Abstract: A restraint system having support elements can be transferred from a storage position to a restraint position. Flexible casing elements are disposed between the support elements and have air flow openings, such that the support elements having the flexible casing elements enclose a restraint volume in the restraint position. A resistance element is disposed at each of the air flow openings in order to impede or prevent the escape of air from the restraint volume compared to the inflow at the respective air flow opening. Such resistance elements may be formed by a second layer, displaced fabric threads, flexible fabric web sections and other elements such that a check valve function is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support structure for an airbag, in particular of a motor vehicle, that can be displaced from a storage position to a restraint position by means of a gas flow, and which comprises a plurality of hollow bodies (36) connected to each other that form a channel system (34), wherein means (52, 60, 68, 70, 72) for the targeted influencing of the gas flow are provided inside said channel system (34).

Abstract: The invention relates to a restraint system for a motor vehicle that is formed by one or several supporting structures, wherein the longitudinal extension of a supporting structure in the active state substantially exceeds the dimensions of the transverse extension and the supporting structure unfolds mainly in the direction of its longitudinal extension. So as to improve the restraint system such that the variables of the restraint system are adapted to the respective load, it is suggested that, during unfolding, the supporting structure (7, 8, 9), when impacting upon an obstacle (5), does not have the same stability as when it is completely unfolded, and/or does not reach the final volume or the final extension.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system has an airbag, which provides a predetermined support force distribution in the filled (unfolded) state, and at least one energy-absorbing element that is attached to the airbag in order to unfold it or to locally increase the support force thereof. The energy-absorbing element(s) are arranged such that at least one energy absorbing element may apply itself to an occupant, and may at least partially follow the movements of the same at least to a certain extent. The energy-absorbing element has an occupant-protective function, and/or the airbag has a funnel function relative to an occupant to be supported. The occupant is guided toward the center of the airbag during an impact by means of the funnel function, and is possibly also protected laterally by means of the side walls.

Abstract: A restraining system includes a restraining volume that is bounded by a cladding, and is deployable by expansion of the restraining volume, to restrain or protect an object or person. Deployment of the restraining volume by expanding it into a restraining position is performed by a mechanical enlarging unit, rather than by a pyrotechnic gas generator, so that the restraining system may be restored to a storage position following a deployment.

Abstract: Inflatable head protector units are located at a unitized passenger compartment in the vicinity of roof frame sections with an energy-absorbent molded part being provided as a head impact protector at the level of each inflatable head protector unit. The molded part is designed as a launch ramp to guide an expanding airbag of the head protector unit into the desired protective position and located so that the molded part remains positioned at least largely dimensionally stably during the expansion of the airbag.

Abstract: An air bag module in a motor vehicle includes an elongate container, which can be fixed along a frame part of the vehicle and in which an air bag is folded which, after a crash signal, is filled with gas, emerges from the container and covers vehicle parts in the passenger space two-dimensionally. Additionally, an element, absorbing energy due to its deformation upon impact with a passenger, is mounted in or at the container along the frame part of the vehicle.