Patent ID: 7992895
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An inflatable bolster, said bolster comprising a housing, said housing defining a substantially closed volume for receiving a fluid under pressure, said bolster having a source of pressurized fluid, said housing defining an occupant face and a mounting face, said housing having a lateral length L in the direction substantially parallel to said occupant face, wherein said bolster comprises at least one extension structure for extending the lateral length L of said bolster upon pressurization of said bolster, wherein said bolster is a unitary structure, and said at least one extension structure comprises at least one first expandable area and said lengthening of said lateral length L occurs, at least in part, by expanding said at least one first expandable area, and said housing comprises a main portion and at least one auxiliary portion, said main portion defining said lateral length L and said auxiliary portion extending away from said occupant face prior to pressurization of said bolster, said auxiliary portion comprising, at least in part, said at least one extension structure, wherein said auxiliary portion has a length L and wherein said auxiliary portion moves hingedly relative to said main portion upon said pressurization to extend the lateral length L of said bolster by an amount substantially equal to L