Gas generator deployed occupant protection apparatus and method

Apparatus in combination with a building for protecting an occupant of the building from flying debris from a frangible structure thereof, such as a window, in the event of an explosion or other blast, said apparatus comprising:

• a protective barrier disposed within said building adjacent said building structure, said protective barrier being constructed to be deployed by inflation of at least a portion thereof, and being movable from a stored position adjacent said building structure to a deployed position in which said protective barrier covers said building structure;
• a gas generating device connected to said protective barrier and being operable to move said protective barrier to said deployed position by inflation thereof in the event of an explosion or other blast;
• said building structure having a first side and a second side opposite to said first side;
• said protective barrier being mounted in a housing disposed adjacent to said first side of said building structure and having a free outer end which is moved to a position adjacent said second side of said building structure when said protective barrier is inflated and moved to said deployed position, whereby said free end of said protective barrier is movable inwardly when subjected to an explosion or other blast to absorb energy therefrom and to present a barrier to flying debris from said building structure;
• and
• a sensing device located remote from the building and being connected to said gas generating device, said sensing device being operable to effect the operation of said gas generating device in the event of an explosion or other blast.