Method and apparatus for restraining an occupant of a vehicle upon a side impact against the vehicle.

摘要

A vehicle occupant shoulder restraint (51) is located on a vehicle door (16) and is inflatable from a stored condition on the door to an inflated condition between the door and the shoulder area of an occupant. When inflated, the occupant shoulder restraint (51) engages the shoulder of the occupant. A vehicle occupant upper rib restraint (52, 53) is located on the vehicle door (16) and is inflatable from a stored condition on the door to an inflated condition between the door and the upper rib area of the occupant. When inflated, the shoulder restraint (51) extends further into the vehicle passenger compartment than the upper rib restraint (52, 53). When inflated, the occupant rib restraint (52, 53) engages upper the rib area of the occupant. A vehicle occupant head restraint (210) is located on the vehicle door (16) and is inflatable from a stored condition on the door to an inflated condition between the door and the head of the occupant. When inflated, the occupant head restraint (210) engages the head of the occupant. The occupant head restraint (210) is inflated into position to restrain the head of the occupant after the occupant shoulder restraint (51) has been inflated and has restrained the shoulder of the occupant.