Inflatable windshield curtain

摘要

Apparatus ( 10 ) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle ( 12 ) includes an inflatable windshield curtain ( 14 ) inflatable away from the vehicle roof ( 40 ) to a position between the windshield ( 50 ) and a vehicle occupant. The windshield curtain ( 14 ) includes overlying panels ( 80 and 82 ) interconnected to define an inflatable volume ( 110 ) of the windshield curtain. The windshield curtain ( 14 ) includes a pleated portion in which at least one of the panels ( 80 and 82 ) has portions folded over to form at least one pleat ( 150 ) in the panel. In one embodiment, the windshield curtain ( 14 ) includes connections ( 154 and 180 ) that interconnect overlying folded portions of the at least one panel ( 80 and 82 ) along the at least one pleat ( 150 ). Portions of the at least one pleat between the connections ( 150 and 180 ) are unfoldable to allow expansion of the pleated portion upon inflation of the windshield curtain ( 14 ).