Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

Diane D Ford

Ernst M Faigle

Charles E Steffens, Jr

Thomas H Vos

A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (,) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (,) which is folded so as to be deployed from a reaction structure (,) in a first direction to restrain movement of a vehicle occupant in a second, opposite direction. The folded protection device (,) has a cross-section with a configuration defined by pleats (,). Each pleat (,) has an open end (,) and a closed end (,) spaced from the open end (,) in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second directions. An inflator (,) is received within one of the pleats (,&prime;) and has inflation fluid outlet openings (,) adjacent to the closed end (,) of the pleat (,&prime;). A retainer ring (,) engages and supports a peripheral edge portion (,) of the folded protection device (,) in an open configuration. The bag retainer ring (,) and the edge portion (,) of the folded protection device (,) are spaced fully from the inflator (,) on opposite sides of the pleated cross-section of the folded protection device (,).

Vehicle occupant protection apparatus

An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device module (10) for a vehicle includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20) having a first panel portion (24) which inflates in a first direction (A), a second panel portion (26) which, when the vehicle occupant protection device (20) is inflated, is deployed in a second direction (B) transverse to the first direction (A). A cover (60) for the vehicle occupant protection device (20) has a tear seam (66) which tears during inflation of the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. The tear seam (66) defines a first door (82) in the cover (60). The first door (82) swings open in the second direction (B) during inflation of the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (20). A connection (90) connects the second panel portion (26) to the first door (82) to cause the first door to pull the second panel portion in the second direction (B) as the first door swings open.

Growing community of inventors

Dryden, MI, United States of America

Diane D Ford