Patent ID: 6260330
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
Method for folding an inflatable airbag for use in motor vehicles, comprising the steps of:fixing the airbag in a walled housing with a closed end of the airbag at an upper part of the housing and fastening an open end of the airbag at a base element lying opposite to the upper part in such a manner that the base element seals off the interior of the airbag against an inner space of the housing, the housing including a side wall structure extending away from the upper part and towards the base element in outboard relation to the airbag;moving the housing and the base element relative to one another so as to reduce the distance between the upper part of the housing and the base element; andalternatingly increasing and decreasing the pressure within at least one of the airbag and the housing by a multiplicity of pressure adjustment cycles comprising the sequential introduction and evacuation of a pressurizing medium during the relative movement such that the airbag is compacted in a folded orientation within the inner space bounded by the side wall structure.