Patent ID: 6749217
Filing Date: 2004-06-15
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An air bag assembly operable for providing the cushioning restraint of an occupant within a vehicle during an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising:a gas emitting inflator disposed within a walled support container; an inflatable air bag cushion having a first expanded profile and at least a second expanded profile, wherein the second expanded profile is characterized by relatively greater air bag cushion depth than the first expanded profile; at least one tethering element coupled to the air bag cushion, wherein the tethering element has a first configuration associated with the first expanded profile of the air bag cushion and a second configuration associated with the second expanded profile of the air bag cushion; an anchoring structure operatively coupled to the tethering element, wherein the anchoring structure is normally held at a fixed position prior to deployment of the air bag cushion; and a variable strength restraining assembly holding the anchoring structure in place prior to deployment of the air bag cushion, the restraining assembly comprising a displaceable support element adapted to be selectively moved between a first position operatively engaging the anchoring structure and at least a second position not engaging the anchoring structure such that when the displaceable support element is in the first position, the anchoring structure is held at said fixed position upon deployment of the air bag cushion and such that when the displaceable support element is in the second position the anchoring structure is displaceable away from said fixed position upon deployment of the air bag cushion and wherein the displaceable support element is adapted to be moved between the first position and the second position multiple times prior to deployment of the air bag cushion based upon changes in the condition of the occupant prior to deployment of the air bag cushion.