Side impact protection device for motor vehicles

Abstract

A side impact protection device for motor vehicles having an unfoldable protective element, in particular for the head/thorax area of a motor vehicle occupant. The device includes an elongate traction device which is designed as a separate part, extends in the region of the lower edge of the unfolded protective element and is at least partially connected to the lower edge of the unfolded protective element and extends between at least two points which are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are fixed on the bodywork. The protective device also includes a tensioning device which is fixed to the vehicle and is intended for tensioning the traction device between the at least two points fixed on the bodywork when or shortly after the protective element is unfolded. The tensioning device exerts a tensile force on the traction device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.