US Patent 6851706 Side-impact, variable thickness vehicular airbag

A variable thickness vehicular airbag including a primary cushion and a contact cushion. The primary cushion is constructed of a top panel and a bottom panel joined to form a cushion. The contact cushion is joined to one of the panels of the primary cushion. The contact cushion may have an expansion panel and optionally an expansion sleeve. This cushion encompasses an opening in the outer panel and functionally increases the thickness and volume of the primary airbag. This airbag design may be useful in thorax airbags, thorax/pelvic airbags, thorax/head airbags, and inflatable curtain airbags to more effectively absorb the impact of an occupant with a wall of a vehicle during vehicular collisions.