Patent ID: 7318599

Claim:
A modular inflatable restraint apparatus comprising: an elongated housing defining an open channel between first and second opposing ends thereof, a manifold tube positioned within the open channel of the housing and having one end secured to the first end of the housing and an opposite open end, an inflatable air bladder positioned within the open channel of the housing when the air bladder is deflated and secured to the manifold tube between the opposing ends thereof with the open end of the manifold tube in fluid communication with an interior portion of the air bladder, an inflator positioned within the open channel of the housing and having an inflation end forming an end-to-end coupling with the open end of the manifold tube and an opposite end secured to the second end of the housing, the inflator responsive to an activation signal to inflate the air bladder, and an elongated cover mounted to the housing to cover the open channel, at least a portion of the cover configured to move away from the open channel to allow deployment of the air bladder from the open channel when the inflator inflates the air bladder.