Patent ID: 7445238
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An occupant protection apparatus, comprising a panel constructed of air bag material, wherein said panel comprises: a. a central portion, wherein said central portion comprises a bottom edge; b. first and second lateral flaps, wherein said first and second lateral flaps are on opposing lateral sides of said central portion, said first and second lateral flaps are each adapted to fold inward toward each other and toward said central portion so as to provide for forming a resulting folded panel, a first surface of said airbag material faces towards a cavity at least partially surrounded by said central portion and said first and second lateral flaps, said cavity is open along said bottom edge of said central portion, said cavity is closed along a top portion of said cavity, and said first and second lateral flaps are adapted to be secured inside an air bag between an exterior panel of said air bag and either an air bag inflator retaining structure or an air bag inflator when said air bag inflator is attached to said air bag; and further comprising a top flap, wherein said top flap is above said central portion, said top flap is adapted to fold inward toward said central portion so as to provide for further forming said folded panel, said cavity is closed along said top portion of said cavity by said top flap, and said top flap is adapted to be secured inside said air bag between said exterior panel of said air bag and either said air bag inflator retaining structure or said air bag inflator when said air bag inflator is attached to said air bag; wherein said top flap comprises at least one first hole adapted to receive a corresponding at least one fastener used to attach an air bag to said air bag inflator, and at least one of said first and second lateral flaps comprise at least one second hole adapted to receive a corresponding said at least one fastener or another at least one fastener used to attach said air bag to said air bag inflator; wherein said cavity is closed along said top portion of said cavity with at least one stitch proximate to a top edge of said central portion and proximate to top edges of said first and second lateral flaps, wherein said at least one stitch joins a top portion of said central portion to top portions of said first and second lateral flaps.