Partitioned multi-cell air bag

摘要

A new and improved multi-cell, partitioned, air bag for cushioning engagement with an occupant in a motor vehicle when the air bag is rapidly inflated with gas. The air bag is formed of thin, flexible, pervious sheet material having an inlet for receiving gas at a forward end and a rearwardly facing cushioning surface formed for engaging the vehicle occupant when the air bag is inflated. A flexible, internal wall or partition extends between the inlet and the cushioning surface for dividing the air bag into an upper or head cushioning cell or chamber adapted for engaging the occupant's head and a lower, or torso cushioning cell or chamber adapted for cushioning the occupant's torso. Vents are provided for reducing the inflation pressure in the upper chamber relative to the lower or torso chamber to reduce or prevent head injury and abrasion yet provide a desired level of energy absorption for cushioning the occupant's torso.