AIR BAG RESTRAINT INCLUDING SELECTIVELY OPERABLE VENTING ELEMENTS

摘要

An air bag safety system for cushioning restraint of a vehicle occupant (14) during an impact event. The safety system includes a variable depth inflatable air bag cushion (20, 120, 220, 220') having at least one vent opening (64, 164, 264, 264'). A cover element (63, 163, 263, 263') of substantially pliable material is located in overlying relation to the vent opening. The cover element (63, 163, 263, 263') is selectively displaceable relative to the vent opening (64, 164, 264, 264') in response to the inflation depth of the air bag cushion (20, 120, 220, 220') so as to adjust venting characteristics.