Air bag assembly providing adjustable cushion depth

The present invention relates generally to an air bag assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to an air bag assembly utilizing one or more extendible tethering elements providing adjustable cushion depth. The tethering elements are held in anchored relation to a support structure adapted to be selectively secured against withdrawal during air bag deployment depending upon vehicle and occupant conditions. An air bag assembly utilizing a releasable anchoring structure operatively connected to one or more extendible tethering elements and providing adjustable cushion depth. A displaceable support element selectively engages or disengages the anchoring structure during operation of the vehicle taking into account steady-state inputs such as vehicle velocity, occupant size, seating position, and seat-belt use. The displaceable support element may be automatically engaged or disengaged from the anchoring structure as occupant and/or driving conditions change prior to actual air bag deployment.