The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 03, 2009
Filed:
Dec. 08, 2005
Scott D. Thomas, Novi, MI (US);
James M. Kumkoski, Utica, MI (US);
Scott D. Thomas, Novi, MI (US);
James M. Kumkoski, Utica, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
An air bag system includes an inflator operable to release inflation fluid, and an inflatable cushion having an lower region and inflatable upon release of inflation fluid from the inflator, with the cushion defining a channel within the lower region thereof. At least one tether may support the channel during inflation of the cushion. A fabric member may at least partially cover the channel to define an end channel wall. The fabric member may detach from the cushion if the cushion inflates beyond a predetermined depth, or the fabric member may be movable between a first position and a second position to increase the area of the end channel wall. A retention member may retain the fabric member in the first position. The retention member may be frangible, such that inflation of the cushion beyond the predetermined depth breaks the retention member.