Patent ID: 6832778
Filing Date: 2004-12-21
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An air bag safety system for cushioning restraint of a vehicle occupant during an impact event, the safety system comprising:a variable depth inflatable air bag cushion adapted to be selectively inflatable to one of a first depth and at least a second depth greater than the first depth, wherein the air bag cushion includes at least one vent opening; and a displaceable vent blocking cover element of substantially pliable material supported at a surface of the air bag cushion and disposed in opposing relation to said at least one vent opening, wherein the cover element is adjustable from a first operative position relative to the vent opening when the air bag cushion is inflated to said first depth and to a second different operative position relative to the vent opening when the air bag cushion is inflated to said second depth so as to vary emission of inflation gas through said at least one vent opening in a predefined manner based upon the depth of inflation of the air bag cushion, wherein the cover element comprises a panel of pliable material including a collapsible pleat structure normally disposed outboard of said at least one vent opening such that upon the application of tension across the cover element the pleat structure undergoes at least partial collapse and such that a portion of the cover element forming the collapsible pleat structure is shifted over said at least one vent opening and wherein the collapsible pleat structure includes a cut out portion defining an opening in alignment with said at least one vent opening when the collapsible pleat structure is shifted over said at least one vent opening.