin profile. The diffusion system includes an airbag inflator that is inserted into a sleeve. The sleeve has overlapping longitudinal edges positioned so that the sleeve tightly circumscribes the inflator. Engagement tabs are formed in one longitudinal edge of the sleeve and fold through perforations formed adjacent the other longitudinal edge. Upon activation of the inflator, the sleeve expands radially forming an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas may travel. The folded engagement tabs and their corresponding perforations limit the radial expansion of the sleeve.

Abstract: An airbag device for front passenger's seat of the present invention includes an airbag folded and housed in a case. A rear side face of the airbag as completely deployed confronts an occupant and serves as a restraint face. The airbag includes an upper inflatable portion and a lower inflatable portion arranged vertically at airbag inflation. Rear side faces of each of the upper and lower inflatable portions define upper part and lower part of the restraint face. A lower wall of the upper inflatable portion and a top wall of the lower inflatable portion contact and overlap with each other as the airbag is completely inflated, and contacting face of the top wall and the lower wall is wide enough to stay contacted even when either the upper inflatable portion or the lower inflatable portion restrains a part of occupant.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an airbag to be deployed and inflated in a passenger protection area between a vehicle passenger and a vehicle side wall portion in case of vehicle accident. The airbag has a head chamber for protecting a head of a vehicle passenger and a chest chamber for protecting a chest portion of the passenger. A gas supply device is provided for simultaneously supplying gas to the head chamber and the chest chamber. A pressure adjusting device adjusts an internal pressure of the head chamber to a level higher than an internal pressure of the chest chamber at the time of deployment and inflation of the airbag.

Abstract: A seal for a gas supply system of metal, in particular for sealing an airbag conduit, wherein, during operation, the gas supply system has a gas-conducting cross-section and a wall of metal, wherein in the area which seals the cross-section of the gas supply system, a layer of a plastically deformable material is at least partially inserted and the area with the plastically deformable material present therein is sealed in a gas-tight manner, wherein the area of the seal and the plastically deformable material present therein are mechanically interlaced one with the other.

Abstract: An assembly for a side gas bag module includes a housing (10) and a gas generator (12) arranged in the housing (10). The housing (10) has at least two outflow openings (20, 22) spaced apart from each other. Between the gas generator (12) and the inner side of the housing (10) flow channels (32) are formed for the gas generated by the gas generator (12). At least one of the flow channels (32) leads to the first outflow opening (20) and at least one of the flow channels (32) leads to the second outflow opening (22). The flow channels (32) are formed by radially inward projecting beads (26, 28) on the housing (10).

Abstract: A side impact airbag module for a motor vehicle (1), with an airbag (11) which is inflatable by means of a gas generator (8) and which unfolds in a flat fashion, in which the gas generator (8) is connected with the airbag by means of a feed tube (10), and in which the airbag module is designed for installation adjacent a door of a motor vehicle (1). This side airbag module includes a feed tube (10) having two gas outlet openings (14) or gas outlet areas spaced at a distance from one another, and situated in the area of airbag chambers (19, 20) are formed, whose filling openings, are situated immediately above the gas outlet openings of the feed tube (10) the airbag having one or more middle chambers connected for gas flow between the end chambers.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes at least one laced vent for re-directing gas out of the cushion when an obstruction is encountered.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes at least one closeable flap vent for re-directing gas out of the cushion when an obstruction is encountered. The airbag cushion also includes a tether for controlling the closeable flap vent.

Abstract: An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a diffuser tethered to the membrane of the cushion. The airbag cushion partially expands when an obstruction is encountered and fully expands when no obstruction is encountered. The tethered diffuser is controlled by expansion of the cushion. This permits the cushion to vary the amount of gas vented from the cushion to adjust for out-of-position conditions and normal restraint conditions.

Abstract: A device and method for locking out an explosion suppressor that includes a discharge valve with a load end and a discharge end. The load end and the discharge end define a discharge path therethrough. The discharge valve includes a side opening transverse of the discharge path. A storage container is connected to the discharge valve at the load end. The storage container delivers a pressurized fluid to the discharge valve through the load end when the system is in a discharge mode. A lockout member is removably insertable into the side opening. The lockout member mechanically blocks the discharge path, whereby the lockout member prevents inadvertent fluid discharge through the discharge end of the discharge path. The presence of the lockout member is monitored by a magnetic switch.

Abstract: A filter (10) and an inflator assembly (15) for use in an inflatable vehicle passenger restraint system. The inflator assembly (15) includes an inflator housing (70) having a wall (71), a combustion chamber (72) formed in an interior of the housing (70), and a gas generant composition positioned in the combustion chamber (72) and ignitable to provide inflation gas to the inflatable occupant restraint system. The filter (10) is positioned intermediate apertures (73) in the combustion chamber (72) and apertures (19) in the inflator housing wall (71). The filter (10) includes a filter body (11) spaced apart from the housing wall (71) and at least one continuous lip (12) extending from the filter body (11). The lip (12) has a peripheral edge (75) that abuts the housing wall (71) over substantially the entire perimeter of the peripheral edge (75).

Abstract: An airbag module having a gas generator mounted on a carrier using at least one vibration-damping mounting. The gas generator has radially projecting flange sections for connecting one end of the vibration-damping mounting and a diffusor, which is pot-shaped in configuration, overlaps the gas generator, including its flange sections, and wherein the surrounding side wall of the pot-shaped diffusor is bent at a right angle. One end of the vibration-dampening mounting (16) is provided with a head (17), which acts as a limit stop for the gas generator (10) for lateral movements of the gas generator (10) that occur in the plane of the flange sections (15).

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle comprising an airbag, a gas generator for inflating the airbag, and a housing for accommodating both the gas generator and the airbag. According to the invention, the airbag (1) and the gas generator (2) are arranged on opposite sides (30a, 30b) of a wall (30) of the housing (3).

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: A passenger airbag system is designed for an automotive vehicle with a passenger compartment, a windshield and an instrument panel disposed between the passenger compartment and the windshield. The instrument panel has a top portion with a surface which is more horizontal than vertical and generally directed toward the windshield and a mid-portion with a surface that is more vertical than horizontal and generally directed toward an occupant of the passenger compartment. The system includes a single airbag housing that is disposed in the instrument panel and extends from the top portion to the mid-portion. The airbag cushion is deployable from the housing through the instrument panel along a predetermined path for direct contact with an occupant seated in the passenger compartment. The predetermined path is generally radial with respect to the surface of the instrument panel.

Abstract: An inflator comprises one igniter 36 and first and second gas discharge ports 34 and 46 disposed separately. After the first rupturable plate 38 is broken by an activation of the igniter 36, breaking energy moves inside the transfer tube 24, so that the second rupturable plate 48 is broken.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an inflator (14) for providing inflation fluid to inflate the vehicle occupant protection device (12). The inflator (14) has a housing (15) having a side wall (27) and an end wall (24). The side wall (27) has inflation fluid exit ports (26) through which inflation fluid exits the inflator (14). An annular filter screen (70) is located outwardly from the housing and extends around the side wall (27). Inflation fluid exiting the inflator (14) flows through the annular filter screen (70) to cool the inflation fluid and filter hot combustion products from the inflation fluid. The filter screen has a central opening (74) defined by a circumferential edge (73) of the filter screen. The circumferential edge of the filter screen abuts or is in close proximity to the end wall.

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 knee-bag module includes a knee-bag to be inflated in front of a leg portion of a vehicle occupant and an inflator for ejecting gas from a gas outlet thereof to inflate the knee-bag. The inflator is a pyro-type inflator for ejecting only reactant gas.

Abstract: The airbag device for front passenger's seat is mounted on the dashboard in front of the front passenger's seat. The airbag device for front passenger's seat includes an airbag to be inflated with the inflation gas, and an inflator for feeding the airbag with the inflation gas of pyro- and long mass flow type. The gas permeability rate of the airbag is 1.0 l/cm2/min or under at 20 kPa air pressure, and its weight is 230 g/m2 or under. This airbag device for front passenger's seat prevents the gas leakage, expands and inflates the airbag properly, and constitutes to the weight reduction.

Abstract: A side airbag apparatus includes a side airbag having a plurality of partitioned chambers therein to be inflated and deployed in a space between a side wall portion of a body of a motor vehicle and an occupant seated on a seat disposed inside the body. An inflator has an approximately cylindrical shape and blows gas out for inflating and deploying the side airbag from one side in a longitudinal direction of the inflator. A cylindrical member is disposed in a manner so as to cover the one side in the longitudinal direction of the inflator and has a squeezing portion for restricting a flow path of the gas blown out from the inflator.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a single sheet of material (50) comprising a front panel (40) and a rear panel (42), each having a substantially circular configuration. The sheet (50) has a central portion (52) where peripheral portions of the front and rear panels (40 and 42) merge with each other. The sheet (50) is folded along the central portion (52) to position the front and rear panels (40 and 42) overlying each other. A perimeter connection (110) connects the front and rear panels (40 and 42) along the periphery of the front and rear panels.

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 present invention relates to a vehicle airbag device equipped with an auxiliary chamber that protects a passenger in case of car crash by the auxiliary chamber's inflating depending on the passenger seat location and whether the front seat passenger's seatbelt is fastened, regardless of a front seat passenger's height or age, with the airbag being formed to protect the passenger's head, chest and knees, and in which the left and right sides of the auxiliary chamber are first inflated and then the center is inflated by providing gas flow directed to both sides of the auxiliary chamber so as to minimize injuries to the passenger by minimizing unfolding pressure.

Abstract: An inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system. The inflator (10) includes a longitudinal enclosure (22) and a first gas generant (24) positioned along the enclosure (22). Enclosure gas exit apertures (40) are arranged along the enclosure (22) to enable fluid communication between the enclosure (22) and an exterior of the enclosure. And to provide controlled venting of combustion gases from the enclosure (22) as the first gas generant composition (24) burns, thereby controlling the speed and direction of combustion propagation of the first gas generant. Combustion of the first gas generant (24) results in an inflator housing internal pressure of at least a first predetermined minimum internal pressure.

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: A head-protecting airbag of the present invention is folded and housed in upper edges of side windows, and is deployable downward when inflation gas flows in between its vehicle's inner wall and outer wall. The airbag includes a protective portion located at side of an occupant's head. The protective portion includes a temporary joint. The joint joins the inner wall and the outer wall together, and separates the inner wall and the outer wall when an inner pressure of the protective portion rises after the protective portion completes development. The airbag of the present invention assures a swift development in an initial stage of inflation, and after completing development, so inflates as to have sufficient cushioning property.

Abstract: An airbag includes a seam, which divides the airbag into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. An inner tube is provided inside the airbag such that openings are each located in one of the chambers. An inflator is inserted in the inner tube such that gas blown out from a gas port is oriented toward the lower chamber. A gap formed between an outer circumferential surface of the inflator and an inner circumferential surface of the inner tube during inflation and deployment of the airbag connects the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

Abstract: An airbag includes a gas diffuser that includes a plurality of apertures and is formed of a fabric material. The gas diffuser is integrally formed with at least a portion of an airbag cushion. The airbag may be a curtain style airbag or another type of airbag.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12). An inflator (14) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (12). The inflation fluid flow from the inflator (14) is transverse to a central axis (16) of the inflator. A shield (70) includes a piece of material (72) folded about the inflator (14) and having a wall portion (102) that is interposed between at least a portion of the inflator and the protection device (12) and against which inflation fluid initially exiting from the inflator at least partially impinges. The wall portion (102) has a plurality of tear seams (76) that rupture due to inflation fluid pressure acting on the shield (70) to enable the wall portion to form a plurality of flaps (80) within the protection device (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a driver's knee airbag (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, with a gas generator (2), a plurality of chambers (5, 6, 7) and catch straps (3, 4). So that it deploys better and provides better protection for a vehicle occupant, in particular the driver, in the event of a crash, it comprises a first catch strap (3) dividing the airbag essentially horizontally, and two catch straps (4) extending essentially vertically from the first catch strap (3). The space between the steering column and the knees of the driver is therefore rapidly filled by the airbag in the event of a crash.

Abstract: An airbag apparatus including an expansion chamber in an arbitrary region of an airbag is disclosed. The expansion chamber has a balancing expansion chamber formed such that an operating force acts in a direction opposite a force acting on the expansion chamber when gas from a gas supplying part is supplied to the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A gas bag module for a motor vehicle steering wheel includes a gas bag (10), a gas generator (12) mounted so as to be capable of swinging, a generator carrier (16), means (18) for bracing the gas bag (10) on the generator carrier (16), and an elastically deformable, in relation to the central axis (A) of the gas bag module encircling sealing element (24). The sealing element (24) is fastened by its free edges directly or indirectly to the gas generator (12) and to the generator carrier (16), respectively. A section (26) of the sealing element (24), which is free before a filling of the gas bag (10), is deflected by the pressure occurring in the interior of the gas bag on filling of the gas bag (10), so that it comes directly or indirectly in abutment with a support surface (22; 28).

Abstract: An airbag apparatus comprising an airbag that expands between a vehicle occupant and a side wall of a vehicle body. The airbag is divided into a plurality of expanding chambers that are connected by a plurality of gas flow channels. Among the expanding chambers, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow channel leading to the expanding chamber that expands first is the largest, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow channel leading to the expanding chamber that expands last is the smallest, and the expanding chambers expand in stages.

Abstract: A vehicular safety system comprising an inflatable restraint gel cushion having a gel rigidity of from about 50 gram Bloom to about 1,200 gram bloom.

Abstract: An air bag system is disclosed. The air bag system comprises a cushion deployed by gas from an inflator in the event of a vehicle collision, for protecting a passenger, a gas guider provided between the cushion and the inflator, for guiding the gas from the inflator to the cushion, and a guide bag provided at one side of the cushion, and deployed by the gas guided by the gas guider earlier than the cushion is so that the cushion is deployed without interference from other adjacent components. The cushion is smoothly deployed without interference from other adjacent components, thereby improving the deployment performance of the cushion. A ramp used for a prior art air bag system is omitted, thus the air bag system is formed in an overall simple structure. The unit cost and weight of the air bag system are lowered, and it is unnecessary to acquire a space for installing the ramp, thereby improving the design freedom of the air bag system.

Abstract: The cushion of an air bag module includes a first chamber part which deploys to one side of an occupant by a high pressure gas of an inflator, a second chamber part which is formed to communicate with the first chamber part and deploys to the other side of the occupant by the high pressure gas in the first chamber part, an inner pocket which is mounted on an inner side of the first chamber part to introduce gas from the inflator and has a plurality of vent holes to emit the gas into the first chamber part, and a diffuser provided at the vent holes of the inner pocket so that the gas emitted from the inner pocket forms an eddy current at a side of the second chamber part.

Abstract: An opening portion 14 of an inflator housing 12 and a diffuser portion 20 are connected by welding, and an inflow portion 42 of a gas discharging port 40 is press-fitted in and connected to a first gas discharging hole 22 of the diffuser portion 20.