Inflatable side curtain

摘要

Apparatus (10) comprises an inflatable protection device (14) inflatable between the side structure (16) of a vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant. The device (14) includes a triangular front portion (64) and an main portion (62) positioned rearward of the front portion. The front portion (64) includes a forward edge (72), a rear edge (76), and a bottom edge (74). The front portion (64) is connected to the main portion (62) via a first inflation fluid passage (106) positioned adjacent the bottom edge (74). The front portion (64) includes a plurality of inflatable chambers (120) that have a tapered configuration with a narrow end (134) and an opposite wide end (136) positioned near the bottom edge (74). An inflation fluid source (30) when actuated directs inflation fluid into the main portion (62). The first inflation fluid passage (106) directs inflation fluid from the main portion (62) into the front portion (64). The chambers (120) of the front portion (64) when inflated contract in a direction transverse to the length of the chambers and help to tension the device (14) along the length of the device.