Patent ID: 6478332
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An air bag device comprising:an air bag unit; said air bag unit includes at least a first and a second base piece; said base pieces affixed together along a first seam element; a first and a second lateral position on said first seam element established relative to an optimal external occupant position; said first and second lateral positions separated by a first distance; means for restricting fixed between said first and second lateral positions; said restricting means having a restrictive length; said restrictive length being less than said first distance; said restricting means reducing said first distance thereby increasing expansion of said air bag unit into said external occupant position during inflation; means for minimizing expansion failure along said first seam element; said minimizing means absorbing expansion force thereby minimizing failure of said first seam element when said air bag unit expands; said minimizing means including a first and a second margin extending from said base pieces; said margins extending away from said corresponding lateral positions; said restricting means affixed between said first and said second margins along a pair of seams distinct from said first seam element; and said pair of seams and said margins minimizing failure of said first seam element when said air bag unit expands.