Patent ID: 6364349
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
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 adapted to inflate away from the vehicle roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant; and a housing for storing said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in a stored position, said housing comprising: an elongated channel portion that helps define a chamber for receiving said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, said channel portion having spaced first and second longitudinal edges extending along the length of said channel portion; a closure flap extending from said first longitudinal edge of said channel portion, said closure flap having an end releasably connected to said second longitudinal edge of said channel portion to at least partially enclose said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in said chamber when said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device is in said stored position; and a deployment flap extending from said channel portion adjacent said second longitudinal edge of said channel portion, said deployment flap overlying said closure flap when said closure flap is connected to said second longitudinal edge of said channel portion, said deployment flap being adapted to move into a position overlying a vehicle side trim piece when said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device is inflated, said deployment flap directing said inflatable vehicle occupant protection device to inflate inwardly of the vehicle side trim piece between the occupant and the trim piece.