Occupant restraint system for motor vehicles with an airbag

Claim 1

An airbag system for protecting vehicle passengers in the event of a vehicle collision, comprising: an airbag in a folded-up non-inflated condition, a gas generator for inflating the airbag, and a housing for accommodating the airbag; said airbag having central regions axially facing a vehicle passenger when in an in-use position and lateral regions disposed laterally of the central regions, said lateral regions being folded in a zig zag shaped manner for being easily inflated and the central regions being folded in a different manner than the lateral regions so as to be retarded against axial expansion toward the passenger upon inflation of the airbag, said housing being closed off by a cover which can be torn open by inflation of said airbag, said cover having very thin-walled lateral parts covering the lateral regions of the airbag and a thick-walled central part having a predetermined rupture point and covering the central regions of the airbag, said cover being configured such that said lateral parts are torn open upon inflation of the airbag prior to the central part which tears open with a certain delay.