Morton International, Inc.

James R Kaufmann

Bradley D Harris

Brent K Olson

Kirk H Rasmussen

J Kirk Storey

Brent R Marchant

An air bag cushion with a controlling doubler to provide occupant protection during both normal and out of position deployment has an enlarged gas permeable area for venting inflation gases. An obstruction to full deployment, such as a person against the steering wheel, causes venting through the enlarged area to be maintained thereby to prevent a full pressure build up which may cause injury to such person as he is pushed out of the way as the cushion deploys. Displacement of the face panel beyond a predetermined position releases a hinge mounted flap of gas impermeable material which seals off that portion of the gas permeable area that is in excess of the venting needed for a normal deployment. The flap is propelled to a closing position by the inflation gas during deployment.

Air bag cushion protection during both normal and out of position

An inflatable vehicle occupant restraint having a dynamic burn vent wherethrough inflation gas can be appropriately vented therefrom. Such an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint has particular application for side impact restraint systems wherein increased venting by the dynamic vents occurs subsequent to full deployment of the inflatable restraint.

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Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

James R Kaufmann