Patent ID: 7093851
Filing Date: 2006-08-22
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An air bag assembly in a vehicle for side impact protection of a vehicle occupant, the air bag assembly comprising: an inflator for discharging a gaseous inflation medium; and an air bag cushion including a first inflatable portion proximal to the inflator for cushioning the torso of the vehicle occupant, a second inflatable portion distal from the inflator for cushioning the head of the vehicle occupant, a first expansion restraining element extending partially but not completely across the width of the air bag cushion in substantially nonparallel relation to a flow path of said gaseous inflation medium between the first and second inflatable portions, and at least a second expansion restraining element extending partially but not completely across the width of the air bag cushion in opposing staggered relation to the first expansion restraining element in substantially nonparallel relation to said flow path of said gaseous inflation medium, wherein the expansion restraining elements are adapted to remain operative so as to provide expansion restraint upon full inflation of the air bag cushion without failing such that the expansion restraining elements restrict expansion of the air bag cushion in the region between the first and second inflatable portions.