Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.

Nathan Alan Schimmoller

Steven C Bell

Brandon S Marriott

Chetan Mehta

A vehicle occupant safety device ( ) comprising: an air bag ( ) initially in a folded configuration and when inflated by inflation gases expands to an inflated configuration to protect the occupant; an inflator ( ) for providing inflation gases to inflate the air bag; a shroud ( ) comprising a plurality of frangible straps, preferably loosely positioned about the exterior of the folded air bag for controlling the trajectory of the inflating air bag by initially restricting the forward extension of the air bag by interaction with the shroud ( ) and thereafter directing the air bag to inflate along a passageway defined by the shroud which is oriented at a downward angle relative to the occupant. Once the air bag exits the shroud it is free to inflate laterally and upwardly to protect the occupant. In one embodiment the shroud includes a tearable strap ( ).

Air bag module with internal deployment flap

An air bag (20) comprising: an inflatable cushion (22) portion and in inlet portion (24) through which inflation gas is received, and an airflow baffle (30; 30a) which creates a low pressure pocket directly downstream of itself and causes the air bag to initially begin to inflate laterally. The baffle includes a flexible panel within the cushion portion downstream of the inlet portion, for diverting at least a portion of the inflation gas to between an edge of the baffle and an adjacent inner surface of the cushion.

Growing community of inventors

Clawson, MI, United States of America

Nathan Alan Schimmoller