초록 ▼

Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) which has a side structure (16) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The vehicle occupant protection device (14) inc

Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) which has a side structure (16) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes an inflatable bladder (40) contained within an outer shell (42) and completely unattached to the outer shell. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable bladder (40). The inflatable bladder (40) is made of gas impermeable material having overlying portions (48) that are sealed together in an airtight manner by a radio frequency weld (50). The outer shell (42) provides structural support for the inflatable bladder (40).

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.]1. Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure, said apparatus comprising:a vehicle occupant protection device that is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a v

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.]1. Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure, said apparatus comprising:a vehicle occupant protection device that is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant, said vehicle occupant protection device comprising an inflatable bladder contained within an outer shell and being completely unattached to said outer shell; andan inflation fluid source that provides inflation fluid for inflating said inflatable bladder;said inflatable bladder being made of gas impermeable material having overlying portions with a radio frequency weld sealing said overlying portions together in an airtight manner;said outer shell comprising a structural reinforcement for said inflatable bladder which provides structural support for said inflatable bladder.