Gas-Fillable Support Means for a Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Equipped Therewith

A support apparatus, comprising:

• a gas-fillable support, wherein the gas-fillable support is connectable to a gas generator;
• wherein the gas-fillable support is securable to a body of a motor vehicle and is extendible in a transverse direction over a length of the body;
• wherein the gas-fillable support has a first operating state which exists before the gas generator is activated and which has a first volume;
• wherein the gas-fillable support has a second operating state which exists after the gas generator is activated and which has a second volume which is greater than the first volume;
• wherein the gas-fillable support in the second operating state is contactable with a first end portion of the gas-fillable support against a first portion which is operationally connected to the body and is contactable with a second end portion of the gas-fillable support against a second portion which is operationally connected to the body and which is remote from the first end portion;
• wherein a first mechanical strength of the gas-fillable support in the first operating state is less than a second mechanical strength of the gas-fillable support in the second operating state.