Patent attributes
An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant of a vehicle (12) that has a side structure (16) and a roof (18). The apparatus (10) includes a first portion (80) including at least one inflatable chamber (114). The first portion (80) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant (20). The apparatus (10) also includes a second portion (100, 102) that includes at least one inflatable chamber. The second portion (100, 102) is inflatable away from the vehicle roof (18) between the side structure (16) of the vehicle (12) and a vehicle occupant (20). The second portion (100, 102) when inflated extends below the first portion (80) and adjacent a thorax (152) of a vehicle occupant (20) when inflated. Fluid communication between the chambers of the first portion (80) and second portion (100, 102) is substantially blocked.