| 摘要 |
Pyrotechnic particles in a frangible container partially combust upon a vehicle collision. The partial combustion opens the container. The partially combusted particles thereafter combust almost instantaneously (e.g. 2-5 milliseconds) in a housing enveloping the container and holding a gas. The resultant gas expansion provides for a communication between the housing and an opening normally isolated from the housing as by a rupturable diaphragm. The gas flowing through the opening inflates a belt portion disposed diagonally across the occupant's chest and shoulder and attached to a vehicle support structure (e.g. a pillar behind the occupant's seat), thereby protecting the occupant's chest, body, neck and head. The inflatable belt portion is attached to a lap belt portion as by multiple stitching, some of which becomes progressively, but not completely, detached to dissipate the forces imposed on the inflatable belt portion by the belt portion inflation. The lap belt portion extends through a coupling member adjacent the inflatable belt portion and laterally across the occupant's lap. The lap belt portion becomes tightened against the occupant's lap when the inflatable belt portion becomes inflated. The lap belt portion is removably coupled by the coupling member to a retainer at the inner side of the seat. When this removal occurs, the lap belt portion becomes disposed (e.g. wound) on a retractor to dispose the inflatable belt portion near the outboard seat side between the support structure and the retractor. The occupant can then enter and exit the vehicle without encumbrance.
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