Patent ID: 7775551
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device inflatable to help protect an occupant of the vehicle, said protection device comprising overlying panels and a plurality of chambers at least partially defined by said overlying panels; and an inflation fluid source actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating said protection device; said protection device further comprising a manifold at least partially defined by said overlying panels, said manifold comprising a plenum portion for receiving inflation fluid from said inflation fluid source and duct portions that branch from said plenum portion and distribute inflation fluid into said chambers, wherein said chambers include side walls and an open end defined between said side walls, said duct portions extending through said open ends into said chambers; said chambers comprising at least a first chamber and a second chamber, one of said duct portions branches into first and second portions, said first portion distributing inflation fluid into said first chamber, said second portion distributing inflation fluid into said second chamber.