Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

Stephen A Ridella

Kurt F Fischer

Charles E Steffens, Jr

Paul J Orsulak

Drew G Downing

An apparatus () helps protect an occupant () of a vehicle (). The apparatus () includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device () that is inflatable to help protect the vehicle occupant (). A vent opening () directs flow of inflation fluid away from the protection device (). A vent member () is movable between an open condition enabling flow of inflation fluid away from the protection device () through the vent opening () and a closed condition at least partially blocking flow of inflation fluid away from the protection device through the vent opening. A panel () receives and transfers the force of inflation directed into the protection device to the vent member to urge the vent member toward the closed condition.

Air bag module with vent

An air bag module (10) includes an inflatable device or air bag (30) and a diverter flap (100) for controlling inflation of the air bag. The air bag (30) has a first section (50) which is engageable with a vehicle windshield (18) and a second section (80) for engagement by the vehicle occupant. When the air bag (30) is in the folded condition, the flap (100) extends across a passage (92) into the second section (80) of the air bag. The flap (100) initially blocks flow of inflation fluid into the passage (92) and diverts the inflation fluid into the folded first section (50) of the air bag (30). Inflation of the second section (80) of the air bag (30) is delayed until the first section (50) of the air bag is at least partially inflated.

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Rochester, MI, United States of America

Stephen A Ridella