Patent ID: 7686328
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: B60R,B62J

Abstract:
1. An airbag apparatus for a motorcycle, the airbag apparatus comprising: a multi-stage airbag to be deployed and inflated in rearward, forward and upward directions for protecting a rider of the motorcycle, the airbag including a forward inflated portion and a rearward inflated portion; upper and lower portions of the airbag rearward portion; a retainer for housing the airbag in a folded state and having an upper opening through which the airbag is deployed; a cover that extends over the retainer opening with the airbag in the folded state in the retainer; a forward hinge connection between the cover and the retainer so that during an initial stage of the airbag deployment the inflating airbag causes the cover to pivot forwardly with the lower portion of the airbag rearward inflated portion projecting out of a rearward portion of the retainer opening uncovered by the forwardly pivoted cover; and at least one tether secured at one end thereof to the upper portion of the airbag rearward portion, the tether having a portion including the one end thereof that extends along and is disposed completely above the airbag in the folded state thereof with the entire folded airbag disposed below the tether portion so that during a subsequent deployment stage after the initial deployment stage the at least one tether substantially restricts deployment of the upper portion of the airbag rearward portion against deploying toward the head of the motorcycle rider causing the airbag forward portion to deploy in the forward direction from the retainer prior to deployment of the upper portion in the upward direction, and during a final deployment stage the upper portion is deployed in the upward direction with the airbag deployment stages being for engaging the chest of the motorcycle rider with the airbag before the head of the motorcycle rider is engaged therewith.