Air bag and folding technique

Abstract

An air bag and method of folding same, the air bag including material defining a top, front, and bottom portions and side panels and an open inlet end, comprising the steps of: securing the inlet end about a retainer, positioning the material so that is lays relatively flat with the top or bottom portion laid upon the folding surface, with the retainer slightly above the surface and with a first portion of the air bag extending to the right of the first end, a second portion extending to the left of the second end of the retainer a middle portion therebetween, folding over the first portion inwardly, toward a second fold line, about a first fold line defining a first folded over portion; folding over the first folded over portion outwardly toward the first fold line about the second fold line, continuing folding the first portion about the first and second fold lines, repeating the above steps to fold the second portion of the air bag, positioning the folded over portions resulting from the folding of the first and second portions of the air bag parallel to one another, and then forming a plurality of pleats and folds forming a pleated end and placing the pleated end adjacent the retainer. Folding material extending from the pleated end against the pleated end and securing the air bag in its folded configuration.