Differentially inflatable restraining band for vehicles

Claim 1

Inflatable restraining means for a vehicle safety system comprising a unitary inflatable member folded in uninflated condition to be in the form of a seat belt with frangible means ruptured on commencement of inflation to obtain full inflation thereof, said folded inflatable member comprised of a plurality of inflatable first sections integral therewith containing said frangible means connected by at least one uninflated intermediate section inTegral therewith, said first sections being inflatable to a cross-section greater than said uninflated intermediate section; said unitary member extending at uninflated sections to points of connection on the vehicle, said first inflatable sections in gas communication with one another via said intermediate section unitary therewith, said first inflatable sections comprise a lap and shoulder restraining portion, and the intermediate section secured to a portion of a buckle and containing said means for inflating said sections, and means for restricting radial expansion of said intermediate section, means capable of rupturing said frangible means on commencement of inflation of said member in response to a preselected condition of the vehicle.