Patent ID: 7044499
Filing Date: 2006-05-16
Classification: B60R,B62J

Abstract:
1. An air bag apparatus for a motorcycle having a frame for supporting a seat for a motorcycle rider rearward of a steering handle of the motorcycle, the air bag apparatus comprising: an air bag for being deployed generally forwardly of the motorcycle rider, the airbag having an undeployed state and a deployed state; a retainer that is fixed at a predetermined location on the motorcycle and holds the airbag in the undeployed state; a first portion of the air bag inflated in a first upward direction from the retainer at the fixed location thereof into operative position for engaging the rider so that the rider is restrained against being propelled forwardly from the seat upon occurrence of a forward impact with the motorcycle; and a second, upper portion of the air bag inflated in a second direction transverse to the first direction into operative position for engaging the rider so that the rider is restrained against being propelled upwardly and forwardly from the seat upon occurrence of a forward pitching or pivoting action of the motorcycle due to the forward impact therewith, so that in the deployed state of the airbag with the first and second airbag portions inflated into the operative positions thereof, the deployed airbag is still held only by the retainer at the fixed location thereof with the rider engaged with the inflated airbag.