Patent ID: 6497302
Filing Date: 2002-12-24
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An air bag assembly for cushioning an external scuttle area of an automotive vehicle including a lower portion of a windshield of tile vehicle substantially without obstructing the view of an operator of the vehicle, the air bag assembly comprising:an in inflator for discharging inflation gas; and an air bag cushion in fluid communication with the inflator for receiving inflation gas therein to inflate the air bag cushion, the air bag cushion including an upper edge portion and an inflatable main body portion disposed below the upper edge portion, such that upon introduction of inflation gas into the air bag cushion the inflatable main body portion extends in inflated relation across an exterior portion of the vehicle from a location below the windshield to a position partially up the surface of the windshield and such that upon deployment of the air bag cushion, the upper edge portion is disposed below a line of sight of an operator of the vehicle whereby said operator maintains visual contact with the exterior environment and wherein the air bag cushion includes at least one substantially noninflatable region disposed below the inflatable main body portion.