Patent ID: 6176515
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle that has a side structure, said apparatus comprising:a vehicle occupant protection device which is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant, said vehicle occupant protection device when inflated having an outer panel positioned adjacent to the vehicle side structure and an opposite inner panel;at least one aperture extending through said vehicle occupant protection device;a first flexible elongated member having first and second opposite ends which are connected to the vehicle side structure, said first flexible elongated member extending through said at least one aperture and having first portions extending along a first part of said outer panel of said vehicle occupant protection device and then along a first part of said inner panel of said vehicle occupant protection device;a second flexible elongated member having first and second opposite ends which are connected to the vehicle side structure, said second flexible elongated member extending through said at least one aperture and having second portions extending along a second part of said outer panel of said vehicle occupant protection device and then along a second part of said inner panel of said vehicle occupant protection device, said second parts of said outer and inner panels being opposite said first parts of said outer and inner panels of said vehicle occupant protection device; andan inflator for providing inflation fluid for inflating said vehicle occupant protection device;said first and second portions moving away from each other and tensioning said first and second flexible elongated members when said vehicle occupant protection device is inflated, said first and second flexible elongated members resisting movement of said vehicle occupant protection device away from the side structure of the vehicle when said vehicle occupant protection device is inflated.