Airbag with multi-state vent
First Claim
1. An air bag having a tri-state vent, in an initial state the vent is configured to be closed, the vent in a medial state configured to be at least partially open or fully open as the air bag is starting to inflate, permitting some inflation gas to exit through the vent and the vent in a final state configured to be at least partially closed or fully closed as the air bag continues to inflate, and wherein the vent includes a first vent opening which is located in a portion of the air bag, the vent includes a flap secured onto the air bag on one side of the first vent opening, in the initial state, the flap is configured to lie across the first vent opening to close the vent, the air bag being configured to permit pressurized gas to press upon the flap and the flap being configured to move through the first vent opening in response to this pressure to partially open or fully open the vent.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An air bag having a tri-state vent, in an initial state the vent is configured to be closed, the vent in a medial state configured to be at least partially open or fully open as the air bag is starting to inflate permitting some inflator gas to exit through the vent and the vent in a final state configured to be at least partially closed or fully closed as the air bag continues to inflate.
24 Citations
18 Claims
- 1. An air bag having a tri-state vent, in an initial state the vent is configured to be closed, the vent in a medial state configured to be at least partially open or fully open as the air bag is starting to inflate, permitting some inflation gas to exit through the vent and the vent in a final state configured to be at least partially closed or fully closed as the air bag continues to inflate, and wherein the vent includes a first vent opening which is located in a portion of the air bag, the vent includes a flap secured onto the air bag on one side of the first vent opening, in the initial state, the flap is configured to lie across the first vent opening to close the vent, the air bag being configured to permit pressurized gas to press upon the flap and the flap being configured to move through the first vent opening in response to this pressure to partially open or fully open the vent.
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11. An air bag having a tri-state vent, in an initial state the vent is configured to be closed, the vent in a medial state configured to be at least partially open or fully open as the air bag is starting to inflate, permitting some inflation gas to exit through the vent and the vent in a final state configured to be at least partially closed or fully closed as the air bag continues to inflate, wherein the air bag includes a panel with at least a first vent opening, a flap having a first end and a second end and a medial region therebetween, the second end secured to the air bag on a side of the first vent opening furthest away from an air bag inflator, the first end and a medial portion of the flap configured to be moved through the first vent opening by a buildup of pressure in the air bag above a first level;
- a protective jacket secured to an inside surface of the air bag, the jacket being larger than the first vent opening, the jacket including a second vent opening aligned with the first vent opening;
a vent mechanism including a sliding member located between the flap and jacket, the sliding member including a panel and tether, the tether extending through a tether opening in the jacket and secured to a portion of the air bag, the sliding member movable in response to tension applied to the tether as the air bag inflates, the sliding member configured to be in a stored orientation away from the first vent opening and the second vent opening. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
- a protective jacket secured to an inside surface of the air bag, the jacket being larger than the first vent opening, the jacket including a second vent opening aligned with the first vent opening;
Specification