Patent ID: 6062593
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A side air bag apparatus installed within a seatback of a seat of a vehicle, said air bag apparatus comprising:a generally rectangularly-shaped pipe frame member having at least an upper frame section and opposite side frame sections which extend in close proximity to and along upper and opposite side sections of said seatback, respectively, so as to provide a space therebetween;an air bag unit housing having an opening, said air bag unit housing being disposed close to one of said side frame sections of said pipe frame member adjacent to a door of the vehicle;an air bag folded within said air bag unit housing;an inflator including an explosive in said air bag unit housing; anda fitting member for fitting said air bag unit housing to said pipe frame member and placing said air bag unit housing in said space defined between said side frame sections of said pipe frame member and below said upper frame section of said pipe frame member so as to direct said opening of said air bag unit housing in a specified direction between said door and a passenger sitting on said seat;wherein said inflator fires said explosive to produce and blow gas into said air bag to inflate, expand and thrust out said air bag through said opening of said air bag unit housing and between said door and said passenger upon an occurrence of a lateral collision of the vehicle.