Patent ID: 6234517
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
In a vehicle, an air bag apparatus comprising:an energy-absorbing member extending longitudinally, the member fixed onto an inner surface of a roof rail and having a cross-section that is substantially hat-shaped protruding into a passenger compartment of the vehicle;a longitudinal metal cover disposed below the energy-absorbing member on the inner surface of the roof rail, the cover having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end fixed to an uppermost surface of the energy-absorbing member, the lower end disposed in proximity to the roof rail, and the roof rail and the cover defining an inner space; andan air bag folded up and housed in the inner space, wherein, when the air bag is inflated upon the occurrence of a collision of the vehicle, the air bag presses the cover toward the compartment, the lower end of the cover moves away from the roof rail, an aperture is formed between the roof rail and the lower end of the cover, and the air bag expands downward through the aperture.