초록 ▼

Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid so

Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the protection device (14). The protection device (14), when inflated, has a perimeter (44) and front and rear portions (58 and 60) spaced apart horizontally along the protection device. The protection device (14) includes overlying panels (40 and 42) that define an inflatable volume and at least one connection (80) within the perimeter (44) at which the overlying panels are interconnected. The at least one connection (80) defines inflatable chambers (100) of the protection device (14) that extend between the front and rear portions (58 and 60) in a generally horizontal direction when the protection device is inflated. The front and rear portions (58 and 60) are inflated more rapidly away from the vehicle roof (18) than the chambers (100) are inflated when the protection device (14) is inflated.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure and a roof, said apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device that is inflatable away from the vehicle roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant

1. Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure and a roof, said apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device that is inflatable away from the vehicle roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant; and an inflation fluid source that provides inflation fluid for inflating said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device; said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, when inflated, having a perimeter and front and rear portions spaced apart horizontally along said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device; said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprising overlying panels that define an inflatable volume and at least one connection within said perimeter at which said overlying panels are interconnected; said at least one connection extending in a generally horizontal direction when said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device is inflated, said at least one connection including first and second end portions and a middle portion located between said first and second end portions, said first and second end portions and said middle portion each having a width measured in a direction perpendicular to said horizontal direction, said width of said middle portion being greater than said widths of said first and second end portions.