Patent ID: 7055852
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, said apparatus comprising: a windshield curtain inflatable away from a roof of the vehicle to a position between a windshield of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant and between an instrument panel of the vehicle and the vehicle occupant, said windshield curtain comprising: a center panel of material having a length and opposite first and second side portions extending along its length; and first and second side panels each having a periphery, shaped to follow a contour of the instrument panel, said periphery of said first side panel being interconnected with said center panel along said first side portion of said center panel, said periphery of said second side panel being interconnected with said center panel along said second side portion of said center panel, the first and second side panels shaping the windshield curtain when inflated such that the center panel engages and follows an upper surface of the instrument panel and a front surface of the instrument panel without the windshield being urged against the instrument panel by another object.