Patent ID: 8328229
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An airbag module for protecting the knees of an occupant of a vehicle comprising: an airbag formed by at least one panel of material, wherein the airbag includes an inflatable chamber; an inflator that produces gas that inflates the airbag into a deployed condition in which the airbag is positioned between the knees of the occupant and the instrument panel of the vehicle; a tether connected to the airbag for restraining upward movement of the airbag when the airbag begins to deploy, wherein the tether is located external to the inflatable chamber, wherein the tether includes a first end connected to the at least one panel of material on a side of the material that is located in a position to contact the occupant when the airbag deploys; and a housing surrounding the airbag when the airbag is in a storage condition and wherein a second end of the tether is connected to the housing or a mounting bracket, wherein, prior to deployment the airbag is compacted in the storage condition, and wherein, in the storage condition, the airbag includes a rolled portion and a folded portion, wherein the folded portion includes a half Z-shape fold.