Inflatable vehicle occupant protection device

摘要

Apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) which has a side structure (16) comprises a vehicle occupant protection device (14) that is inflatable into a position between the side structure of the vehicle and a vehicle occupant. The vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes an inflatable bladder (40) contained within an outer shell (42) and completely unattached to the outer shell. An inflation fluid source (24) provides inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable bladder (40). The inflatable bladder (40) is made of gas impermeable material having overlying portions (48) that are sealed together in an airtight manner by a radio frequency weld (50). The outer shell (42) provides structural support for the inflatable bladder (40).