Patent ID: 6168193
Filing Date: 2001-01-02
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
Apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle which has a side structure and a roof, said apparatus comprising: a vehicle occupant protection device which is inflatable away from the vehicle roof into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant, said vehicle occupant protection device when inflated extending along the side structure of the vehicle; an inflator for providing inflation fluid for inflating said vehicle occupant protection device; a tensioning member which is movable in a linear direction; an impeller rotatable by said inflation fluid about an axis to move said tensioning member in said linear direction; and a flexible elongated member having a first end connected to the side structure of the vehicle at a first location and an opposite second end connected to said tensioning member, said flexible elongated member being connected to said vehicle occupant protection device; said flexible elongated member being tensioned by said tensioning member when said tensioning member moves in said linear direction, said flexible elongated member resisting movement of said vehicle occupant protection device away from the side structure of the vehicle when said vehicle occupant protection device is inflated.